Looking for opinions on a possible used MTB purchase.
2021 Santa Cruz Bronson alloy, medium, mullet setup (29/27.5), seller agreed to $1100. Unfortunately it's a 2 hour drive for me.
Specs/info:
Fox 36 160mm fork (not original fork)
RockShox Super Deluxe Select rear shock 150mm
SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain
RockShox dropper post
Front wheel also not original
Tires replaced last season
Seller disclosed:
rear rim has a couple dents and slight wobble
rear wheel leaks a little
dropper post needs to be looked at
rear derailleur may need adjustment
cosmetic rock chips/scratches
Seller says frame is in great shape otherwise but definitely looks like it was ridden hard.
I’m newer to more aggressive MTB riding but mechanically inclined and don’t mind working on bikes.
Main question:
At $1100, assuming frame and pivots are healthy, is this still a solid deal or am I underestimating potential repair costs?
(Pics attached)
by Xratednerd
7 Comments
If it’s been ridden with intent like a Bronson for 5 years, expect it to be a Bronson with 5+ years on it. Ridden hard and put away wet/dry/scarred
Edit: if they can’t provide 50 and 500 hr maintenance receipts (theirs or shops), I’d walk away from it
It’s not a bad deal but will probably need fork and shock service, drivetrain replacements, near rear wheel, dropper service or replacement, etc and that could easily be $1000+ of parts and labor right off the bat
I’d offer like 900. None of those issues are major. It’s probably gonna need shock and fork service and a new dropper.
I’ve seen mint, lightly used top spec 2021’s selling up to $3k…
If you don’t mind a project I feel like this bike is a solid buy. Personally would give it an overhaul, since it does look like it’s been ridden hard.
If the bearings haven’t been done recently, SC have a lifetime warranty on them for the original owner so I’d be asking for them to get a set sent out.
I would crush this bike
Definitely a solid bike. I believe that’s the last year you can get an alloy Bronson. Also, definitely looks beat on. If you can get it for under 1k, I’d say go for it. I’m guessing it’s gonna need everything, so be prepared for a project. Bike parts can be desperately expensive for what they are. Even if you do all the labor yourself, I’d be prepared to spend another grand on it to get it where it’s good to go.