New or second-hand?

[nelmo]

NOOOoooooo.......

You haven't really listened to a word anyone has said have you? I guess you are making the typical noob mistake and falling for the 'whistles and bells' full suss MTB 'cos it looks brill'.

For the use you describe at the top of the thread this ebay bike would be the WORST choice. No suspension or maybe short travel front suspension at the most is the thing you need even for an MTB camping trip you wont be able to strap a rack onto a full suss bike and take any gear with you.

Firstly, they said don't go for CHEAP rear suspension - I thought Trek were NOT cheap, hence OK?

Secondly, this seller is down the road from me, rather than 25 miles of the others.

Thirdly, a complaint of rear suspension is that it is harder work on the road - I don't care about that - I'm rarely on the road and I'm never in a hurry to get anywhere. In fact, the harder it is the better, I need all the exercise I can get.

Finally, my last bike used to become painfully uncomfortable after about an hour - I was hoping that rear suspension would help that? Or is that not the case?

So, rest assured, I'm listening....

While I'm here, how about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mens-Scott-Re...0547523429?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item43a5fb5f65

 

[3narf]

That's more like it!

 

[I like Skol]

Firstly, they said don't go for CHEAP rear suspension - I thought Trek were NOT cheap, hence OK?................

.........Thirdly, a complaint of rear suspension is that it is harder work on the road........ .....In fact, the harder it is the better, I need all the exercise I can get.

Finally, my last bike used to become painfully uncomfortable after about an hour - I was hoping that rear suspension would help that? Or is that not the case?

So, rest assured, I'm listening....

While I'm here, how about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item43a5fb5f65

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound dismissive or patronising but that 1st ebay bike just doesn't appear to fit with what you had told us so far. IMO rear suspension is ONLY for MTB severe off-road use and fast rocky down hilling. I do these things on a hardtail with no problem. I have tried rear suss and it was ok but for me too much of a compromise on weight, handling and reliability when a hardtail can be as much of a blast.

Hard work is fine and as you say, it could be a way to more exercise but, there is hard work and then there is hard work, unpleasant handling, maintenance issues(expense?), poor handling and discouraging. Will these issues help you to use your bike and get more exercise? I know I am starting to sound lividly anti-suspension but I just believe too many people see it as the holy grail when in reality it has a limited use and is best suited to specific conditions.

If your original bike was so uncomfortable after such a short period then you need to look at saddle choice or bike fit, suspension is unlikely to cure this problem unless the bike just happened to fit you better. How was you uncomfortable on the old bike, was it bum, back, arms, neck? Maybe your saddle or handlebar position was all wrong.

That last ebay one you link to looks more promising but there is a lot to be said for a new bike with some guarantees so I would consider the Decathlon one. It has been said on this forum that the decathlon shops are normally good with any service or warranty issues (unlike Helfrauds!) and with a used bike you will get absolutely no guarantees.

 

[nelmo]

If your original bike was so uncomfortable after such a short period then you need to look at saddle choice or bike fit, suspension is unlikely to cure this problem unless the bike just happened to fit you better. How was you uncomfortable on the old bike, was it bum, back, arms, neck? Maybe your saddle or handlebar position was all wrong.

Sore bum syndrome. Tried a gel seat cover (hardly any better), bought proper padded cycle shorts...no difference. I was about to buy a whole new saddle when I had my accident.

When I saw rear suspension, I thought that could make a big difference - I guess not.

 

[nelmo]

That's more like it!

Never heard of Scott - good make? It's a decent looking bike, as well IMO...

 

[byegad]

1. Yes.
2. No.
3. Yes.

 

[nelmo]

1. Yes.
2. No.
3. Yes.

Man, you don't half waffle - get to the point!



Went to Decathlon, Rockrider 5.2 looks pretty good. Bit over budget (£180) but seems a decent step up above the 5.1, which has plastic pedals and crank/stem (whatever you call it) . Tempted to get a dual suspension just to annoy Skol...

Think I'll watch a couple of those bikes on eBay, see if they're winnable for much less. If not, off to Decathlon...(going away in 3 weeks so need bike then).

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

 

[Alembicbassman]

I've bought a few bikes off ebay.

All of them without exception have had faults, even ones described as 'Mint' or 'As New'

Even a basic compoment replacement like a cassette or rear derailleur will cost upwards of £30 fitted. Decent new tyres will set you back £30, Chains £10-£15. Wheel trueing £10 etc. etc. etc.

Sometimes you think you got a bargain only to find out your wallet becomes lighter when stuff starts breaking.

In the £200ish range you'd be better off buying a new bike for parks and trails