New member. Need some advice

Evan Eriksen

Newbie with Hope!
Sup guys, new member as well as new into mountain biking.
Need some advice. I'm about to plop down $1k for 2012 Scott Genius LT. Looks to be in great condition and according to seller its trail ready.
Im not that savy on what's a good value on the used market.
Im looking for an all around trail bike that I won't grow out of too quick.
What do you guys think. Can I find something better for the price or does this look like a good value?
Thanks
 
For perspective..
I just sold a pivot 429 trail 2016 w xt xtr fox factory for2000.. carbon...
Kona 2016 carbon w slx and fox performance for 1000..
And my friends
Ellsworth evolution aluminum 2014 w sram xx1 for 1200...
All bikes were in good shape...
All 29 ers...
I believe the price was low but wanted to sell without much work.. all sold to the first guy that saw the bike..
Look for a seller like me who just wanted to sell without much hassle...
 
Sup guys, new member as well as new into mountain biking.
Need some advice. I'm about to plop down $1k for 2012 Scott Genius LT. Looks to be in great condition and according to seller its trail ready.
Im not that savy on what's a good value on the used market.
Im looking for an all around trail bike that I won't grow out of too quick.
What do you guys think. Can I find something better for the price or does this look like a good value?
Thanks
I urge you to look elsewhere (different model and year) and you should at least try work toward a lower price than what the seller is asking unless the asking price/value is unbelievable already.

I'd look at nothing older than 2015-2016. And there are lots of great deals to be had if you spend the time looking.
 
what size are you looking for? I have a friend who has a medium Intense Spider for sale, Last I checked he wanted $1K for it. I think its a 2016 model. It's located in Bako, only a two hour drive from Simi Valley.

Im 6 ft 175.
So I think I fall between Med and large.
Would definitely be interested in checking that bike out. You mind asking your friend if he can send pics. My email Eveeev8 At gmail.com
 
Welcome, Evan.

These guys know their stuff. Although any bike is better than no bike... Bike development since 2012 has been significant. As in meaningful developments that make riding more fun and maintenance easier. You don’t want to miss out on that. All it costs is some patience and care – you got it, man. :thumbsup:
 
You'll find better bikes. Not saying to not look at OfferUp, but on a bike site, you're more likely to find better bikes. I think the Diamond Backs are under rated and would be great to start with.

I agree, Diamondbacks are underrated. The Releases Level Link System is essentially a VPP design. For a fraction of what a Santa Cruz costs. If it were me I’d take a look at that Release.
 
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Welcome @Evan Eriksen !

At 6'0" you are a large in almost every bike manufacturer, if not XL. A 2012 bike could be pretty good, but it will be hard to get parts - and you will need them. Get a bike with 27.5 or 29" wheels. Don't get a 26er. You'll come up with something good for 1000-1500.

As for trails you won't kill yourself on? Stay on trails and off the roads and you won't go to the morgue, just the ER! :confused:
J/K - the crew here can steer you right.
 
Welcome Evan!!
Some advice about using Pinkbike. I've bought several items there without issue, BUT ripped off once. Check out the seller closely and a great place to look is on the Forums under the title SCAMS and Stolen bikes. You'll read about different sellers who have ripped others off.
 
Sup guys, new member as well as new into mountain biking.
Need some advice. I'm about to plop down $1k for 2012 Scott Genius LT. Looks to be in great condition and according to seller its trail ready.
Im not that savy on what's a good value on the used market.
Im looking for an all around trail bike that I won't grow out of too quick.
What do you guys think. Can I find something better for the price or does this look like a good value?
Thanks

Hey Evan, it hasn't been mentioned, but a common recommendation for new riders is to go with a hard tail. They will be less expensive, less maintenance (both by you and to have been neglected by previous owner), lighter, probably a better climber, and most importantly, will get your skills up to speed faster. I'd try to find newer model with a slacker geometry (less than 68^ head tube, in a nutshell). I'd also hold out for tubeless ready wheels, 1X chainring shifting, and Boost spacing of the hubs. You can research what that stuff is, but basically with all those it will be a modern bike that you can upgrade easily, or if the MTB thing doesn't take hold, sell off easily. Just my $.02 there. The downside is that you're going to end up putting a bit more money into this thing, without really knowing if you're going to dig it or not. I don't want to seem like I'm just trying to get you to spend your money, but I think getting a decent bike so you can stay with it if you like it is important.

Here are three options that kinda' show what I'm thinking. Probably all made in the same factory.

https://www.konaworld.com/honzo.cfm

https://salsacycles.com/bikes/timberjack/2020_timberjack_slx_29

https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/chameleon

If you're looking to spend around $1,000, used versions of these or similar will pop up for around that, or maybe a touch higher.

Also factor in helmet, gloves, a pump, decent multitool and maybe CO2.
 
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Hey Evan, it hasn't been mentioned, but a common recommendation for new riders is to go with a hard tail. They will be less expensive, less maintenance (both by you and to have been neglected by previous owner), lighter, probably a better climber, and most importantly, will get your skills up to speed faster. I'd try to find newer model with a slacker geometry (less than 68^ head tube, in a nutshell). I'd also hold out for tubeless ready wheels, 1X chainring shifting, and Boost spacing of the hubs. You can research what that stuff is, but basically with all those it will be a modern bike that you can upgrade easily, or if the MTB thing doesn't take hold, sell off easily. Just my $.02 there. The downside is that you're going to end up putting a bit more money into this thing, without really knowing if you're going to dig it or not. I don't want to seem like I'm just trying to get you to spend your money, but I'm think getting a decent bike so you can stay with it if you like it is important.

Here are three options that kinda' show what I'm thinking. Probably all made in the same factory.

https://www.konaworld.com/honzo.cfm

https://salsacycles.com/bikes/timberjack/2020_timberjack_slx_29

https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/chameleon

If you're looking to spend around $1,000, used versions of these or similar will pop up for around that, or maybe a touch higher.

Also factor in helmet, gloves, a pump, decent multitool and maybe CO2.
Honzo, $1500 new to get a little bit of warranty and a shop to back you up. Wouldn’t hurt to look around for a closeout deal given the economy, but this is the worst time of the year for that sort of thing, especially in a medium or large size.

Even if you get stoked and eventually buy a $10,000 midlife crisis bike, there’s always a place for a fun hardtail. But the new $1500 hardtail is ready to ride, and is worth maintaining as parts wear out.

I’d take a modern hardtail over a 2012 anything.
 
Honzo, $1500 new to get a little bit of warranty and a shop to back you up. Wouldn’t hurt to look around for a closeout deal given the economy, but this is the worst time of the year for that sort of thing, especially in a medium or large size.

Even if you get stoked and eventually buy a $10,000 midlife crisis bike, there’s always a place for a fun hardtail. But the new $1500 hardtail is ready to ride, and is worth maintaining as parts wear out.

I’d take a modern hardtail over a 2012 anything.

I think it will be hard to find a close out or a deal on anything. Bike shop business has skyrocketed. Inventory levels have been low lately do to everyone coming and buying a new bike. I am trying to be a downer but realistic.
 
I think it will be hard to find a close out or a deal on anything. Bike shop business has skyrocketed. Inventory levels have been low lately do to everyone coming and buying a new bike. I am trying to be a downer but realistic.
Inventory is also low due to the supply chain disruptions.

But from what I’m observing with the new riders, helmets must be as unobtainable as toilet paper.
 
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