Best Pre Owned Buy

[rocknbronco]

Ok I'm looking for a mtn bike nothing to cheap just a middle of the road bike with nothing to over engineered but with a suspention front and rear.My local town has quite a few bike dealerships and most sell pre owned bikes since I havent been up to snuff on bikes in years what is my best options?

[rckjeep]

It all boils down to how much you have to spend. But being in the bike industry for over 7 years I'd buy new. Unless the you find a really good deal. Used bikes carry no warranty. Even if you break a frame and it's not a defect, most companies will back up the frames either by warranting it or by giving you a deal on a new frame. I worked in the warranty dept of a bike company for 3 years. SO I've seen and heard every bike story you can think of. Anyway now that I've said that. Figure out what kind of riding you are going to do. Cross country riding, heavy trail, downhill, riding some easy trails, etc. I ride a Stumpjumper FSR Pro from 04. It's by far the best bike I've ever riden. Ii've riden a lot of different bikes in my time. The FSR suspension is the way to go. Specialized owns the patent and 13 different companies by the rights to use it. That to me says something about their design. Stick with a Stumpjumper FSR from '01 or newer. Parts are obtainable and they are full bearings in all pivots. Get a good frame because yuo can always upgrade the parts.Anyway hope that helps.

[Fisheadgib]

I can't say that one brand is the best as different brands shine in different areas. I own 4 different brands of mountain bikes and they each have a specific application. Your weight and riding style and terrain that you plan on riding on will determine what will best suit you. A good site to read reviews about bikes and components is mtbREVIEW.com . Once you get an idea as to what you want, try ebay and your local shops. Theres alot of "techno geeks" out there that have sweet bikes and everytime new stuff comes out, they firesale there old bikes to buy the latest, greatest. Several of my friends have picked up some great bikes at decent prices this way. Good luck with it.