Buy cheap or spend what I got?

PB Forum :: Dirt Jumping & Street
Buy cheap or spend what I got?
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flag reichman
Posted: Dec 7, 2014 at 20:14 Quote
Alright I'm new to DJ but not mtb. Looking to buy a used DJ but the different types and styles out there is kind of overwhelming. I've been doing a lot of research, but I can't decide to spend what I got or go cheap and use rest of money to start my own build ( over time of course ). My max is 500 USD (all I got unfortunately). For example here are a couple links to a cheaper bike and one near my max: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1675307/

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1673165/

Opinions on these bikes? I was thinking if I could get something like a really low end bike it would sufice until I could build my own or spend what I got and be happy for quite a while? Just looking for the best deal. If there are certain bikes I should be looking at let me know!! Smile i know the second bike is over my price range but hey maybe we can make a deal haha. Also, I'm a shorter fellow at 5'4" if that helps with anything. Thanks all!!
flag Aaronz25RS
Posted: Dec 8, 2014 at 5:45 Quote
I would go for option 2 personally. . Bike that are never ridden arent dialed, the 2 option looks like its been ridden and taken care of..
flag Aaronz25RS
Posted: Dec 8, 2014 at 5:46 Quote
Check Craigslist, where youre at there should be a number of them to choose from
flag ricar
Posted: Dec 9, 2014 at 15:27 Quote
Well, the TOP is substantially more and of course the better option. You will most likely want the shortest C-stays you can get, I'd even suggest 24" wheels for more clearance over the back tire. Good amount to spend on a used bike, be stingy and don't get emotionally involved and you'll get a good bike.
flag reichman
Posted: Dec 9, 2014 at 17:32 Quote
ricar wrote:
Well, the TOP is substantially more and of course the better option. You will most likely want the shortest C-stays you can get, I'd even suggest 24" wheels for more clearance over the back tire. Good amount to spend on a used bike, be stingy and don't get emotionally involved and you'll get a good bike.
Ya, I'm taking things slow and not throwing out any offers right off the bat. I'm also looking at a 2012 Brodie Cretin: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1352024/ looks like a decent bike. Got any examples of bikes with short chainstays?
flag ricar
Posted: Dec 9, 2014 at 18:32 Quote
My frame of choice would probably still be the Tonic Fab Fallguy but honestly I haven't been keeping up with the latest and greatest since I started building my own frames. Really the first thing I look at is how many fingers can you get between the rear tire and the seat tube. If it's two or more the C-stays are long. IMO... On my frame (not the only one) I can get 1 finger in and some wiggle room with 24" wheels.

https://www.pinkbike.com/photo/11430683/

I think I'd go for the TOP over the Brodie but I didn't really look too hard.
flag cmc4130
Posted: Dec 11, 2014 at 8:31 Quote
reichman wrote:
Alright I'm new to DJ but not mtb. Looking to buy a used DJ but the different types and styles out there is kind of overwhelming. I've been doing a lot of research, but I can't decide to spend what I got or go cheap and use rest of money to start my own build ( over time of course ). My max is 500 USD (all I got unfortunately). For example here are a couple links to a cheaper bike and one near my max: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1675307/

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1673165/

Opinions on these bikes? I was thinking if I could get something like a really low end bike it would sufice until I could build my own or spend what I got and be happy for quite a while? Just looking for the best deal. If there are certain bikes I should be looking at let me know!! Smile i know the second bike is over my price range but hey maybe we can make a deal haha. Also, I'm a shorter fellow at 5'4" if that helps with anything. Thanks all!!

This would be a solid choice for you. Black Market 357, size 21.5" (small) $450
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bik/4791740022.html

Also, this. .
DJ. specialized P3 '13 - $275 (westend)
http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/bik/4761612211.html

And this:
Black Market Riot Dirt Jump Bike - $500 (Esquimalt)
http://victoria.craigslist.ca/bik/4783795007.html

And this:
Union Street Molly Maguire 24"
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1472494/

Out of those three, I would recommend the 357 over the Riot, even though the 357 is more "stock" because it at least claims to be less ridden. The Riot has various aftermarket parts like it's all been pieced together as an odds and ends bike, not saying it's bad--they're actually excellent parts--but it could be more questionable.

At 5'4" I would agree with ricar that you might benefit from 24" wheels. I definitely know guys your height that ride 26"s DJ's (and I'm guessing you're probably already on a 26" XC bike), but it is also true you'll find a 24" more maneuverable, easier to bunnyhop and manual, and less likely to nut yourself on the rear wheel. That's just up to you. 24"-specific frames tend to be a lot more rare, and there are few if any "stock" builds that you'll find for cheap. Either will work.

Note that we're not talking youth sized 24"s, we're talking regular sized DJ bikes that are made to be 24"-specific, where the back end has been shortened specifically for a 24" wheel. Like the Tonic Fall Guy ricar mentioned (I think those have been out of production for a while??)

Or like the Union Street Molly Maguire 24" (this one is mine. i don't have it listed for sale right now, but i would consider selling it. it's a rad bike, i just have never really ridden it, as i preferred 26"s. right now it has a duro dj 80mm travel suspension fork on it. they were limited-run American-made frames made by guys who were regulars at Ray's MTB park in Cleveland...it's an ideal indoor "park" bike. the frames were originally $500 frame-only):Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh138/upsetbmx/UnionStreet_MollyMaguire_cmc002_zps9dbe8c7b.jpg
Black Market Contraband 24"
Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/black-market-2010-contraband-24-dirtjump-bike4.jpg
size comparison of 2005 Specialized P.Street 24" with 2006 DK Xenia 26". Both bikes have a 22" top tube. The difference is in the rear end length (and the bottom bracket being closer to axle level on the 24" rather than below it, i.e. "bb drop")
Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh138/upsetbmx/Specialized-P-Street-24---DK-Xenia-.jpg
You could consider a 26" DJ and get 24"s later, and that will work....but you wouldn't be getting the full benefit of 24"s, as a 24"-specific DJ frame gives, because, as mentioned, the chainstay length and bb height relative to axles will be the same.
flag reichman
Posted: Dec 11, 2014 at 11:31 Quote
Cmc4130: thanks for he info, suggestions, and pics to go with!! I've always been on a 26" bike. I recently went to an indoor bike park in Burlington WA and rented a DJ. They were nice enough to let me ride a 20" BMX as well. I took one round around the pump track and was like 'NOPE' haha. I guess I would be open to a24" but I just need the chance to ride one. Plus as my kids get older it would fit them better Smile . It's most likely I will end up with a 26" though.

Thx rica for the info you provided as well!! Anyone else keep the suggestions and info coming! Smile
flag ricar
Posted: Dec 11, 2014 at 19:31 Quote
" Like the Tonic Fall Guy ricar mentioned (I think those have been out of production for a while??"

Could be. AS I have stated I have been out of production for quite a while. I dig in my own little hole in the world and have not even looked at a bike magazine in years. I'm surprised they don't have hover bikes now.

BMX bikes are very intimidating after riding 26s. Way twitchy and you are right over the bars, but that is where the handling is. As you leave that you get more comfort but less agility. 26s are easier to jump than 24s and 24s are easier to jump than 20s. I have a serious issue with sack/ tire clearance but that may be the 28 years on a BMX bike. Still I have been on 24s for about 10 years with most of a summer on 26s before I gave up on them completely. That being said I was on MT. Carlton NB and had more fun going down it on my wife's Gary Fisher XC bike than my DJ bike (I even added a front brake for the trip) so I am not anti 26s I just like to keep them where they belong (yes you can all PB slap me for that comment but I had to)

There are tonnes of bikes out there but the set up is way important. A bike may feel like crap but change the bars and BAM! the whole feel can change. Even moving the bar can make a serious change in a bikes handling. Usually if a bike feels twitchy and kind of all over the bars are too far forwards. IMO short stem and proper length TT makes for the best DJ bikes.
flag cmc4130
Posted: Dec 12, 2014 at 18:08 Quote
reichman wrote:
Cmc4130: thanks for he info, suggestions, and pics to go with!! I've always been on a 26" bike. I recently went to an indoor bike park in Burlington WA and rented a DJ. They were nice enough to let me ride a 20" BMX as well. I took one round around the pump track and was like 'NOPE' haha. I guess I would be open to a24" but I just need the chance to ride one. Plus as my kids get older it would fit them better Smile . It's most likely I will end up with a 26" though.

Thx rica for the info you provided as well!! Anyone else keep the suggestions and info coming! Smile

You don't need any more suggestions. Get the Black Market 357 !! Big Grin
flag reichman
Posted: Dec 13, 2014 at 22:06 Quote
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1672839/

So I'm taking a serious look at this bike. 2011 norco 125. Small frame, way in my price range. Or should I think twice about this one?
flag ricar
Posted: Dec 14, 2014 at 5:11 Quote
Look hard at it, good price for getting in to a DJ bike, short rear end but it looks like it may be a little beat up. You can never tell looking at a picture. Bar is way too tall IMO but that is minimal, you may want to look at the head tube races to make sure they are not damaged.

Price is good and leaves you some cash to personalize to your tastes.
flag reichman
Posted: Dec 15, 2014 at 19:07 Quote
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1588379/

What yall think of this one? Haha I can't seem to make up my mind in what direction I want to go. I keep finding reasons why I shouldn't pursue. I think I'm driving my wife nuts.
flag cmc4130
Posted: Dec 15, 2014 at 20:06 Quote
ricar wrote:
Look hard at it, good price for getting in to a DJ bike, short rear end but it looks like it may be a little beat up. You can never tell looking at a picture. Bar is way too tall IMO but that is minimal, you may want to look at the head tube races to make sure they are not damaged.

Price is good and leaves you some cash to personalize to your tastes.

Agree. You cannot beat that price. If the fork is not screwed up or other things bent etc then no question it's worth it.
flag ricar
Posted: Dec 16, 2014 at 4:08 Quote
I've never really been a fan of Rockey Mountain, they always seem bulky to me. Too much stand over and big back ends but that one looks decent. I'd still want to test ride it and it's still bigger than mine, but not too far off.
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