MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Hi,
I'm looking into getting a newer bike. I've been borrowing a bike from friend but would like to get my own. I don't have the budget to spend several hundred on a bike, but have found what I think are two decently priced used bikes within my price range. The first is a Trek 7300 for $150 and the second is an older Cannondale SM500 for $225. I'm planning on using it mostly for a daily commute and then some occasional off road trails. Any help advice or tips you could offer me would be a great help. I've tried to attach pictures but the site will not let me at this time because I am a new user.
Thanks!
Hi! Most of us are in the UK so I don't really know what used prices are like for you.
If you're looking to get into MTB as a hobby it sounds like your budget might be a bit tight. You can ride anything and have fun but a more modern mountain bike would give you more confidence if you want to take it on rougher and steeper terrain.
If the offroad trails you have in mind are gentle paths and tracks then don't worry too much about what the bike is, just look for something in good condition that feels comfortable.
Problem is the maintenance costs. Do you live somewhere dry, where you won't regularly be riding through mud and puddles and in the rain?
That will affect the maintenance interval. Hubs that aren't well sealed will not last so long under those conditions, so it will be more economical overall to buy something with better quality components (Shimano Deore or equivalent as a minimum). I am not sure of the vintage of those bikes you are looking at, so can't comment on the specification.