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Mountain bikers, please help me pick a bike!

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james6345789
Posts: 4763 - Karma: 467
I'm 6' 1/2" and 155 pounds looking into getting a new used bike. I've been riding singletrack in Minnesota for 4 years, and I'd say I'm intermediate. I'm looking around on craigslist and http://www.morcmtb.org/classifieds.

Here's what I am looking for
-29er
-hardtail
-most likely not FS
-disc brakes, preferably not mechanical (unless somebody has a good reason as to why I should)
-at least 24 speed drive train
-good front suspension
-high quality components
-20-21.5 inch frame (does that sound about right? from my crotch to the floor is like 35 inches.)

My budget is under 800 dollars. This bike looks really good (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/bik/2971048973.html), but it's a bit over budget. I know a lot more about skiing than I do biking, so I'm hoping some of you guys could please help me out.

Do you guys have any good bikes in mind? Can you give me tips for buying a used bike? Any other information is also appreciated.
Apr 22 2012 2:33PM
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p-nutt
Posts: 274 - Karma: 16
its a 26, im not really a fan of 29's
Apr 25 2012 4:22PM
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james6345789
Posts: 4763 - Karma: 467
This is actually one of the bikes I'm considering. The pedals won't be a problem since I'd just use my clipless ones with it (if I were to get it). Hydrolic or mech brakes?
Apr 25 2012 8:42PM
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james6345789
Posts: 4763 - Karma: 467
also Macblizzle, I found this trek cadia on craigslist for 800, only used for one season. the cadia is one step above the mamba http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/bik/2971048973.html
Apr 25 2012 9:00PM
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YooperSteeze
Posts: 1248 - Karma: 45
That Trek has hydro's, if I can tell correctly from the picture. On a semi related note, for an '06 Specialized Enduro for $350 on craigs the other day, if the guy ever replies its gonna be my graduation present woo stokage.
Apr 25 2012 10:14PM
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word.is.bond.
Posts: 164 - Karma: 14
threads for later
Apr 25 2012 11:57PM
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OssargYormada
Posts: 671 - Karma: 186

Click for larger image

I'm trying to sell this if you wanna buy it and stuff

Apr 26 2012 12:27AM
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B.Fantana
Posts: 487 - Karma: 86
I'd go with the trek. Did a quick look and I don't think you're going to find much more for under $1000.
Apr 26 2012 12:31AM
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Macblizzle
Posts: 905 - Karma: 183
The Mamba comes with hydraulic disk brakes. They are so sick..responsive as hell, specially when going fast. I definitely recommend that bike, I've had mine for about a month now. All the parts on the bike are real solid..I originally was going for the Trek Marlin which is like 600 or less but decided to get the next model up. (and the white paint on the Mamba job is fresh)

Upgrades from Marlin

RockShoxXC32 suspension fork
Shimano 9-speed Alivio & Deore drivetrain
Bontrager 29-3 tires
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes

-Main difference being the disc brakes..most expensive upgrade from the Marlin
Apr 26 2012 12:21PM
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Macblizzle
Posts: 905 - Karma: 183
Yea i saw that when I was ordering my bike. It was starting to get ridiculous, there's always a better model up so I said fuck it and got the Mamba.
Apr 26 2012 12:27PM
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james6345789
Posts: 4763 - Karma: 467
Haha it's always like "well what I I spent 100 more..." I think the mamba or cadia (if the used one for 900 is still around) would be good options. I'd hav to negotiate the cadia down thoughe
Apr 26 2012 12:45PM
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james6345789
Posts: 4763 - Karma: 467
I'm looking at singlespeed 29ers now, what do you guys think of this?
Click for larger image
May 24 2012 5:33PM
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