Ever trade a bike?

[GasX]

In the past few months, I have put 56 miles on my MTB and 900 on my cross bike (most on the road). I have a new SSCX coming next week for off road duty and I just came across this ad: http://sarasota.craigslist.org/bik/3989969024.html
Assuming the carbon is in good shape (and that getting rid of the MTB is not actually a sin...), would this be a good trade for my 2012 Banshee Paradox?
Would love to hear your thoughts...

 

[_Rick_]

Looks like a very nice bike at that price. Almost a bit too nice. If it's really only done few miles and is in good shape, I'd expect around twice that value.

I wouldn't buy it unless they have an invoice/receipt to go with it. Otherwise, sure, go for it.

 

[RichieZ]

n/a

 

[GasX]

My biggest concern is the mix of high end parts/frame and $300 wheel set. Not sure what that's about...

Gonna give every inch of that carbon close inspection...

 

[GasX]

Left side chain stay had a "blemish" Enough for me to walk away... Ah well, would have been nice, but why give up an awesome MTB that I rarely ride for a speed machine that will try to kill me when I least want it to...

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I sold my mtn bike and bought a hybrid. Much better suited for my riding style. I found I enjoy riding road best so I bought a road bike to complement my hybrid. Best of both worlds imo. I'm really not suited for mtn as they are just too bulky for the little dirt riding I do. I can launch my hybrid a couple feet in the air and it holds up. I'm not looking to tackle a mountain or jump more than a couple feet off the ground.

What's the deal with ss bikes? I don't see the appeal.

 

[GasX]

What's the deal with ss bikes? I don't see the appeal.

There are a number of reasons that are not that compelling to most people.

1. It's cool. More of a fixed gear thing than just a single speed thing. By cool, I mean "hipster" cool. So it can also make you a douchebag. Depends on your point of view.

2. Less stuff to break. My friend was destroying derraileurs on a regular basis. He went SS to simplify his mechanical system and have less stuff to break.

3. More efficient drivetrain. Single speed power transmission is more efficient, but only marginally so. From personal experience, pedaling a single speed just feels smoother. YMMV!

4. Eliminates gear anxiety. On a geared bike, you are always shifting because you are in the wrong gear half the time. On a single speed, you KNOW you are in the wrong gear but can't do anything about it.

5. It's different. On a geared bike you shift to maintain your cadence. On a single speed you change your cadence to modulate your speed. It's a different style of riding that appeals to some and not to others.

6. It's a great workout. Riding hills on a single speed forces you to attack hills so you don't lose momentum. Pushes you to push yourself.

7. It's hard work. (clearly of marginal utility for the average Joe...)