Mountain bike people: Is this any good?

[Triumph]

Someone is selling this at my school. The details aren't exact but i don't know much anyway, or what to ask for further details:

"Aluminum GT frame: Bike was built from the ground up with many brand
name components including: Shimano, Suntour, Odyssey, PFR, Tricor, and
Psycho tires with decent tred still on them. I haven't been riding as
much as I used to and I need some cash so I decided to sell. Hasn't
been riden since last summer and I have never stored it outside... it's
in my living room right now.

$200 obo"

I have an old old Specialized Stump Jumper that really is a pain and makes it unenjoyable to ride. I primarily use it for transportation, to and from class and maybe a ride on a nice day now and again. I don't know much about aluminum frames, or if any of these parts are any good. If they are any good, why only 200 bucks? I'm just looking for something trouble free. Should I bother emailing this guy for further details?

 

[Napalm381]

The names on the frame and components look OK, but like you said, for $200 you should definitely check it out first. Take it for a ride, see how you like it. If it's not comfortable, and doesn't look feel reliable, don't bother.

 

[Triumph]

ok, he posted again with some further details:

"Has s a 18" frame and I believe the year the frame was made was either 95'
or '96. The model is Pantera and I also should mention I'm the second
owner... of the frame that
is. I bought it 3 years ago and added all the components myself."

I'm slightly over 6' tall, fyi. Thanks again.

 

[Napalm381]

An 18 inch frame for a 6 foot tall person may be on the small side. Definitely ride it before purchasing. If it's too small, don't buy it. It may be a good deal, but you'll be miserable riding a too-small bicycle.

 

[Daniel]

Depends on how they size it too, my first trek was a 18" and I'm 5'11", my next one was the same size but a 19.5, and I surely haven't grown. Either way just give it a ride and see how it feels.

 

[Plantanthera]

Your stump jusmper frame is about equivalent to the GT frame (the alumnium is slightly lighter, but is stiffer).
The 18in frame is slightly small, but if it have a extended neck, handle-bar, and seat post it would be fine as a down hill bike.
If you are commuting I would suggest a 19in frame and a long top tube for comfort.
You could giving your old StumpJumper a tuneup, by regrease & set the barrings, new brake pad, clean the chain & drive wheels, and new treads.

 

[bcterps]

Hey can you guys tell me about this bike too? I'm really thinking of buying it and it seems like a good deal.

I'll cut and paste the details too.

Stealth "9.0/Psylo" Features:
Rock Shox Psylo XC - black (80-125mm travel)
ESP 9.0 9-spd Shifters
ESP 9.0 Rear Derailleur
Shimano Deore Front Derailleur
Kalloy Stem
Koski Riser Bar
Koski Brake Lite Pro V-Brakes - black
Koski Power Curve Pro Levers - black
FSA Powerpro Cranks
FSA Ultimate BB
Deore / Rhyno Lite Wheelset
WTB Primal Raptor Tires - blackwall
Koski Contour Saddle - black
7005 Series Aluminum Frame - replaceable derailleur hanger
No Pedals - too personal for us to choose for you!

Frame Options:

2001 Frame
Reinforced Downtube Gusset
S-shaped Seat and Chain Stays
Lightning Blue (18", 20", 22&quot
Gunmetal Grey (16", 18", 20", 22&quot
5 year warranty

Not bad for $499, $40 shipping from WA to DE. I'm looking at getting a 20" frame, I'm 6'0", and the guy I emailed suggested an 18" frame, but I'm not too sure. I'd rather have something a little bigger than too small.

--Ben

 

[Farbio]

i can't say that i've ever heard of pantera, but before i bought anything, i would ride it, get specifics on what components, as shimano and suntour have many lines ranging from cheap to holy shiznit. i don't know how you couldn't like your stumpjumper, - you are actually the first person that i have ever heard not like a specialized, i love mine, and highly reccomend them to anyone looking to buy a bike. do like was suggested - get it tuned, lubed, etc and see how u like it

 

[Triumph]

well the Stump Jumper just doesn't feel good to ride. My brother is serious into mountain biking, and he has a Gary Fisher that feels absolutely terrific to ride; seems to fit my frame perfectly. Granted, it's probably a 1500 dollar bike or something, but anyway...I could spend money to upgrade the Stump Jumper to my liking, but by that time I probably could've just bought a new bike. I guess I'll drop this guy a line and see if I can check out the bike.

 

[highme]

I personally like a smaller frame. To me it feels more like BMX bike and I can throw it around more.


Panteras weren't horrible frames, but they weren't the best frames that GT was making at the time either. The components are what you should check out the most thoroughly though. Again, make sure you like the way it rides too.

 

[snut]

ask him waht kinda of shmono parts, XT,XTR,decore more details

 

[Comp10]

benchiu,
I've never heard of that brand of bikes nor of most of the components brands either, so I would be a little nervous of buying it. Normaly is a good idea to buy a bike from a local bike shop where you can test ride the bike and make sure it fits you and handles well. All mountain bikes are not created equal, and different frame geometry can greatly affect how it handles. Also your probably better off getting a bike thats a little on the small side vs one thats too large, because you can always buy a longer stem/seatpost for a smaller frame, but you can't really make a larger bike smaller.

 

[Caliber]

Goto www.mtbr.com and look at the reviews there, perhaps the most informative mtb site ive ever seen(message boards are helpful there too)
Oh, and also if your inbetween sizes and can go either way always go with the smaller frame, unless you only ride on fireroads

 

[cyclistca]

Triumph the key is fit. If the bike does not fit right then it won't feel right. What are your stats ie

1. How tall are you ?
2. What is your inseam measurement?
3. Are you actually a women? If so woman usually have shorter upper bodies so this also plays a factor? Might need a shorter top tube and stem.

If your using the bike primarily for road riding then you should size it like a road bike. If your planning to do some mountain biking then I would go for a slightly smaller frame. Mountain bike also depreciate rapidly so you might try to take they person down a bit.

 

[syzygy]

not knowing anything about your height, weight, build, the bike you
linked above that costs 400.00 or 500.00 (can't recall) is an awesome
deal, dude. the psylo xc fork alone costs 350.00 and the sram 9.0
components are just one rung down from the primo 9.0sl. unless the
bike's tubing is held together with spit and bubble gum, i'd buy
the damn thing if for no other reason than the great value on
the componentry. forget your first choice. the a five year old
gt sucks, especially if choked by pig metal suntour parts.