WTB: MTB

TheBlaaMan · 12-04-2025 09:17PM #1

I'm looking for a pretty basic/entry level used MTB.

Any buying advice would also be appreciated ! While I know my way around road bikes, the same cannot be said of my knowledge of MTBs

I just want something for relatively light/easy off-road, gravel paths. forestry tracks type of surface, .

I'm looking for:

Hardtail

Hydralic brakes would be great, but cable operated should be fine too

1x gears, 10/11/12s (though see budget, below)

Shimano Deore XT if possible

Not sure if 27.5 or 29" wheels are so important but I gather that the former is the way to go - advice please !

Alu frame is fine and for my limited budget, perhaps all that is realistic, but if a lighter frame was available, I'll stretch the budget to get same

Don't want full suspension, dropper seatpost, electronic shifting, anything too fancy!

Budget €500 or so

nicksnikita · 13-04-2025 11:38AM

Trek Marlin are a solid entry level mtb and should be widely available well within your budget.

I haven’t seen many of them with 1x though so if that’s a dealbreaker, it may not suit.

jayboy69 · 13-04-2025 02:19PM

What size are you looking for?

TheBlaaMan · 13-04-2025 05:25PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123352551#Comment_123352551

Good point !

I am around a 565mm effect TT measure in aroad bike and MTB sizing makes for extra confusion. I think I would be 19-20" in an MTB frame, does that sound right? I'm 186cm but prefer a smaller than larger frame

jayboy69 · 13-04-2025 06:04PM

Would something like this work for you? You're more than welcome to try it first for size, I'm in New Ross.

https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/orbea-alma-29er-immaculate/39340099

TheBlaaMan · 13-04-2025 10:10PM

Might do..... can you PM a contact number and I'll reach out later in the week, Tuesday perhaps?

jayboy69 · 13-04-2025 10:54PM

PM sent

TheBlaaMan · 16-04-2025 10:25PM

Still looking here. I want/need front suspension

I'm open to any advice on the wheel size issue/aspect…………..

Quigs Snr · 16-04-2025 11:12PM

In your budget you are looking secondhand most likely.

You need a hard tail. Go for a 29 inch wheel - faster for the XC type of riding you describe, rolls over obstacles easier. Most popular wheel size.

A 1x groupset is ideal these days. And if you can get a fork that is air, rather than coil sprung, even better.

I would be looking for a lightly used Trek X-Calibur in size L if I were you. Or a Scott Scale or similar (like this one: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/682689760827786/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ab9be9cf5-0c91-4610-a2c8-ff2d7bc7e41a)

JimmiesRustled · 17-04-2025 09:53PM

Have a free Giant stance lying around. It's been stripped but all parts are clean and in boxes. Fork and shock will need some work, probably a lower service would do the fork.

More than welcome to it as it's just taking up space and have been instructed to get it moved on.

Large bottle small glass · 18-04-2025 10:44AM

https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/trek-mountain-bike/39171835?campaign=3&modal=gallery

https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/cube-mountain-bike/39302227

Two nice enough bikes, one large the Cube XL with carbon frame.

IME deore is just fine, they tend to be really reliable and rugged. When buying a hardtail the condition of fork is the big thing to watch. At you price point if its in poor shape you are buying something close to junk given the price of a replacement.

Thats's a nice fork on the Cube above but you would want to be sure it is undamaged and recently serviced.

I presume the Trek is 1 by 11 and not 1 by 7 as stated

TheBlaaMan · 18-04-2025 12:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123364289#Comment_123364289

https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/trek-mountain-bike/39171835?campaign=3&modal=gallery
https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/cube-mountain-bike/39302227
Two nice enough bikes, one large the Cube XL with carbon frame.
IME deore is just fine, they tend to be really reliable and rugged. When buying a hardtail the condition of fork is the big thing to watch. At you price point if its in poor shape you are buying something close to junk given the price of a replacement.
Thats's a nice fork on the Cube above but you would want to be sure it is undamaged and recently serviced.
I presume the Trek is 1 by 11 and not 1 by 7 as stated

Quigs, Large bottle small glass

thanks for these leads - I'll follow up once I'm back from some travels in a week or so

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123367031#Comment_123367031

This is a nice offer but I'm not after a full susser… best of luck with it

cyclocross! · 18-04-2025 09:54PM

What size is it? If it's xl and you are looking to.move on I'd gladly take it off your hands.

JimmiesRustled · 19-04-2025 10:38PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123370124#Comment_123370124

Unfortunately it's a medium. I'm sure you could get a 140mm stem and a dropper to suit 😂

gn3dr · 20-04-2025 09:17PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123372974#Comment_123372974

That's funny, I was going to ask if it was a medium. 😆 I was resisting though because I don't really need another bike. Where are you located ?

cyclocross! · 21-04-2025 08:02AM

Thanks a million

WTB: MTB

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