[KenW449]

As MTBers, there are not a lot of things that can sketch us out as much as buying a used bike.

I'm fairly new to the biking world but I'm growing quickly and learning how to handle my bike more efficiently and learning what it is capable of. Its a DB Release 1, trail bike I bought new and have put a few upgrades on it. Its a great bike and it does what I want it too, within my capabilities, on the trail. But it can do more than I am able to currently.
I also am looking to try Downhill which is where this thread comes in. I have two bikes I am currently looking at buying.

First Contender: 2015 Kona Percept 200.
Owner claims its Brand new, never ridden and came from a LBS that went out of business. I will be checking this bike out today as its in my immediate area. Asking $1500.

Second contender: Specialized Demo 8 II, but the one I kinda want more due to the bargain deal.
This is the one that sketches me out, but only due to it being used, claims it been pro serviced and tuned, and the price they are asking. I lost my phone on the bottom of a river so I don't have the exact years he told me.
I think he said its a 2011, with a frame replacement in 2013 and most of the upgrade done in '15.
This bike seems like a much better deal but is in the next city away from me, but I want to go up this weekend and check it out. No red flags went up about it being stolen though, as the seller posted a detailed ad about the bike and did not hesitate to answer any of my questions and was knowledgeable about it. He did NOT say he needs it gone quick, just that he has to many and wants someone else to be able to appreciate it. But the price seems much too low. Now the price he is asking is ONLY $1400. The bike stock on Bicycle Blue book is still over $6100 but he has put over $2500 worth of upgrades on it.

I'm gonna ask if he can meet me at his LBS so they can check it out. I already know the basics of what to look for, but it seems like to good of a deal to pass up, which is the only red flag that I have. What do yall think?

Thanks!

 

[Jm_]

Pro tuned. Red flag.

 

[KenW449]

Pro tuned. Red flag.

Elaborate please?

 

[WestCoastHucker]

for realz. i once bought a used bike that was 'pro tuned' and 'ridden by female only' it was the most beat up piece of shit i'd ever seen once i got it in my hands...

 

[Electric_City]

"Pro" tuned, professionally tuned... I don't see anything wrong with that.

The $6100 for a bike that's not brand new at the shop though? That's wrong. I'd say go for it.

 

[KenW449]

There are plenty of pics of it and it looks to be in good shape. Problem is that's it a few hours drive 1 way to check it out. IF it is good, its a much better deal.

 

[StiHacka]

pro tuned == bro tuned

 

[Nick]

both are nice for the price.

Brand new Kona from dealer stock should mean zero troubles, and you might have warranty coverage is you're the original owner. (or not)

If the Demo potentially being stolen is your only concern, make sure you document the purchase and ask for a bill of sale from him. I've never sold anything of real value without giving a bill of sale, stating what it is, s/n or VIN, and no warranty. It won't keep you from buying a stolen bike, but it might give the seller pause, and could help you with recovery after the fact. A 4-5 year old DH bike is sure to have SOME issues, hence the low price.

post a link to the demo ad.

 

[KenW449]

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/bik/6140307569.html Here you go. That's why I like the Kona because I know its new and shouldn't have problems, other than being 2 years old and never ridden so may need a small tune. but the Demo would be a better deal if all checks out.

both are nice for the price. Brand new Kona from dealer stock should mean zero troubles.

post a link to the demo ad.

 

[Nick]

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/bik/6140307569.html Here you go. That's why I like the Kona because I know its new and shouldn't have problems, other than being 2 years old and never ridden so may need a small tune. but the Demo would be a better deal if all checks out.

I've not ridden that Kona, but there is enough sketch in the Demo ad to make me steer clear of that bike.
That's a 2009, and he claims it was used one season. Not likely. The seller is NUTS with his valuation of the Demo and upgrades too.

Go check out the Kona and see how well it fits and if you like it.
If you don't like it, check out the Demo.

 

[Sandwich]

sketchy

get the kona. i bought a new DH bike for the first time a few years ago and it was great. Downhill bikes get ridden harder than any other bike like 10fold. I tried to do the whole "enduro bike for DH" thing, and after one wreck it looked like I had put more miles on my enduro in that day than I had in three months. New things don't need bearing, derailleur pivots, brake pads, rotors, etc. You get to put that wear on yourself!

 

[KenW449]

So after the recommendations I think I may go with the Kona. Ive read great things about it and saw and wanted it first. I was just hoping the Demo would be a deal not to pass up. Unless, yall are conspiring against me to buy it yourself!!!!! Kidding. I'm just glad I don't have to drive to Phoenix now.

 

[kazlx]

There's nothing really that wrong with the Demo ad besides just some BS puffery. The bike is what it is and might be worth the asking price. Depends on what shape it's actually in, but even pics can be misleading and you should really have someone look at it that knows what they are looking at. He is on crack for his suggested prices, even though the $1400 asking isn't unreasonable. That and it's highly unlikely he paid any of those amounts for any of those parts.

The Kona is probably fine too. Probably better setup just being a few years newer.

Always amazing how these bikes that are 'never ridden' have a bunch of new parts. Crazy how much sitting in the garage wears out components...

 

[KenW449]

Through our texting before I lost my phone to the mermaids, he claimed to have replaced most parts in 2015. The Kona back when it was released was $3000, so $1500 is still good for it being new. I'll see if he'll take $1400.

 

[kazlx]

26 or 27.5? If it's 26 he'll take even less.

 

[KenW449]

26

 

[Mr Lahey]

Ask him where he purchased a set of handlebars made by DaKine

 

[WestCoastHucker]

ha! good catch. definitely a hot bike...

 

[KenW449]

Going with the Kona

 

[blindboxx2334]

well, it would appear the spesh is really protuned

with that said, its cheap cause its old. aren't those 32 boxxers? id go with the kona, but you have already figured it out.

 

[Nick]

Can you drop the Charger damper into that Domain fork? That would make for a nice upgrade, if possible.

 

[slimshady]

Can you drop the Charger damper into that Domain fork? That would make for a nice upgrade, if possible.

Stanchion threads differ between the CrMo and alu stanchions AFAIK, so not possible.

 

[Sandwich]

yeah but what does a 26" fork cost nowadays? 3.50?

ride it for a year, if you can tell the difference in the shimstack between the kager and a vivid, then buy one at the end of the year. otherwise, ride the piss out of a bike with minimal resale value and don't worry about it.

 

[sbabuser]

That's an ok deal for the Demo II. I've seen better (and legit) deals on 26" dh bikes. Right, SylentK?

 

[KenW449]

Thanks for yalls help.

 

[kazlx]

26 is dead. You might not even be able to actually ride a bike with 26" wheels anymore. I don't think the bike parks will let you in, so you'll basically be stuck riding around neighborhoods and bullying kids at the skateparks.

 

[KenW449]

26 is dead. You might not even be able to actually ride a bike with 26" wheels anymore. I don't think the bike parks will let you in, so you'll basically be stuck riding around neighborhoods and bullying kids at the skateparks.

I don't have any downhill bike parks near me that I know of, Its all natural. So I don't have to worry about any of the park Nazis. Most of the DH stuff will be on the mountain shuttling with buddies. No regulations or standards to adhere too.

 

[SkaredShtles]

I don't have any downhill bike parks near me that I know of, Its all natural. So I don't have to worry about any of the park Nazis. Most of the DH stuff will be on the mountain shuttling with buddies. No regulations or standards to adhere too.

Sorry, man - the Forest Service has indicated that they will be handing down a ruling banning ALL 26" bikes in National Forests. The BLM is expected to follow the FS's lead on this.

 

[tacubaya]

Pro tuned. Red flag.

It was something "legit" back in 2010:

http://www.ridefox.com/news.php?m=bike&id=457

 

[KenW449]

Sorry, man - the Forest Service has indicated that they will be handing down a ruling banning ALL 26" bikes in National Forests. The BLM is expected to follow the FS's lead on this.

It's not national forest or BLM.

 

[Nick]

It's not national forest or BLM.

they're busting your chops.

where in Tucson are you?
I've ridden around mt Lemmon many years ago. I remember it being pretty awesome.

 

[jstuhlman]

yalls

DAMMIT SON. you can't hide your southern. yer lyin' on yer lo-cay-shun, aintcha?!?

 

[KenW449]

they're busting your chops.

where in Tucson are you?
I've ridden around mt Lemmon many years ago. I remember it being pretty awesome.

I'm central, north of the base. Fantasy Island is the closest bike park, about 15, 20 minutes depending on traffic and lights.

 

[KenW449]

DAMMIT SON. you can't hide your southern. yer lyin' on yer lo-cay-shun, aintcha?!?

Nope, it's where I'm living at currently. Was in Texas before here though. San Antonio and San Angelo since I'm sure you'll ask haha.

 

[Electric_City]

Nope, it's where I'm living at currently. Was in Texas before here though. San Antonio and San Angelo since I'm sure you'll ask haha.

I call BS. I hear Japanese in your typing.

 

[KenW449]

I call BS. I hear Japanese in your typing.

Damn, I wish I could hear written letters buy sadly I can only see them. I hear they taste like pickled eggs and Peruvian dirt.

 

[fwp]

Don't buy that POS Demo. I don't know where to start. the mismatched wheels or the world cup boxxer sam hill rode on his 2006 iron Horse? The fact that he mentioned "$6,100 retail over 9,000 with upgrades" Should be taken as a warning that he either is that stupid, or is looking for someone who is. It honestly. looks like the ad was written by a guy who stole the bike, googled the parts and advertised the bike. He obviously knows nothing about bikes if he is writing an ad like that.Do not deal with that guy.

Here you go buddy
Some of these are even new bikes.
GT Fury

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2083049/

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2136937/

http://www.ebay.com/itm/gt-fury-downhill-mountain-bike-/252984926776?hash=item3ae713a238:g:oVYAAOSw0hlZGHjC


Giant Glory

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2173631/

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2193156/

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2182310/

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2015-GIANT-GLORY-650B-27-5-Large-Downhill-Bike-DH-RockShox-Boxxer-Team-USED-/122546814683?hash=item1c885bfedb:g:5qYAAOSw8GtZP4Pm


Scott Voltage

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2123855/

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-2015-Scott-Voltage-FR-710-MSRP-4-250-Medium-/122547696095?hash=item1c886971df:g:0V0AAOSwiQ9ZQEmg

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-2015-Scott-Voltage-FR-720-MSRP-3-000-Medium-/122547709117?hash=item1c8869a4bd:g:YQ4AAOSw3h1ZQExD


Norco Arum

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2059178/

Commencal v3, v4

https://www.commencalusa.com/supreme-dh-origin-yellow-2016-c2x17825620

https://www.commencalusa.com/supreme-dh-v3-650b-rockshox-yellow-2016-c2x18419601

I searched these out just because its so refreshing to see a new rider that wants a full on DH Rig.

 

[Sandwich]

commencal always has such screaming deals. I'd love a v4 but 26 4 lyf yo

 

[KenW449]

I searched these out just because its so refreshing to see a new rider that wants a full on DH Rig.

I appreciate the help. I decided against the Demo. Too far away for too much sketch. I'm not planning on racing or setting speed records. I'm just out to have fun in nature and MTB is my newest way of doing that. My ultimate goal is to ride the full Lemmon drop trail! 35 miles of black diamond trail. But I have many miles, trails and components to break and wear out before this. Not to mention building more endurance and skills. Watch a video of it, its an awesome looking ride.

"This is it, the real deal, the full Lemmon Drop. Its a 35mile punch in the face that will leave you smiling. It will require all the skills you have acquired on and off the bike to complete. Its one of the chunkiest hardest rides in the United States and your only relief from the chunk is a small climb up a linking jeep road at 7000ft after that its back on again. This trail starts at the very top of Mt Lemmon and finishes at the very bottom its roughly 10000ft of descending. You will ride thru multiple climate zones so choose the time of year you do it wisely. Temps in the summer at the bottom are 100+ degrees and the top is closed for a portion of winter. Blah blah, Generally a group ride takes 8+hrs but fast guys can wrap a run up in 4.5hrs."

 

[Jm_]

I appreciate the help. I decided against the Demo. Too far away for too much sketch. I'm not planning on racing or setting speed records. I'm just out to have fun in nature and MTB is my newest way of doing that. My ultimate goal is to ride the full Lemmon drop trail! 35 miles of black diamond trail. But I have many miles, trails and components to break and wear out before this. Not to mention building more endurance and skills. Watch a video of it, its an awesome looking ride.

"This is it, the real deal, the full Lemmon Drop. Its a 35mile punch in the face that will leave you smiling. It will require all the skills you have acquired on and off the bike to complete. Its one of the chunkiest hardest rides in the United States and your only relief from the chunk is a small climb up a linking jeep road at 7000ft after that its back on again. This trail starts at the very top of Mt Lemmon and finishes at the very bottom its roughly 10000ft of descending. You will ride thru multiple climate zones so choose the time of year you do it wisely. Temps in the summer at the bottom are 100+ degrees and the top is closed for a portion of winter. Blah blah, Generally a group ride takes 8+hrs but fast guys can wrap a run up in 4.5hrs."

Um, knowing trails in AZ and having been up that mountain, you do realize that the bottom is around 2,800' and the top is around 9,100'. The only way you are getting 10,000 of descending is with several vertical thousand feet of climbing. If you are cool with that on a full DH bike, that's fine, but several similar descents like Pinal Peak and Mt Graham are best on an AM type rig, either because the trails don't require the full DH bike or the extensive climbing. Lots of people brought DH bikes to the Pinals and others, but if you really want to take advantage, AM was best. There are a few good DH runs at SoMo and you can definitely use a DH bike in AZ, just make sure you know what you are getting into for the Lemmon Drop, I'm pretty sure this is linking together several trails and routes, some of them somewhat primitive, which include some significant climbing.