Bike advice needed

[SloMoJo]

I'm think of stepping over to a FS bike. I know it won't fix my poor skillz, but I'm wondering if this is a good move.

Anyway, it's a older Santa Cruz Heckler. 98 frame, but the owner says all the components are less than 2 yrs old.
I'm looking at $750 plus shipping. Probably around $850 to the doorstep.

I have never been on this bike, but the reviews seem real good. Here's a pic. Any opinions on this bike and this deal?
Thanks
-SMJ
ps
Here are the sellers comments:
well its a great bike, lots of new parts, used it mostly for trail riding, cross country styles, but it can definitly handle drops and stuff. its set up for downhill. swweet ride, lite, this bike is great for any type of riding, frame is a 98 so it has a bit of wear on it, but no structural damage, just nics and scrathces. Santa Cruz Heckler,large (20 inches) 1998 Frame black with crome swingarm, all parts much newer, rock shock rear 4.5inches, Noleen chubby LT's on front (tripleclamps) 5 inches, sram 9.0 esp shifters and rear derailler, xt front derailler, xtr front and rear v-brakes, xtr levers, sun rims ( 0 lite)anodized red, ringley front hub, xtr rear hub and cassette, Race Face Forged crank (red), profile design ultra freeride bars, michelin wildgrip tires 2.1, tre italia seat, axiom stem, wellgo platform pedals, xt BB. really nice bike, invested alot of money into it, i need the money for school, that is why i am selling it. i ask that buyer pays all shipping.

[CouchingTiger]

There are a few issues with buying a bike of that vintage. First, it is not disk brake compatable on the front OR the rear. Santa Cruz doesn't even make/have parts for the old Hecklers so if it breaks, it a total loss. The fork actually works pretty well, but is not high end. They had been closed out a couple years back for just under $100 by a bunch of places. In terms of components, I'm sure that it's older 8spd which really aren't worth all that much used for a couple years.

IMHO, although the Heckler was a nice bike, I'd look towards something newer, especially for that kind of money. It seems that used bikes are a dime a dozen these days and I'm sure you can find some nice stuff for that much money.

Also, there is NO-WAY shipping of that bike would cost $100. A typical bike ship across the country via UPS/Fedex ground is no more than $40.

-Couch

[SloMoJo]

Thanks Couch.
I was hoping you would respond, being a Santa Cruz guy.
You bring up several good points.

OK, I'll hold back my impulse on this one.

I'll keep searching, and welcome advice on nice riding X-C FS bike in that $800- 1K range.
Thanks
-SMJ

[CouchingTiger]

Keep an eye on www.mtbr.com as they tend to have lots of good Xc fullies show up. Also try www.pinkbike.com and www.ridemonkey.com for the marketplaces.

There seem to be lots of pretty good closeouts on stuff from the web retailers as well. Check www.supergo.com, www.pricepoint.com, www.jensonusa.com and the others. You may be able to score a deal on an XC fully at ebay also, as XC fullies seem to be out of vogue these days. Don't buy a freeride bike there though as they tend to go for way too much money.

What size are you looking for? I'll keep an eye out.

-Couch

[SloMoJo]

Thanks buddy.

Well, I'm 5'11' at 200lbs so 19"-20" is probably the best fit.

[EVIL BOTA]

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03RockhopperFSRComp&bl=mountain &my=2003
Jobro ,, check this bike out.. Very upgradeable and I can get it for a grand. This place foxco where I buy my bikes. The guy Bill is great he'll pay your sales tax and throw a few things in too.. E-mail me if your interested and I'll take you up there.

agree with couch.

As an example click below: a 2002 Trek Fuel 80 for $950

It's a large but....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1580219729

[gungywump]

2003 KONA KAHUNA
Fox Rear
Bomber Front
Proven Design
Disc Ready
$950 BRAND NEW!


http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3bikes.cfm

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Nov/20021178993440367911991.jpg

[SloMoJo]

Thanks guys.
Dam, they all look good.
Now, I'm scratchin my head? ???

How do you guys pick out of the many choices of bikes these days?

Know what it is you need in a bike and what capabilities are important down the road. Don't succumb to the marketing hype, for instance, do you really need a bike with more than 3-4 inches of travel? I would recommending getting a decent frame and you can always upgrade components as they break.

Research and Test ride the bike. If buying new get it from a shop that takes the time to make sure it fits and is willing to swap stem length, bars, etc, to make it work for you.

Also, keep in mind the maintenance. If you don't wrench your own bike and aren't the type to always keep an eye out for maintenance (like me) you may want to look at a single pivot FS versus Horst Link or lower maintenance fork like Marzocchi versus a Rock Shock.

Just my two cents but I'm looking at picking up a new frame and am going through a similiar exercise...

[Big Game]

2003 KONA KAHUNA
Fox Rear
Bomber Front
Proven Design
Disc Ready
$950 BRAND NEW!


Isn't there some FS Haro with a similar pivot like the Santa Cruz that has a Bomber and already has discs? For around $800? I thought I saw one.

Big Game is correct. Haro makes two bikes with 5 inches in back and 4 up front for less than a grand RETAIL!! You may find one on sale.
The Extreme X2 has the bomber and Avid mech. discs.
The Extreme X1 has a Manitou 6 and cheaper discs. Both bikes are very upgradable.

[SloMoJo]

Thanks guys.
Good advice.

Think I'll check out the links and put some more thought into it. When I get close again, I'll run it by you veterans.