Bianchi for Newbie?

[Permagrin]

I put the mtb bug in one of my coworkers ears and now he's on the prowl for a bike. He doesn't want to spend top dollars in case it doesn't turn out to be his passion but I do want to ensure he gets a good bike that he can really test the ride on.

He found a Bianchi Osprey on Craigs list for $200 and I/ we was wondering if anyone can give any info about them. Not sure of the weight or year yet, but it's a HT with recently upgraded front RST suspension forks, a chrome-moly frame, Shimano Deore XT brakes, SRAM MRX Comp grip shifter and new tires.

Any info or suggestions is appreciated, as he's currently scoping out LBS's so he can get a feel for what's out there and collecting different info from different folks. He's a lurker right now and I'm trying to talk him into getting in here, so maybe a little "push" from the guys would do it .

[tkblazer]

looks like its a late 90's bike... i'm sure a few people here have hardtails they would wouldn't mind unloading. i have a buddy that wants to sell a 07 specialized hardrock for around 250-300

[OldDogDan]

Must be this one: http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/600088630.html.
Better off spending more and getting a new but last-years-model bike on sale...plenty of '07's on sale now, maybe run across an '06 or two...maybe like a lower-end Kona, Giant, GT, Diamondback.

[Permagrin]

Originally Posted by OldDogDan

Must be this one: http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/600088630.html.
Better off spending more and getting a new but last-years-model bike on sale...plenty of '07's on sale now, maybe run across an '06 or two...maybe like a lower-end Kona, Giant, GT, Diamondback.

Yeah, that's the one. I'll let him know, thanks for the feedback.

[strobelite]

try atomic cycles in van nuys. 818-609-0113

[ryandood]

you could get a much better deal if you just scan craigslist a lot. you just have to be patient and kinda have an idea for what your looking for. bike manufacturers have an "archive" section on their websites so you can likely find exactly what bike you find on craigslist or wheverever and see exactly what parts it came with stock. good luck.