Rookie needs buying advice

[springrubber]

I need to buy a bike for my 15 year old son. I recently started riding and I want him riding with me. He prefers a Specialized bike so I was thinking a Hardrock to start out with. A Hardrock Pro MSRP is $800 which probably means around $750. I found an 04 on Craigs List for $500. Is that a realistic price for a almost 4 year old hardtail basically entry level bike? It seems high to me but my knowledge ends after cleaning and lubing the chain....so far. Should I just wait for a new 08 or try and get an 07 on closeout? Do these bikes have high resell value? Maybe somebody has nothing better to do than check this bike out on Specialized's website and enlightening my lack of knowledge. Thanks for the help!

[guero]

unless the used bike has reasonable upgrades, then i certainly wouldnt pay more than 1/2 of retail for a 4 year old hard tail....im sure the fork is crap on it. if you can list the specs of the used bike we could tell ya if its worth buying.

your son may have specialized stuck in his head as a bike he wants, but have him test ride a few different brands of bikes so he can see and feel the difference between brands, he might find that a kona hardtail or an ironhorse hardtail or what not feels or fits him better than the specialized...did that make sense?

[springrubber]

Orignal ad says

This bike is in good condition, its only been ridden a few times. It will be tuned up at the path bike shop before it is shipped. It is a small frame. It is a good trail or jump bike. It has a marzocchi fork, sun rims, shimano disk brakes, shimano shifters, shimano derailluers, and a mobius stem. its a complete bike. It is a good bike for begginers.

In an email he said it had deore shifters and brakes. Per Specialized web site it appears to be stock except it listed deore only in the rear.

Thanks again for taking the time.

[Waldo]

Considering the evolution of components, the trickle-down effect from year-to-year (i.e. - this year's mid-range is last year's top of the line), and the likelihood of finding a good end-of-year closeout on an '06 model, I wouldn't pay nearly that much for that bike. Just saying it has Shimano this or Marzocchi that doesn't mean it's not sporting the lowest model components they offered. That bike seems more like it ought to be in the $250-300 range if it's in truly new condition. For $500 I think you could do better for the money. Plus at 15, he may outgrow a small Hardrock hardtail very quickly.

I stopped by Switchback in Orange today, and they are one of the shops advertising good deals on remaining '06 stock. I've seen similar at Two Wheels, One Planet in Mission Viejo, and I'm sure there are a bunch more out there. In your area, check Jax on Nutwood or La Habra Cyclery.

[Pain Freak]

Definitely to high in my opinion. I'm thinking about 300 or less. These seem to be entry level componets and should last a while depending on how much riding and where he will be riding it. It is a very good bike though and like Waldo says, consider if he's going to outgrow it.You can get a new hardtail from Kona, Giant, or Gary Fisher and a few others for that kind of change.

[OMR]

You need to shop around before you can make an intelligent decision... know your alternatives... right now you don't. The $500 is too much for the older Specialized.

Good luck shopping...

OMR

[carbonman]

I think that you should shop around to see just what is available. Every bike brand has upper and lower level bikes. Check out some of your local shops for different brands and the componets that are offered in your price range. Then when you know what you are looking for you can shop Craigs List, E-Bay, and Mail Order. Check out Wheel World I believe that they have some Konas at a good price. good Luck on your quest.

[Gabriel Zink]

Paying half for a 3 year old bike is not right. You can get many bikes for close to half price that are last years models. IE Marin B17 for $599.

[Johnny Dirt]

Definitely too much for a older HT. My 15 yr old started riding about 4 years ago on a new Fisher HT he got for X-mas. Once I knew he was hooked he upgraded to a GF Fat Possum. Now, he smokes me on the downhills and it's really fun to watch him!
Unfortunately, his old HT has seen it's day, I'ld let it go for ~$100, but it's probably too small. 13" frame, stock rim brakes, entry level drive train and components....

[TrailJesus]

Hey a good place to look is either craigslist or myspace classifieds. I was just cruising through some myspace classifieds and I found a 2006 Hardrock for 250 and he says it was hardly used. That sounds within your price range and he's in thousand oaks so hopefully that'll work out. If not just cruise through and hopefully you find a steal! Here's the link Myspace.com

[Pugz]

I have a ht Trek 4600, only about 150 miles that I am looking to get rid of for $300. Let me know if you are interested.

[springrubber]

Thanks everybody for your advice. I ended up ordering him a 2008 Specialized Rockhopper Disc. They upgraded the frame from the A1 to the M4. A nice frame for him to upgrade on down the road when necessary. Thanks again!