2 Trek bikes - guidance needed

[junaidhattia]

Hi All

there are 2 Trek bikes 29er's for sale, being a total noob and this being my first bike purchase, please can you provide me advise on the below - if i should consider and it is worth the pricing:

attached the pics as well - not sure if the shocks are air or coil, the 1st bike seller says its air (he thinks).

1) Trek Marlin (not sure which version), specs below as per advertiser:

Emmaculate condition Wheels Formula DC20 alloy front hub; Formula DC22 LW alloy rear hub w/Bontrager AT-650 32-hole double-walled rims Tires Bontrager XR2, 29x2.10" Drivetrain Shifters Shimano Acera M390, 9 speed Front derailleur Shimano Acera Rear derailleur Shimano Acera M390 Crank Shimano Acera M391, 44/32/22 w/chainguard Cassette Shimano HG20 11-34, 9 speed Pedals Wellgo nylon platform Components Saddle Bontrager Evoke 1 Seatpost Bontrager SSR, 31.6mm, 12mm offset Handlebar Bontrager Low Riser, 31.8mm, 15mm rise Stem Bontrager SSR, 31.8mm, 10 degree Headset 1-1/8" threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings Brakeset Shimano M395 hydraulic disc brakes. 

2) Trek x-caliber 6 (2015) - specs from google:

Rear Derailleur	SRAM X4
Front Derailleur	SRAM X4
Crank	Shimano M371, 44/32/22
Shifters	SRAM X4, 9 speed
Cassette	SRAM PG 920 11-34, 9 speed
Brakes	Shimano M355 hydraulic disc brakes

 

[GhostSixFour]

That fork looks like a SR Suntour XCM, which is definitely not air. It's a spring.

[Rolf Hansen]

You did not include links to the original adverts or give and indication of price so it is difficult to make a call.

Both those forks look like Suntour XCM which is like @GhostSixFour said is not air. If they are XCM then there is a possibility that it could be air as it is available in both coil and air options.

[MajG]

If priced the same I would go xcaliber.

Has internal cable routing and is generally model up from the marlin. Pending on the year model of either and obviously based on standard equipment and condition of components 

[Rolf Hansen]

26 minutes ago, MajG said:

If priced the same I would go xcaliber.

Has internal cable routing and is generally model up from the marlin. Pending on the year model of either and obviously based on standard equipment and condition of components 

Unless it is a newer Marlin 7 and older Xcaliber 6.

[junaidhattia]

the marlin is a 2015 as too is the xcaliber 

xcaliber priced @6k and marlin @5k

is the price worth it? or should i just hang 10 

[MajG]

33 minutes ago, junaidhattia said:

the marlin is a 2015 as too is the xcaliber 

xcaliber priced @6k and marlin @5k

is the price worth it? or should i just hang 10 

Have you checked out these bikes personally? 

Taken someone with you that has some experience? 

Have you tested other bikes? If you deadset on one of these then R6k is an ok amount for the xcaliber,  if all components in good condition,  brakes working well. 

Is it Tubeless, if not will cost you additional zar.

When last service, check if chain or cassette needs replacement soon.

If you can pay R5000 or R5500 then even better.

Seen similar spec bikes advertised for R6000 to R9000 

[junaidhattia]

nah i havnt seen the bikes personally - just pics

will try and get to viewing it and take it from there 

not deadset on them - just looking for options and these came up - budget is around 5k mark tbh

 

[junaidhattia]

i think the second hand market has hit crazy highs due to shortage of bikes, however im sure it should plateau soon. the new better spec'd bikes like avalanche pro seem to come in at a better price, however im not sure if i should just save up and get those or a well branded secondhand 

not in a mad rush to get one now, will shop around and take advise from the forum as the last thing is getting a bike used and spending a few more grands fixing it, lost out on riding time.

 

 

[MajG]

3 hours ago, junaidhattia said:

i think the second hand market has hit crazy highs due to shortage of bikes, however im sure it should plateau soon. the new better spec'd bikes like avalanche pro seem to come in at a better price, however im not sure if i should just save up and get those or a well branded secondhand 

not in a mad rush to get one now, will shop around and take advise from the forum as the last thing is getting a bike used and spending a few more grands fixing it, lost out on riding time.

 

 

Take your time do research. 

Test friends bikes or go hire a  bike and test on trail.

Try a hardtail out,  then a dual suspension and see what you feel better on.

 

Then save up for what you really want .

In my  view, 90percent of folks who start on a hardtail, progress to a dual suspension. Some still keep the hardtail as well.

[junaidhattia]

thanks for taking the time to respond...much appreciated.