Possible Addition to the Mini DH club...

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May 23, 2012, 10:11:13 PM

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[pascalbrown]

I've been looking for a new freeride/mini DH bike for a while and I thought I'd settled on a Specialized SX but then I saw the Commencal Mini DH. Now it's mainly a choice that's dictated by price. I'll definitely be buying second hand and whilst scouring ebay I came across this somewhat odd auction;

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180391245411

I've contacted the seller and they do seem genuine but they know nothing about the bike. This is both good and bad as it means there could either be a possible bargain, or a possible disaster! Some things that concern me about the bike are the front forks, the Fox Float RL. From what I've read they are only 140mm and not very good (plus OEM only equipment which Commencal didn't use). The other thing is the front wheel. It doesn't look like the original and the hub/bolt don't look particularly glorious.

Basically, I'd really like to hear from you guys (girls?) as you know way more about these bikes than I do. What would be a good deal on this bike?

Thanks a lot,
Keith (hopefully soon to be part of the owners club!)

[Ant]

As long as it goes for about 700 euros, that'd be a good price for it i rekon.

1k euros is a bit much for that, as it needs a little bit of work doing to it. It looks, just basic stuff though, like i'd put a new chain/cassette on straight away.

It has been upgraded from stock, it was the middle model i think, and such things as the forks, and rear wheel have been upgraded from stock.

I'd personally stay away from it, as the forks would need changing, and the same with probably a few bits under closer inspection too. I'd also not be happy with riding with bars that looked that scathed, so they'd need changing straight away. And they tyres are on the wrong way round..

ATM class 1 euro as a pound, and i think that that bike could get a bit pricey at the end of the day.

IMO, you'd probably be better spending a little bit more than that, and getting a much greater spec bike.

But, if it stays low, then it could be a bargain with a huge upgrade potential in the future.

[pascalbrown]

I offered the seller €750 including delivery, so about the same as what you think might be a good price.

I guess the big upgrade will be the forks, so I need to cost that in the overall "bargain". I've never bought a bike without seeing/riding it in the flesh which is why I'm a bit dubious about this. There is another one for sale on pinkbike ( http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/502998/ )which has potential, but it's a bit more expensive and severely scratched!

Thanks for the advice, it's much appreciated.

[domino0]

they upgraded it with less travel forks?

[Ant]

Changing anything from Marzocchi is classed as an upgrade in my books.

[domino0]

yes i have to agree with that, no matter what since 2008 range marzocchi have been dodgy, but they reduced the travel even though, why?

[iain1775]

I would steer clear of buying anything like that from Cash Convertors, unless it is really cheap - they are just a pawnbrokers, and will not have a clue what this bike actually is, you would also be buying from a '3rd party' and not the original owner so you have no idea of the true history of the bike
They would have paid a pittance for it so they will make money whatever you offer so if you really want it go in low!
It does look pretty battered in the photos though and if it was me selling it I would be honest about the description but make sure the photos whilst not hiding stuff still show the bike in its best light. I therefore wonder what other 'unseen' damage there may be

[pascalbrown]

I have to say that I agree with you regarding staying clear of a pawn shop, but a potential bargain can be rather enticing. I've been in contact with them and they are willing to sell it for €750 including delivery. At the current exchange rate that works out to £638.

Buying a bike without a history is a little worrying, and the forks are a little on the underpowered side in my opinion. However, for £638 is it worth a punt? I'd appreciate your thoughts...

Thanks a lot.

[iain1775]

I dunno its a good price but it still looks pretty battered, personally I would want to see it first
Where are you, in Spain or UK?

[pascalbrown]

In Austria! I'm doing a year out here so no chance of seeing the bike first. I'm starting to fall on the side of caution. It's a lot of money to waste...

[domino0]

if there is any hesitation in anything forget the idea, or if its something not too expensive and ou dont really need e.g. new jerseey or something that you REALLY like just get it, you will feel really happy (jersey maybe not the best example) thts the way i do it.

So in this case there is hesitation so dont bother, look for something better 

[bong69uk]

Changing anything from Marzocchi is classed as an upgrade in my books.

I find that a bit harsh, to be honest my 08 66 rc3's havent missed a beat, had them serviced once in the year i have owned the bike and they have been flawless and belive me i have put em throught their paces (see my recent pics if u want proof of that  ) ,the only thing i'd fault in them is that they are a bit on the heavy side,im gonna be sending mine away to tft soon and i bet they feel amazing when i get em back! I even advised my mate to buy a set for his sx trail after his 55's blew up in morizine,and for the rest of the hol his worked spot on tooo. 
They are an amazingly plush fork,2nd only to manitous for plushness i reckon!

[domino0]

marzocchi havnt exactly had a very good press lately though bong, from reviewers to riders a like, many say stay clear of anything frrom 2008 onwards

[bong69uk]

Yeah but its mostly been the 55's and lower that have let the brand down, the 66's are a great fork.

[domino0]

yeah, some people that i know who all happeed to buy spesh p2 had DJ3s on them and all but one, after about  months they top out and clunk all the time