[fatdoc]

you'll get 3 big hits for one 224

budget first, bike choice later.

big hit is the best intro value for money DH bike made. period.

224 is one of the fastest, skippiest and lightest Dh bikes made. period.

I'd get a good big hit, and any cash leftover used to get all the gear to reduce hospital admissions to the minimum.

As for ebay, i'm allergic to the den of theives it is... I'd buy secondhand of sotherndownhill.com there are always a ton of good bikes on there.

A demo 8 is a fine fine bike, prices secondhand were all set to fall rapidly as is goes out of production... until 2 weeks ago when sam hill signed for spesh.. until the *son of Demo* is born he's on a blinged out demo8... all the kids will want one. the demo8 is a bit shorter, has a lower centre of gravity and easier step over, it's all round a bit better than a big hit, but not by much...


avoid  1st year demo 8s, they crack by the shock basket.

[Bubba]

224 is an all-out race bike, big hit is an freeride bike.

Agree with fatdoc that a bighit would be a better intro bike. They are still very capable (occasionally seen in world class DH) but would be a better allrounder.

ebay is fine as long as you only go for "collect only" auctions. That way you can turn up and see the bike and it's likely that the seller will take cash at the time of sale. I've bought one bike and sold two on ebay with no problems.

[Oli]

Are Big Hits all 24inch rear wheel specific? Or can you stick a 26 in it without getting some special chainstays of BETD?

[Bubba]

They've not been 24" for a while - I think 2004 was the last year? That said I've got the small rear wheel and never found it a problem.

BETD have stopped making the adapter now anyway.

[Oli]

They've not been 24" for a while - I think 2004 was the last year?

Obviously I'm behind the times...

[nik at work]

Just been offered a trek liquid 25???? for the best part of nothing at all. Is it worth getting it as a bit of an introduction bike. I guess it's a start and can be upgraded over time, until it's a completely new bike. I know nothing about these bikes, have seen a few reviews online which vary from great and indestructible to fragile and heavy. Like I say it's negligible cost so might just get it anyway but would still be interested to hear any thoughts...

[SA Chris]

Check the frame size, if it doesn't fit you it will be hell

[nik at work]

Assuming it fits is it a bike that will encourage me max out the credit card in a fit of cycling enthusiasm? Or will it put me off for life thus securing my future financial security? Not sure which is the better outcome....

[SA Chris]

I don't know the bike personally, but looks OK?

Depends what state it is in, how old it is, how much use it has had etc. You don't really want to buy a bike, then have to replace all the components as they are verging on fucked. Do you know anyone locally who is clued up on bikes who could have a look at it with you.

[Norton Sharley]

 

It might not be the latest technology but then it's not about the bike but the rider.  If the components are in good condition and the frame isn't cracked you may get a bargain.  But expect to buy a new fork maybe.  Chris' suggestion of taking a mate who knows how to check these things out is a great idea. 

What do you call best part of nothing?  Are you sure it's not nicked?

[fatdoc]

www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/allmtn-full-suspension/trek/liquid-25/PRD_363066_1547crx.aspx

you'll not have the pleasure of the Trek frame warranty as i believe it's first owner only.

For an all mountain full susser to have such a reputation is rare

i agree, with norton on both getting someone to look over it and if its price is too good to be true it will be nicked.

all in all IMHO


i'd avoid it

[nik at work]

Definitely not nicked, and in reasonable if used condition. Too big though so back to the hunt...
As ever cheers for all your thoughts.

[Yossarian]

you'll get 3 big hits for one 224

budget first, bike choice later.

big hit is the best intro value for money DH bike made. period.

224 is one of the fastest, skippiest and lightest Dh bikes made. period.

I'd get a good big hit, and any cash leftover used to get all the gear to reduce hospital admissions to the minimum.

As for ebay, i'm allergic to the den of theives it is... I'd buy secondhand of sotherndownhill.com there are always a ton of good bikes on there.

A demo 8 is a fine fine bike, prices secondhand were all set to fall rapidly as is goes out of production... until 2 weeks ago when sam hill signed for spesh.. until the *son of Demo* is born he's on a blinged out demo8... all the kids will want one. the demo8 is a bit shorter, has a lower centre of gravity and easier step over, it's all round a bit better than a big hit, but not by much...


avoid  1st year demo 8s, they crack by the shock basket.

he got a demo 7...

when i get a chance to ride it i will report back.

[fatdoc]

fookin good bike... nice one!!