How You Can Start Mountain Biking for $125

[@remualltone1790]

KZbin content doesn't really get better than this. Entertaining, informative, financially helpful, looks at the subject from more than one angle, and well presented by someone who's very clearly a decent and level-headed person. What else could one ask? Cheers, Seth!

[@KaiSteinbach]

100% ❤

[@mikesheehan]

Fully agreed. A little over a year ago I sold my hybrid bike for a great price (using tips from Seth on how to present the photos and the copy in the ad), then bought my first mountain bike, again using advice from this channel to make sure I was buying a decent entry level hardtail. Production values are great, content is informative. Couldn't ask for more.

[@micahreitz7390]

This is probably my favorite of Seths videos so far. So many people are going to find out what they've been missing out on...because I'm going to send them this video.

[@feve6071]

I love that Seth is not always riding his 20k titanium custom. He is just i jeans on a cheap bike. Banging.

[@sting5956]

Been obsessed with this channel, Seth knows his stuff !

[@snowman22ism]

The problem I find is that the people who over paid for bikes during the pandemic refuse to take a loss and actually want more for their bikes than you can buy a new bike for. I've been finding it extremely hard to find a good deal on a bike where I live. The best deals are buying a new one. I made this comment before getting to the end... Lol

[@dvs620]

Research the bike vs what they are offering. I bought a mountain bike right when the pandemic started, but prices were still reasonable. I was looking coincidentally at the same time. I bought a GT Avalanche Sport for $400. If I sold right now (never!) I'd sell it for more because I've upgraded the fork, cranks, wheels, tires, stem, handlebars, grips, pedals and drive train. If you pay $1k, which is what I'm into the bike for with all the upgrades, you'd get a lower spec bike than what I built mine into. Now, I wouldn't sell my bike for $1k, but if I were to sell (again, not happening), I'd definitely sell it for more than $400. Ultimately, is take a loss. But some people would probably think I was over valuing the bike.

[@nickjohnson6284]

I ran in to the same thing. Ended up getting a brand new bike because used bikes weren't really that great of a deal with the sales manufacturers are running

[@Chasing-Daydream]

We only had to make it 1:47 seconds into the video to hear him say that .........

[@JourneyToJacked]

I’m totally guilty of this. I tried for months to sell a bike for 2000 bucks but it was ridiculous and then I asked myself what I would pay for it… definitely lost some money on my first bike but I didn’t buy it for equity. I bought it for fun.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

In my region the Laurentians, middle class seasonal tourist trap, pretty healthy MTB community but a lot of newcomers came with fistfuls of dollars during the pandemic and scooped everything high end they could without considering what they actually needed. Now the market is flooded with top notch used bikes at or over retail. Poof the market is dead 😂

[@joeanon3888]

What a gentleman. Not only does Seth cut through the hype and give us all a lesson on what it really takes to get into biking he also gives us a lesson on human decency when it comes to personal commerce/free market economics. This kinda stuff is greatly needed. We need more honesty and decency. This NICA coach truly appreciates it. Thanks Seth!

[@mesiroy1234]

I like shifter chnnale! He is wholsoke , he sying you dont need crabin you dont need , just what you have😊

[@Indicasativa55]

I can’t start now as it’s midnight

[@matthewcoronado8467]

12:14 your right lmfaooo

[@atticusfinch6038]

Theres headlamps

[@Indicasativa55]

@@atticusfinch6038 yes but being midnight I couldn’t buy a bike to put the headlamps on

[@goldenfalcon6702]

11:54 for me rn

[@jusvibin2190]

11:03 for me lol

[@slantedorbit]

Your warnings about bike-like objects not intended for actual use is spot on. More on that please!

[@jokermtb]

This ‘lowly’ GT is actually WAY BETTER than the MTB I bought used in the 80’s, a 1986 specialized Rockhopper (upgraded with a mavic 231 rear rim). This GT would have blown minds 40 years ago when I started really doing this sport….. it’s a perspective most people don’t get.

[@mattyp6908]

Duh. Did mountain bikes even have suspension yet in the 80’s? My first mountain bike in the 90’s (Schwinn) definitely didn’t.

[@jokermtb]

A few did, but they were very rare. My 1993 Scott CST had front suspension, but it was essentially just a spring. Had a 1994 AMP B-3 which was full suspension, and ended up ditching the AMP fork (awful) for the very first Rockshox Judy, which was incredible back then.....it's only gotten better. Still, this GT would have had everyone drooling back in the late 80's/early 90's, as aluminum framed bikes were still 'premium', if you can believe it.@@mattyp6908

[@mikeriley1475]

@@mattyp6908 I remember seeing front forks show up en-masse with the rockshox elastomer shocks in the early-mid 90's. Quad 21? I'd have to look it up now, but it was something like that. I think they were yellow to start, then grey. Something like 50mm of travel. I still have a 97 Stumpjumper with a Judy XC on it (65mm of travel! lol) that has an oil damper. Still works too, I just rebuilt it and swapped the elastomer stack for springs.

[@mattyp6908]

@@mikeriley1475 yeah that i know to be true but i was specifically referring to the 80’s. thanks for the reply tho

[@jokermtb]

who the hell is jesus?@enriqueamaya3883

[@alexford5214]

One of your best videos to date. I especially loved using tact, when making offers. You converted my wife to not only try and now love MTB riding but now she wants to build trails on our property. You really are the ambassador of mountain biking.

[@AaronHendu]

Always use tact...I have even made offers on overpriced stuff, linked them to where I could buy it elsewhere or what similar items are currently selling for. Most people are easy to deal with if you are. Saw a tablet on Kijiji recently...overpriced cause Walmart had an online only sale of the same item...linked it to him...accepted my (reasonable and informed) offer. Normal stuff. Some people are really irritating and impolite to deal with on some of those sites so I dont even waste my time with those people. There are enough pleasant people who know some basic communication skills to never deal with the idiots. I dont mind making them feel dumb though, either. The amount of, "accept my $20 offer for your PS5 or you are a jerk" type stuff is agravating, but easy to ignore.

[@alexford5214]

Not necessarily. People are in different financial situations and can afford what they can afford. All you can do is be polite and ask. Being complimentary these days, is so rare, that the act alone, could sway a seller. @@GNMi79

[@rawolf1475]

Okay - this seems like really uncanny timing. I’ve been going through a really rough patch in life; and recently, the Whistler video was recommended to me again after a long time of falling off the main channel, which led me into a binge-and-rewatch episode of basically every video on the channel, and on BPE. It has reinvigorated my love for bikes that I’ve always had but lost once I started working and the life grind began. I’ve watched this video twice just today since it dropped. Thank you for your work, Seth - as well as everyone else on your team and everyone responsible for making these videos happen. I really needed these uploads.

[@nathankveene]

Just got a new to me bike off Marketplace today, and I absolutely used Seth's message as the core of my offer.

[@ianlandry72]

This has to be the best advice for getting into mountain biking out there right now! I always have problems with looking up reviews on what bike is the best in its class and what components are better than others until my brain gets numb. JUST BUY A BIKE!! This is literally a once in a lifetime situation and we all need to take advantage of it if you can!!

[@greggoldman893]

Ten minutes with Seth, the next best thing to ten minutes actually on a bike.

[@gavinjcooke]

I wanted to start biking but I was reluctant to spend the cash on a new bike because I was worried I'd get bored of it. A friend kindly gave me an old rickety mountain bike and I loved that thing. It didn't take long before it fell apart but I rode it everyday. I saw a GT Avalanche 2.0 in my local Cash Converters for £80 so I snapped that right up. I love it. It might not be the newest or best but it gets me around and fitter. As long as you don't "need" the latest and greatest bikes, just get an old one. As long as it works and if it doesn't work so well you can learn to upgrade it

[@LordVarkson]

TIL you get cashies in the UK.

[@gavinjcooke]

@@LordVarkson Yep, they're called Cash Generator. The one near me is anyway

[@normadicn5700]

I got a Carrera Vengeance. I don't expect to do technical things but couldn't do easy trails with my road bike.

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

Can I give a quick disclaimer if you get a used mountain bike Make sure you go through with an Allen wrench and tighten every nut and bolt on that bike and adjust it to your specs. Before you take it out for a ride. 🙃🙃🙃😁💯

[@banana122049]

For any newbies in here!! I've gone back to simple cheap bikes after years of thinking I need the most expensive and new tech. I realized that even some 90's bikes are an absolute hoot on the trail too, and are a bargain of a deal. I mean I'm on the trail and having a great time on a 75 dollar 91' GT!

[@littledevilchris666]

Second hand market is literally insane , I have just built a nukeproof scout with lyrik ultimates , hope wheels , dropper post , gx gearing , magura brakes for under a grand . I will never have the ability to ride this bike to its full extent.

[@SidiNic]

That is insane, here people think they have gold in their hands for old equipment. They lost to much money with their covid purchases

[@littledevilchris666]

@@SidiNic il post a video of it soon , I think with wiggle and crc going under it’s just caused the second hand market to literally crash. Brand new scout v3 frame was £250 Maguras with rotors & bolts and spacer plates (still have the new sticker on the disc) £100 SRAM gx cassette good condition £30 Lyriks £300 like new condition Hope wheels pro 4 rear hub , dt Swiss rims abd Michelin wild enduro tyres £200 Dropper post on sale £70 Saddle nukeproof £8 Nukeproof clamp £2.99 Headset included Bottom bracket nukeproof £7.99 Recycled bars and stem & grips 35mm Chainset gx sram bar cassette £100 So yea bout a 1k

[@B.Lotvs_MTB]

Mountain Biking changed my life! You’re the man, Seth! Thank you!

[@IvailoPeshev-bt3kt]

Impressed you could get a 150$ bike with thru axle !

[@KristofferYiFredriksson]

Seth... I've gotta be honest with you. I'll never start mountain biking. But I'll never stop watching your channel either. You are my comfort food.

[@MudmanDH]

Try e-bikes 😬🤙🏻

[@randomncsartist]

i've been watching mountain bike videos for about a month or two now, i really want to ride some trails but can't as my current mountain bike is too small. i've been borrowing a fully rigid hybrid bike to use and i've practised on my local pump track, but super hyped for christmas since i asked for a hardtail! i pretty much know everything i need to all thanks to your and many others' videos now all i need is the bike. keep up the amazing videos!

[@Sirmellowman]

I literally just a few days ago picked up a carbon frame Niner Rip 9 for 550 dollars...literally just needed brake pads and the rear brake bled. I cannot believe I own this bike for the money I paid, its like a dream. its my first full suspension bike and I had been looking at them for years and found this its like my dreams were answered.

[@aronnewell1736]

In 2016, I bought a new 2015 gt Ricochet Hardtail for 452.00 USD. I still have it and still love it! In fact, I'm sure watching your videos back then inspired me to buy it!😅Although the only thing original today is the crankset, it's more capable now and really fun to ride. It was still a great bike with original equipment and a great starter bike for me. It's cool to see you have one!😁

[@BodieMTB]

this is what all the "other" youtube channels need to see when they make "budget" bike videos that actually cost 1500 bucks and used expensive parts from the bike bin lol

[@MTB_CRZY]

Everyones "budget" is different. To you, this is a budget bike. To an "elite cyclist" they wouldnt even throw a leg over this bike because its so cheap. It doesnt have electronic shifting, slack geometry and fox suspension, etc. Some people "budget" to spend whatever they can afford and that term doesnt really mean value like it should. Performance per dollar is what most people care about.

[@grumpy-dad3701]

​@@MTB_CRZY1500 is not a budget bike.

[@MTB_CRZY]

@@grumpy-dad3701 to YOU, 1500 is not budget. To ME it is. A budget is whatever you can afford. I believe the term you are looking for is "performance per dollar" and thats if you are in the US. In the grand scheme of bikes, $1500 is not a lot but it also doesnt mean you cant get a great bike for that either.

[@grumpy-dad3701]

@@MTB_CRZY I totally get the pricing and how they class these prices. Which is classed and generalised by the industry itself. It's only budget when compared to a 15k bike.

[@johniceland5027]

I got a GT Aggressor in winter of 2018. I don't really plan to ride real MTB trails anytime soon, but I love it for road biking around my steep neighborhood hills (with no shoulder, so I sometimes have to stop in the grass). While I know a road bike would be better suited, they are a lot more expensive both upfront and to maintain than my bike. So, for those looking to get into ANY kind of biking, I'd highly recommend one of these cheap hardtails, it gives you so much flexibility than a pricier road or mountain bike would be.

[@No_ReGretzky99]

Inhad a GT saddleback im 38 it was when i was 13 or 14

[@MonkeyShred]

This struck a cord 😅 the whole vid is spot on. It was recently a shock to see a massive bike website, CRC/Wiggle, announcing that they’ve made a huge loss, are up for sale and are having a warehouse blowout. But then again, I’ve seen it in the used market too exactly as you put. It’s a buyers market, nothing is selling but if it does sell, it has to be CHEAP… apart from the market being flooded with pandemic bugs for full price. It sucks. I’d definitely recommend taking your advice on messaging sellers too. I’m sick of people messaging me with lowball offers and no small talk. Until recently when I had someone message me, struck up a conversation and gave me a good offer. I told him because he did exactly that - he can have an extra £20 off for being nice 😅

[@nbombb]

Seth, thank you for making content that's informative, ACCESSIBLE, and entertaining. I credit you (and moving out of the city to a more MTB-friendly area, but I digress) with rekindling my interest in mountain biking after over 15 years away. Within the next year or two, I hope to be one of the guys that's comfortable working on and modding their own bike, haha. Cheers!

[@alexperez4408]

So....I'm going to endo into a hip jump from the Jesus comment....no offense but staying in topic here. I also want to learn hot to better maintain my bike. As an prior Air Force maintenance guy I miss working with tools and this might be my fix. I think that's another reason why I'd like to learn more on Seth's channel.

[@nbombb]

@@alexperez4408 Yeah man. I have a car I love to work on, but it can just be too difficult at times. I hope gaining some bike maintenance skills will be a good middle ground that I can use much more easily and frequently.

[@cheeseman4654]

I recently bought a 2021 vitus mythique 27 vxr from a local bloke, it had under 60 miles on it and even the nobles on the tyres. The total cost was £980, which he paid 1.8k only a year and a bit ago.

[@Willy-Wind]

I bought my first MTB a couple of weeks ago! (I’m not counting the one I had in the 90s that didn’t even see a dirt trail…). I did what he said: bought a newish bike in good condition, not too expensive, hardtail. I did my research and was patient. 29er Rockhopper with air suspension. Really happy and impressed with the bike. Mountain biking rocks!

[@OldFatSlow72]

Love the smooth jazz. It REALLY gets me in the mood😅

[@manutara2007]

This video is a perfect refresh. Thanks Seth. Best content in this platform ever. I think I've been following you for the past 8 years. And you even encouraged me to get on the bike again.

[@alexperez4408]

Between this video and a few others of his, I'm grateful for my neighbor introducing me to Seth's channel. I'm even more stoked about him being in NC. I took to the marketplace myself to give me an upgrade on my bike 2010ish Trek 4500 to get something more to date geometry wise. It didn't go well, I felt like a scumbag, pissed some folks off, and I just purchased a new entry level bike at a discount anyway. I think I could have followed Seth's script a little closer, but so many bikes out there asking for more than I could have gotten new online...it was an easy choice to just pick on of the bikes he and a few others talked about.

[@davomoto42]

I bought a GT Pantera 27.5+ in 2020 right before the pandemic. It was actually just about the exact same as this bike, color and everything. I upgraded the fork, brakes, and drivetrain and raced it for a year before selling it last year for a profit. It was a fantastic starter bike.

[@paulsergile3487]

I got that exact bike as my first real mountain bike back in 2019. Mine was branded as a GT Pantera, but they were the same. I upgraded it with hydraulic brakes, dropper post, shimano slx 1x11, and tubeless. It was a great bike! I still have it, but have gone up to a Polygon Siskiu T8 full suspension bike. Ride on! Love your content, Seth!

[@martinezfamily9384]

Ditto.... but for my 11 speed is Box as recommended by Seth!

[@burrellbikes4969]

He’s right - there is a flood of bikes and parts all over the intra-web. I kinda wonder if Seth saw some of the writing on the wall and realized he needed a diverse income base. Hence the Ranger Station and such.

[@chisauking]

Lots of "experts" blamed expensive mtb for the collapse of the industry...... but you just proved them wrong. Just over $100 to get started in this wonderful sport. I'm taking advantage of this situation. I've been buying up bikes and parts at bargain prices. Yipppeeee

[@robertdiaz937]

every time i watch seth i have to remind myself that im not the size and weight of a dwarf.... honestly it helps in shredding the way he does

[@yardsalecycles]

Used bike prices are crazy right now (especially during the holidays) but you are right with everyone that bought during the pandemic are now trying to sell them

[@Josukegaming]

Thank you so much for your dedication to getting more people on bikes!

[@bogdanvlad9165]

Great video Seth, this is guy is gonna be the worlds most famous mountain biker , best ambassador for the sport without riding as a pro, the man knows how to stay afloat , just doing riding videos would get boring really quick but he keeps finding subjects that are interesting.

[@FOGELL_TheGreat]

I have the same bike in 2019 it was 950$ brand new, I still have it and maintain it and slowly upgraded it , makes a good half decent trail bike

[@justtryit4057]

Hey Seth I have been watching your videos since you lived in Florida and I watched your whole enchilada video and the how to buy a mountain bike that was posted near it. It inspired me to buy my own mountain bike, and i am still at it all these years after, thanks for inspiring me! PS. I rode the whole enchilada last year.

[@jasondonald2028]

Funny enough, the day before you posted this, I found a used but near mint Release 3 about 15 minutes from the house. Guy wanted $1400 and threw in a BUNCH of extra stuff like a repair stand, road wheels, tools, bleed kits and a big jug of Slime! And it fit me perfect! Too good to pass up! Not to mention the guy is cool as hell.

[@Milkshakes-Den]

I have a silverback stride sport, worth €800 and it’s incredible, great parts and looks beautiful! Recently they made a new generation of the stride sport, dropping the old ones price Black Friday came putting the bike at €299! Still not super cheap but so much better than before and it’s a good quality bike.

[@DikeSauce]

That GT is the bike that got me into the sport, and your videos were my tutorials. Two bikes, some love scars, and 100s of miles of riding later, and I’ve been hooked!

[@viper-sh9ys]

A co-worker was going to donate a GT Mountain Bike and said I could just have it, if I wanted. Now... I need to clean it up and get it ready. Going to watch your "restore" video now. Thanks.

[@fatbikedad384]

Seth, you just made the best video for people who want to get into the sport. I am a long term mountain biker with a garage that looks like a high end bike shop. I love it but no one needs that to enjoy the sport. @ new mountain bikers: follow the advice in this video and get riding to discover one of the best activities out there!

[@nicowallace6409]

Just got my first mountain bike for $200 USD!! It’s a 2018 specialized pitch comp. Couldn’t be more happy with my purchase

[@Duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]

Best mountain biking video ever, no doubt, 100%

[@Sam97979]

Congrats on 1 million!!! You inspired me to start riding way back in 2016. I still use some of the parts you recommended in 2017. You're awesome

[@______567]

I started watching him in 2021

[@jules5037]

Love the whole message of the video ! Especially the "nice message on facebook marketplace" thing, we recieve so many time when we are selling people's message juste asking for a crazy price that make us forget that it is for a thing that we use to and still love : our bike ! At least if you want to negociate, respect the seller and the bike

[@CrimsonOcean75]

Throwing my hat into the ring, I took my first ride on a friends tricked out hardtail and knew I need my own. so after a couple more rides I a got a norco torrent s2, since I was already riding some of the easier black trails and knew I needed something really capable, and I couldn’t be happier

[@Max78912]

Seth cares a lot about mountain biking he just wants people to ride and have fun It's nice to see something so wholesome

[@rethridermtb3262]

This has to be one of the best videos I've ever seen to encourage someone to get into this sport. Unfortunately (or fortunately), pretty much everyone I know has already partaken of the MTB KoolAid. If I do run into someone that is "on the fence", I will definitely recommend this video!

[@nunziotocci1839]

I've been looking for deals on FB every day for over a month now because my brother has been wanting a bike, and I knew that Christmas would be propping up prices a bit and I was anticipating a mild dip afterwards. A couple days ago, I ended up finding a Giant Talon in his size listed for $125 in basically brand new condition. He picked it up and it really is basically unridden. Shifts like a dream, the brakes work and the tires are still fresh. The moral of the story is that sometimes you just need to be consistent and have patience in order to get a deal.

[@myix.mp4990]

I’m in highschool and your videos have motivated me to start saving money for a mountain bike

[@communityprepper6153]

MB when i was younger; with a brief stint riding BMX on ramps and tricks.....like 20 years ago. Recently I've found myself living In Asheville NC and I find out that there's a TON a great trails around here. Getting back into it now and I'll be purchasing a new hard tail soon. Can't wait to get back out on the dirt and rocks. New State, New Me!

[@MrDocSeus]

I bought a GT Avalanche Sport from Dicks direct to consumer during the pandemic for just shy of $1G. It was the higher trim level with 29ers and a 1x Deore drivetrain and hydros. I loved that bike, but my ‘95 GT Tequesta was seeing more seat time so I sold it about a year later for $700. I’m super glad I did and didn’t let it depreciate, and got a gravel bike with the funds.

[@davidchan6265]

I picked up one of these GTs as my first bike after not riding for a few years. A few cheap upgrades and i had a solid ride that I could bomb down my local trails with.

[@korcommander]

I actually got a deal during the pandemic. I got an e11even 11spd, hydraulic brake equipped, tapered head tube, 29er for $660 when I went to a bike shop in a higher end part of town. Those people were turning their nose up at it because it wasn't a specialized or giant. It's a solid machine with all standard parts.

[@FilNenna]

"Head for the hills" sounds like a good thing in this context

[@cborecky]

One of the main barriers I've noticed is there's a lack of NOOB trails. Like flat stuff with no big jumps. All the money is going into the sort of thing that makes YT videos, but that also means my buddies are intimidated out of even starting because the easiest trails I can take them to are too hard for a noobie.

[@basicallybiking2429]

Will say think that more on just where you live or sum cause around my town and surrounding is almost all like a flat and easy trails very lacking here jumps or anything more technical

[@cborecky]

@@basicallybiking2429 interesting perspective. I live in an area of hills, not mountains, so perhaps we over compensate.

[@superoverdue5286]

This is what it's all about. Not that 1000s of $$s nonsense no one really actually needs, and that borders on insanity. Well done

[@mattesama]

Thanks Jake for converting me into a MTBer by sharing this video with me

[@MasterXUnicorn]

Hey Seth. I watched this video and just lowballed a guy (respectfully)on an older MTB that had been up for a while. He said yes and didn't seem upset by my message!

[@Mclovinthedank]

You got me to buy a diamondback response way back in 2017. Still my only mountain bike. This was right before a trailhead opened about 10 miles from my house. We now have 30-40 miles of single track, and my 6 year old bike is still kicking!

[@madtownangler]

Luckily for me I live in a college town with lots of poor people and lots of really rich people. The shop just a few blocks away from me is always full of people and I also have the largest used bike shop in the United States maybe three miles away.

[@brv002]

I have the 2019 GT Pantera and it's basically the same bike just sold from different retailers. Got it for $300 right before the pandemic and I've updated just about everything but the saddle, lol. It's a do it all bike and it's been able to handle just about everything I've ventured to including lite bikepacking. Came with tapared headtube (44-56mm), internal dp routing, and boost spacing before it was popular on a big box bike. Looking forward to see what updates you come up with, there are so many possibilities with this bike.

[@AJGotGames]

As someone looking to now get into mountain biking and trying to take advantage of marketplace deals, thank you for this video! I really found myself overwhelmed by options at first.

[@bradweaver6124]

My son started on this same bike 2 years ago. We found it used for $250 and swapped in a 1x drivetrain, some take off hydraulic brakes, and a Rock Shox Reba fork for a fantastic deal on a nice hardtail.

[@Trails_trout]

Already started and have a nice full squish

[@rdawson808]

For a brand new rider with no mechanic skills, etc. I'd recommend looking for your local Bike Kitchen or Coop. Where I volunteer, everything we sell has been given a tune-up, broken bits either fixed or replaced, and has had a safety check. Plus, for a small shop fee ($5!) you can come back and learn to do that basic work without having to buy tools.

[@45eno]

Picking up a 2016 Specialized Hardrock 29r Medium for $20 in a week from now. Snagged a 2019 Cannondale Cujo 1 for $320 almost like new. 2022 Kona Lanai Small for $140. Most of these are for very casual family trail riding but the Cujo was my new Mtn Bike and with it well equipped for $320 I am very happy.

[@mikeriley1475]

Recently picked up a couple of early 2000's Treks I'm rebuilding for a friends kids. Got them both really cheap (like 30 ea) and they basically just needed a lot of servicing (bearing grease, fork service etc). I'm hoping to get a few started young, and it's a heck of a lot cheaper (and lighter) than stuff like the pre-caliber which is a 32lb kids bike. Sure the geo is dated, but at least when they are first starting out on more mellow trails Im not sure it'll matter much. In a year or so when they've outgrown these things we can look for something much newer. Anyway; great video, and excellent reminder to be civil when dealing with others. Everyone wants a deal, but that's never a reason to be rude.

[@rubenmoralesforte2376]

Amazing content, as usual. Learned it the hard way when I bought a new 26er that had been in the shop since 2014 for 650 during peak pandemic times. It was contextual and got me into biking. Eighteen months later ended up with an awesome deal for a used Niner. Wish I knew about the channel back then.

[@plokmko0]

Another fine video from the Seth, KUTGW !!! Got my GT 29er on FBM for $80, walked there and rode it back with one brake barely working and was tickled. Adding an air fork and hydraulic brakes it becomes a ripper for less than $300 with new grips and tires

[@mikehammer4546]

Thanks for the sound advice for a beginner like me. I just picked up a 2014 GT Karakoram Comp for $30, it’s got some issues but looks like it will be a great first time MTB for me.

[@mikehoffman7131]

I was able to pick up a GT Aggressor Pro from 2021 in the end of the summer for $25. About the same condition as this one and it is awesome. Converted to a 1x drivetrain, upgraded seat, grips, cleaned it up, tuned it up, new tires and all good to go. Thinking about it, it was the same model from one of the flip bike episodes

[@predictiveprogramming3760]

Congrats. You bought a stolen bike.

[@gavinjcooke]

I managed to get hold of a 2012 GT Avalanche 2.0 for less than $100 and I love that thing.

[@TanJ197]

I’m a “buy new” guy. There’s great deals out there right now. Just bought my wife a Trek Roscoe 7 for $970!

[@dereckkeaton7473]

I ended up getting a good deal on a Giant Fathom as a starter. I used Bicycle Blue Book to give me an idea on price. I respectfully notified the seller that they were asking a bit much for the bike based on what I saw and we ended up negotiating and from what I can tell, both walked away feeling like a good deal was made. I know that Seth has said that BBB can be misleading, but can also give someone with less experience a good starting point for negotiation. Just a tip for those who made not have heard of it!

[@georgekrisanda2481]

Great video great advice. I’m new to the biking thing and enjoy it very much. In my area there are a lot of old railroad beds and a few are being converted to biking trails. A few years ago I bought a GT off of Craigslist for 125$ and after a few minor upgrades and some new bearings it is still the best 125 I invested. If you look around there are still some really good deals out there. Funny story behind buying my bike…That morning I spent $10 on lottery scratch tickets and ended up winning $150 so the bike really only cost me $10 bucks 😮😮 Anyway the deals are out there … happy biking 🚴

[@colemorgan889]

Went out for the first time today. Ate shit on a wall, fell off every skinny, landed a jump on my seat, and had a great time! I'm going back again next week. Hopefully I make it over more obstacles than I fall off of next time, lol.

[@user-wj5cx2zp7v]

I have an Orbea MX that I bought 3 months ago - the guy sold it to me for 200 off just to get rid of it as it had been sitting in it's box unsold since 2020. I have no hesitation to ride in the cold or the dark, I quite like riding during dusk or night time. And whilst I do miss the summer, there is always next summer.

[@YourNickIsTaken]

This was amazing! Getting into mountain biking is affordable now.

[@MovewithmeFit]

Loved this video!!! Just picked up a used for $700. Cant wait to get started with friends!

[@Viceghost305]

Congrats on 1M Seth n team south Florida misses you … recovering from ankle surgery rn but can’t wait to get back to riding keep it up

[@Collegealgebra17]

wish you the best bro

[@Viceghost305]

Thanks bro 👏

[@CobHes]

i started REALLY riding on a walmart axum, completely upgraded (budgetly) and i rode alot. i put atleast 1000mi on it and i miss that bike. highly recommend. you dont need a expensive bike to ride

[@gmatos123]

Seth, you’re epic for making these videos for common people.

[@danman1032]

I’ve had my 2017 aggressor pro since it came out that year, and honestly with a few upgrades this bike can shred lol.

[@tongalizia3175]

Respectfully,,,, I’ve been a roadie since 1978. This is the best video I’ve seen In a very long time …now I’m wondering how’s the grass on the other side of the mountain. Traveling thru the mountain versus going around the it on road…

[@dstl4]

Love my GT Pantera! Nobody gives it the respect it deserves!

[@strawbunyan7671]

I just bought an Eastern Alpaka with all the modern tech(though generic)at 50% off, shipped free, brand new. Im all in with helmet,knee pads, flat tire kit and snacks for 550 dollars.🎉

[@deronkimball]

Outstanding video, Seth. This will, without a doubt, help and inspire those curious to be encouraged. Well done (as always)!

[@jacklovell5756]

i just bought a mountain bike and pretty much immediately broke my collarbone on it, keen to get on the trails again though!

[@SugoDiGatto]

I managed to snag an upgraded 15 y.o. fully for a nice price just out of the pandemic when everything would have cost at least twice the amount; the seller told me he had bought it used a few months prior for 3x what he was selling it for during the pandemic! It had roadie parts on, like clipless pedals, long low stem, skinny road tyres; I doubt it had ever been offroads, truly a weird setup. Now it finally rides where it belongs!

[@anthonybell3335]

I picked up a GT Karokoram in the spring and had more seat-time over the summer than the last 20 years combined! I'm back bay-bee :)

[@TheBikingFellow]

This is the bike I started on a year ago. I got mine for 250, and it was the perfect bike to start on

[@corydalus981]

"Greatest activity in the world?" Yeah, I'd have to agree! It's been a life-changing experience for me.

[@robertmedlen8289]

Excellent video Seth, I’ve been watching since the beginning of Seth’s Bike Hacks, I currently ride an RSD Sergeant, but I also enjoy my dads old fully rigid haro with v brakes and thumb shifters and my 24” BMX Cruiser, etc, etc. You can have an absolute ball on just about any bike. I Appreciate how you’re encouraging people to take up what is an absolutely awesome sport!!

[@ChrisRidesHisBike]

I have that bike. The biggest problem with it was Dicks Sporting goods and the general incompetence of the assembler/bike technician they had at the time.

[@lavapix]

Mountain biking has always helped my surfing.

[@VincentSparks-k7j]

Great Video! You should do one on the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 10 27.5+