Are old Trek mountain bikes any good?

Oddly enough, I've never had a mountain bike.  When I was a kid in the 60s and early 70s we rode all over, but on pre-Gary Fisher balloon-tire old Schwinns.  After that it was an English racer and then on to ten-speeds and such.  In the mid-90s I gradually switched over to hybrids, and then just a few years ago I started riding a road bike again, too.  

Reading about and now watching videos of Big Marsh, which isn't too too far from me, I'm thinking that some mountain-bike lite might be fun.  I won't be doing jumps (at least not on purpose), but I might be able to handle some single-path through the fields, or maybe a little gravel somewhere.  For that I would be looking for a basic used mountain bike.  I like my Trek 730 hybrid, and I'm thinking that a chromoly bike like a Trek 830, 850 or 930 would be a good complement to that.  Plus, I'd know how to work on those already.  I don't think I'd necessarily need a suspension.  I have a couple of suspension seatposts lying around that I might try.  

I'm sure many Chainlinkers, either in the day or recently, have had experience with those old Treks.  Do you think they'd suit my purpose?  I'm certainly open to other suggestions as well.  Just trying to dip my toe in.  Thanks!      

 

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Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on November 15, 2016 at 10:50am

Bingo!

Permalink Reply by djm on November 15, 2016 at 8:51am

Yes, based on 26 years on one.

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on November 15, 2016 at 10:50am

Just the sort of experience I wanted to hear about.  I'll be keeping an eye on Craigslist.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on November 15, 2016 at 12:00pm

What size are you looking for? I've got a 19 inch 930 from 1994 I haven't ridden for about twenty years, and a 17 inch lugged 970 frame from 91.

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on November 15, 2016 at 2:43pm

I'm short with short legs.  I couldn't go more than 16" on something like this, and 15" would be ideal.  Thank you very much for the thought, though!  I'd be all over that 930 if I could get on it without a stepstool.

Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on November 15, 2016 at 10:17pm

I love my 1991 lugged white 950 Trek. True Temper tubing made in USA. It's an excellent frame, and highly underrated. Converted it to a touring bike, and rode it from Austin, TX to Mexico City this past summer. 26 inch wheels is the way to go if you're touring in Latin America. 

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Permalink Reply by Ken on November 16, 2016 at 4:15am

Jim - I have a complete Trek 950, I believe 1992, Black Forest Green. I'd have to check the size, but it's either the 15" or 16.5" frame - fully-lugged, Wisconsin-made. I rode it for many years, as an all-rounder and commuter. All original components, including the original knobby tires, but has street tires on it now. I've kept it with the thought I might work on it someday. Let me know if you're interested - I'd rather it be enjoyed than hanging in my storage room.

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on November 16, 2016 at 7:30am

Could you let me know the exact frame size?  Thanks!  

Permalink Reply by Ken on November 16, 2016 at 8:17am

Will do.

Permalink Reply by OLB 0.1 on November 16, 2016 at 5:59am

I think using wide, high volume tires at a lower pressure will give you enough suspension for your intended use. These old MTBs are widely available at very reasonable prices. Even with the added cost of a tuneup and decent tires, you can try single track for a pretty low cost. If you don't like it, it should be easy enough to re-sell for a small loss.

Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on November 16, 2016 at 8:00am

You can have plenty of fun at Big Marsh with a simple MTB (even with a rigid fork) or Cyclocross bike. The pump track and the small jumps (more like larger rollers) are totally doable. The single track also would be very friendly. 

Permalink Reply by Scott Chillson on November 17, 2016 at 3:28pm

I pulled this Gary Fisher out of the trash a few years ago and made it into a single speed. Works great on any midwest trail, I even take it up to Kettle. Nice thing about 26" wheels is that they're cheap to buy used, and tires are almost free if you hit up garage sales and stuff. I have a rack and fenders for it so it can be a winter commuter too. You can def get a solid vintage MTB for under $250 that will be tons of fun at Big Marsh or any trail within driving distance. 

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