Bike Sell/buying/ rookie mistake

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    • #229391

      I bought a Large 2016 Ibis Mojo HD3 Special Blend about a year ago for $3899. This was my first real deal bike. After putting a little under 100hrs on the bike I am realizing a few things.

      #1. I should have got a medium frame instead (I’m 5’9” ish and on the cusp)

      2. The bike is overkill for what I ride (I knew this when I bought it, but was going traveling out west)

      3. The bike does not climb as well as I would like for my local trails.

      Now im considering selling the bike, and I’m I have no clue what price to put on it or if I should just trade it in. It’s in perfect condition. Never even laid it down once.

      I’ve also considered just buying  new frame.

      The bikes I’m considering are the Yeti SB5,  Santa Cruz 5010 or Bronson, and maybe even the Mojo 3.

      Lots of stuff packed into one post. I appreciate all of you guys and gals opinions. Please share openly!

      Thanks,

      Ben

      [email protected]

       

    • #229392

      Before selling, bikes lose a lot of value the first year, try sliding the seat forward as much as possible on the rails. Also what size is the stem and how wide are the bars. If you can fit a shorter stem and narrower bars the fit might be better. As far as the climbing, I would set the sag on the rear to about 15 to 20% and the front to 10% to stiffen up the suspension when you are not riding more technical stuff or when you are riding trails with a lot of climbing and see how that goes.

       

      Either way, look for places to demo before you really decide just which bike to get next.

    • #229393

      Well, that’s 3 strikes, so the Mojo HD3 is out!

      I would say your best bet is to test ride the bikes you’re considering and figure out the right size for each one. Throw out the ones you don’t like based on your test ride, then look at used 2016 models. You’ll recoup roughly 50-60% of the value of the Mojo HD3 by selling it used, but the good news is you should be able to pick up the used Bronson (or 5010, or whatever) at a similarly discounted rate.

      • #229394

        I’m well aware I will be losing money on this deal. But what’s most important to me is the right ride. It has a dropper post on it as well. Would $2800 be a reasonable starting price?

    • #229395

      All the advice you’ve been given is good. I was also going to suggest a shorter stem and moving the seat up…..especially since I’m 5-8 and fit just fine on the large HD3. The medium’s cockpit was too tight for me. I only demo’d it one day but I was also very happy with the way it climbs.

      I think $2800 is a very far price as well though keep in mind, there are (or were) a plethora of HD3’s for sale on PinkBike.

      As far as your future bikes options, everybody likes different bikes, set-ups, etc…but the Yeti SB5C may be the best, most versatile bike I ever owned and is the only bike I regret selling. I replaced it with the 5010 which is also nice but I thought the Yeti’s “fun factor” was higher. zI’ll be getting a new Yeti SB5C Lunch Ride in 2018.

       

       

    • #229396

      I’m well aware I will be losing money on this deal.

      Actually, I wasn’t trying to say that at all (if that’s directed at me.) Sorry if I wasn’t clear. Ideally you’ll come out even-Steven, minus shipping costs at worst.

      My suggestion is to buy a used bike of similar year and spec that costs the same as what you can get for your bike. As far as what price you can get for your bike, it’s hard to say. I’m just basing my estimate on some research we did on average sales prices of 1, 2, and 3 year old used bikes.

    • #229422

      I concur with Alvin and mtnryder, I’m surprise a large Mojo is too large for you.  The Mojo cockpits are usually relatively shorts horizontally.  If you haven’t already, before selling, I would put on the shortest stem possible and scoot the saddle forward some.  You can also cut down your bars too.  I am 5’11”, and my Mojo HD is too short for me in the cockpit.  And every Mojo I have ever ridden or read about is an excellent climber.  And I can also concur with Alvin’s suggestions about setting up the suspension.  I run my stiff on less technical trails, and it rips.

    • #229423

      @bwalter0822:

      “I bought a Large 2016 Ibis Mojo HD3 Special Blend about a year ago for $3899. This was my first real deal bike. After putting a little under 100hrs on the bike I am realizing a few things.

      #1. I should have got a medium frame instead (I’m 5’9” ish and on the cusp)”

      First of all, I really do not think your large HD3 is too, well…large. I too am 5’9 and the bike I ride has a longer effective top tube and reach than the HD3. The shortest stem the Special Blend models were equipped with was a 50mm and at 5’9″ I think that’s too long. I run a 35mm on mine and you can get down to a 32mm without getting into weird handlebars/stem designs. So before putzing with any other bikes try a shorter stem and as noted above, slide your seat forward as far as it will go on the rails.

      Speaking of saddles, be mindful of the seat’s pitch. I run mine 2-3 degrees nose down from level (yes, use a level). This makes it much easier to move forward on the saddle. Your sit bones will be pushed forward as well which I and others have found to be a more powerful riding position.

      “2. The bike is overkill for what I ride (I knew this when I bought it, but was going traveling out west)”

      Oh really? Once you dial in your position, try riding faster and then get back to me. Many would say my bike is overkill for many trails I ride. Sofa king what? I like it and know that I can take it into anything from a ride to a coffee shop double black bike park nonsense and everything in between with total aplomb. I prefer never being able to “out ride” my bike.

      3. The bike does not climb as well as I would like for my local trails.

      See above.

      Now im considering selling the bike, and I’m I have no clue what price to put on it or if I should just trade it in. It’s in perfect condition. Never even laid it down once.

      I’ve also considered just buying  new frame.

      The bikes I’m considering are the Yeti SB5,  Santa Cruz 5010 or Bronson, and maybe even the Mojo 3.

      Unless you figure out your riding riding position changing your bike will only waste your money. The aforementioned bikes will climb no better than your HD3. In particular, The Yeti has virtually the same geometry and is very pricey for not much performance benefit not to mention their durability track record is poor. The Bronson is slacker and if you think the HD3 is overkill the Bronson is way beyond that.  The 5010 is a wee bit steeper and the Mojo 3 is the same as what you have. Having ridden all of those bikes, the HD3 IMHO is the best pedaler of the bunch and is an exceptional climber. The 5010 may be a wee bit better climber, but suffers from the annoying pedal kick back that plagues VPP bikes.

      In the end, do whatever turns you on. Party.

       

      • #229464

        Thanks for the detailed response. I have played with the seat and suspension settings quite a bit. Definitely could play with the suspension settings more though. I currently have the 50mm stem and have considered a 35. However, currently the bike does seem to wander on climbs. But that’s most likely body position and weight distribution. It also feels like the rear end is a bit long for my liking…if that makes sense.

        I really like the 2018 Mojo 3, and that’s kind of the direction I’m leaning at the moment. LBS said they would give me $2500 for my current ride, so that is somewhat tempting.

      • #229467

        @bwalter0822: Thanks for the detailed response. I have played with the seat and suspension settings quite a bit. Definitely could play with the suspension settings more though. I currently have the 50mm stem and have considered a 35. However, currently the bike does seem to wander on climbs. But that’s most likely body position and weight distribution. It also feels like the rear end is a bit long for my liking…if that makes sense.

        I really like the 2018 Mojo 3, and that’s kind of the direction I’m leaning at the moment. LBS said they would give me $2500 for my current ride, so that is somewhat tempting.

        I’ve ridden three different Ibis bikes and the Mojo 3 was the worst climber of the bunch. I don’t know if it was the plus tires or what, but it was not a fast climber. IMHO, if you are set on Ibis bikes and you want something that climbs like a proverbial goat and still rips on the trails then the Ripley LS would be my suggestion. That is one of the most fun 29er trail bikes around. A longer travel version of it would put it in my wheelhouse, but it is by far my favorite thing Ibis has done.

        Getting back to your current steed, 430mm (16.9″) chainstays are by no means long. Once again, my bike having more travel and bigger wheels has the same length chainstays. Also, I cannot stress to you enough the difference in going to a shorter stem will make. If your shop doesn’t have a cheap-o one you can try out (they should) then you can find 35-40mm stems for $40 or less around the web. Again, to each their own, but I am convinced after moving on this year to a longer top tube/reach bike that it’s the way to go. My bike has a 24.9″ (624mm) top tube and a 17″ (432mm) reach and I run a 40mm stem with 800mm bars. Party.

    • #229480

      If you think you like the Mojo 3, DEMO IT….even if you have to pay to demo it…..and not just one day if necessary. Don’t listen to anybody else on what they they is/was the worst climber. It only matter what YOU think.

      My 5-11 buddy that had a large HD3 hated the way it climbed even though I’m 5-8 and was very happy with it the day I rode it. He moved to a large Mojo 3 and absolutely loves it. I recently obtained the new “hot” bike, a Pivot Mach 5.5 on a warranty replacement. Even though all the reviews were great and 98% of buyers were saying it was their favorite bike ever, I wasn’t impressed at all. I dumped that thing after less than (2) months and I’m back to riding my old 5010.

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