Finding Your Carbon Fiber Frame Mountain Bike on eBay
Whether you're a competitive mountain biker or a recreational rider who wants a higher-performance bike, a carbon fiber bicycle is sure to improve your ride. eBay offers a wide range of carbon fiber bike frames for mountain biking. Here's how to find the right one for you at a price you can afford.
Manufacturers of carbon fiber mountain bikesCarbon mountain bike frame durability is unparalleled, and since carbon isn't necessarily a cheap material, most available frames offer good value. Many different manufacturers offer carbon fiber bikes. Here are some of the manufacturers you're likely to see on eBay:
- Cannondale
- Trek
- Giant
- Klein
- Scott
When purchasing a new or used mountain bike, you'll see listings for two kinds of suspension: hardtail and full suspension. A hardtail bike has a suspension at the fork, but none at the back. A full suspension has both. While which one you buy usually comes down to personal preference, each has its advantages. A full suspension offers a more cushioned ride, while a hardtail bike is usually lighter in weight. However, hardtail bikes also tend to be a little less expensive. If you're a recreational rider who doesn't ride on excessively bumpy surfaces, a hardtail may be a better choice. If comfort is the ultimate goal, a full suspension is likely your answer.
Buying new versus buying usedAs with many carbon fiber frame mountain bikes offered on eBay, you usually have the option of buying used or new. Buying used may save you money, and there are plenty of deals to be found on preowned mountain bikes. However, there are a few things to look for when buying used:
- Wreck history: A bike that has been wrecked will usually look fine from the outside. However, a wreck is likely to compromise the integrity of the frame.
- Modifications: Many riders customize their bikes, and many modifications they choose are upgrades from factory parts. When reading listings, look closely to see if modifications have been made.
- Mileage: While there's nothing inherently wrong with buying a mountain bike with a lot of miles, this also means the frame has been subjected to more stress.
- Overall condition: Check both photos and listings to verify that the bike is in good condition. It’s important to look for any scrapes, dents, and issues with the chain in particular.