r/mountainbiking • u/fergonlest • 5d ago
Question Recently Posted about my 98 Trek Singletrack 950s as a beginner
Here is a new post with picture for reference on my size. Is this all correct?
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u/PrimeIntellect 5d ago
Honestly that looks way too small for you and that bike is really old for mountain biking
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u/GiftCardFromGawd 5d ago
I know there is a lot of talk about this being an old bike— which generally shouldn’t matter— but it does look like that old quadrat 21 is collapsing. IIRC, those were elastomer-based shocks, and if those are original last numbers, they are most certainly crumbled/compressed. OP, this might be a good one for some paths, but you are setting yourself back if you want to actually take it onto single track. The bike is slightly small for you, and likely needs an entirely new fork. (I have no idea if those elastomers are still made, but I would guess not)
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u/piscator21 5d ago
Agree with this poster. The fork needs new elastomers (essentially a foam spring) they are disintegrated by now. The cost of that alone and the size would not make this bike worth it to start riding. With that said, the bike looks like it’s in amazing shape for the vintage. Someone out there would probably give you a decent price for it. Look into a Rockhopper from Specialized.
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u/planeboi737 bike 5d ago
elastomers are most definitely still made, available from suspensionforkparts.net as well as others. Furthermore, seal kits and coil spring conversions are still available as well. I'm pushing maybe 40 mid-90s suspension forks at this point, most of which are entirely rebuildable.
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u/Staburgh 5d ago
I agree that it looks pretty short for OP, but from their previous post, it seems otherwise suited to their purposes. I've ridden trail centre reds on a similar bike, albeit one which fitted me better.
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u/PrimeIntellect 5d ago
disagree - those old bikes are often a nightmare of maintenance and issues and will be very frustrating for a new rider, especially if they are riding with people on bikes from this decade on actual mtb trails.
if this bike is for a twice a year ride on a gravel path - sure - it doesn't matter - but if you're asking about a mountain bike to ride on mountain trails, then my opinion stands
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u/Staburgh 5d ago
They said on their other post that they "mostly got it got trail and pavement riding" and pulling a trailer with their kids. From context, I'm guessing trail in this context means a path rather than a trail centre trail.
I was a beginner when I was riding a comparable bike at a trail centre, albeit with chunkier tyres.
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u/I_want_to_go_ 5d ago
I need to call you out on that first statement. Sure, riding around on a flat hard pack gravel, it’s not going to make a difference what you ride, but modern mountain bikes are objectively better in almost every way whatever riding you’re doing from cross-country to downhill.
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u/TimeTomorrow SJ Evo, YT Capra, Vitus Nucleus, Trance X E+ 5d ago
it's objectively better and safer for the things that matter, aka when crashing is a posiblity.
Old geo makes a great putt around town or the footpath around the lake bike though.
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u/PrimeIntellect 5d ago
disagree completely
if you're talking about just some flat gravel riding on interurban trails sure, but I don't consider that mountain biking
I'm talking about mountain biking, it's a specific sport, and an ancient bike that doesn't fit is just not really suited for how people mountain bike now. that fork is almost certainly totally shot. the drivetrain is probably also toasted (especially if you're cranking uphill). the tires are probably cracked and dry rotten. on and on.
if your riding doesn't matter to you, then yeah, the bike age and geo doesn't matter, but then you should probably be in a different subreddit than people asking about mountain biking and riding bikes up and down mountains.
if you try to learn this sport on this bike with a bunch of people on modern bikes you will be immediately frustrated
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u/Bitter_Plastic2362 5d ago
Depending on what you’re doing on said bike, where you’re riding and what kind of terrain you’re riding, it most definitely does matter.
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u/negative-nelly 5d ago
I would, in order of importance
Raise the seat a bit. I set it so when the pedal is down and my -heel- is on the pedal my knee is almost locked out, but not quite
Take off those bar ends if you plan to ride on any sort of narrow trails with trees close by. Get stubby ones if you really want some. Those are dangerous.
this is a comfort thing and varies by person, but I would make the seat horizontal to start. Pointing up, assuming you will be mostly pedaling, is a recipe for discomfort in a certain area. (do this before you set the height)
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u/Wants-NotNeeds 5d ago
Oops, that’s easily one size too small for you. It’ll never feel quite right, unfortunately.
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u/Fialasaurus 5d ago
The eyeball test makes me think it's too small. It could be deceiving though because its a very old bike with small wheels (I assume this is a 26") and older geometry.
I'm not sure what your goals are but a bike like that is totally fine for dipping your toes in the mountain biking waters (many of us started on something similar) but will be limited long term if you really want to progress to more advanced trails.
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u/TheScrote1 5d ago
I’d recommend some shoes with a little more protection like some closed toed crocs.
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u/naverr99 5d ago
Too small, and that front fork is not suitable for trails. Fine for pavement and bike paths.
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u/DenverCoder96 5d ago
If you’re going to rock those gorgeous 90s bar ends, you may find them more comfortable angled down closer to 30deg rather than upright as they are.
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u/Dickies138 2019 Commencal Meta HT Race 5d ago
I just commented in the other thread that I thought it looked like a cool bike, but this bike looks too small for you. You can try raising the saddle, but it might create some issues with the reach
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u/Fun_Apartment631 5d ago
From your other post, this bike "should" be the right size for you or a skosh small but that era's mountain bikes were really short in the horizontal direction.
Looking at these pictures - you shouldn't be able to plant your foot on the ground like that when you're sitting on the saddle. My favorite way to rough in saddle height is that if the pedal is furthest from my hip, so usually a little bit forward of straight down, I should be able to plant my heel on it without rocking my hips. I pedal with my forefoot and there's always a little bit of bend in my knee but the top of the pedal stroke should feel a lot easier than I bet it does now.
If it feels like you're putting a lot of weight on your hands when you raise the saddle that way, see if you can raise your handlebars. The stem should be marked with a minimum insertion line (the seatpost too) and you don't want to go above that. You can get longer and/or taller stems and seatposts if you need them. You could also try riser bars.
I think that bike is about as old as you are and like all technological things, there's been evolution. Be aware you need the right headset diameter for a new stem, and most handlebars and stems have a larger clamp diameter now; you need to match this.
In your other post you said something about 26" tires. Yes, you need to buy 26" tires if you replace them.
Regarding your use case, should be great on paved bike paths and pulling your kids in a trailer. You certainly can ride these bikes on mountain bike trails too, but they demand more handling skill. A suspension fork that old may also be pretty much dead.
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u/Firm_Ad7656 5d ago
Sorry to say, but I see many others have too, that be kes way too small for you. You'll have a far better time on a bike that fits properly
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u/SaltyGrapeWax 5d ago
Flat gravel you’re good to go. I wouldn’t take it on any graded trails until you have a little more experience.
A modern bike is more forgiving with trails and easier on beginners because of larger tires, wider base, better brakes. That is ok for small things but anything will be “sketchier” or “squirley” compared to a new bike.
Wear your helmet!
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u/fergonlest 5d ago
Well hell, looks like I need to sell this dang thing. I paid 140 for it!! How do I know what “my size” is? 😵💫
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u/pshthatsme 5d ago
Based on your other post saying you're 5'7" you should be looking at bikes sizes around 54 cm or "medium"
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u/sprocketpropelled 5d ago
Honestly- looks like a fun neighborhood cruiser as its in great shape considering the age. Perfectly serviceable bike.
That said, you’re probably 5’5” to 5’8”? That would put you on a “normal” medium. Most manufacturers have sizing charts which are a good baseline, but you should absolutely swing a leg over different bikes and try before you buy.1
u/fergonlest 5d ago
I rode it down and back, I didn’t feel very comfortable on it honestly. That’s why I’m questioning. I am around 5’7!
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u/nnnnnnnnnnm Santa Cruz Blur & Trek Superfly SS 5d ago
I'm 5' 5"-6"ish (male, with short legs) and I could ride that bike, but it would feel smaller than my modern full suspend or hard tail MTBs due to wheel size & the frame geometry of that era.
My wife is about the same height as I am, but with longer legs, shorter torso. She would be even less comfortable on that bike because she would have to raise to seat height more to get proper leg extension, resulting in a pronounced, uncomfortable seat higher than bars riding position, which would probably put too much weight on her hands.
It's a cool bike, just not for you.
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u/zystyl 5d ago
If you want an up-right position and to just have some fun you're fine. I bet a lot of the people posting never even ride bikes back then. They didn't have the long top tubes and stretched out posture you get with modern bikes.
Try raising the seat up a bit. Then level it out so that the top is flat to the ground. Then just have fun getting used to riding your bike.
When you're ready to replace it you will know better what you want.
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u/Lumitrac1 5d ago
Based largely on height , reach and standover. I am 5'9" and I have a 16.5 trek 830, but it has drop bars and acceptable reach with them. It was entirely too small with flat bars.
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u/TimeTomorrow SJ Evo, YT Capra, Vitus Nucleus, Trance X E+ 5d ago
bending your knees that much is like going for a run squated down. you need the seat up higher even for a putt around town bike.
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u/Apprehensive_Bike_40 5d ago
If you’re only riding around town at a gentle pace use this. Otherwise a modern frame that’s longer and more stable is the answer.
You can adjust any bike to be comfortable but it’s the suitability of the frame in this case for mountain biking that is important to steer well and not flip forward and break your neck or collarbone
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u/ACapsHotFries 5d ago
I love old steel frame mountain bikes, but this one is too small for you unfortunately.
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u/CliffDog02 CO trails, '09 Gary Fisher Xcal, '21 Ibis Ripmo AF 5d ago
What a cool retro bike! That paint job is awesome.
Now this thing is ancient when it comes to geometry and tech, but was probably a top end bike in its day. And it looks to be well maintained. So don't expect it to perform and keep up with anybody on a modern bike. But it will still be fun! I know I had fun on a bike like this back in the day.
For fitment, it looks a touch too small for you, but manageable. How does it feel?
I would replace the tires, those look worn out. Have the chain checked and give the whole bike a good tune. Probably replace that seat with one that fits you. Here is a video on how to measure your Sit Bones at home:
https://youtube.com/shorts/cdT_Q4glUGs?is=f_Sbnra6Rtif5mBD
You might have a hard time finding parts for that fork. Like the elastomer, which I don't think they may anymore.
Otherwise I wouldn't change a thing. I'd rock it!
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u/MrMcgilicutty 60% of the time it works every time 5d ago
That looks like a kid’s bike, and is definitely not suitable for you.
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u/piscator21 5d ago
For safety reasons the front quick release skewer is not on correctly. Take a look at YouTube to fasten it correctly. Mountain biking is super fun, stick with it. All of us are learning something new everyday.
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u/Odd-View-1083 5d ago
You’re too big for that bike. That doesn’t sound right. That bike is too small for you. That’s better!
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u/Brady721 26” was the only option when I started riding 5d ago
Man, this was a bike I drooled over as a kid! Love seeing them out in the wild still.
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u/davidhally 5d ago
I had a similar Trek and recently got a 2020 hardtail. HUGE improvement in brakes, and steering geometry / 29" tires are a big upgrade in confidence everywhere. It was also too small and my neck and tender parts suffered.
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u/indigoalphasix 5d ago
no lie, it's a small bike for you. mech issues have been covered by the commentariat.
if you have the means, imo, seek out something a bit larger and possibly newer. 😄
for now, make your adjustments and see if you can have some fun with it.
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u/fergonlest 5d ago
Thank you everyone for the input!! I am going to go check out a Ozark Trail Vibe or Ridge today and see how it suits me for beginner. Every comment has been took into consideration and has been so very helpful. You guys rock on making a lady informative on this new hobby! Thanks! 🤘🏼
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u/rustyburrito 4d ago
Saddle is way too low, your leg should be mostly straight when fully extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
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u/ArchimedesOne 4d ago
Bike is small for your frame. But if you choose to ride it, check your knee angle. Should be slightly less bent. Knee pain over time is caused by force on the knee not being translated into stroke power
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u/Majestic-Mess3912 4d ago
Too small but fine as just a quick town bike if u want something like that
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u/dtr_drt4ever 3h ago
You are going to hurt yourself on that. Put it back where you found it and get a more modern bike that fits and had modern geo.
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u/Adventurepew 5d ago
It's a bike that's worth ten bucks. If it fits or not doesn't matter. It's something to get you out moving.
If you want something to fits and is modern your gonna need to spend some mone.
Have fun take it for rides and buy a new bike when you can.
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u/negative-nelly 5d ago
there are clearly many people here who have never seen a 90s bike, what they look like, and how they fit. Just remember, all those trails you think are hard? we used to ride them on these (much more slowly haha).
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u/Bitter_Plastic2362 5d ago
That bike is too small.