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Hey all, I don’t mean to barge in all needy ‘n stuff, but I have just recently decided to get back into mountain biking. I am thinking about getting a new bike, but I have a ’97 buffed Homegrown. It would seem to be an ESP since I do have the ESP 9.0 Grip Shift system, but it is speced out with the Deore LX crankset and a KORE Aheadset. It was purchased new by me, but I can’t find the paperwork.
Hey all, I don’t mean to barge in all needy ‘n stuff, but I have just recently decided to get back into mountain biking. I am thinking about getting a new bike, but I have a ’97 buffed Homegrown. It would seem to be an ESP since I do have the ESP 9.0 Grip Shift system, but it is speced out with the Deore LX crankset and a KORE Aheadset. It was purchased new by me, but I can’t find the paperwork.
I thought about upgrading and was told the Homegrown has an almost cult-like following. I can see why. It has been an excellent bike for me and has not once let me down. After my wife and I had triplets in 2002, I stopped biking. Then last September, I took it out for a great ride and got hooked again.
I am thinking of getting a new bike. The guys at the shop said some may want to buy my Homegrown. So I thought to ask here if there is a market for this bike and what I might ask for it. It works flawlessly and has never been damaged. Still has original Mavic 220 wheels and they have never needed to be trued. The bike has been treated well.
Could someone give me a ballpark figure what I might ask? Thanks in advance!
A couple years ago I bought a ’97 Homegrown lxt, tomato red, complete bike for around $300, but why buy a new bike? Keep the homegrown! The homegrown frame is great. Throw on some new components where you want or need them and enjoy the bike you have. It will cost a lot more to find a comparable ride.
Well I thought of keeping it. I wouldn’t replace a thing. It all really does work as new. I swear this bike has been across the state of Michigan twice on rail trail conservancy 6-day rides, and has carried me through some great recreatonal trails here in Michigan like Pontiac Lake, Highland Rec, Holly Rec, Potowatomi, Schuss Mountain, Fort Custer… and I never weighed less than 220 lbs even at my peak.
So, yea, it has proven itself and has served me well, but I wonder… this thing is 14 years old. I’m now 230 lbs. It didn’t show any signs of complaint when I took it to Fort Custer last September. That was my first ride since pre-2002. Am I pushing my luck? It won’t last forever. So as much as I love it, I wonder of I should sell it while it is still a complete and healthy bike.
I also am liking the newer bikes with the 29″ wheel. I’m aware of the trade-offs with the larger wheel, but I like the benefits enough to negate the trade-offs.
So I’m still thinking about it. Although, sites like this and the way the salesman spoke to me upon hearing I have a Homegrown have got me feeling like I have something sorta unique and high quality.
It sounds like you’ve put this bike through it’s paces and it still works like new. That should tell you a little about the quality of this bike. Nothing lasts forever, but I still say keep the homegrown. It’s proven itself and I think it can handle the extra weight.
There is a big following for these bikes, but honestly, you won’t make much money from selling it. Not nearly enough to buy anything comparable.
NickG, Homegrowns are definitely unique and high qualiity. You have put yours throught “the works” and she still works fine…which proves the point of high quality. Have you seen the prices for new bikes still Made in USA? Yikes! Your bike (and those of us on this site) were made by people who loved bikes for people who love to ride ’em. I considered many times selling mine after seeing the prices some get on “the bay” but go to your local bike shop and see the quality you get from new bikes and the components offered..
Whether you keep or sell you can still post some pics and show us your Tomato
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