1998 Research Dynamics Coyote AFS 900

Archived: 1998 Research Dynamics Coyote AFS 900 · Mountain bike, front & rear suspension · Published sizes: 17", 19", 21"

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: TIG-welded · Fork: · Aluminum, dual crown crown

• Look for dents or shape changes and inspect the edges of welds around the head tube, bottom bracket, seat cluster and suspension mounts for hairline cracks.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.

Archived: Rear shock: DNM ST-8RC, 2.75" travel

• Inspect the shock shaft and seals, cycle the rear suspension through its travel and check for oil, air loss, binding or unusual top-out and bottom-out noises.
• Hold the rear brake and load the suspension from several directions. Check pivots, bearings and mounting hardware for knock, looseness or side play.
• Ask for dated shock and pivot-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil, bushings or bearings.

Archived: Group: Shimano XTR · Shifters: Shimano Deore XT RapidFire SL · Front derailleur: Shimano XTR, bottom-pull/clamp-on 31.8mm · Rear derailleur: Shimano XTR SGS · Crankset: Shimano XTR M950, 24/34/46 teeth · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-M950, 110mm spindle · Rear cogs: 8-speed, 11 - 30 teeth · Chain: Shimano CN-HG91, 1/2 x 3/32"

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Magura Gustav M Disc brakes, Magura Gustav M levers

• Inspect pads, rotors, calipers and the complete cable or hose path. Both levers should feel consistent and both calipers should release without persistent rubbing.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Mavic X221, 32-hole · Hubs: Magura Hugi · Front tire: Front: 26 x 1.95" Ritchey Alfa Bite, Rear: 26 x 1.95" Ritchey Omega Bite

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.

Archived: Headset: 1 1/8" Aheadset Kontak AL-2 · Handlebar: Tranz-X 810.6 · Stem: Tranz-X Jo-392 · Seatpost: Tranz X Jo-495, 31.6mm diameter · Saddle: Velo Crossbow

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.