School a newb on mountain bikes...
- Thread starter Mr. Leary
- Start date
Corey
OverCamping Specialist
Join up here, this is the gospel of mountain bike forums.
http://www.mtbr.com/
Read read and read more.
They have reviews there too on just about every bike out there, and the accessories, and even the clothes.
I just got back into mountain biking last summer when I picked up a brand new Specialized Rockhopper Pro which is an excellent bike.
I was into it big time back in the late 80s.
http://www.mtbr.com/
Read read and read more.
They have reviews there too on just about every bike out there, and the accessories, and even the clothes.
I just got back into mountain biking last summer when I picked up a brand new Specialized Rockhopper Pro which is an excellent bike.
I was into it big time back in the late 80s.
Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
I was a salesmen for dozens of moons, so I'll give you the regular saleman's schtick, but without the sales pressure.
What are your plans for this here velocipede? Singletrack, service roads, commuting, bomber downhill, bikepacking, "shredding the gnar." Keep in mind, no bike will truly do everything, but some bikes can do more than others. Don't just envision what you want to do this season, but look down the road a bit. Do you see yourself starting off getting bike-fit with the hopes of really getting after it? Plan on any bikepacking? Any flaming hoops and massive double jumps over Vegas fountains in your long term plans?
How much is too much? Like all things, the more you shell out, the more you get back. The point of diminishing returns for most bikes starts around $1800-2500. Anything leading up to those digits will usually add refinement or features. Above that, you're largely paying for bling. The sweet spot for fun, rideable, durable hard tails is probably between $750-1500. The sweet spot for full suspension is squarely between $1500-$2000. Anything less than $750 will deduct from your fun points in short order.
What are your plans for this here velocipede? Singletrack, service roads, commuting, bomber downhill, bikepacking, "shredding the gnar." Keep in mind, no bike will truly do everything, but some bikes can do more than others. Don't just envision what you want to do this season, but look down the road a bit. Do you see yourself starting off getting bike-fit with the hopes of really getting after it? Plan on any bikepacking? Any flaming hoops and massive double jumps over Vegas fountains in your long term plans?
How much is too much? Like all things, the more you shell out, the more you get back. The point of diminishing returns for most bikes starts around $1800-2500. Anything leading up to those digits will usually add refinement or features. Above that, you're largely paying for bling. The sweet spot for fun, rideable, durable hard tails is probably between $750-1500. The sweet spot for full suspension is squarely between $1500-$2000. Anything less than $750 will deduct from your fun points in short order.
S
Street Wolf
Guest
Wal-Mart special, and call it good. :sombrero:
chris_the_wrench
Fixer & Builder of Things
Wal-Mart special, and call it good. :sombrero:
Please no. I spend a good one third of my day trying to explain to people the concept of disposable not serviceable. Who ever came up the freewheel disc brake equipped bike should be... forced to ride their own creation and see how well/long it works.
-Chris
RHINO
Expedition Leader
i dont think i understand what that means,,, i figured all my bikes were that but mybe not?
Capt Sport
Adventurer
Mr Leary,
As Flounder has said you need to figure out what you really plan on doing with your bike. There are several designs that are more specific to certain types of riding. Also, once you figure that out you'll need to know how to find the right size bike for you. Here's link that'll help you with that.
http://www.mountain-bike-world.com/mountain-bike-fitting.html
Good luck and don't be in a hurry, find the right bike for you and it'll last you a life time of fun riding. You'll look forward to riding it. Buy the wrong one and it'll just be more garage clutter.
As Flounder has said you need to figure out what you really plan on doing with your bike. There are several designs that are more specific to certain types of riding. Also, once you figure that out you'll need to know how to find the right size bike for you. Here's link that'll help you with that.
http://www.mountain-bike-world.com/mountain-bike-fitting.html
Good luck and don't be in a hurry, find the right bike for you and it'll last you a life time of fun riding. You'll look forward to riding it. Buy the wrong one and it'll just be more garage clutter.
Mr. Leary
Glamping Excursionaire
I envision riding remote two tracks and some tighter trails. I would also like to try some bikepacking, but likely not more than one or two nights, so still within the realm of little comfort.
Thank you all for your responses. I will get sized and start researching bike options.
Thank you all for your responses. I will get sized and start researching bike options.
Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
Mr. Leary,
The first step is to pinpoint the category of bike you're after as well as the price range you're comfortable with. From that very brief bit of info you just gave us, you can rule out anything sub $500 at full retail. However, you still left it wide open and tough for any specific advice. A comfortable price range will narrow your field next.
How much is too much? Don't forget to draw the line low enough to allow money for the extras.
Mr. Leary
Glamping Excursionaire
Sorry. I would like to keep the investment under $1500 if I can... there are so many other projects that suck up funds around here right now.
Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
See...that digit makes a lot of decisions for you right there. It's really tough to find good full suspension bikes at or under $1500. So, if full suspension is what you're after, you have to go into it knowing your selection will be limited, and you might need to cruise the deals. I'd do that anyway. That $1500 mark puts you really close to some proven standards like a Santa Cruz Superlight, but won't leave much dosh for other items. $1500 will however put you in good shape for a wide range of hard tails. Your next big decision if you go the HT route will be wheel size. $1500 won't put you in 29er Full Sus range, but it will certainly get you in hard tail 29er range.
Everyone will have a preference on wheel size. I'm one of those dudes that was a very hard sell on 29er wheels, but having logged thousands of miles on them, I'm not just a believer, I'm that annoying guy that won't shut up about it. I love the big wheels for everything but true, shreddy gnar-gnar riding with massive drops, jumps and scariness. For hard tail bikepacking and all around XC style singletrack I can't find a single fault with 29er hoops.
Sounds like you're narrowing the search. I think once you can nail it down to a category of bike like a 29er hard tail geared bike under $1500, then it's just about pounding the bricks looking for it.
Not saying that's what you should get, by the way.
vanderpooch
Authentic Adventurer
Flounder,
Curious...what's the sales pitch on the difference between or need for full suspension vs. hard tail?
thanks man!
Curious...what's the sales pitch on the difference between or need for full suspension vs. hard tail?
thanks man!
Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
How much money ya got in them pockets? :costumed-smiley-007
Seriously, the dollar amount weeds out most potential full sus buyers. If you can't wiggle over that $1500 mark, finding a full suspension bike worth a darn becomes a tough search. It usually means you shop the bikes of opportunity for a good deal. Keep in mind, the MSRP for a mid ranch fork is $500-$700, so finding one attached to a $1500 bike is not easy.
The real deciding factor boils down to riding style and terrain. Using me as an example: Here in Prescott, the land of fast and relatively smooth trails, I end up passing dual-boingers all day long. There's just little to dual-boing over. When I take my hard tail to brutal trails like Rock Stacker in Moab, those same dual-boinger guys get to watch me nearly kill myself as I navigate dozens of 2' drops. I can do it, but it ain't easy, and for me it isn't even fun.
I also have ZERO desire to hurl my carcass 10 feet in the air screaming "MMMMmmmountain Dewwwww." I like to go fast and far, don't shy away from super rugged singletrack, but my joy doesn't come from massive air, drops the size of a 401k, or other such potential bone breakers. For me it's more fun to go hard and fast, hit some small jumps, carve some turns and put in some miles. So...hard tail. If I make more trips to Rock Stacker, I'll go buy another full suspension bike (I've owned at least a dozen), but since I don't enjoy that riding, I probably never will.
Riding style and terrain available usually steer people to a particular bike. I should also mention I have a good buddy who ripped down Rock Stacker on a fully rigid singlespeed, so ability and desire play a part. I'm sure some dude has taken a lifted Subaru over the Rubicon as well.
I'll continue my work on the simple answer for future questions.
vanderpooch
Authentic Adventurer
Thanks, I spent a ridiculous amount of money on a full suspension bike this year and I miss my hard tail terribly. I thought when I was buying it that it would be a better fit. I got real sick two years ago and gained about 50 lbs and got in the worst shape of my life. I'm big 6'6" and tipping around 300lbs. Athletic build though, back in the day I competed in a bunch of clydesdale events! I thought as i'm in my late 30's and in such bad shape the cush of a full suspension would be a better fit but it really is not. I miss the fast stiff ride(thats what she said) of the hardtail
Sorry for the highjack but I thought the question applied.
Sorry for the highjack but I thought the question applied.