Mountain Biking - I need the MTB 101!

Hi,

I've been road cycling for the past while but I've decided I want to do some MTB especially for the winter and also for the social aspect.

Anyhoo.. I know very little about MTB and I was wondering if someone could give me general advice or answers to these questions:

Is a circa $500 bike from a reputable manufacturer an ok buy? I already bought a road bike this years and dont want to spend a fortune.

What sort of pedals to MTB cyclists use? like on an everyday bike or clipless like on a road biek ro what?

Is a regular cycling helmet ok, at least for a start? And do people usually wear other protection? We will be riding in forests.

Anything else I should know?

Thanks for any help

BadBreaks

Hi,
Is a circa $500 bike from a reputable manufacturer an ok buy? I already bought a road bike this years and dont want to spend a fortune.

Yes. Do a serach for the "around $500 bike thread" - loads of good bikes in there.



What sort of pedals to MTB cyclists use? like on an everyday bike or clipless like on a road biek ro what?


Depends on your style - as a virtual begineer I'd recomend some platform pedals, just so you can get a foot down quickly if you need too.



Is a regular cycling helmet ok, at least for a start? And do people usually wear other protection? We will be riding in forests.


It'll be fine. I perfer to where knee pads as well, but my knees are in bad shape.

Thanks for the tips.

I picked up an inexpensive bike yestarday and I should be hitting the mountains this week end.

BadBreaks

Well, what did you get?

Well, what did you get?

We want to see pics.

I just bought a Trek 3700. I didn't want to spend much at all.

I don't think you all need to see pics of a 3700!

BadBreaks

Cool, well hopefully it will get you into the sport :beer: