Mountain Biking - Looking into getting a new MTB...

I don't know how well this will go over being that I am a new member and this is my first post. :confused:

With that said…

I want to purchase a new bike. My present ride is a 2001-2? Giant Iguana. I’ve had it for about a year now and I’ve realized that I ride a lot harder than my bike would like me to. I bought it almost on impulse not knowing much about the varying parts and pieces… But with time (riding) and looking at the many different models and components on other rider’s bikes I have noticed a diverse difference.

I try to ride as rough as possible staying within my present ability and fear factor. Doing this I know that some of the drops and hits (lack of better word) I put my bike through are not the best for it. It might just be me but I don’t think the Iguana is as rugged as some may believe.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do… upgrades and such…? Or on the other hand what are some good rough terrain bikes I should look into. I want something that will take a beating and keep coming back for more….

lol Like a rock or something.

Joe



...the pic will not show up on the board.... but here is a link.:crash:
http://photoshopgurus.info/forum/download.php?id=4937

From what you describe, you're doing some aggressive XC riding. Are you doing a lot of jumping, and drops? Are you presently damaging the bike? When you jump, how far and how high?

You could upgrade the frame and swap out all your parts. I'd look into a beefy Hardtail, like an EVIL IMPERIAL, a LeToy, a .243, or a host of others. If you're going big and doing drops, you could upgrade to a full suspension long travel freeride bike. A Specialized Big Hit Comp would be a good bike for this. There are tons of others. If you like Giant, look into their AC line of bikes. I like the AC1 with the coil spring for bigger hits and drops. I also know of a lot of riders that stuck with the AC Lite w/air shocks and have done well with their decisions!

Too many options!

I do a lot of jumps but they are not that high... maybe 2 feet. It is just when I hit, my chain goes crazy and smacks against the frame. It isn't stretched or loose... I had the LBS check that out.

....where I live it is very rocky and full of tree roots.

The bottom line with getting a new bike: I plan on taking two or three weeks out of this summer to ride and camp... I need something that will hold up to all of that constant stress.

I want to go to places like Colorado, and other states along the way with intense trails that have beautiful surroundings. If you have any suggestions on trails or parks, that would be helpful too.

I forgot to mention that I would also like a fairly light bike... I do a lot of up hill.. :D

Thx

Joe

You could look into something like an agressive trail bike like the Kona Roast / Stuff or P1...they aren't superlight but still light enough for trail riding and still beefy enough to do really agressive xc riding. The slacker geometry protects the dangly bits and allow for some flickablility to the bike due to the smaler feeling...

I have some suggestions but they are all in Canada. Whislter has a huge bike park on themountain that isn't exclusive for dh. The Shore is a mtb playground as well.

Cheers

Originally posted by Maelstrom
You could look into something like an agressive trail bike like the Kona Roast / Stuff or P1...they aren't superlight but still light enough for trail riding and still beefy enough to do really agressive xc riding. The slacker geometry protects the dangly bits and allow for some flickablility to the bike due to the smaler feeling...

I have some suggestions but they are all in Canada. Whislter has a huge bike park on themountain that isn't exclusive for dh. The Shore is a mtb playground as well.

Cheers

Do you have web sites for these places.... and is it very cold in Canada around June? All of this is just an idea in progress. I want to plan this trip for a good two or three months.

hahaha...no its not cold in June...we do in fact have a summer time just like you guys...haha (sorry I hear that often) and the west coast in particular is pretty warm with almost no winter on the Shore at all. The shore, I don't think has a tourist web site. If you are interested in riding there go to www.nsmb.com and ask questions of the riders...there are many trails and good maps with hotels really close just nothing overly formal.

www.westinwhistler.com will have info on the riding season which starts here May 17th this year. Middle of june most of the trails should be open unless the peak has a late winter...

Another question I have for you... Would I need a passport to get into Canada? You know with all of the "security" issues.

I looked at www.westinwhilstler.com... Man, I'm poor... lol I plan on ruffling it on this trip.. getting a tent or sleeping in cheap motels. I’m only 20 years old and the funds haven’t increased that much over the years.

Originally posted by Wait
I looked at www.westinwhilstler.com... Man, I'm poor... lol I plan on ruffling it on this trip.. getting a tent or sleeping in cheap motels. I’m only 20 years old and the funds haven’t increased that much over the years.

There is a lot of cheap ways to stay...there are campsites around for sure...and we do have a cheap stipclub/motel/liquor store as well.

and as for the password..no clue...pm slcpunk21 he just recently visited and would know more about what you need from your end.

If you decide to go with a hardtail here are some options.

Rocky Mountain Flow: http://www.bikes.com/2003/flow.html

Rocky Mountain Grind (Flows little bro): http://www.bikes.com/2003/grind.html

Norco Rampage: http://www.norco.com/bikes/2003bikes/rampage.htm

Norco Sasquatch (Rampage's little bro): http://www.norco.com/bikes/2003bikes/sasquatch.htm

All the of the aboce are freeride hardtails and are meant to take lots of abuse. The frame geometry also alows for longer more comfortable rides. I would suggest all of these, and if your on a budget the sasquatch gets you a killer frame with pretty good components for $999.

Those are some sweet lookin' bikes. And as you mentioned the budget... what should I do, get the car or the bike? lol

I'm glad I've stopped by you guys have been real informative....

I'm still up for more suggestions and anyone else's thoughts on this matter.

Joe

RM Flow and such aren't really value bikes. I tend to shy away from rocky mountain due to the fact they are overpriced for what you get (and hand built frames aren't a seller for me). Norco is great though, good value for a good bike. :)