Introductions - Hello from MS

My name is David from Jackson, MS. I'm looking to get into mountain biking and am in the process of buying my first "quality" bike. I look forward to getting out on the trails!

Hello David, make certain you read the stickies in the MTB forum. They are happy to answer questions, (well, sometimes :) ), but it's always appreciated when you review the info.

What are you looking at, and what's your budget?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Hi, thanks for your response. I've been talking with my buddy who is a pretty avid rider and ended up going with a used stumpjumper. It is a 2000 model in very good condition and I got a pretty good deal on it. What else would you say are necessary components for a new rider...besides a helmet? Should I service this bike before riding?

I'd go with mountain bike shorts--they have a chamois in them so that they are comfortable, but they aren't tight like the ones road cyclists wear. In effect, they look like normal shorts.

If you think you would be doing any death defying downhill stuff, knee protectors and that kind of stuff may be useful. You really do want gloves--they protect your hands if you fall (road rash is nasty), and they can help in absorbing vibrations which can cause your hands to go numb.

I would check the bike carefully for cracks and what not, but if it looks pretty clean, it may be just that all you need to do is put some lube on the right spots (chain in particular), make certain that cables are not rusty, and most importantly, check the brakes to make certain that they work, and that the pads aren't too worn.

East Hill

What else would you say are necessary components for a new rider...besides a helmet?

Here is a short list:

- Gloves
- Helmet (as you already stated)
- Cycling shorts (w/chamois)
- Sweat wicking top
- Eye protection (glasses)
- Cycling shoes (if you're going clipless)
- Tube patch kit
- Extra Tube
- Camelback (to carry all your stuff and H2O)
- Tire levers
- Multi-Tool
- First Aid stuff (you can go all out, or not - it's your skin)
- Food (Cliff Bars, etc)
- CO2 or pump
- Chain Tool (if not in your multitool)
- Water Botttle(s)

Good luck!

.. Brad

Good stuff, thanks guys. One more question...when can I post a want to buy? I need a bike rack for the trunk but the forum won't let me start a new thread. Best, David

You would have to be a paid member to post in Want to Buy. Cost is $25 dollars for 25 years--a dollar per year.

That's what the red star next to a name signifies.

East Hill