Mountain Biking - Need advice from older riders

My dad is wanting to start mountain biking with my brother and I. He is 57 yrs. old, and he is in great physical shape. He goes to a gym around five times a week. Does strength training and does cardio(running and exercise bike) I was wondering if you all thought he would be fine with a hardtail, or do you think a full suspension is needed. He is going to be mtn biking for cardio alone. No jumping at all. Thanks guys.

Not knowing your dad of course, but from what you have said it should be ok. Youve made him out to be pretty damn fit and strong.

Maybe even try the 50+ forum?

thats a good idea. the FS would provide more comfort, and actually wastes energy when pedaling, some body movement is absords, so less goes through the drive train. that might include more cardio

before a logical answer can be given...what's the budget?




My dad is wanting to start mountain biking with my brother and I. He is 57 yrs. old, and he is in great physical shape. He goes to a gym around five times a week. Does strength training and does cardio(running and exercise bike) I was wondering if you all thought he would be fine with a hardtail, or do you think a full suspension is needed. He is going to be mtn biking for cardio alone. No jumping at all. Thanks guys.

before a logical answer can be given...what's the budget?

$500 max. I know this will probably limit to hardtail. I do have a friend that bought an 05' Specialized rockhopper full suspension. He bought is from a friend for around $700 last year and has ridden it once. I could get it for around 500 if full suspension would be better.

For inspiration of what a 50+ can do, look up DMinor here. He's a regular contributor to this forum.

To answer your specific question regarding the bike, at $500 you are definitely looking at any number of solid entry-level hardtails from Gary Fisher, Trek, Kona, Specialized, etc. The key is to simply go to as many local bike shops (LBS) as possible and try them all. The one that feels the best will be the best choice. All bikes at that price point are spec'ed similarly and the only difference will be in feel due to geometry variances from one manufacturer to the other.

A hardtail will definitely suit his needs.

For inspiration of what a 50+ can do, look up DMinor here. He's a regular contributor to this forum.

To answer your specific question regarding the bike, at $500 you are definitely looking at any number of solid entry-level hardtails from Gary Fisher, Trek, Kona, Specialized, etc. The key is to simply go to as many local bike shops (LBS) as possible and try them all. The one that feels the best will be the best choice. All bikes at that price point are spec'ed similarly and the only difference will be in feel due to geometry variances from one manufacturer to the other.

A hardtail will definitely suit his needs.

I wonder if DMinor owns any hardtails....?

I wonder if DMinor owns any hardtails....?

I don't know, but I'm sure there's a Transition hardtail he can recommend.

I don't know, but I'm sure there's a Transition hardtail he can recommend.

heh. I'm sure the OP isn't asking for any aggresive hardtail like that.

I wonder if DMinor owns any hardtails....?Actually, I do own a couple of hardtails - - but neither are noteworthy of the breed. (Both are old Barracuda chromoly frames that were given to me and that I cobbled together out of spare/schwag parts :o)

Normally, for his age, I might suggest full suspension just because of the comfort- and confidence-level it would impart; but not in that target price range.

Yes, a hardtail will serve him well for what he's wanting to achieve. Santiago's advice is spot-on as far as where to look and what to look for. The only thing I might add is that, sometimes, stock saddles are not to the middle-aged body's liking (even an in-shape body); so encourage your dad to consider a saddle swap-out/upgrade if, say, he likes everything else about the fit of a certain bike. Fit to the individual's sit-bones is paramount to saddle comfort.

Also, he's a runner - -that's good. I've always been of the contention that the mental toughness that running imparts serves the person well in the transition to mountain biking. Hope he enjoys it and good luck to both of you.

Thanks for the replies guys. As we get into shopping more I will return with more questions. Thanks again.