Mountain Biking - New Mountain Biker

I am a very experienced road rider. I am looking to get into Mountain biking and wouldn't rule out racing in the future. I really know nothing about it though, completely lost. About what kind of bike would you recommend starting out on? Also what other stuff to start with. What kind of tires do I go for until I learn more about what kind of tread is for what?

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67259

Your crossing over to the dark side!! YEA!! For you :)

Funny how I was just thinking there should be a sticky for this stuff.

To the OP: some bike shops will rent you a bike. You may want to try out a bike off-road and see what you like and don't like in a bike before making a decision. Some guys love big travel, some guys love lighter, lower travel bikes (I'm one of them), some guys like hardtails, or full rigids, or cyclocross... It depends largely on the type of riding you want to do (another good reason to demo), and your personal preferences, and probably a hundred other factors.


http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67259

Just read that for the first time and was trying to classify myself. Then I got to the part about people jumping off 25 foot tall stuff on a bike. Does this happen or is that an exageration? Is this a 25 foot drop on to a flat surface, or is there some "cheating" involved where the person lands on a slope that levels out more gently. I can't imagine a 25 foot fall on to a flat being pleasant, even with a full foot of travel.

I'm probably more in the XC camp. I'll do a 2 foot drop (on to flat), but more than that and I walk it. I guess I'm a wuss, I end up walking a lot of stuff that I'm sure some would ride.

I found this at a near by bike shop.

Giant XTC NRS 1 $1050, Used.

Here's a link about it. (http://archive.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?year=2004&model=10819)

I just wonder what kind of condition its in though.

What kind of riding do you intend on doing?

Just some trail riding I assume. I really don't have any intentions on doing any crazy jumps. I would say that XC racing has me interested.

Just some trail riding I assume. I really don't have any intentions on doing any crazy jumps. I would say that XC racing has me interested.

If you think you might like the racing game the NRS would be a good bike to start out on. I'm not really up on the prices of XC bikes but if its a shop then it's most likely a sound bike. They could also help you with fit and and a few things you'll need along the way.

Welcome to the dirty side.
Im love XC, Hope you find it fun also.