Mountain Biking - What should I do? help buying first MTB..

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RacerJRP
10-26-08, 05:22 PM
I am looking at getting my first mountain bike, and i'm not sure what to do. I'm a pretty serious roadie, but don't know anything about mountain bikes. I had p;anned to get a cross bike, but for this winter i think the MTB will get used more...maybe go the cross route next year.

I have an opportunity to possibly purchase a 2001 ELLSWORTH Truth for what ive been told is a solid price. Its Green and had Fox shocks and I believe an XT group. Full suspension.

Option two is to pick up an 09' Jamis Dragpn Pro. Hardtail, XT group, looks freakin badass in the new paint!

So basically it should I go with a steel hardtail or a aluminum full suspension bike??


Also please don't tell me to go buy bike X instead of either of em'. Its between these two. Thanks! :thumb:

ProFail
10-26-08, 06:16 PM
Why would you buy a bike if you had money?

Hookers and blow. Later.
cattrails
10-26-08, 08:16 PM
Your choice will depend on what type of terrain you'll be on most. If you like climbing a lot go for a hardtail with front shock. For lots of downhill, really rocky, drop-off stuff a full suspension is best. If you go for the full suspension look for an adjustment lever or knob to stiffen up the rear shock for climbing.

Full suspension makes for a comfy, spongy downhill ride on rough stuff. I'm riding a Specialized Enduro SL Comp I bought in July '08 it was $3,200 retail so you can compare prices. If you want to compare specs go to the Specialized website. My bike is White/orange/black paint job. It rocks!!! Took it to the Downieville Downhill trails in Calif. no problem! Don't know what your looking at but I asked about Ellsworth on this site and it got really poor reviews about warranty stuff. Jamis is a really good brand too. Hope all this helps. :thumb:

cattrails
10-26-08, 08:19 PM
Just re-read your message. I think I'd go for the Jamis. ;)