Southern California - Mountain Bikes... which one?

Okay... it's not like I need a mountain bike (I've already have 3 bikes and don't have much room left in myh small apt) but I was looking at doing something different this winter so I was thinking about getting a mountain bike and checking out some the trails nearby. So here are some of my questions:

1) Dual or single suspension? I plan on riding different terrains, mostly climbing and descending.
2) If Dual, just how much suspension do you need?
3) Standard or 29er?

Any place that would rent out mountain bikes to try out before you buy? I mean, it's not like I'm going to ride a mountain bike alot so I kinda wanna try it out before I buy - if I do buy, then I need to find another job to fund this 'side' trek.

Ian in SD

Front suspension only is good for 90% of Socal's trails. I had FS bike with 5" front and rear travel and there was only 2 places I'd take it out so it sat there for most of the year. I only rode it at the Mts, either Big Bear or Mt Laguna. Everything else, I'd rather take out my hardtail that was 10lbs lighter and easier to climb.

I just picked up a redline monocog 29er for $350 off craigslist. Fun bike even with the rigid front fork which is different for sure. I like the feel of the 29" tires over the normal 26" tires. Rolls over rocks and bumps very well. If I do put a suspension fork up front, then this bike would be really fun.

So a dual suspension is really not necessary for 90% of the trails here? When would a dual suspension be necessary ?

I think looking at mountain bike forums and reading ride reports and photos of their bikes can help a little. I was kind of in the same situation. Thought my preference is in XC, but when I took a look at some of the ride pics that I'd also like to do, I see photos of heavier duty FS bikes.

when you want to bomb down hills 30+ mph with 6" drops or more. You can do the same on a hardtail but you have to pick a good line and know how to control the bike. And you'll feel the impacts more on the rear. Same technical trail, I'd be faster be 3-5mph on my full suspension over my hardtail. Downhill fire roads and smooth single track, both bikes are about even.

If you want a full suspension bike, look for something with 4" travel in the rear. These are considered XC frames, 5+ inches of rear travel is All Mountain (AM) and usally build for alot of abuse and has slacker head tube and seat tube angles. They will still climb OK, but won't climb fast. A good XC bike would be a Gaint Trance. Angles are good, and can still take the hits of drops and rocks and climbs well. I'm new to 29ers so I don't know which of those full suspension bikes climb well and mostly cuz they are all outside of my budget.

I think looking at mountain bike forums and reading ride reports and photos of their bikes can help a little. I was kind of in the same situation. Thought my preference is in XC, but when I took a look at some of the ride pics that I'd also like to do, I see photos of heavier duty FS bikes.

Most people tend to buy more bike then they will need. Main because they can, but not always the right tool for the job.

What about getting a dual with a lockout feature? Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?

yes the lockout on the rear shock, you just have to remember to flip it when going up and flip it back when going down.

Ian, Jeff is a very experienced mtb rider, and quite fast, from what I hear. From an older, more conservative guy, (me), get a full suspension bike if you can swing it. If you get a reasonably light bike with 4" front and rear, you can do anything you will want and it will climb pretty well.
Some people have more trouble bobbing but roadies who are smooth don't bob as much.
Mountain bikes are great fun when the weather is bad, and a great change when you get burned out on road riding.

yes the lockout on the rear shock, you just have to remember to flip it when going up and flip it back when going down.

that sounds like the best option!!! When you're old and/or tired, its nice to have a little more cushion! ;)

I'm looking forward to my new mtn bike being done... Jeff... I may have to PM you for fork suggestions :p

Wow! Another mtb? :D

Wow! Another mtb? :D

its VMC's... little too small for him and mine is a little too small for me so we're taking my components and putting them on his frame... the only problem is that the fork is likely too short for his frame so will need to find some alternative.... I can't wait though!!!

If you have the down time on the bike you can send you fork out to get a new steer tube installed. Cost is around 60 bucks. Beats spending another 500 to 600 on another fox fork. I think that's what you had...

If you have the down time on the bike you can send you fork out to get a new steer tube installed. Cost is around 60 bucks. Beats spending another 500 to 600 on another fox fork. I think that's what you had...

:love::love::love: you are da bomb Jeff.... I had no idea I could do that and based on our conversations, I don't think VMC thought of it either!!! YIPPEEEEE, definately have down time! Do I send it to manufacturer or somewhere else?

So a dual suspension is really not necessary for 90% of the trails here? When would a dual suspension be necessary ?

It's never truly necessary, especially for the trails around here. It's just that most people will be faster over technical terrain (both up and down) with dual suspension, and it will be less fatiguing. I think the suggestion of a 4" travel dual is good, and the Giant is a very good bike.

A lot of this is budget dependent though. If you spent $1500, you could either get the low-end of good dual suspension bikes, or a pretty tricked out hardtail.

I love mountain bikes and I ride mine alot. I am currently in the market for a high end bike for XC racing. However, in the last 2 months I have been riding my cyclocross bike more and more and I have to say I LOVE riding it on trails and even some more technical terrain. I never really liked suspension bikes but I like the feel of road bikes.
If you ride terrain that is suitable for a cross bike I highly recomend them. They are light, nimble and fast.

:love::love::love: you are da bomb Jeff.... I had no idea I could do that and based on our conversations, I don't think VMC thought of it either!!! YIPPEEEEE, definately have down time! Do I send it to manufacturer or somewhere else?

you can go through a bike shop, but just another middle man to deal with and some shops LAG!! It's best to go though the manufacturer for this. Email or call them direct, get an RMA or Invoice number before sending it in. Also keep the tracking number. It's a common service they provide, so they should have a good procedure. When you talk to them, just ask them the lead time and also factor in shipping both ways. Even though it might only take 30 minutes to service your fork, it may wait in line on a shelf for a couple of week.

What size frame did VMC have? 17"? if so you should be fine on that size frame, just run a bit shorter stem as needed. Tell VMC I finally got a monocog 29er and LOVE it:thumb:

you can go through a bike shop, but just another middle man to deal with and some shops LAG!! It's best to go though the manufacturer for this. Email or call them direct, get an RMA or Invoice number before sending it in. Also keep the tracking number. It's a common service they provide, so they should have a good procedure. When you talk to them, just ask them the lead time and also factor in shipping both ways. Even though it might only take 30 minutes to service your fork, it may wait in line on a shelf for a couple of week.

What size frame did VMC have? 17"? if so you should be fine on that size frame, just run a bit shorter stem as needed. Tell VMC I finally got a monocog 29er and LOVE it:thumb:


Thanks Jeff! His is a medium Turner and I'll definately keep all the tracking info... I think they are in Watsonville so I may drive it over there.

I'll tell him about your new bike (or he'll read it here... ) he really likes his 29'er as well although with me around, he doesn't do much more than fire roads with it at this point!

Where are the pics of your new bike Mister?!@?@?!?@ :D

Thank you again Jeff!

I remember he just got that frame last time I rode with him when he showed me Santiago Truck Trail (before the fires). Any tuner is a NICE frame, I love there simple rear shock design.

Here's my 29er I got last week, scored a deal off craigslist with the brake upgrades so it leaves me $$ to get a bling carbon rigid fork for it soon.

Don't mind my cat, they love my bikes as much as I do:thumb:
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/jsigone/bikes/041.jpg

I think if you have the money for a full suspension you should get it. It is better to have it than not to have it. It is like anti lock brakes. Sure you don't need them but wouldn't you rather have them than not? A FS bike is much better for beginners it makes learning to ride more enjoyable. Better to have a bike that can ride any terrian (ie trail bike) if you are going to have one bike.

Very nice bike Jeff :thumb:
I don't have the disk brakes yet and mine is brown