Mountain Biking - Making My Bike [I] Battle Ready [/I]

All of you who read the topic title probably dont know what battle ready means, and thats because i jsut made it up, so the title could be short :-D.

I have a Trek 4300, its about 3 months old, and when i first got it i didnt plan on doing any real mountain-biking with it, but now that ive found out there are quite a few mountain bike trails around me, (over 40 within 30 miles of where i live), ive decided to.

i have already upgraded my chain after a few stiff links pissed me off. i dont member the exact name of the chain, but it was around $25-8 speed, and yes i did ask other stores if they sold it 4 the same price to make sure i didnt get jipped.

my cassette broke after well, a strange happening that id rather not talk about, and i replaced it with the same exact kind, so the cassette is normal.

is there anything else i can do to the bike to make it withstand actual mountain biking. i do not plan on doing any expert-advanced biking, just beginner to intermediate riding

to get an idea of what ill be riding on, itd be something like Wilton Woods -- http://content.mtbr.com/pscTrails/United,States,Trails/Connecticut/,Wilton,Woods/PRD_166904_4534crx.aspx thats where i found out about that particular trail/park.

also if thats not a good trail/park and u no, please tell me.

Your biggest improvement would be in getting a good fork, and go from there.

can u suggest a good [i] cheap [/] fork?
if it matters im pretty skinny. im only 125, and unless i gain 15 pounds this year i only need a fork to support a 125-135 pound guy.

id really rather not by a new fork, but if that would help i wouldnt like to pay too much. and is there anything else i could do besides buying an entirly new fork that would make it more durable?

Sure.... www.mtbr.com (http://www.mtbr.com) you have the greates knowledgebase right at your finger tips (internet). I could not recommend the one perfect fork.

Something you'll have to research given a certain pricepoint and riding type.

Anything Marzocchi is pretty reliable (generally), and they have some affordable forks in the $200-300 range. Just don't get one with more than 80mm of travel so you don't throw your headtube angle off any.

Dont worry about making your bike bomb proof. Ride it, and ride it hard. When somthing breaks then thats the next thing you need to upgrade. Worry about equipment less, ride more.

ok thanks russel. think im gunna take ur advice. really dont want to buy a new fork. ive been riding with the one ive got for a month and it rides great. if anyone else has any ideas post 'em here. im gunna ride with wat i have for now tho

After about 3 mos. of regular riding, go and buy some clipless pedals and shoes.

I suggest waiting, because 1) you want to get used to your bike and know it's intricacies and 2) if you wait, it'll make the difference that much more dramatic.

Now, if you are into big drops and gap jumps and freeriding, disregard this recommendation. I don't think you are due to the bike you ride.

L8R

ok thansk a2psyklnut, ill wait till the fork breaks to replace it. i might take a 4-5 foot drop off once every week or two weeks, but other then that pretty entry level stuff. ill look into getting pedals and shoes, can u reccomend some pedals? dont want to waste my moeny on crap

My preference are Time A.T.A.C.'s for their size and mud shedding qualities.

I've heard good things about Cook Bros., but have never used a set.

I definitely do NOT like Shimano SPD pedals, they clog constantly with mud and the spring tension is inconsistant.

There are many SPD clones that you can get for as little as $20.00. They'll be a good entry level pedal, but I'd consider moving up to Time's or Cook's within the year.

Shoes? Personal preference, however, Specialized offers a good shoe at a great price. The one's from Answer are comfy too. Me? I have a $200 pair of Northwave's, so I'm a bit spoiled!

L8R

This may seem a lil random
but are disc brakes worth it?
i dont bike in rain or mud much.

just of of curiosity, why would he need new pedals and shoes? whats wrong with crap pedals and whatever sportsish shoes you have now?

i didnt get new shoes.
but maybe pedals if someone convinces me why i should

Me? I have a $200 pair of Northwave's, so I'm a bit spoiled!

L8R

Are North Waves that good? I just got a pair, its an older pair (freeride 2000) but i got it for 20 bucks when I was up in New York.

I havn't personally tired them on yet but what do you have to say about it?

[QUOTE=mindbogger]Are North Waves that good? I just got a pair, its an older pair (freeride 2000) but i got it for 20 bucks when I was up in New York.

i heard there really good. can be expensive though

Are North Waves that good? I just got a pair, its an older pair (freeride 2000) but i got it for 20 bucks when I was up in New York.

I havn't personally tired them on yet but what do you have to say about it?

Yes, they ARE that nice. All the other shoes I've tried always leave hot spots on my feet. The NW's feel like a pair of slippers. They are THAT comfortable.

Plus, since I'm a U of F alumni (Go Gators), and the shoes are Orange and Blue, I HAD to buy them!

L8R

just of of curiosity, why would he need new pedals and shoes? whats wrong with crap pedals and whatever sportsish shoes you have now?

Im guessing they mean to go clipless.

i also have another thread that i started, cuz sometimes when i go off of jumps, (not drop offs or hucks), i loose my footing.