Introductions - Hello from New Member, New Rider and 200+'er

Hi everyone. I have a handful of friends that ride and that's all the talk about is how great it is. So, here I am. I live in South Carolina. What else to say.... Well, here I am.

In a few weeks I hope to be purchasing either a Giant or Specialized MTB. Currently I have a "vintage"/ 90s usa made Schwinn. I like it, but don't know much else. All MTBs. I do want to get a road bike later on and use the MTB for the kids' trailer. -

Since I haven't come into tons of disposable income just yet...(it's on the way, I'm certain)...I have to take my purchases in stride.

I need; helmet, tires, decent saddle, shorts or bibs that I can squeeze into.

I want; shoes, clip in pedals.

Suggestions on any of these?

Welcome Rick.
Since you're looking for mtn bike info why not ask the folks in the Mtn Bike forum (http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/26-Mountain-Biking). :)

Have fun.

Don't give up on the Schwinn, some of the older models are very nice. You can always change out pedals and tires. Why the mountain bike? Are you primarily planning on rough trail riding?

By "200+er", I presume you are a big guy? Check out the Clydesdale/Athena forum.

Helmets are easy. Even a cheap helmet from Walmart meets ansi specifications and protects your head. Most of what you get by spending more is style, lightness, convenience and comfort. Even the big cycling publications say this, and they stand to gain from keeping their advertisers happy. You can spend as little as $20-30 and get a decent helmet. Get one that you find fairly comfortable and you like the looks of.

Saddle is very different for everyone. I prefer a leather Brooks saddle, but they start at close to $100 and go up from there. Serfas makes some good and reasonably priced saddles for recreational use. The important thing to know is that more padding and gel does not necessarily equal better comfort. It's how well the saddles fits your butt. Where your sit bones rest. Which is why my Brooks is so good. My sit bones are on it and most of my butt is resting on the softest thing there is: air.

For shorts, you sound like you are about my weight. I find the house brand lycra shorts from Nashbar fit me well. The 3x size was fitting me at a size 44, I am currently at a 42 and they fit very comfortably now. Their "Tecsumeh" and "Isolation" shorts are my faves. You can often find them on sale for $20-30. I have some of their LQ8 shorts as well, but the legs on those are cut long and I have short legs, so I don't care for them as much.

For shoes and pedals, standard SPD's are inexpensive and plentiful. You can find some basic pedals for about $30 if you shop around. Even less if you seek out some used ones. Keep an eye on the various for sale threads on this forum.

Don't give up on the Schwinn, some of the older models are very nice. You can always change out pedals and tires. Why the mountain bike? Are you primarily planning on rough trail riding?

Not giving up on it. I got it because I got a good deal on it. $30. I do need new tires. Not trail riding, no.


By "200+er", I presume you are a big guy? Check out the Clydesdale/Athena forum.

Helmets are easy. Even a cheap helmet from Walmart meets ansi specifications and protects your head. Most of what you get by spending more is style, lightness, convenience and comfort. Even the big cycling publications say this, and they stand to gain from keeping their advertisers happy. You can spend as little as $20-30 and get a decent helmet. Get one that you find fairly comfortable and you like the looks of.

Saddle is very different for everyone. I prefer a leather Brooks saddle, but they start at close to $100 and go up from there. Serfas makes some good and reasonably priced saddles for recreational use. The important thing to know is that more padding and gel does not necessarily equal better comfort. It's how well the saddles fits your butt. Where your sit bones rest. Which is why my Brooks is so good. My sit bones are on it and most of my butt is resting on the softest thing there is: air.

For shorts, you sound like you are about my weight. I find the house brand lycra shorts from Nashbar fit me well. The 3x size was fitting me at a size 44, I am currently at a 42 and they fit very comfortably now. Their "Tecsumeh" and "Isolation" shorts are my faves. You can often find them on sale for $20-30. I have some of their LQ8 shorts as well, but the legs on those are cut long and I have short legs, so I don't care for them as much.

For shoes and pedals, standard SPD's are inexpensive and plentiful. You can find some basic pedals for about $30 if you shop around. Even less if you seek out some used ones. Keep an eye on the various for sale threads on this forum.

Yeah, I'm about 225, 5'10" size 38" waist. Got a Giro helmet for $15 at the place I got my bike. It's used, obviously, but fit great and the price fit better. Took a ride around the block today. First time on a bike in years. Dang near died going up a hill. Granted I did have a trailer with a kid in it. At least it felt that way. Felt good though. I've got a very long way to go. Schwinn High Plains is what I have.

Phew. Did 2nd ride today. Just around block. Two good hills. Man, I'd forgotten what speed on a bike was. I know I dont' know squat yet. Talk about fun. Rush. Man, those hills freaking killed me again. That's what happens when you're out of shape. I've never been one much for endurance type stuff. Just more strength. I love how I feel afterwards, though.

The bike I got is a tad big for me. Oh, well. It'll do.

Welcome to the forums! A bike that fits makes a world of difference.