Mountain Biking - New Mountainbike, need tips please =)

First of all, excuse my lack in english:

I've tried several norwegian forums now, and I get no answers at all, so I did some googling, and whoop! New member!

Anyhow, here's the thing:
Iam a new guy regarding Mountain Biking (not even sure if this is the right term) and I have saved up some cash for a new bike, and need tips so I dont blow em all up on crap =)
Now, i was thinking about buying a used one for like 800$+ (5500NOK)

The Bike is for everything between asphalt and dirthills. What should I look for and what should I watch out for? Thanks!

What about this one?

http://www.finn.no/finn/bap/object;pdc=1105457745305?finnkode=4880579&sid=0aaQ5-EJ8722780&pos=76

errrmm id probsbly say no to that one.
id go with a hardtail, good to start with(thats if your new to mountainbiking)
maybe look at bikes like giant trek and specialized
ive always liked the specialized hardrock.
(hardtail=no back suspension)

Are you going to be doing tricks/etc on the bike, or just riding it?
If you want to do jumps/drops, you don't want to get a lightweight race/xc bike, but if you're just riding on the road/mountains/etc, you could probably get a specialized Rockhopper with discs and etc, or one of Kona's XC bikes if you have them there.

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike/product_18422.shtml

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=82567&highlight=proflex

Start by reading through this thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=56148

There is a lot of good advice listed there. Your budget is slightly higher so just move up to the next higher bike in the product lines you select.

I recommend concentrating on a good frame and then a really good fork. The rest are "consumable" components and get replaced with more frequency.

By "consumable" I mean that a derailleur may break in a crash or a seat gets torn. Plus there isn't too much difference in peformance levels between middle of the line-up and top of the line, so start with what you can afford and replace parts as they wear out or break.

that bike looks fine for a beginner. things you should look out for:



I'll say this once, and I'll say it again, but NEVER buy a bike from a mass mercant.
If you do that, you'll be just fine.

On top of that, that's an older bike with an older suspension design (both front and rear) and to quote Raiyn from another thread, "there's a reason they're not made anymore". I would definitely suggest a hardtail to start with and hone your skills. You'll get a better frame and better components on a hardtail at that price range than you with with a full suspension bike. The Hardrock Pro as mentioned above clicks in at under $700 USD, actually. Konas tend to be severely over-inflated price-wise in overseas markets, so I would avoid them. Perhaps look at Giant as well? Treks aren't bad for a beginner but their bang-for-the-buck factor doesn't seem to be too great.

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike/product_18422.shtml

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=82567&highlight=proflex

Considering the fact that all of the reviews save for the last one are from 2001 or before (and he's had the bike since '01) I really don't see the relevance. Much better bikes can be had.

Saw an 8? series proflex @ the supermart today.
Looked maintainable.

Not all old bikes are crap, really not my thing -CF rear.

Whatever, and being helpful in some way Mr.Neg.

Anyway..how about removal of the rear shock\ replacement. Possible?

Anyway..how about removal of the rear shock\ replacement. Possible?Anythings possible, but the fact that the bike is at least six years old you'll end up spending more money on the shock than you will for the bike. Not economically intelligent.

Probably right. Maybe offer 300$, that's the cost of a set of good wheels.

Probably right. Maybe offer 300$, that's the cost of a set of good wheels.I wouldn't offer that much considering how much other work it would need

BUY:
Kona
Specialized
Trek
and or Cannondale.
only.

BUY:
Kona
Specialized
Trek
and or Cannondale.
only.
No. There are plenty of other good manufacturers out there. He just shouldn't buy that bike.

Keep on typing...what should he buy???

Info is what what matters.

Keep on typing...what should he buy???

Info is what what matters.
What he should do is go to a bike shop and explain to them what he wants to do. I have no idea what his local shops carry, so me telling him precisely what to buy won't mean diddly if it's not availiable in his area. Plus the fact that what works for me may not work for him. The best I can do is give my honest opinion on the bike he presented. Which in my opinion is best suited for duty as a boat anchor. I never liked Girvan/ Noleen Forks other than from a "gee that's different" perspective (one that wears off REALLY quick once you've ridden one)

^^what he says...I've found the ppl @ the LBS to be veryful, yet not pushy...they let me look around, but the second I ask for help they're more than willing to help.

Figure out what types of riding you want to do. Most MTB riders ride trails, so a cross-country style is good. Some do downhill or stunt riding so need heavier, more specialised types of bike. Some riders like to take off on tours on roads or trails, so a bike that can convert to touring (luggage rack fittings) is useful.
The best all rounder is probably a hardtail with decent fork and threaded eyelets for a luggage rack. The Specialized Rockhopper is a good example.

Given that he's Norwegian, he may not have access to some of the bikes we can get here.. or they're considerably more expensive (Kona, for example). I think a trip down to the LBS would be the best way to go. After he finds something at the LBS that catches his eye, then he can come back here and ask for some opinions.

Hi again!

Thanks for the overwhelming response, I've sort of given up the used bike idea I had. Iam about 200cm and its not easy finding a bike I want at this size used. Althought I will be looking at ads in the paper.

I've also raised the budget to 10.000 NOK (1600Dollars)
As far as I can understand "Giant" seems to be a good choice.

What about a Giant Terrago Duo?
http://www.sykkel.com/giant/terreng/

Or...
Gekko Frecko
http://www.antonsport.no/?module=Articles;action=Article.publicShow;ID=350

Ok, I've done some research, I've found two nice rides:

Hardrock Pro Disc 2005 (looks damn good!) http://www.specialized.no/getfile.php/109535.679/hr_pro-disc_black_intl.jpg

Rockhopper 2005
http://www.specialized.no/getfile.php/132103.679/Rockhopper.jpg

I might need to test em both for a ride to figure out witch one i like the most

Seeing as yo said you do anything from Asphalt to dirt hills, it seems like your not sure what type of riding you do at the moment or what you will do in the future, you also said to you are 200cm (thats height im guessing) If it is height it probably means your going to be quite heavy, so i would suggest the Hardrock, you wont find a better beginner bike, they are excellent first bikes, and a credit to the dudes at Specialized. The rockhopper is more of a XC bike, and wont be able to take jumps as well as the hardrock as the frame is less built up, its a nice bike, but i think you got it on the money when you said the hardrock :)

Ok, I've done some research, I've found two nice rides:

Hardrock Pro Disc 2005 (looks damn good!) http://www.specialized.no/getfile.php/109535.679/hr_pro-disc_black_intl.jpg

Rockhopper 2005
http://www.specialized.no/getfile.php/132103.679/Rockhopper.jpg

I might need to test em both for a ride to figure out witch one i like the most

You can't go wrong with either one. I'm 194 cm and 104 kg. I've own many Rockhoppers and beat the hell out of them.

http://www.specialized.no/getfile.php/109535.679/hr_pro-disc_black_intl.jpg

Marzocchi fork and Shimano 475 mechanical disc, 6" rotor -not sure if they are good?

They probably frame wise, ride similar.

The Pro has Truvativ crankset. Better pedals but people rag on the Ditchwitch rims.

http://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b3s2p864&tbv=SPECIALIZED_Rockhopper_BIKES_Mountain_Bikes_-_Front_Suspension

http://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b3s2p861&tbv=SPECIALIZED_Hardrock_Pro_Disc_BIKES_Mountain_Bikes_-_Front_Suspension

I like the Pro..maybe ask which fork is better Manitou Axle Elite or Marzocchi MZ Comp.
Personally I think Marzocchi is a better fork designer.

He hasn’t given enough info to make a recommendation on. The statement “Everything between asphalt and dirt hills” is no help at all.

He hasn’t given enough info to make a recommendation on. The statement “Everything between asphalt and dirt hills” is no help at all.
True enough.

Ok, I've done some research, I've found two nice rides:

Hardrock Pro Disc 2005 (looks damn good!) http://www.specialized.no/getfile.php/109535.679/hr_pro-disc_black_intl.jpg

Rockhopper 2005
http://www.specialized.no/getfile.php/132103.679/Rockhopper.jpg

I might need to test em both for a ride to figure out witch one i like the most


Now, you are speaking our language! Good choices, both of them.

Hey again, I've seen a scott CONTESSA 10 on sale now, is this bike better than the one i've intended to buy? The Specialized one has got Deore/Deore/Deore, while scott has some LX/XT equipment:

Fork »
Manitou Axel Comp Coil/TPC/Lockout preloud adj. 80 mm

Cassette »
Shimano LX 11-32 T

Rear Der »
Shimano XT 27 speed RD-M750

Front Der »
Shimano LX

Shifters »
Shimano LX Rapidfire/SL

I've called around to 11 stores, and they don't carry the Specialized 2005 model untill late february. But Iam willing to wait =)

http://www.scottusa.com/product.php?UID=5912

Yes. Good bike. They are not 'common' but are considered a maker of serious bikes and are involved with mtb racing.

I'd ride it, probably a lot. If a big guy, maybe a front disk brake?