Looking to get into mountain biking
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looking to get into mountain biking
Hey I'm lucky enough to live by a mountain so I'm thinking I want to get into biking a lot.. Like at least once a day and it will be 3-4 miles.. The problem I am facing is I can't find a bike that would fit my need.. So if you guys could help me find a bike for me (I'm 15) so still growing and will last awhile I would appreciate it. I'm currently 5'3" and weigh 130..
Also is there any gear I need besides a helment?
Also is there any gear I need besides a helment?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 1,223
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It sounds like you need to locate a local bike shop and test ride a few bikes. They'll also tell you about the extra gear you'll need.
#3
Pedals, Paddles and Poles
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Vegas Valley, NV
Posts: 5,495
Bikes: Santa Cruz Tallboy, Ridley Noah, Scott Spark 20
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1233 Post(s)
Liked 69 Times
in
58 Posts
Is there a Craigs List in your community? In ADDITON to checking with your LBS (Local Bike Shop) try riding a few bikes in the used market. Talk to those selling Mountain bikes about trails and what kind of riding they did. Dont buy any Target or Walmart bikes on the used market. They are everywhere for $40. to $100. bucks. If you can manage $250. you should be able to get a decent Hard Tail (no rear suspension, just a front fork.). It sounds like you will be riding some basic mileage.
In addition to a good helmet, I like a hydration pack/camelback. You can carry 70 - 100 oz of water. You can also pack a spare tube patches and some basic tools. A frame mount pump is really important as well. If you get a flat 4 miles from home, you need to fix that flat and then air it back up.
Welcome to Mountain biking, its a blast and your health will be better for it.
In addition to a good helmet, I like a hydration pack/camelback. You can carry 70 - 100 oz of water. You can also pack a spare tube patches and some basic tools. A frame mount pump is really important as well. If you get a flat 4 miles from home, you need to fix that flat and then air it back up.
Welcome to Mountain biking, its a blast and your health will be better for it.
__________________
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ya I have a cambelback already so sweet
What do you guys think of this bike:
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-overdrive-sport
Also what do you guys think about like biking shorts and all that is any of that needed or no?
Also is there any bikes like the one I just linked to for under $500 thats decent?
What do you guys think of this bike:
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-overdrive-sport
Also what do you guys think about like biking shorts and all that is any of that needed or no?
Also is there any bikes like the one I just linked to for under $500 thats decent?
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Posts: 5,773
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 453 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
87 Posts
What do you guys think of this bike:
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-overdrive-sport
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-overdrive-sport
#6
Pint-Sized Gnar Shredder
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere between heaven and hell
Posts: 3,549
Bikes: '09 Jamis Komodo, '09 Mirraco Blend One, '08 Cervelo P2C, '08 Specialized Ruby Elite, '07 Yeti AS-R SL, '07 DMR Drone
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'd really add gloves to that list. And some sort of eye protection.
#7
Sad rude cycling dude
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Canberra
Posts: 41
Bikes: Giant Anthem 29er, Specialized Venge, Jamis track bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Stay away from department store bikes. Especially if you intend to ride offroad. There's a tipping / balance point where cheap bikes will only detract you from the sport/hobby all together. Heres a few things I would suggest if your on a tight budget.
- Look for a hard tail, not dual suspension
- Look for bikes with groupset components shimano deore or sram x-7. These are the more cheaper entry level, but good enough that they will show you a good time and not break after 2 rides.
- Look for brand name forks such as Fox or Rock Shox. like the groupsets, they have entry level decent quality forks and probably wont be on dept store bikes
- Don't be scared to spend more, for a better quality. You can almost guarantee your probably going to enjoy it, and you will soon be wanting more.
- A better bike will be easier to sell on once your ready for the bike you really want
- So basically avoid cheap bikes with 'no-name' components and forks. you won't enjoy yourself on them anyway
- you should be able to pick up a 26" hardtail cheaper as everyones selling off to go 29er
- oh, and haggle!
- Look for a hard tail, not dual suspension
- Look for bikes with groupset components shimano deore or sram x-7. These are the more cheaper entry level, but good enough that they will show you a good time and not break after 2 rides.
- Look for brand name forks such as Fox or Rock Shox. like the groupsets, they have entry level decent quality forks and probably wont be on dept store bikes
- Don't be scared to spend more, for a better quality. You can almost guarantee your probably going to enjoy it, and you will soon be wanting more.
- A better bike will be easier to sell on once your ready for the bike you really want
- So basically avoid cheap bikes with 'no-name' components and forks. you won't enjoy yourself on them anyway
- you should be able to pick up a 26" hardtail cheaper as everyones selling off to go 29er
- oh, and haggle!
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Munising, Michigan, USA
Posts: 4,131
Bikes: Priority 600, Priority Continuum, Devinci Dexter
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 685 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 55 Times
in
37 Posts
Makes me realize how many of us actually do not. Where I live, we are really all "dirt pathers" just riding through the trees -- no mountain in sight.
Here is a basic hardtail I happen to like for under $500:
https://www.airbornebicycles.com/prod...2-skyhawk.aspx
However! You would do well to get out and try to meet some of the bikers who ride the same trails you are planning to ride. See what types of bikes they ride. Get a feel for what sort of bike you might need or want in your area. Visit a bike shop or two, and get in some test rides.
The Diamondback you link to looks to be a decent, entry-level hardtail. The poster who suggest looking at 26" wheels has a point though. At your current height, I'd lean towards the 26" wheel size.
Here is a basic hardtail I happen to like for under $500:
https://www.airbornebicycles.com/prod...2-skyhawk.aspx
However! You would do well to get out and try to meet some of the bikers who ride the same trails you are planning to ride. See what types of bikes they ride. Get a feel for what sort of bike you might need or want in your area. Visit a bike shop or two, and get in some test rides.
The Diamondback you link to looks to be a decent, entry-level hardtail. The poster who suggest looking at 26" wheels has a point though. At your current height, I'd lean towards the 26" wheel size.
#9
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ya I have a cambelback already so sweet
What do you guys think of this bike:
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-overdrive-sport
Also what do you guys think about like biking shorts and all that is any of that needed or no?
Also is there any bikes like the one I just linked to for under $500 thats decent?
What do you guys think of this bike:
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-overdrive-sport
Also what do you guys think about like biking shorts and all that is any of that needed or no?
Also is there any bikes like the one I just linked to for under $500 thats decent?
You're still growing...Therefore, you really do want to keep the cost down. It would be best to stick to 26 inch, entry level, hardtail mountain bikes, until your growing is complete.
I would recommend that you get MTN bikes similar to these:
The Schwinn Frontier Elite MTB ~ $495
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/mountain/2012-frontier-elite-14367
Jamis Trail X3 MTB ~ $550
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/trailx/12_trailx3_wh.html
* MTB = mountain bike
PS.
Try to always get MTB forks with the lockout feature. Always keep it on Lockout, until you really need the use of the suspended fork.
Good Luck!
Last edited by SlimRider; 05-09-12 at 07:11 AM.
#10
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well I have a bike that I have had for some time but needs a tune up really really bad.. Like the front break is like seized (wheel still spins just slows down FAST) then doesn't shift to 3 on the first set of gears wont go into 1 on the other set.. Skips gears.. Ya it's pretty bad.. But it's a 26" full suspension..
It's a Schwinn Ditch 2.0 26" if that helps.. What do you guys think of that bike?
It's a Schwinn Ditch 2.0 26" if that helps.. What do you guys think of that bike?
#11
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well I have a bike that I have had for some time but needs a tune up really really bad.. Like the front break is like seized (wheel still spins just slows down FAST) then doesn't shift to 3 on the first set of gears wont go into 1 on the other set.. Skips gears.. Ya it's pretty bad.. But it's a 26" full suspension..
It's a Schwinn Ditch 2.0 26" if that helps.. What do you guys think of that bike?
It's a Schwinn Ditch 2.0 26" if that helps.. What do you guys think of that bike?
You would be much better off by just tossing that bike altogether and purchasing an entry level MTB without lockout.
Therefore, just ditch the Ditch!
Something like the following would be much better:
The Giant Boulder ~ $360
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/boulder/9023/48922/
The Giant Revel ~ $410
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/revel/9042/48921/
The Jamis Trail XR ~ $330
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/trailx/12_trailxr_bk.html
The Jamis Trail X1 ~ $395
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/trailx/12_trailx1_bk.html
The Schwinn Frontier ~ $330
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/mountain/2012-frontier-mens-14351
PS.
* In general, try to avoid dual suspension bikes below $1000.
BBS = Big Box Store = Department Store
Last edited by SlimRider; 05-09-12 at 06:28 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Inpd
Mountain Biking
1
03-16-16 10:45 PM
Lionheart123
General Cycling Discussion
40
04-22-15 03:14 PM