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Looking to get into mountain biking

Old 05-06-12, 01:27 PM
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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?
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Old 05-06-12, 07:46 PM
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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.
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Old 05-07-12, 09:02 AM
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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.
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Old 05-08-12, 05:41 PM
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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?
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Old 05-08-12, 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Noreturn
What do you guys think of this bike:
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-overdrive-sport
That looks good, but at your height, 5'3" you may find that even the small is too big as it's a 29er. Fit is the key thing, if you have a LBS that stocks this model, try it out, to see if it does of does not fit you
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Old 05-08-12, 06:19 PM
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I'd really add gloves to that list. And some sort of eye protection.
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Old 05-09-12, 03:20 AM
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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!
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Old 05-09-12, 05:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Noreturn
Hey I'm lucky enough to live by a mountain ...
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.
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Old 05-09-12, 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Noreturn
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?
Welcome To Bike Forums, Noreturn!

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.
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Old 05-09-12, 05:13 PM
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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?
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Old 05-09-12, 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Noreturn
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?
No. The Schwinn Ditch 2.0 bike is a BBS dual suspension MTB that has poor reviews.

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.
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