med01

Hey guys, I've got a few short questions as I'm curious about this sport.

I bought a mountain bike a few days ago for the purpose of mainly exercising, but I can say I had a blast going through one of the bush tracks here and would like to know more about mountain biking.

No idea about brands, size etc. but I went to target and bought a Cyclops Ridge bike, 60cm. I'm 5'6 so I'm pretty short, but is there any difference between wheel size in terms of technical performance or other attributes? Thoughts on the bike?

https://www.cyclopsbikes.com.au/index...ct-status=live

Also, odd question but what is this sport called? More an extreme sport is it?

DX-MAN

It's called mountain biking; the bike you have is designed for tame trails, basically the "XC" -- cross country -- portion of it. Extreme...no. Check out something like 'New World Disorder' to see some extreme stuff. Those guys have rugged, heavy-duty bikes that can be jumped off garages and small cliffs. Don't jump your Cyclops off anything bigger than a high curb.

Actually, you bought too small a bike, too; that bike is meant for someone 4'8"-5'1", approximately. The 66cm (26") wheel will roll over small bumps easier than the 60cm (24"). (It's like the argument about the 29ers going on, they are supposed to just "FLATTEN OUT" a trail....)

Start saving your money; go to a real bike shop and get an idea of something you'd REALLY like to have, try a few out if you can. Go easy on the Target bike until you have the $$ saved up for what you want. BELIEVE ME -- a quality bike will dial up the experience you've already tasted. (Some people here will try and tell you that what I just said is snobbery, that major-retail stores like Target sell bikes that are just as good; partner, I've built these things for over a decade, I do this instead of shop work because it pays better and I have a mortgage, and there's a REASON I spend $2K on a bike for myself, and it's not snobbery. Just sayin'.)

3speed

Weird. I had no idea they had Target stores outside of the US. That kinda sickens me(though not as much as Wal-Mart stores). In any case, I say take the bike back if you just bought it. Don't feel bad At All about taking back a lightly used bike to one of these big "box store", greedy, earth destroying, sack of s**t companies. Then save yourself a little more money and buy a better bike from a local bike shop. You'll have a Much more reliable bike that's actually built or trail riding. But even if you don't do that, as DX-MAN said, it's just called mountain biking. I personally wouldn't really call it an "extreme sport" unless you're doing some pretty hardcore downhill or something. It's just having some awesome off-road fun on a bike with knobby tires. As for tire size, you'll probably do much better on at least 26" wheels. That's what I'd recommend. 29" is also very popular, and definitely has it's place. If you're racing or get a thrill out of going as fast as possible on smoother XC single-track, that's probably your best option. If you just want to get out and have fun on some dirt trails, whatever type they may be, I'd say go for 26". No matter what your choice, good luck and have fun. If you keep the bike you've got, still ride the hell out of it and don't listen to anyone if they make comments about you riding a "low-end" bike. If you're out having a good time and the bike works for you, that's all that really matters. Seriously. Just have fun.

lotekmod

If you don't want to or can't return your new bike, then just keep riding it. It may not be a great bike but I'm sure it'll do for a while. Find a local group of bike riders who are open to beginners and ride with them for a bit, maybe they'll let you try some of their bikes. Talk to them about good local bike shops or even better, one of them might have a second bike in great shape they are willing to sell for cheap. The most important thing is to keep riding and having fun!!!

med01

Cheers guys. Well, to give an update... from doing drop-offs (gutter height only as mentioned above), medium sized rocks, gravel, sand, mud, creeks... is has taken a beating with a result of one of the V-brakes disappearing which doesn't surprise me. I've replaced all the breaks and works like a chime now... so far

Anyway, in terms for saving, to be honest, I'm still new to this different style so I don't want to spend no more than 300 on a bike as I've got other financial commitments too. If I get more serious, and know more about mountain biking, I'll start saving for a real bike. As for now, with this bike still doing its job, I'd like to look into a 26". Basically a replacement.

With that said, I'm looking at an Avalanche bike. Either an AX 175, ATX 250 or if it's worth it to go for the ATX 375 under $350 new. Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Cheers.

The WC Cyclist

Hey mate, fellow aussie here.
I'll just be honest and say those bikes (cyclops/avalanche) umm aren't really going to show you the true nature of mountain bike riding. The main reason for that is they are really not built for off road use. After a few rides they will more than likely self destruct. They are also extremely dangerous if you start doing anything other than riding on a flat dirt ROAD. You've obviously had a taste of this awesome sport/hobby and to be honest you are probably yet to experience the REAL pleasure of mountain biking and why its one of the fastest growing sports in the world.
If I may make a few suggestions in regards to suitable bikes;
In Australia, the brand GIANT is almost everywhere! They not only produce great entry level quality mountain bikes, they do it at some of the best prices in the country. Brand new, their entry level mtb ranges from about $650 - $1000. Which I understand is twice your budget but theres no comparison really. It will feel like a Ferrari after getting off your cyclops.
If you dont mind buying second hand, do a quick google on australian mtb clubs. Most clubs have some form of classifieds on their website where riders are always getting rid of their entry level bikes. You can usually get a STEAL because people need to sell before they can afford their upgrade. For example my local club CORC https://new.corc.asn.au/classifieds/?IntCatId=16 has a classifieds page that I usually check everyday for bargains.
To help with your terminology, if you can manage to find a HARDTAIL (name for a mtb with front suspension only - much cheaper usually) with quality entry level components SHIMANO DEORE or SRAM X7 second hand with a FOX or ROCKSHOX front fork, you'll be laughing.

If you'd like any particular advice on particular bikes or any advice all round on mountain biking in australia feel free to contact me through my profile or blog.

ReverendMaynard

You don't want to spend much, but you're already looking at getting a new bike after riding the other one for a week. Now you've wasted the purchase price of that first bike. You could've gotten a much nicer bike for what it cost you to buy 2 bikes. If you buy this other cheap bike and find it's still not what you were looking for?

Daspydyr 

You might want to check out the Sticky Thread about bike skills in the Mountain bike thread. Good info there on riding. Also do some youtube time on basic mountain bike skills and bike fitting. This will help you get things set up best for your body size. Good basic skills will help get you over obstacles and down hills with the least amount of bleeding. Yeah it happens sometimes. But that is what makes us studly!

med01

I didn't particularly want to go down the 2nd hand path, but I think that would be the best option. If I do see some that I'm interested in, I'll be sure to ask you guys prior for a second look. No confidence in me yet Thanks for your offer in helping WC

My bike is still gonna get heaps of use, as I always intended to just ride in general and not for off-road. I'm not new to bikes as I always rode a BMX when I was a kid/teen, but with my newly purchase, guess it's a lesson taught.

Anyway, you've turned me off the Avalanche idea which is a good thing. Thanks again