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Looking for a good first mountain bike

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Looking for a good first mountain bike

Old 02-21-13, 12:42 AM
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Looking for a good first mountain bike

I appreciate any input. I am looking to get into mountain biking, and I am wanting some input on a good bike that I can get at a reasonable price. I grew up dirt jumping BMX and have really been wanting to get back into riding and looking for some input on good bikes for someone starting out mountain biking. I have a ton of trails near where I live in California and I want to get a bike that will work good for me. I am ideally going to look for something used but I just don't have a huge budget for a super expensive bike.

Not really sure whether I should be looking for a hard tail or full suspension? I really dont know anything about mountain bikes so I thought I would see what I can find on here.

Thanks for any info you can give.
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Old 02-21-13, 03:38 AM
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Well for starters, your post is way to general to give you any advice even if someone tried. Start by reading the FAQ stuff in the stickies at the top of this mountain biking forum. That will help you figure out what kind of a bike you should be looking for. Then go check out some bikes in your budget. Do a quick search on Yahoo when you run into something you don't know about. Your answers should be easily find-able. Then once you've got an idea of what you're looking to buy, come back here and post some more specific questions about the bike/bikes you're wondering about. Pretty much the only thing I can tell you is don't bother reading too much about full suspension bikes. "Full suspension" and "budget" don't go well together, unless your idea of a budget is $1000+.
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Old 02-21-13, 08:14 AM
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What's your budget?

How tall are you and what do you weigh?

What are your mechanical abilities, and access to tools?

Atheletic abilities and risk attitude? (e.g., aggressive, will seek out jumps and press for fast descents versus cautious and just want to enjoy the trails without getting seriously hurt)

These are important questions.
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Old 02-21-13, 09:40 AM
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It taken me forever to realise I want an XC/AM mtb. Watching video. Buying parts. Developing personal riding style. And getting a real opinion from other more experienced people which helped me learn to (imo) proice point and read into what parts are worth for what I need it to do, where the useable bottom like on a budget can be.
Almost sounds like rambling but just read read read. Lurk moar.
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Old 02-21-13, 09:40 AM
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See if you can find a local IMBA chapter or other mountain bike club. Those people would be a good resource for bikes that are supported by local shops. They also know what type bike best suits your area and what you might want to try.

I like REI for the bikes they carry, good names and a variety of bikes. If you travel you can find an REI in most cities. You can get LBS support all over the place.
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Old 02-21-13, 10:02 AM
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Check with the LBS now, they are often blowing out old stock in favor of the new arrivals. I bought a new full suspension 2 y/o Salsa with full XT for 50% off and I love it. The components were worth way more than the whole bike, and another guy bought one just to swap stuff to another frame. He sold the frame later on for almost what he paid for the whole bike.
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Old 04-09-13, 05:15 PM
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Alot of variables. Probably just get a hardtail if your not gonna be doing any serious downhill stuff. and I honestly like to buy used stuff off my local clist. There are really good deals if you constantly check it
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