normdzn

Well, I am a newbie. Just bought a bike and decided on a 2007 Trek 3700 in black. (Side note: Let me know what you think about the bike). I wanted to know—since I am trying to get ready to take on the trails—if there is any advice you can give me as to how to physically prepare for it. I ride it on the road at night to get used to first, just riding, switching gears (since I have not ridden on a bike for maybe 20+ years) and second my endurance.

Chone

Hmm just relax and have fun, skill will come over time.

The FAQ on the sticky on this forum has some tips on how to become a better rider. Additionally try to learning proper cornering and braking skills first, for example, you should use your front brake most if not all of the time.

Flak

Good beginner bike.

I dont think there is much to learn in the way of preperation, just get out and ride. You'll figure it all out soon enough.

Good lukc

mtnbiker66

Get on a small elevated platform and hurl yourself to the ground about 5 times a day. Start on a grassy slope and work your way to large boulders.

Dannihilator

And if the fork survives it, then to log rides.

Flak

Funny because its so damn true

Girlscout13

WOW!I couldn't said it any better my self that's how all beginers should start.

normdzn

Hey, is it normal for you hands to numb up after a few miles of riding or is it normal and I just need to get used to it. The same question goes to why my butt hurts so bad. Note: I haven't ridden a bike in 20+ years. Thanks.

junkyard

You may be gripping the handle bars to tightly. Try easing up on it. For your other issue... get some padded cycling shorts. Pearl Izumi makes some good pairs.

As far as your initial question, just get out and ride. Nothing improved my skills like riding frequently. Start with a trail you are comfortable with. Once you feel you have mastered it, try something a little harder. It all comes with time.

highrevs

You are probably putting too much weight on your hands. Try not to rest on the bars.
The monkeybutt will get better the more you ride. The padded shorts help, but there is some conditioning of the butt that must happen also.

Be careful taking advice from the freerider types … they will lead you down the wrong path for sure.

cisted

Try rotating your brake and gear levers to point more towards the floor. This will straighten your wrists up meaning that you will be putting less pressure on your uncular nerve.

With saddles more padding doesn't always mean more comfort - the more you go out and ride the less it will hurt.

normdzn

I am psyched and ready to go!! Is there anything else I need to worry about on the trails beside rattlers, brush scarring and occasional face plants on the trail? And would you go solo?

mtnbiker66

Fork??? Not with the bike,just slam yourself to the ground.

normdzn

Hmm...more RST fork bashing... is the fork really that bad? But I would assume it could tackle trails and fire roads, right, just not logs, boulders and overgrown roots, besides, its SoCal riding. Hah!

MattP.

Where exactly you gonna be riding?

dminor 

The RST 191 is near the bottom of RST's entry-level fork line. Let's put it this way: it's probably no worse than any other base-model entry-level fork. It has coil and elastomer (springy plastic) springing and no hydraulic damping. But it will get you out on the trails and it won't break; but you will eventually outride its capabilities.

aussiewheeler

everyone on here always complains about the stock forks on bikes, but i dont mind the shocks on my hardrock (Gilla st5's i think) but i dont have anything to compare them to. but i do jumps and rocks and roots and small drops. the ride might not be glassy smooth but you get used to it. and when your short on cash like i am you tough it out. i think the fork will be fine for you. if you do grow out of it then you can replace it. i am in no way trying to offend anyone and i value your opinions as i followed them and bought a hardrock. maybe if i rode a little harder i would no what you were talking about, but since i hate hospitals i probably wont ride any harder. so maybe i will never understand

dminor 

Please don't misread my caveat about his fork; and I agree with you - - to a point. I know that fork; it is the offspring of the 181R that hangs in my garage, with steel sliders, steel stanchions and no damping. There is nothing wrong with that. I'm just explaining why so many others may be down on RST forks - - because that is what they see most often from RST. I know differently because I've owned five of their freeride/dh forks and a couple of their top XC forks.

Your Gila is a cut above the 191 and why you have managed not to quickly outstrip its abilities to perform for you. All I'm saying is expect an 'entry-level' fork to be just that and no more. And it's not really about a "smooth ride." The first instance I really needed some rebound damping from a fork was the moment I knew I needed something more.

normdzn

Ok, I didn't say fork bashing to create argument, actually, what most of you are saying probably true, it is an entry-level fork, I mean what else would I expect for an entry level bike, as long as I can upgrade later on, I'm cool. i was just saying that to make conversation. I am very grateful to be on this forum with this wealth of knowledge of its members. Cheers.

normdzn

Where in SoCal? I live in Santa Clarita and there are a lot of trails here over the Santa Monica mountains. Primarily, dirt roads, fire roads up canyons, dry brush, dirt, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and alike.