Newbie
 

Hello,
i'm a new member from winnipeg. my bike i just recently got (under a week ago) is a opus sonar.
http://www.opusbike.com/site_montagne.php?lang=en
i am 15 i have rode a bike since i was 5 never ever doing anymore than comuting to school etc.
i would like to get into mountain biking. i would like some help from people on this forum to help me out and point me in the right direction. i would greatly appreciate any positive and helpful comments
please tell me about everthing, i dont know much but am willing to learn
thanks, setka456 :)

Welcome to the Forums.

You're willing to learn and want to know everything? This is a great place to start.

I would suggest that you read the stickies on the top of the opening page (especially the 'Read Before Posting' sticky, and read the discussions as they evolve.

When you've got some information under your belt, start a new thread and see what happens. Careful- thicken your hide and DON'T take anything personally . This is the internet.

Nice looking bike for starting. I ride a bike that is very similar. Hardtail, linears front and rear. I love my bike by the way. I just recently started riding hard too. So we are in the same boat. And with riding hard, I hav also decided upon some new parts too.

Thanks for the replys :)
im well aware of how people can be on the internet, ill take your sugestions

+1

a couple of other things to get which i would get are some biking gloves, even 5 dollar ones make a difference. And to invest in a good helmet thats comfortable and protective, theirs no point in having a 10 dollar helmet mountain biking cause it wont last long.

bike helmets are only good for a single impact.. so the 10 dollar one or realistically around 30-40 is probably your best bet. a 100 helmet is no better than a 10 dollar one as far as saftey and durability. that being said get one that you like.. that way you will wear it.

I am a part of many forums and realize how some people can be. fortunately i have only recieved positive feedback from this perticular forum :)
i would also like it if someone could go into detail about the different types of mountain biking. im aware of the sticky ( i always read them ;) ) but it doesnt go into enough detail for my liking
if that would be possible it would be greatly appreciated

XC- Road biking on dirt, light bikes, well groomed trails. 3-4 inch bikes

Trail- IMO what the majority of people do. Run what you brung, nothing to scary or technical. Just good riding though the woods.

All mountain, more technical, rocks, drops. 5-6in bikes Trails could be nice could be gnarly.

Free ride, Lots of fast downhill. Big drops, natural and man made obstacles like skinnies, log rides, jumps etc. Bikes are built to take a beating 7-8in of travel. Some moto style stunts at times.

Downhill: Very technical very fast. Big technical drops, rock gardens and general gnar. DH racing is a ITT to see who can get down the quickest.

Dirt Jump: Bikes with 26 or 24 in wheels (or BMX). Well manicured trails that have jumps berms tables etc. Tricks ensue.

All of this is according to me and is just how I think about it. I'm sure others will have better explanations, but at least its a start.

Thank you very much for your post, i am glad to see anything thats avaliable, of course i would like to see some stuff in more detail. and also ive heard of trials and i noticed its not in the sticky's list.im wondering if there are anymore not listed and if i could get some details on those please

Thank you very much for your post, anything helps. although i would like to hear more. and also i have heard of trials biking are there anyothers that might not be listed that someone could also give me more insight on please

What do you want to know exactly?

Check freecaster.tv, they have pretty good videos of DH, XC, FR.

im sorry about that double post, can someone help me find the delete button please ;p
i would like to know as much as you can tell me, if you can. i dont know much so i dont really know what questions to ask specifically, but once someone can post a large post im sure i will have tons of questions :)
im sorry if im being very vague

Go ride your bike ;)

+ 1. Go ride it and I guarantee you'll come back with 'non-vague' questions. :thumb:

keep your weight back on descents. don't shift forwards, or you may endo.

learn how to fix a bike. if you don't know how to already, i'd advise you learn. you can pick things up as you go along. i'm just assuming that by you being so young, you won't have the coin to take the rig in the shop regularly.

keep your rpm around 90 rpm. too slow or too fast can ruin your knees

stay loose.

be friendly to others on the trail :).

maintain your rig.

I def. dont have enough money to bring it in regularly but i do have a year warranty, which includes pretty much anything
i have/plan on taking all of this advice

thank you