MTB Newb: What can I do with this bike?
 

Hi all,

Forgive the newbness. I picked up this Jamis Dakar as a close-out way back in 2004 with the intention of getting into mountain biking and just never made it to the trails. Life intervened and just got too busy to ride. This became my commuter for a while but now I work from home. There are a few trails near my house and I'm just thinking it's a shame that I have this bike that's rarely seen the trails.

Question is, I read the forums and see how much has changed. Different bikes for different types of terrain. It used to be just "mountain bike." Now theres DH, XC, etc. I have no clue what half the acronyms mean. So can anyone tell me what this bike is good for? Is it even a decent bike? Like I said, I'm clueless on this stuff.

http://imageshack.us/a/img145/249/dsc0122gx.jpg

Well it is dual suspension, certainly recreational single track,

but given current situations, :notamused:
I'd make sure your health insurance company won't cancel your policy
if you hurt yourself , riding your bike in the woods..

current situations?

Jamis Dakar was a very favorably-reviewed bike in its day. Yes, some things have changed but it makes your Dakar no less worthy of going out and hitting the trails. Lose your commuting accessories, get a shorter stem and maybe a riser bar and just ride . . . and enjoy.

Thanks! I still ride pretty actively for my triathlon training but all on the road. I figure it was way past time to put this bike to use.

Go ride the **** out of it. Don't sweat it being older; looks to be in fine shape.

I would make sure the rim strips, tubes and tires are in good order if it's really been sitting most of the time since 2004. Replace what you need to.

Other than that, go ride!