I need some ideas for a hunting bike!
11-16-12, 09:15 PM
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I need some ideas for a hunting bike!
First just want to say hi and thanks for having me.
I know nothing about bikes but I am interested in buying a mountain bike and modding it to fit my needs out in the woods. Im looking for something I can buy new and won't feel bad beating up. In other words, something in the $200 range?Definitely not a $2000 bike.
Also not sure about aluminum vs steel or full suspension vs w/else. I like the steel idea because Id be able to fabricate/weld easier but I know aluminum is lighter.
I'm an atv/ swamp buggy guy so as for tires I know bigger and fatter is better for my terrain(wet/swampy, dry sugar sand, mud and then your grass/rocky roads).
Gears? Don't know the first thing about what I need lol
Finally I want to be able to modify the heck out of it. From store bought baskets or gun racks, to maybe a custom rear platform to throw your harvest on( obviously not a 250lb deer but maybe a turkey or a small hog or something)
I've looked at Walmart and all I saw that looked halfway decent was the mongoose ledge 2.1 for $135. Like I said I don't mind spending a bit more.
I'm very handy and mechanically/fabricating inclined so I can get things done but I've just never been a bike person. As a kid, I was the one w/ the skateboard lol.
Any help/advice/direction would be great! Thank you in advance and I hope to post my progress as the build comes along! Thanks
Joe
I know nothing about bikes but I am interested in buying a mountain bike and modding it to fit my needs out in the woods. Im looking for something I can buy new and won't feel bad beating up. In other words, something in the $200 range?Definitely not a $2000 bike.
Also not sure about aluminum vs steel or full suspension vs w/else. I like the steel idea because Id be able to fabricate/weld easier but I know aluminum is lighter.
I'm an atv/ swamp buggy guy so as for tires I know bigger and fatter is better for my terrain(wet/swampy, dry sugar sand, mud and then your grass/rocky roads).
Gears? Don't know the first thing about what I need lol
Finally I want to be able to modify the heck out of it. From store bought baskets or gun racks, to maybe a custom rear platform to throw your harvest on( obviously not a 250lb deer but maybe a turkey or a small hog or something)
I've looked at Walmart and all I saw that looked halfway decent was the mongoose ledge 2.1 for $135. Like I said I don't mind spending a bit more.
I'm very handy and mechanically/fabricating inclined so I can get things done but I've just never been a bike person. As a kid, I was the one w/ the skateboard lol.
Any help/advice/direction would be great! Thank you in advance and I hope to post my progress as the build comes along! Thanks
Joe
11-17-12, 02:54 AM
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Aluminum good
Suspension bad
Go used to start
https://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/bik/3415260241.html
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bik/3415222241.html
Suspension bad
Go used to start
https://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/bik/3415260241.html
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bik/3415222241.html
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Last edited by 10 Wheels; 11-17-12 at 02:59 AM.
11-17-12, 12:14 PM
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Thanks for the leads! Are most of these bikes made in the US? That nishiki looks brand
spanking new but doesn't sound like its made in the states. How would these compare to
your big box store mongooses/schwinn?
Also what is the reasoning for suspension = bad? Thanks again!!
spanking new but doesn't sound like its made in the states. How would these compare to
your big box store mongooses/schwinn?
Also what is the reasoning for suspension = bad? Thanks again!!
11-17-12, 01:14 PM
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I did some work on an elk hunter's bike this past summer. He was rolling a 2003 RockHopper. Rifle rack on bars. Trailer for hauling out the kill.
He seemed to like the sproing. One of the things I did was fit a suspension seatpost.
For $200 and made in USA you really need to go late 80s/early 90s MTBs on craigslist. Finding a bike with all parts made in the USA is nigh on impossible.
Nishiki is an American company. Frames were made in Japan back in the day, eventually more Taiwanese origin. Most Walmart level Mongoose and Schwinn frames are made in China these days.
Suspension on a $200 MSRP rig is going to suck. MSRP of the fork alone should be at least $200.
He seemed to like the sproing. One of the things I did was fit a suspension seatpost.
For $200 and made in USA you really need to go late 80s/early 90s MTBs on craigslist. Finding a bike with all parts made in the USA is nigh on impossible.
Nishiki is an American company. Frames were made in Japan back in the day, eventually more Taiwanese origin. Most Walmart level Mongoose and Schwinn frames are made in China these days.
Suspension on a $200 MSRP rig is going to suck. MSRP of the fork alone should be at least $200.
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 11-17-12 at 01:22 PM.
11-17-12, 01:16 PM
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cowboy, steel horse, etc
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I would go with a fat bike if I was huntin'. Surly Moonlander perhaps. WAY over your budget, though.
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 11-17-12 at 01:21 PM.
11-17-12, 02:05 PM
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I love these threads and questions. It's a challenging mental exercise to match all the diverse needs and applications with reality.
I would second the idea of buying a late-80's mountain bike. They will be cheap and steel- you won't feel bad beating it up or welding on a gun rack, cow-catcher or a bayonet. There's a chance it would be made in your USA; though buying used it won't matter much, it might make you feel better. Put the fattest tires that will fit and a $20 suspension seatpost. Lastly, make yourself a custom trailer for hauling your goods. You can take a look at Burley or Chariot trailers to see how to attach it to the bike.
I would second the idea of buying a late-80's mountain bike. They will be cheap and steel- you won't feel bad beating it up or welding on a gun rack, cow-catcher or a bayonet. There's a chance it would be made in your USA; though buying used it won't matter much, it might make you feel better. Put the fattest tires that will fit and a $20 suspension seatpost. Lastly, make yourself a custom trailer for hauling your goods. You can take a look at Burley or Chariot trailers to see how to attach it to the bike.
11-18-12, 04:40 PM
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I love these threads and questions. It's a challenging mental exercise to match all the diverse needs and applications with reality.
I would second the idea of buying a late-80's mountain bike. They will be cheap and steel- you won't feel bad beating it up or welding on a gun rack, cow-catcher or a bayonet. There's a chance it would be made in your USA; though buying used it won't matter much, it might make you feel better. Put the fattest tires that will fit and a $20 suspension seatpost. Lastly, make yourself a custom trailer for hauling your goods. You can take a look at Burley or Chariot trailers to see how to attach it to the bike.
I would second the idea of buying a late-80's mountain bike. They will be cheap and steel- you won't feel bad beating it up or welding on a gun rack, cow-catcher or a bayonet. There's a chance it would be made in your USA; though buying used it won't matter much, it might make you feel better. Put the fattest tires that will fit and a $20 suspension seatpost. Lastly, make yourself a custom trailer for hauling your goods. You can take a look at Burley or Chariot trailers to see how to attach it to the bike.
Absolutely right! Whether buying used or new from "my" usa definitely makes me feel better! I consider it doing my duty and giving back a little extra for this country that has been so good to me.
Steel frame/suspension seat sounds good. The only cow catcher I need is on my airboat and A bayonet would actually be pretty cool but probably frowned upon. Thanks for the info.
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