Immediate Help! Mountainbikes???

Normark

Normark

Joined
Nov 7, 1999
Messages
6,651
Hey Guys....

Now that I've quit smoking..(check it out)

Four weeks, one day, 14 hours, 35 minutes and 44 seconds. 740 cigarettes not smoked, saving $170.24. Life saved: 2 days, 13 hours, 40 minutes.

I want to buy a mountainbike....

This will be my first bike in about 25 years.. Yikes!!!

Anyway,, I'm Super confused about the different frames out there...

I like the look of the frames with a Swingarm but I'm not sure about them..

Are they strong enough to carry my weight (bout 240:) )??

I'm not doing any downhill riding and serious $hit like that,,but want a nice looking bike that will last me a few years..
Should i go with that wishbone frame,,or a regular frame ??

Also plan on doing a little touring with it,,so I'll probably want to put bags on it,,possibly a child trailer to haul my twins around in...

so many frigging questions..

BTW on those new frames
Where in the heck do you put the waterbottle ??

i may be buying one this weekend so your help is appreciated....

ttyle

Eric...
 
Eric,

Just go to your favorite local shop and ask for a few test rides. Most shops will let you come in and spin around the lot a few times to get the feel for a certain frame/material/style.

If you want suspension you need to decide whether it'll be front only or full. If it's going to be full-suspension, you'll have to decide what kind of rear suspension you want.

The big name manufacturers all use different frame geometry so same-sized frames will fit differently. One will put you farther forward, another will put you farther back...

It all depends how much you're thinking of spending. If you've got a price range in mind the guys at the shop can probably put you on the most bike for your money but you've GOT to get one that fits. If it isn't comfortable it doesn't matter HOW good a deal it is...you won't ride it.
 
I've been riding mountain bikes on and off (mostly off lately) for about 18 years. I'm on bike number three (tend to ride the frame to death, then replace).

What Brian said is exactly right. Go to a shop and try them out. Talk to the shop folks too. Also, take their advice with a grain of salt. Many shop employees are Gen X, rad racer types (not all, but it's a common affliction). Don't let them push you towards more bike than you need. At your level of fitness and experience, a $2000 full race bike would be absurd. Check out the offerings in the $400-$1000 range (for beginners, the $400-700 range is the sweet spot). Past that, the improvements are incremental and may not matter to you (do you really need a bike that is twice as expensive and only 1/4lb lighter?).

Regarding suspension, tread lightly here. You mentioned touring. Dunno about current tech, but many suspension bikes from a few years ago were difficult, if not impossible, to use with touring racks/panniers. Unless things have changed, suspension also means more maintenance and weight. I would go with a bike that has front suspension only for the first bike (front forks can be replaced easily if damaged or worn out). The front suspension is more important for comfort anyway.

Any of the major brands (Trek, Raleigh, Schwinn, GT, etc) make good, durable bikes. The major difference is colors, materials, and features. As far as fit goes, some shops will swap out stems, handlebars, and seatposts to make a bike fit you better. Try that if a bike is close to fitting, but needs tweaking.

Clipless pedals are great, but you might want to avoid them till you get used to riding again. Plus, with regular pedals, you can ride in your street shoes.

Good luck, it's lots of fun...


My Rig: 1998 Klein Pulse-fully customized. Only original part left is crankset :D

Chris
 
Hey Guys..

Thanks for the help....

well I bought one..LOL
Impulsive or what....

I got Front suspension only because I didn't like the fact that the rear shock uses up a little energy in the pedaling...

The Frame is a new type of frame,,but without the spring in the back....

Its got better than usual derailers/gears and brakes...

I got clip ons and red/blue sparkily tassles installed as well..:)

Pretty decent bike for the $400.00 I spent....

Now for acessories..:)

Computer, Bags , Headlights, and a bolt on 250 cc chainsaw motor so I don't have to pedal..LOL

Thanks for the help..appreciate it much....
Good advice..:)

ttyle

Eric...
 
and there is actually a thread that i would have really been able to contribute to, oh well

Skipping the rear suspension was a good idea especially with your weight, if you can gt stiffer springs for the front shock maybe you should they are usually set up for 170lbs people.

Acessorries: clip less pedals! best thing that you can do for your riding, one you get used to the bike, pick some of these up, it will really improve your riding! (get shimano and Steel, you are too heavy for just about anything Titanium)

Other upgrades-a better seat keep in mind fatter is not always better. Aftermarket handle bar (get a strong one) after market seat post (again strong), better hand grips.

Also tires- i like specialized or WTB, get the ones with a kevlar bead.

Eventualy you will want wheel sets, i like Mavic. You should skip the dubble butted spokes and alloy nipples unless you really drop some pounds.

have fun!
 
Hey Brian...

"especially with your weight"

What the phuck kinda crack is that ??


LOL
Just playin with ya..:)

I carry it well..:) LOL

I'll be at at least 220 by mid summer!!!

As far as aftermarket is concerned,, I've already been looking at all kinds of stuff.. Seat Seat posts, Bags, Tires Rims( man are they expensive) and a decent set of tools...

I don't want to sink alot of money into it, as its only a riding bike...
I'm not going to the X-games anytime soon..:)

A few upgrades would be nice though....
I want a headlight and a computer for now..


I've tried clipless pedals on a friends bike and Almost killed myself.. Luckily my buddy who owns the bike is a paramedic..:)So I doubt I'll be getting those for awhile....

BTW..

I forgot even what I bought,,so I called the store this morning and I guess its a Mennelli (SP?)

Decent bike ????

Thanks guys
Appreciate the help..

ttyle

Eric....
 
Originally posted by LizardKing
Skipping the rear suspension was a good idea especially with your weight, if you can gt stiffer springs for the front shock maybe you should they are usually set up for 170lbs people.
Click to expand...

I agree. I have been riding for a while myself and the stiffer the better. I clock in at anywhere from 240 to 260lbs. depending on the season. :)

My first bike was a Chromoly steel mix that flexed more than Muscle Beach!

So, I opted for Aluminum. Still not stiff enough.

Then, I finally decided to pour in the big bucks and get a monocoque carbon fiber frame - all the rage back then. It is ultra-responsive. Think of the old Mustang AOD. Instant response... My previous bikes felt more like a Ford LTD. Hit the gas...wait...wait...oh! there it goes...:D:D:D


Here's my current ride:

* 1995 Mtn Tek Team Issue

* All Shimano XT parts

* Continental Tires - heavier tread, longer lasting on the road, and no more pinch flats (little things than plague us big guys)

* Vtech cheapo clock - to remind me I ain't going as fast as I thought.

* Longhorn-style Handle Bar - I got so tired of my bar-ends coming off because I pulled on them so hard, so I got a one piece bar and taped it.

* Super Crank - forgot the brand, but get the most heavy-duty crank you can find. I guarantee that if you ride even once or twice a week on a regular crank you will break it before years end. Again, a big-guy thing.

* Skinny seat - amazing enough, every time I saw a padded seat - I would drool and buy it. Then, it would rub me raw and I would go get another big one. It wasn't until just a few years back that I got a skinny one just for the heck-of-it. No more chaffing. Plus it has a "cutout" if you know what I mean - really does help, especially if you have thick upper thighs.

* Pedals - don't get clipless unless you plan on wearing knee pads! :) Toe-clips are much better. Nothing that makes you feel more awkward than commiting 250+ lbs. to a tiny piece of metal as your only safety precaution against a rough pavement. Plus, I've broken those too! :D

My bike has lasted me 7 years so far. Yes, I paid a lot for it back in 1995, but it was worth every penny.

Dan
 
Hey Normark!!

Welcome to the world of mountain biking. I bought my first mountain bike a couple of years ago with the intent of just riding to and from work with the occasional leisurly bike ride around town. Soon afterwards I bumped into some friends from school and they took me out into the woods for my first off-road experience. It took my quite by surprise ( I went over my handlebars 4 times!) but I've been hooked ever since.

I've been riding a 2000 Specialized Stumpjumper with clipless pedals that took me almost an entire summer before I stopped falling everytime I stopped the bike LOL.

Get out and enjoy the ride. Congrats on the smoking, watching my Dad quit was quite an experience and I appreciate how difficult it is.

Much luv

TornAdo
 
Hey Tornado...

You know what they say about never forgetting how to ride a bike ??!
Its true..

Had the bike out for an hour or so and puctured a back tire in the bush.. LOL

Took it in and they fixed it for free..:)

My son and I went on a ride through our local scout camp,,had a nice downhill ride through the mud but had to walk the bike up the other side...

Got to the camp and the tire was Toast....

Can also appreciate a good trail side pump..
The one I bought is a piece of crap.My son gets it as soon as I find a good one....

Went for another ride last night,,ended up being about 6K.. Was Great riding to,,but coming back was tough..Forgot how a slight wind can effect a nice quiet bike ride.. LMAO..
Legs are killing me...:mad:

Thanks for the encouragement,,its appreciated.. I can't believe I did that to myself for so long...Getting control over ciggs is very empowering,,feel like I can do Anything now!!!

ttyle

Eric....
 
i ride a rather old rig Specialized Stumpjumper M2 FS Comp, I really like it, has served me well.

Note on clipless pedals, i now scared to ride off road on reg flat pedals, i tend to bounce off, also i dont like toe clips because i end up crashing and riding slow because the in/out time is much greater than with clipless. So clipless pedals ROCK (only problems you can have is if they get real muddy) Just learn to use them in a solf grassy field. Once you go clipless there is no going back.

When you buy a portable pump get an aluminum one.

Learn to change an inner tube, bring an extra, along with the pumb and tire irons.

Normark you may have flatted due to a phenomena called the "pinch flat" it produces snake fang like holes in your tube. Pinch flats are caused from running too low air pressure, when the wheel hits the ground hard the tube is compressed and pinched between the ground and the rims.

You also realize that if you ever become a serious rider (i am NOT one) fashion would dictate that you must shave your legs, thats right guys that ride bikes shave.

Happy riding.
 
Originally posted by LizardKing
You also realize that if you ever become a serious rider (i am NOT one) fashion would dictate that you must shave your legs, thats right guys that ride bikes shave.
Click to expand...

That's where I drew the line. My brother shaved, I did not. He is, of course, faster than I am. But when he stopped racing, it was absolutely hilarious watching him try to "grow back" his hair. :D:D

Dan
 
Hello Normark,

I was just asking about a tiny Concealex sheath for the Spyderco Jester and you were mentioned several times. I am also a mountain biker, just rode this morning. I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this or not, but one accessory I feel is a "must have" is a hydration pack, preferably in the 100 oz. size. I have the Camelbak Blowfish model, it's the best and most beneficial bicycling accessory I have ever bought, other than the helmet. It also has room for my pump (on a mountain bike you're much better off carrying the pump in your pack) and other things, like a bike tool or rain shell. I have a 2000 Diamondback Response Sport hardtail; it has performed flawlessly from the day I bought it.
Anyway, would you be able to make a sheath for the Spyderco Jester like a scaled down Delica neck sheath? Would you be able to do it without me having to ship the knife to you?

JK

P.S. Whatever you do, DON'T shave your legs. Mountain bikers are primarily a hairy lot.
 
Nice to see fellow mt. bikers. My current ride is a Diamondback X2. Full suspension...Zoke's air fork, Fox Float R, disc brakes. Used to ride hard tails...but always came back feeling "beat up". First suspension bike was Pro-Flex. Hard to go back to hard tail now. Now I just come back tired...and occasionally bloody. :p

Eric, congrats on quiting smoking! Make sure you carry spare tube or patches and a mini pump. Can save you from a long walk. One of the "bike specific" multi tools are a life saver too. "Stuff" always gets loose bouncing around on a trail. Space blanket, Powerbars, small flashlight, matches, compass/map and plenty of water too.

The most important thing to do is let someone know where you are going...what trail...where you are going to park...and approximate time for return. On search and rescue team, and we have had more than a few searches for mt. bikers. A few would not have made it through the night if we didn't find them due to snow and cold temps. Don't want to scare you...just make you aware. Getting injured, and without anyone knowing where you are could be bad news!

I'm sure you will find BIG enjoyment in your new hobby. Nothing beats a good mt. bike ride, followed by stuffing your face with your riding buddies, bench racing about the ride! :D

Happy trails! :)
 
... and then you have the bikers like me...

Buy cheapies for about $300, wear them out every year.

My current model(lasted through last yr) is a Mudslide, $250 in walmart.
*front suspension
*clipless pedals
*gripshifts
*(added) gel-seat
*(added) carrying rack on back
*(added) 'saddlebags' that sit over rack, carry off-bike just like a breifcase(handle on top, bottoms snap together), $50

The whole thing weighs about 5lbs...

I bike all over in the city, pacing traffic on a basic 18speed. 50-70Kph is normal... but you should see the tires I run though. A pair a month is normal, sometimes more. My normal tires are about 1.5-2" across, my spare tires at home are about .75-1" across. Tubes are always in my gear.

Whats fun is beating cars across the intersection, especially with cops there too.


But here's a real question for any other bikers:

Have you ever been pulled over for actually speeding? :D
The cops got me a couple times, first was in the University grounds, limit there is 40, and I was doing 60kph. Tell yah, that was fun, only carry a bit of cash when I bike, no ID.
 
never been pull over but i have broken the speed limit.

On Flat pavement with little wind i can do just over 30mph on my Mountain Bike, speed limit there is 30, highest i have seen is 32mph.

Now going down hill or with a road bike, thats a different story
 
My personal best = 37 mph.

However, my brother got his 28 speed MTB up to 40 one day. Whew!!

Dan
 
I ride a Cannondale Super V.
Mostly XTR parts.
Marzoochi Z1 QR20.
longer stroke shock to get 5 inches front and back

once you go clipless you never go back..
 
Normark --
just ride. Buy accessories as you need them.
A site I use for advice is www.mtbr.com.
Sooner or later you'll want dual suspension (easier on the back), but that can wait while you enjoy your new hardtail.
 
Normark,

Nice pic of your Ride!

Flats suck! Unfortunately it just one of those unavoidable things that happen to all of us. Grab yourself a nice pump, patch kit, bike multi-tool and practise fixing it yourself so you can save yourself a walk to the bikestore.

I agree about the clipless pedals, once you have them you never go back. (If you survive learning on them!!)

Glad your having fun, speaking of which I have to make my way out real soon!

L8tr

TornAdo
 
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