Bike people... Kid4lyf/chrackah

[Matt S.]

I have been researching mountain bikes. I am looking at enduro type mountain bikes, hoping that what I read about them is correct. I am looking for something I can ride all weekend on various terrains. Mountain trails, rocky sections, a little road when needed, dry rock, etc. I THINK I need full suspension due to 2 factors. 1 being that I wont do tricks, so it makes sense for trail riding. 2 being that my back and knee could use all the help they can get.

I know getting into isnt super cheap, but I am looking around at used stuff hoping I can get into it for under a few thousand. I need everything from bike to gear.

What do yall ride and what you recommend? I want to beable to stil hit some nice trails and travel with it. Tips?

[XJ Jeepin Girl]

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=92261&highlight=mountain+bike

Might help... just discussed a few weeks ago.

[rock rash]

i recommend www.pinkbike.com

plenty of sed bikes over there in great shape. Are you thinking downhill trails or more cross contry trails? That cold make a HUGE difference

[snmstuntbikr]

the best bang for your buck would be a specialized stumpjumper fsr or a step up would be a specialized epic. If you really want to get a little more crazy you could look into santa cruz bikes but due to the components and quality thatll set you back at least $3000

[Matt S.]

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=92261&highlight=mountain+bike

Might help... just discussed a few weeks ago.


doh:sad1:

[Bradlybob]

Check out this months Mountain Bike Action magazine, bunch of bike reviews. Depending on how much money you want to spend and how much you're going to ride you have a bazillion choices. Dual suspension will definately be easier on your back. The Specialized FSR is an excellent choice but the Epic is more of a race bike. Visit some high end bike shops and talk to the sales guy. Don't buy anything on your first visit. Shop around, this time of year you can get serious deals on closeout bikes. www.mtbr.com has reviews on almost everything ever made.

[dbswede]

I ride a ellsworth id (because I got a good deal on a used frame) and love it...before I got it I was looking at Gaints with the "maestro" suspension online (mtbr and ebay) the trance is 4" travel and the reign is 5" travel.... they have a reasonable price point, you can get a whole bike for what a new ellsworth or comparible frame would cost ($ 2400 beans).

[OT]

doh:sad1:
Haha, she basically told you to search, n00b.:roflmao:

[XJ Jeepin Girl]

Haha, she basically told you to search, n00b.:roflmao:

Hey, at least I was nice about it... lol.

It's okay, it's just that that thread also has a lot of good information, or so I thought.

[Chero-King]

I ride a Cove Stiffee hardtail, but for a decent DH/FR bike, I'd suggest either a Norco A-line, Atomik, or Team DH, or even a Rocky Mountain Switch. All of those from the years 02-05 can easily be found on pinkbike for under 2k. Right now, I'm looking at an 02 Norco A-line for 950 with near new drivetrain on www.Pinkbike.com There are so many good used bikes on that site it's not even funny.

[Jeep914x4]

the best bang for your buck would be a specialized stumpjumper fsr or a step up would be a specialized epic. If you really want to get a little more crazy you could look into santa cruz bikes but due to the components and quality thatll set you back at least $3000

X2 :peace: or........

.... The Specialized FSR is an excellent choice but the Epic is more of a race bike. Visit some high end bike shops and talk to the sales guy. Don't buy anything on your first visit. Shop around, this time of year you can get serious deals on closeout bikes. www.mtbr.com has reviews on almost everything ever made.

I have an FSR and love it. I think it would be a good choice for your needs. Go to as many bike shops as you can. Taks some test rides for sure. I got my FSR XC Pro with disk brakes and a Fox float shock for a grand around this time of year. There are some good deals look around locally. I think the Epic is too much bike for weekend warriors. I really like my FSR.

I bought an "05 Telluride Helmet". (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=15977) I really like the adjustment system on the specialized and fit is the most important thing with your helmet. It must be adjusted correctly to protect you. When I crashed with my old helmet it was adjusted properly and really protected me well. Hence the new one. :rof:

As for gear, you'll need spd compatibe shoes, MTB Shorts, Gloves, something for water, pump, patch kit or extra tube, multitool, and maybe a cyclometer.

Get the shoes, ride in the grass to get used to them. You will forget to unclip and topple over. They help keep the pedals out of your shins and give you extra power because you can pull on the upstroke. I've read that pedals with more float are good if you have bad knees. I could be wrong.

Shorts. I picked up some fox shorts that are very durable and have a built in pad. They really are worth it. They breath well, and protect your skin if you crash. A synthetic "dry fast" shirt is nice also. I get them for $10 at target. I think they are Champion Gear brand. Cotton stays wet and gets sticky. For shorts check out the REI outlet website (http://www.rei.com/outlet/index.html) There are almost always a pair of bike shorts on sale. I think I paid $40 for mine.

I wear the half gloves without fingers. Some have a nice soft part to wipe away your blood sweat and tears. Get some with nice padding on the palm. They will protect your hands from getting cut up in a fall.

I wear a 70 ounce camelback in the smallest backpack. It holds my keys, pump, and water. That's it. I will sometimes drink the whole 70 ounces on a 15 mile ride in hot weather. I like to have plenty though.

Get one of those wedge bags that goes under your back seat. Put your spare tube, patch kit, and multitool in it. That way you never forget any of those important things. You won't need them on the trail often but when you do you will be glad you were prepared and not walking.

I like my Cateye cyclometer. Picked it up for $20 from http://www.nashbar.com/, another good place to look for gear. The computer keeps track of how far you've gone, your time riding, and a few other things. This information is useful in many ways.

http://www.pricepoint.com/ is also a good place to get bike "stuff". I've never ordered anything from them but know people who have been happy.

That's about all I can think about right now. :wave1: Should be plenty to get you started thinking about what you need.