Mtn Bike Question

[MikeC2W]

I'm looking for a Mountain Bike for probably 50% road and 50% off road racing.

I don't want to spend more than 2500$ and want to get the most for my $$$.

Do we have any Mtn bike enthusiast here that might point me in a few good directions?

Thanks in advance!

[Fofo]

Check-out Specialized, Gary Fisher, Iron Horse and Trek. Do you want a hardtail or full suspension bike? Does it matter?

The Specialized FSXrc Comp XC
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22033

Trek Fuel EX 5.5
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_full_suspension/fuel_ex/fuelex55/

Just my 0.02 cents. There are a lot of good manufacturers it might be a pain to find the perfect bike.

[FinsUp]

I like the geometry of specialized. Treks have never felt right to me. The best thing to do is go to your LBS with your price in mind and test ride bikes.
My .02 cents.

[MikeC2W]

Good question, I should have mentioned - Full Suspension.

[FinsUp]

It will really come down to what fits you best. Like I said, hang out at the lbs and ride everything they will let you ride. I have Specialized and Treks at work, most of my guys after riding them both prefer the specialized. The cockpit feels shorter and tighter. When I am on a Trek, I feel like I am stretched out. Gary Fisher is another good company. Look over at mtbr dot com, there is some good info to be had. The forums there have some good info also, some posts are a bit left leaning for me but it's a decent site for bikes.

[Fofo]

Like FinsUp said, test ride the bikes that you are interested in.

Also, check-out the shocks - Most you can lock-out so there is no bobbing at all. (assuming it had any noticeable in the first place) There are two front suspension forks - one is a spring and easy to maintain but not nearly as effective as an air ride one. However, it is more complex and requires occasional inspection and refilling of air after while of riding. Disc brakes, most likely you'll get hydrualic at that price, and that involves occasional fluid replacement.

And if you are going to race with it, you might want to look at clipless pedals.

[Sharky]

Bikewrench has been a good source for me for info on bikes. He workes in a bike shop. Shoot him a PM.

[FinsUp]

+1 on clipless. I love mine, they make for more efficiency while pedaling. They take a bit to get used to, but once you do, you wont use anything else. I have some cool scars from the first week with mine:).

[dougage]

I've been riding a Marin Mt. Vision for a few years, I like it.

I took off the knobbies and put on some smoother tires and it

hauls ass on roads. Great f/s ride, you might wanna check one

out.

[SHOOB]

For the money you are looking to spend. Look at Rocky Mountain or Independent. I have broken three treks in my time. What type of racing are you looking to do? If downhill, then look at full suspension. If not then don't waste your time with it. It takes to much energy away from you.
I have been riding a Rocky Mountain for the past few years and it has treated me well. It is a steel frame but is lighter than my aluminum frame bikes.

[low country]

Check out www.mtbr.com They review all types of bikes and gear as well as local trails around the country.

Regarding street riding and trails, if you go full suspension, make sure that you get one that allows you to "lock it out". This makes the bike feel like a traditional non-suspension bike. Clipless pedals are great as are hydraulic brakes and air suspension.

For riding on the street, you can always buy a second set of rims and put slick tires on them. When you want to hit the road, swap them out. You will ride faster as there is less drag than with the knobby tires.

I have a Gary Fisher 29er. It has 29 inch rims and does good on both the road and trails. The bigger wheels make it "eat" bumps easier and gets more speed on the straights and road. The bigger tires also make it less maneuvarable and slower to start.

For your price point, you can get a very good bike. Bikes are a lot like cars in that the new year models come out, last years get sold for less.

I would also pay for components and not the name brand of the bike.

[Tracy]

I'm looking for a Mountain Bike for probably 50% road and 50% off road racing.

I don't want to spend more than 2500$ and want to get the most for my $$$.

Do we have any Mtn bike enthusiast here that might point me in a few good directions?

Thanks in advance!

This is pretty inexpensive...

Road/Mountain Bike (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2401089)

[Sharky]

This is pretty inexpensive...

Road/Mountain Bike (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2401089)




And just his size too!

[Doogie320]

I hated my clipless pedals and went back to toe clips. YMMV on them. My buddy has the Crank Brothers Mallets and ditched those for more traditional clipless pedals. Go with what is comfortable for you.

[MikeC2W]

This is pretty inexpensive...

Road/Mountain Bike



And just his size too!



Well aren't you two just the funniest! lol


I'll be going with clipless, the racing is Adventure type, I already have a hardtail Gary Fisher and although I love it and could probably use it for most of the stuff I've been doing....One of the main reasons I'm looking for a full suspension is that every bump no matter how small that I hit - goes right through my spine and although my back has gotten 100% better - I still feel it....plus I just want one! hahaha and have some money burning a whole in my pocket.

So really what I'm looking at is a 2500$ 'Jack of all trades' Full Suspension Mtn Bike.

Thanks for all the feedback!

[Hoepoe]

Mike

I have a Jamis myself and am happy with it, thogh all the bkes mentioned here are great.

Check out
http://forums.mtbr.com/
and

http://www.mtbr.com/

Place a post there with what you want it for, price range etc., and you'll get some (more) good advice.

Good luck and enjoy! It's a great sport.

H

[GPC]

+1 on Jamis I love mine.I have full suspension it's easy on my back and I went with tubeless tires no clips on the pedals.Jamis Dakar is my choice.

[Hoepoe]

+1 on Jamis I love mine.I have full suspension it's easy on my back and I went with tubeless tires no clips on the pedals.Jamis Dakar is my choice.


'04 Jamis Dakar Sport here. Clip pedals, improved tires, rest is stock standard.

H

[Slim]

In addition to what is already lots of good advice, don't forget Giant in your search. My last mountain bike was a Giant. It had a longish frame for the ride height and was very comfortable and stable on roads and trails that didn't switch back too much.

[PocketKings]

I have a Scott hardtail. Its OK. I prefer road bikes. For the money you're spending, you can get a MTN and Road bike.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of buying used bikes. Bike geeks sell their stuff after no time at all. I got my road bike off Ebay in 2003 and its still good for 100 mi a week.

[bikewrench8541]

Gackman just gave a heads up on this thread.
Sooo, you wanna ride a bike do ya.
I have been riding bicycles forever. Still do.
Pm me.
We have some ground best covered quickly in comms, voice type.
Or pm me.
Think about, where am I going to ride. What do I want to ride on, (terrain.)
How often. Etc.
Being realistic is most important. Think about guys with race guns plinking at the indoor range... Nice pistol, (it is bored and expensive).

[poison]

I love Santa Cruz. I had a Chameleon, and sold it to start my coffee business. I miss it. I'd buy a Superlight, Heckler, or Nomad/Blur if I had the coin.

[Olive Drab]

I hated my clipless pedals and went back to toe clips. YMMV on them. My buddy has the Crank Brothers Mallets and ditched those for more traditional clipless pedals. Go with what is comfortable for you.
Have you tried speedplay pedals at all? I switched to Frogs on my mountain and have zeros on my road bike. No more knee pain from being forced to hold a certain foot position

[Doogie320]

Have you tried speedplay pedals at all? I switched to Frogs on my mountain and have zeros on my road bike. No more knee pain from being forced to hold a certain foot position

No I haven't. I'll have to take a look at those.

[poison]

Crank Bros. are awesome. I've used SPD, TIME, and Egg beaters, and the Beaters are the no brainers, good in mud too. :D

[bikewrench8541]

My post got killed!

These below are listed in order of ascending float, ie more movement on your kick turn platform, column left, yarch... it can save sensitive or damaged knees.
SPD's are good to go. The basic starter pedal range, but very good, most need nothing else.
Times are GTG. Esp. for cyclo cross and mountain with the ATAC line.
Crank Bros are GTG. Ditto Time above.
Speedplay for knee injuries etc. have the most float, they are also the most expensive and aren't necessary for everybody.

My last post was better.
Any questions?

[Rotor Strike please]

No I haven't. I'll have to take a look at those.

Cages on your pedals is extremely ghey! Get with the program. I run the Egg Beaters (Candy) on my Litespeed and really love them.

Allow me to reiterate. If you run toe clips<------Loves the Cock!:D

[Doogie320]

Cages on your pedals is extremely ghey! Get with the program. I run the Egg Beaters (Candy) on my Litespeed and really love them.

Allow me to reiterate. If you run toe clips<------Loves the Cock!:D

That's just fucking wrong.....

:)

[MikeC2W]

So after much research, I'm still waffling a bit....but I'm leaning towards Santa Cruz Heckler.

[PocketKings]

I have Speedplay zeros on my Guru and love them.

[Expatmedic]

http://www.konaworld.com/08_bass_w.htm

Kona's rock.

[Olive Drab]

guru, lightspeed and konas? I guess i have the shittiest bike, owning a kestral talon

[PocketKings]

Macca rode a Kestral, so you ain't doing that bad.

[RGR.Montcalm]

I'm looking for a Mountain Bike for probably 50% road and 50% off road racing.

I don't want to spend more than 2500$ and want to get the most for my $$$.

Do we have any Mtn bike enthusiast here that might point me in a few good directions?

Thanks in advance!

FWIW you may want to invest in an extra set of rims and tires so you can switch back and forth.

Mud gripping knobbies wear out fast on pavment and basically feel like you're on a John Deere tractor.:rolleyes:

For pavement, read smooth pavement, Diamond Slicks have good grip and a nice ride. :D

Definitely want to invest in a good seat- get a gel seat for comfort with a cut out for your 'taint' :D for those long pavement rides

My .02

[Ranger5280]

I love my YETI!

[MikeC2W]

Should have it tomorrow....

Heckler, RP23 Shock, Manitou Forks (can't remember which model), shimano pedals.....luckily they shop threw in a bunch of reflectors and a really nice basket that goes on the front.

I can't wait to go hurt myself.

Thanks all for the input, special thanks to bikewrench8541.....so many fucking bikes so little time (and money!).

[Ranger5280]

I still ride on my original Manitou forks that I bought in the early '90s before Doug Bradbury licensed his forks to Answer (when he still built them in Manitou Springs, CO). They still work perfectly and I've only changed the buffers a couple times.

[Fofo]

Glad to hear you got yourself a good bike. Hopefully she lasts you for a while and with no major problems.

Oh, and BTW, don't forget the all-important rear mud guard, otherwise you'll soon look like you got a giant shit stain on your back and ass. :eek: :D

[FinsUp]

Congrats on the new bike!

[MikeC2W]

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!


Got the bike - it's fucking awesome, something to be said about spending some money...no freaking doubt about it.

So what's the first thing I did?????



























Fucking crashed!

LMAO - no worries though, I sacraficed my body and saved the bike....not even a scratch...er...on the bike. My calf, upper outer thigh, elbow, shoulder and push up muscle will be a bit sore tomorrow. I can feel the back going into spasm now....thank god I bought a case of beer on the way home.

Fucking road rash sucks! :( :D

[Guy]

Fucking crashed!Classic case of...The mind out performing the body...

It's going to take you awhile too heal...you old bastard.:D

Ride safe!

[MikeC2W]

Classic case of...The mind out performing the body...

It's going to take you awhile too heal...you old bastard.:D

Ride safe!


LOL - actually it was a classic case of the dumbassery.

More like fucking with your new front forks and not watching where you are going.....when......BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM! All of sudden your on your ass, luckily pure instinct took over and I performed the perfect PLF - even while still having my feet locked into the clips! LOL

I get back up ride back towards the house, my neighbor says hello....I ask if she saw me crash?

Fucking ridiculous. LOL

Edit - to add a perfect example of why one should always wear a helmet - I wasn't and came within inches of a nice head bounce off the curb!

[MikeC2W]

LOL - 2 more crashes this morning and a slightly twisted ankle....GOD I love this shit! Seriously....what's better than being out in the effin woods effin yourself up? i would submit - NOTHING.

Being a rookie with the clipless pedals is tough on the ole body...specially here in NE.

I'll post some pics of the bike later.

[FinsUp]

Yeah but crashes are cool! I crashed on a training ride the other day. Was going way too fast through a creek bed crossing, off camber section, hit a patch of leaves and my front wheel washed out. I knocked down a tree about 5" diameter. Thank god my collarbone was there other wise I might have gotten hurt!:D

[Fofo]

Hahaha, ouch! Well, so long as you aren't injured and the bike is still functioning/haven't broken an expensive part, it's all good.

Don't get too aggressive without a helmet, I almost killed myself even with one on. The loud "thwack!" your skull and helmet makes upon hitting the pavement, and realizing your helmet is cracked, not your skull, ah, that is a creepy realization that comes to you shortly afterwards. :eek:

Hopefully you never make to a sharp turn, hit a large rock and go flying into a creek like how I did a couple moths back.

Oh, and black ice is not your friend.

Got any large gouge marks on the paint yet? :eek: :D :(

[FinsUp]

and realizing your helmet is cracked, not your skull, ah, that is a creepy realization that comes to you shortly afterwards.
+1 On the helmet. One of my guys, during the IPMBA course, was following a guy when the guy in front of him stopped after riding up onto a sidewalk, did a spectacular endo. The back of his head hit the edge of the curb. Busted his helmet right at the base of the skull! I use that helmet when I teach rider safety classes now.

[Seanmcd82]

MikeC2W, not trying to pry, but are you in NE Nebraska or NE New England?

Just wondering, up here in the White Mountains of NH we have more unbelievable trials than you could ride in ten years....Always looking for someone to ride into the ground, or vice versa.

Good Luck with the Santa Cruz, Fantastic bikes...

[MikeC2W]

Those leaves cover all kinds of little hidden treasures, and are the main cause for all the lovely pain I'm in this morning....it's awesome.


Seanmcd82, I'm in New England.

White Mountains are awesome, will definitely get up there and try to hurt myself some more this spring/summer.

[Seanmcd82]

MikeC2W, Spring up here is muddy.......Lasts til mid august... :(

Fall is excellent, nice and brisk.....Not too muddy either.

Good Luck with the bike, but be careful, Mountain Biking is like crack, once you get hooked, you will beg, borrow, steal, call in sick to work, whatever it takes to ride...

I know from experience.......

Sean

[FinsUp]

Good Luck with the bike, but be careful, Mountain Biking is like crack, once you get hooked, you will beg, borrow, steal, call in sick to work, whatever it takes to ride...
Too true. I'm lucky to be a part of a bike patrol team. They pay me to ride a bike! :)

[RGR.Montcalm]

Don't get too aggressive without a helmet, I almost killed myself even with one on. The loud "thwack!" your skull and helmet makes upon hitting the pavement, and realizing your helmet is cracked, not your skull, ah, that is a creepy realization that comes to you shortly afterwards. (

I had a pretty bad wreck a long while ago at Fort Benniing- hit by a golf cart! Chipped paint, torn rotator cuff but my skull was intact because of the helmet. Oh yeah- smack the helmet- immediately buy a new one- they're cheaper than a casket!:D

[Seanmcd82]

Hit by a Golf cart??

Better than running into a Bulldozer I guess.

Definitely get a good helmet, especially with clip in pedals. It just seems that when you crash while clipped in, something always smashes into your head.

[Fofo]

I had a pretty bad wreck a long while ago at Fort Benniing- hit by a golf cart! Chipped paint, torn rotator cuff but my skull was intact because of the helmet. Oh yeah- smack the helmet- immediately buy a new one- they're cheaper than a casket!:D


Hit by a golf cart? Ouch! But yes, better than a bulldozer, and I imagine a lot better than a Humvee, Bradley or Abrams. :eek:

I must have gone through about four helmets in the last seven years, I only cracked the one I mentioned - open. The others, I replace them if I hit real hard, I know there might be a small hairline fracture you cannot see which might collapse the helmet if you hit hard again. Take a hammer and dig the nail ripper into the helmet and make it useless, so I don't get sued by some dumbass who might think a helmet in the trash is still good. :rolleyes:

I like Specialized of all the ones I've worn so far, the three-point suspension is very comfy and stable, plus the helmet is real light and comes with better padding tham most helmets. (IMO)

Oh, and good eyewear, there's a lot crap that goes into your face that can potentially disorient or permanently blind you.

[MikeC2W]

Got a few dings in her already, but I think I'll keep her.

I find it interesting that I will try to ride places now that I would have walked before.....

Clipless pedals are amazingly different, unforgiving to the uninitiated but I can't imagine ever not using them again - especially for XC.

Here's a pic...

[Seanmcd82]

SWEET BIKE MIKE!!

What are you using for mechanicals? SRAM or Shimano?

You definitely need to bring that beast up here someday and ride some 4000 footers.

[Fofo]

Indeed, nice ride Mike. :cool:

[MikeC2W]

Shimano.


I use to go up to the White Mountains at least once a year - you can bet I'll be up there this next summer.

Me and a couple of others are thinking of doing the Untamed New England Adventure race...although probably not this year.

[FinsUp]

Nice bike!!!

[RGR.Montcalm]

Hit by a golf cart?

I must have gone through about four helmets in the last seven years, I only cracked the one I mentioned - open. The others, I replace them if I hit real hard, I know there might be a small hairline fracture you cannot see which might collapse the helmet if you hit hard again. Take a hammer and dig the nail ripper into the helmet and make it useless, so I don't get sued by some dumbass who might think a helmet in the trash is still good. :rolleyes:

Oh, and good eyewear, there's a lot crap that goes into your face that can potentially disorient or permanently blind you.

The short version is: I was riding home from RTB on 1st DIV road that runs through the golf course. Up ahead, a golf cart pulled out onto the road (yeah driving down the road). I decided that i was going much faster than him and wouldn't it be a surprise for him to be passed by a bike?:D

I got abreast of his left rear tire when he swerved left without looking and hit me.:eek: I went over my handle bars and the only reason he stopped was that there were some golfers on the tee that heard/saw the wreck and stopped him...

BTW, I run old helmets through the band saw. No way to be used ...

Sweet bike Mike!:D

[chuterigger]

I had no clue there are this many choices:eek:

[MikeC2W]

I had no clue there are this many choices:eek:

Let me tell ya Marion, not only are there a shit load of choices...there are an even bigger shit load of opinions!:D

[RGR.Montcalm]

Let me tell ya Marion, not only are there a shit load of choices...there are an even bigger shit load of opinions!:D

That are just like a$$holes! :D :D

[bikewrench8541]

Bike looks sweet Mike. Also evidently you discovered that mountain biking means crashing.:D
Don't put off that 100 mile or so check over.
Also, now is a good time to experiment a little with your suspension tuning. A little higher, a little lower.

Let's all just take a moment to thank wet leaves everywhere for helping us to look like asses even while sober...
"Why did you throw yourself at the ground like that mister?"
"I guess you saw that..."

[MikeC2W]

Bike looks sweet Mike. Also evidently you discovered that mountain biking means crashing.:D
Don't put off that 100 mile or so check over.
Also, now is a good time to experiment a little with your suspension tuning. A little higher, a little lower.

Let's all just take a moment to thank wet leaves everywhere for helping us to look like asses even while sober...
"Why did you throw yourself at the ground like that mister?"
"I guess you saw that..."


LMAO - can I get an AMEN!

Thank God for pain killers, getting old doesn't suck.....it fucking HURTS!

[MikeC2W]

Well it's been a little while now and I have to say, God damn - I love that damn bike - I mean like really love.

You got to love being a rookie though, I finally realized that I hated those shimano pedals. I simply could not clip out of them - hence all the falling down. Plus the shoes I had, although really nice and expensive, :rolleyes: weren't really suited for the type of biking I was doing.....which should be read "weren't really suited for all the walking in the woods!" lol.

So I went and bought some egg beater mallet type pedals and haven't fallen since, combine those damn egg beaters with the adidas hematoma mtn biking shoe (mid-tops) and I got to say I just fucking love it - can't be in the woods enough.

Couple of weeks ago I did a nice northern loop at Arcadia Management Area in RI, very nice. Looking to spend a shit load of time up there this spring and summer as I train for a couple of Adventure Races that are coming up.

If anyone is up in that area let's link up and go for a ride, I'll also be paddling up in Charlestown Beach area.....

Be cool.

[cajko]

Dude, I bike at Arcadia all the time. I live in S.E. Conn. P.M. me. I really dont know if iIm set up to receive a P.M. but try it. I also own a Heckler and I'm getting ready for an off road 1/2 tri at Bragg in May. Maybe we can get together for a ride sometime.

[cajko]

Paddling as in surfing or kayaking??

[MikeC2W]

Kayaking type.