by "nermal" (nermal)
Published 12/20/2017 at 17:04
by "nermal" (nermal)
Published 12/20/2017 at 17:04
Tags: Advice
; bicycles
; king of the mountain
; splat
STARS: 1
I have made the decision to acquire a mountain bike. Looking for advice.
My goals are to get something that will work for both riding through state / national park and forest trails, as well as occasional trips to a local ski resort that operates downhill bike trails in the summer, using the ski lifts. I’m looking to do this for the leg workout, general having fun, and picking up babes.
Budget is up $2,500 for everything, including safety equipment. I already have gym shorts and flip flops that I use for my motorcycle, so won’t need those. I would also like to order online, from anywhere but REI.
Any suggestions?
"S65" (granthp)
12/20/2017 at 17:20, STARS: 2
I wouldn’t ride in flip flops if I were you, as for picking a bike i would see if there’s a bike shop near you and get measured to see what bike would fit you best and what you’re comfortable riding.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
12/20/2017 at 17:22, STARS: 4
I’d advise against ordering online as any local shop worth its salt can size you up properly. Properly meaning not a “Oh, you’re a medium frame size!” Properly meaning correct saddle, stem, cranks, etc etc.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/20/2017 at 17:30, STARS: 1
This - a good bike shop is worth any premium you pay, and having a bike that fits right is critical.
"farscythe - makin da cawfee!" (farscythe)
12/20/2017 at 17:35, STARS: 1
eh... at 2 and half grand.. you got the pick of the litter for the midrange full suspension bikes (personally i prefer hard tails.. but they wont cut it on a proper downhill)... but yeah... get it from a shop in person.. properly sized up.. and they’ll usually let you take it round the block to see how it suits..
also.. the gym shorts likely wont cut it.... least not for very long.... cycling is the destroyer of trousers.... either get cycling clothes... or clothes you dont mind destroying
"SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media" (silentbutnotreallydeadly)
12/20/2017 at 17:37, STARS: 0
Not much better value wise than a YT Jeffsy in the US at the moment.
This is the Jeffsy AL TWO 29 and it’s US$1,949 at the moment which is a steal
https://us.yt-industries.com/detail/index/sArticle/1272/sCategory/511
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
12/20/2017 at 17:39, STARS: 0
Definitely sounds like you need a FS bike if you’re going to be doing a decent amount of downhill.
I’ve left the world of doing anything terribly extreme, so I just have a
Niner hardtail. Like others have said you LBS, if you’ve got a decent
one available, will be able to help you out a lot. Open it up to some used bikes and you can get a really nice rig.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/20/2017 at 17:41, STARS: 5
Advice from a life-long roadie: go to a bike shop. You want to buy and get your service from the bicycle equivalent of gearheads. They will set you up with the best options for your goals and budget. And they will make sure you get the right fit, which is crucial for your safety and enjoyment. Ordering online is great for people who have been riding for a long time, but not newer buyers. Never go to department stores or sporting goods stores.
I hope you were kidding about the flip flops. I think you were. You need proper closed toed shoes. They don’t have to be anything more than sneakers to have safe fun. However, the stiffer the soles, the better the power transfer, and the faster you can go. All the serious cyclists have clipless pedals and the shoes to match these days, but you don’t need to go there if you don’t want to spend the $$. I would recommend toe clips if you don’t, though, because you will get so much more out of your stroke than with just the down motion alone.
Gym shorts are fine, but you’ll be more comfortable with some bike shorts. Not the lycra kind, I mean they have cargo shorts for mountain bikers that will chafe less and wick sweat away better. You can go online to Bike Nashbar or Performance Bicycle for lots of good budget options.
Most important thing for last: get a good helmet and wear it always. I said always . A helmet saved me from being a drooling vegetable by my 21st birthday. Don’t take chances with your most important asset.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/20/2017 at 17:52, STARS: 1
Great advice - only thing I’d say is to go with toe clips until you get pretty hardcore into riding.
And clipless pedals will make you look like a complete moron on numerous occasions until you remember to unclip when you stop 100% of the time.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/20/2017 at 17:57, STARS: 1
Yeah, that’s what I think too.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/20/2017 at 18:01, STARS: 0
I tried clipless some years ago and just got so pissed off from falling over at a stop one too many times, that I went and bought clips and changed them all out. Haven’t looked back since.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/20/2017 at 18:04, STARS: 1
I have to admit, I saved up and bought my first set of clipless pedals just before my accident. So, I never got to try them out.
"nermal" (nermal)
12/20/2017 at 18:18, STARS: 0
My reasoning for ordering online is that the only place near me is either REI or otherwise a generic sporting goods store. I’d prefer to deal direct, and think that you get more value for the $$$ that way.
Yes, kidding about the flip flops. Plan for gear is full helmet w/ chin bar, and armor on top of that.
"nermal" (nermal)
12/20/2017 at 18:21, STARS: 0
That’s one of the brands I was looking at, leaning more towards the Capra though, for better downhill. Either should be more than enough to start. That will leave $$$ left over for gear as well.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/20/2017 at 18:26, STARS: 0
Okay, well if you’re gonna go online, I recommend Specialized because they usually have good value for well made bikes. Trek is a great brand, too. I know Jamis is a great value in road bikes, and they make mountain frames, too. Check out reviews on Bicycling.com . They publish reviews for every budget category. Good luck.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/20/2017 at 18:31, STARS: 0
I forgot to mention, if you’re budget minded, Nashbar and Performance both sell bikes. Nashbar, especially, has it’s own line, which are a good value, although I have to admit I’ve never ridden one.
"barnie" (tlanarch)
12/20/2017 at 19:17, STARS: 0
Do NOT try to find your next bike at Walmart. You’ve already outgrown them.
Maybe a shocked fork and solid rear end until ya find out how much uphill ya want to go. That second shock and adjunct frame is heavy and will hut you climbing. If all ya want to do is downhill, then full shock frame.
For equipment, cycling shorts and shoes. I haven’t worn a helmet in my 50-years of cycling but yer head may be softer. Initially, forget the knee/elbow pads and such. A few scars are good. Cycling shorts keep yer stuff in the right place and let you slide around the seat comfortably. Shoes allow you to pull up on the pedals as the other foot pushes down like yer used to.
Flip flops on a motorcycle? Yer a fsckin’ id10t!
"SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media" (silentbutnotreallydeadly)
12/20/2017 at 19:28, STARS: 0
Your call...the Capra is also a lot of bike for the coin.
"The Snowman" (the-snowman)
12/20/2017 at 20:27, STARS: 0
I bought a GT sensor and love it. I bought a year old model and got a great deal. Also if your town has an REI it has to have at least one real bike shop. Support your local shop. If people buy online it drives knowledgeable people out of the industry and you end up with equivalent of an auto zone where the help only knows what the computer tells them.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/20/2017 at 20:37, STARS: 1
I’m guessing you were serious enough of a rider to have gotten good use of those.
Sounds like you still ride a lot, on a hand powered cycle I’m guessing?
"Mechanically" (leegates)
12/20/2017 at 20:48, STARS: 3
I ran the service department of a bike shop for many years.
Someone who bought a bike online, I was happy to assemble for them. I charged a reasonable fee for the time, no worries.
Someone who brought in a mountain bike purchased elsewhere, goes for a ride and ends up with with a broken rear derailleur? No sweat! That was the majority of my repair business. It went right into queue and was repaired as soon as I finished the bikes in line ahead of it. In the summer, that might be a week to 10 days.
Now, that same stick that broke your derailleur, but on a bike I sold you? Buddy, whatever I was wrenching on came out of the stand, yours went straight in, made sure we had an accurate diagnosis of the parts needing repair. Parts were selected together, if I thought something different might improve the experience, I’d offer it. New derailleur goes on. Make sure shifting and limit screws are properly adjusted. Huh, that wheel looks a little out of true... Inspect to make sure no broken or risky spokes, and true her up. Make sure brake calipers are nicely centered so they don’t drag. Pull it off the stand and... what’s this? That headset is a little loose. Go ahead and snug that up while I’ve got it here. Check that seatpost binder clamp and seatpost rail bolts too, no fun if those loosen up mid-ride. Hey, these tires are awesome, but they’re getting some good use, showing their age. Whenyou’re ready, check out these xxxxx tires, they seem to hook up really well with a lot of the trails in our area, folks dig them. Have you tried out the trails they reopened up on moonshine canyon since the flood? What? You’ve never heard of that trail? Well, step over to this great map on the wall and let me show you where to park. Make sure you ride the loop this direction, the downhill is a blast if you go clockwise. Anything else you need? No? Cool man. Have fun this afternoon!
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/20/2017 at 21:08, STARS: 1
This is what I ride exactly, except that I have conventional Mavic rims instead of Zipps.
My previous bike was a Colnago Mexico with Campy Chorus. It’s still sitting in my parents’ basement.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/20/2017 at 21:50, STARS: 1
Nice! And that Colnago is a pretty serious bike. I’ve had mostly mountain bikes from Gary Fisher. Had several stolen when I was in the city. Have a Cannondale touring bike too.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/20/2017 at 21:59, STARS: 1
Thanks! I bought the Colnago used from a friend at college for $325. It was out being painted when I had my accident, so it was saved from destruction. I never got into mountain biking myself. I was enamored with road racing.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/20/2017 at 23:32, STARS: 1
I started road riding on Schwinns around Champaign in college, but had neighbors 20 years ago that were mountain biking and got me into it. Mostly these days u just ride my mountain bike around town. Need to get more serious about it though- it’s the easiest way for me to get in shape by far.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/20/2017 at 23:35, STARS: 0
This is why I love good bike shops
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/20/2017 at 23:58, STARS: 1
And it’s so much better than a gym. I make sure to not tell my dad I’m back on the road though. It’d upset him too much.
"Dogsatemypants" (kb113400)
12/21/2017 at 00:13, STARS: 0
I like specialized, i have a stump jumper that has served well but is a heavy dog. If you have money to spend, I would suggest looking at a cannondale. For lower budget but great value Giant makes a decent 29er.
Unless you are a trail monkey, you probably only need a front fork suspension. If you are 5'10" or taller a 29er is a good option. If you are smaller in stature or going on more technical stuff a 27.5" would be a better rim size
"Lokiparts" (lokiparts)
12/21/2017 at 08:35, STARS: 0
I’ve always been a huge fan of Trek bikes. My last three bikes were Treks and my newest bike is a Specalized... I’m trying something new, I may be a convert, but the jury’s still out. Still Trek makes really nice bikes. Something like their Fuel EX 5 would be a great all around/downhill bike and at $2,099 would still leave you a little cash in your budget for gear.
Also like many others have suggested, definitely look around in your local area and see if you have an actual bike shop around (I’d be genuinely surprised if you don’t). You are going to get so much better service and support when you can build a rapport with a local shop.
"nermal" (nermal)
12/21/2017 at 09:11, STARS: 0
Yep, I’m totally fine with this. I don’t mind local shops giving priority access to those that bought bikes there, or those that are “regulars”.
At the same time, I think the smart shops will see online bike sales as an opportunity - charge people an hour or two of labor to assemble or troubleshoot the bikes they assembled wrong. At the same time, point out the parts that they could upgrade on them. Maybe sell some other accessories they didn’t know they need. After all, no difference between somebody coming in with a brand new bike and a 5 yr old one and adding some parts on.
"You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much" (youcantellafinn)
12/21/2017 at 09:25, STARS: 0
My goals are to get something that will work for both riding through state / national park and forest trails...
Based on this I would lean more towards a trail / XC style bike. You really don’t want to be dragging around a downhill oriented bike if most of your riding is trails like this. The Jeffsy is probably enough bike to get you through the occasional trip to the downhill park, and if it’s not you can probably rent a dedicated downhill bike there.
As others have said, dealing with a local shop would be better than buying online. This is especially true if this is a first serious bike, or if you’re not set up to do all of your own maintenance and assembly. If that isn’t an option, then I have heard good things about YT and Canyon.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/21/2017 at 09:30, STARS: 1
Way better than a gym - downside is that, living up north, there’s a chunk of the year where it’s not enjoyable at all—
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/21/2017 at 12:09, STARS: 1
I found that out going to college in upstate NY. You just have to have a perverse defiance of the elements. And a death wish helps too.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/21/2017 at 13:44, STARS: 1
Yeah, I’m plenty perverse, but not that crazy. When I was living in Chicago, I would see bike commuters in ALL weather. In a blizzard, that’s hardcore - I want nothing to do with biking in snow, thank you.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/21/2017 at 14:06, STARS: 1
College kids do all kinds of stupid stuff. I went out in snow and didn’t own any thermal gear. That’s the day I met my Colnago. Yeah, I was an idiot.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/21/2017 at 14:12, STARS: 0
A Colnago in the snow? Yikes - big knobbies would be bad enough...
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/21/2017 at 14:25, STARS: 1
Like I said. Stupid.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/21/2017 at 16:14, STARS: 1
I’ve been forced into off-roading down this alley lately to bypass the bridge that’s out.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
12/21/2017 at 17:23, STARS: 0
I’m guessing that’s not as much fun on a recumbent bike?
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/21/2017 at 17:25, STARS: 0
It’s not bad. It’s just that I don’t have the right tires, and can’t distribute weight like you would to get over the ruts. I have an air cushion on my seat though, so it’s not uncomfortable or anything. It came with the bike from the previous owner. Apparently, they make these cushions for old guys on their Harleys.
"boxrocket" (boxrocket)
12/21/2017 at 20:40, STARS: 1
Admittedly I’m not an avid mountain biker nor up to date on the latest models, but I and my family have had nothing but good experience with GTs. I still use the one I bought in eighth grade (with money I earned shovelling snow and building a neighbor’s deck that is still standing, decades later) that I intentionally bought to grow into. My brother got hit by a car while riding from work and as a consequence ran into a guide wire for a telephone pole; while he broke his collar bone, the bike held up perfectly save for some road rash.
Given your budget (have bikes really gotten that expensive?! I remember spending about $400 on my GT in the late ‘90s, and it was a fairly high-spec model, albeit this is before suspensions were common), I would recommend getting something not too specialized and that can be versatile, e.g. Being able to run wide wheels and tires for one adventure, and then go to skinnier for something that might be on hard-packed and well-travelled paths, for instance. It may be worthwhile to get something cheap to start with - a Miata of bikes, if you will - before moving into higher-spec and pricier models. Not having looked at mountain bike prices this decade, my mind thinks you could get 2 bikes - especially used - and equipment for that budget.
Just like in cars, tires make a massive difference.
Suspensions and seats are worth as many test rides as you can before buying, if possible. I didn’t like the seat my GT came with, and I tried two different models - one of which bent at the post when I hit an unexpected bump once - before the one that’s still there today.
A lot of accessories can now be replaced by a smartphone on a mount.
Don’t skimp on safety equipment. Just like cars, having the right equipment is critical. This includes reflectors, lights, pads, etc.