My official "hi my name is......" greeting

[ogfeez]

Just got my bike, (well actually not getting it til about friday) and wanted to drop a greeting. Some discussion boards say you must do a greeting before you start (as protocol) and it looks like you guys appreciate it as i have been looking around the site getting a feel for it. I have also noticed that you say what bike you have so here goes, Cannondale F5. If it sucks, oh well, if it doesn't great. i'm just getting into riding again, did a bit of it when i was like 15 (now i'm 27), when i had a real nice Mongoose (before they sold out). Also, looking for a helmet any suggestions? Just doing normal trail riding (like medium, i guess) so but something cool looking that works. I'm guessing it's a norm to wear a helmet? as in ppl look at you funny if you don't wear one, right? I guess if there are any suggestions on upgrades for my bike that would be cool to, but I kinda like what i have so far (at least on paper, haven't actually ridden it yet besides in the parking lot) Did some research, and understand that my front shock (dart 3) is a little weak for my 215lbs body, and i'm 6ft if that helps with suggestions. Guess that's it, thanks ahead of time for help, and if you flame me, well it'll just be ignored. Thanks

[ogfeez]

also my bike is a 2008 Cannondale F5, and also my GF got a Cannondale F6 (no disc brakes) think she will need disc brakes? any other suggestions.

[mscotch]

also my bike is a 2008 Cannondale F5, and also my GF got a Cannondale F6 (no disc brakes) think she will need disc brakes? any other suggestions.

if ya know what's good for ya you'll run like the wind to the MBA or mtbr boards...:eek:


just kidding! welcome. (I kinda feel guilty saying "welcome" as I'm kinda new here myself. I think some of these guys have been posting here when you started biking the first time around.);)

[ogfeez]

Yeah i checked mtbr, mostly 2007 reviews, not 2008. seems good, from what everyone says, but i kinda bought it cuz it was at the shop when the girlfriend was looking for hers, and ironically was the first bike i saw when i walked in the store. Now i didn't just buy it because it was the first bike i saw, but looked at it further and just raised my eyebrow, and was likin' the bike right away. THen the gf said "get it" who am I to say no. oh well, so pickin' up when her F6 comes into the shop, i want it now

[mscotch]

i want it now

well, try to remember the way you feel now when the day comes that you don't feel like riding, for whatever reason.:D

[rockyrider]

I think some of these guys have been posting here when you started biking the first time around.);)I think you mean since "dirt was new". Not the idea of riding on dirt, but dirt itself was new.

[a city of fools]

i just started here myself, but welcome aboard!

[ogfeez]

thanks for the welcoming. Quick question about the helmet i already have, totally forgot i have a helmet i have from skiing. It's a Smith Holt Helmet with a removable liner and venting too. It's more of a "park" type helmet. Is this a "weird" thing to use for trail riding? Really am just trying to keep cost down on equipment after a bigger bike purchase than expected.

[mscotch]

I used an old hockey helmet for awhile.....I don't know how good the helmet is you're talking about, but hopefully the first time it's needed isn't too bad a crash so you don't find out the hard way...:(

[rockyrider]

Bike helmets and other types of helmets are designed for different types of impacts and to absorb different impact energy levels in different directions. Even a cheap bike helmet that has CPSC, ASTM, Snell or ANSI ratings are better for the purpose than a hockey helmet or other cross-sport helmet. The difference between cheap and expensive bike helmets is in weight and venting.

[a city of fools]

SPEND THE MONEY MAN. you spent the money on the bike now you may as well spend it on the safety stuff too. you wouldnt put shitty windows in a new house would you?

[PutAwayWet]

Glad to have you aboard! These forums have definitely had a positive influence on my biking life, hopefully they can do the same for you.

My only advice: Keep pedaling :)

[mimbresman]

Bike helmets and other types of helmets are designed for different types of impacts and to absorb different impact energy levels in different directions. Even a cheap bike helmet that has CPSC, ASTM, Snell or ANSI ratings are better for the purpose than a hockey helmet or other cross-sport helmet. The difference between cheap and expensive bike helmets is in weight and venting.

My current helmet is a 2006 Bell Venture. Cost $35. I got it because it was the only helmet my buddy's shop was selling. He couldn't sell most of the expensive helmets and they'd end up on the clearance shelf, so he settled on the Venture and they sell like hotcakes.

Before I was buying helmets that cost $80 - $100, but they didn't fit as well as this Venture has the features the more costly ones have; dial adjustable headband, visor, etc., but it doesn't have as many vent holes as the more expensive models. I live in the tropics and it vents good enough. I don't overheat in it.

Here a link to the newest version (http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/productDetail.asp?prodID=11).

If you're in the market to buy, try on a few helmets and see how they fit your head. I like Bell, other people like how Giro fit. There are also other manufacturers; Louis Garneau, Trek, Specialized, etc., etc.

[WVMTNBIKER]

Welcome to the crazy house for sure. But I'll tell ya this, there is a wealth of info on this forum and a lot of it has surely helped me i.e. clothing, nutrition, bikes, etc.
Anyway, I ride wearing a Specialized Decibel helmet in red. Super light, cool, decent looking, and seems to have netted some decent reviews. Not cheap, but then, safety has no price.:D
There is one Specialized helmet that is a step up, can't remember the name, that is on re-call status b/c it fractures too easily. I read that somewhere...:confused: Hope this helps. Ride on, ride safe.

[JerodH]

Mt thoughts on a helmet are...try em on, buy what feels the best on your melon. You wont want to wear it if it hurts. Thats kind of a given. I wouldn't spend 150 plus on one cause if you crash and crack it up you are gonna throw it away and get a new one. I am not saying get the cheapest one, maybe find one mid-priced.

[jerman]

Welcome to the forum!:)

Like some others have said, do yourself a favor and buy a cycling specific helmet. That ski helmet would probably be hot as hades anyway.:p

[Billy2FAT]

Welcome !! there are alot of smart folks hereto learn from

[mscotch]

I think you mean since "dirt was new". Not the idea of riding on dirt, but dirt itself was new.

ok, sure!:D

***pauses while thinking****
hummmm....not only does Wigs have to explain everything he posts to me, Rocky now feels he has to explain to me what I'm posting....

hummmm.....I better take that Alzheimers test soon....
hey, where the hell am I?

[jerman]

hummmm.....I better take that Alzheimers test soon....
hey, where the hell am I?

Thats pretty durn funny Scotch. Just about spit out coffee through my nose when I read that.:D

[rockyrider]

ok, sure!:D

***pauses while thinking****
hummmm....not only does Wigs have to explain everything he posts to me, Rocky now feels he has to explain to me what I'm posting....

hummmm.....I better take that Alzheimers test soon....
hey, where the hell am I?This forum has a higher average age than most MTB forums, we need to look out for members who may have forgotten where they are and what they were doing. (of course I think some of the forum's most confused or pointless posts are more indicative of heavy alcohol consumption while at the keyboard 22387)

It's a good idea to sew your name and address into your lycra shorts just in case. :rolleyes: :D Of course that won't help Budgie since he seems to spend so much time with his shorts down around his ankles he may step out of them and leave them behind.

Personally I like to leave no turn unstoned in search of a good punchline. ;)

[PutAwayWet]

Damn you rocky - keep your expressive exotic smilies out of here! How are we supposed to misunderstand each other if you go and spell it out for us?!? (hint: I would like more expressive smilies if any DRers are listening)

[rockyrider]

Damn you rocky - keep your expressive exotic smilies out of here! How are we supposed to misunderstand each other if you go and spell it out for us?!? (hint: I would like more expressive smilies if any DRers are listening)I stole it from MTBR :p You know what they say: "Post it like you stole it!" 22401

[Johnny]

The Smith Holt helmet is designed to be stripped down for summer use, but definitely more with skateboarding in mind. It is built from ABS plastic, which is more impact resistant (and heavier) than the polycarbonate used in most ski / snowboard helmets, hence the rating for multiple impact use on pavement (instead of just snow.) It does vent some with the plugs removed from the top, but I am sure you will still find it to be very hot and heavy compared to a bike specific helmet. You can find a great helmet for around 30 or 40 bucks these days, that would have cost a great deal more just a few years ago. You will not regret it.

[ogfeez]

THanks johnny, you told me what i was afraid of, but am looking at the..... i think bell that someone suggested earlier. Thanks guys

[mscotch]

ya might like a visor version, give it a look over....

[Ripp]

All the major helmet producers have affordable models, my first helmet was a Giro Havoc, about $45. four or five years ago. The Giro's fit my bean the best, your bean my differ. Try on as many as possible to find what works for both your head and your wallet.

Welcome!