Absolute newbie needs to learn

[Butters]

My knowledge of bicycles is pretty much non-existent, and am looking to buy a proper bike (ie, not a £100 bike from Halfords), and want to brush my knowledge up so I know what to look for.

So, I guess I'm looking for a guide that may cover things like, pros and cons of rear suspension. disc brakes vs v-brakes, and so on.

[50 Mission Cap]

Only two options here man:

1). Hardtail - front suspension only - w/ gears. You don't need full suspension. Especially if yer just learning.

2). Rigid single speed - Some think you don't need gears or suspension at all (low tire pressure works wonders).

Brakes - really up to you. The weight really isn't a concern any more - discs are just as light as v's now. I prefer v's, but most people dig discs.

What's your range? To get a somewhat serious starter, I think you need to spend minimum 250 pounds ($500).

I have a hard tail I got on ebay for $350 that is fantasitic, and I've got a redline monocog (rigid single speed) my buddy and I built up in his garage ($300-400). I'd recommend either. The single speed is cheaper / easier to maintain, the hardtail (w/ gears and suspension) can get expensive and prone to braking.

Good luck

Mick

[wigger thomas]

I believe lot of people ride Specialized over there?

Check out their hardtails in the 250-500 pound range. I think they sell a decent bike called a Rockhopper.

[Cogratchet]

I suggest checking out 29ers (bikes with 29 inch wheels as compared to the standard 26). It's what I ride and I love it. Easier to climb over obstacles and rolls a whole hell of a lot smoother. The handling isn't quite as tight on a 29er, bigger wheels = wider turns, but the big footprint tends to help me stay above the bike rather than next to, in front of, or otherwise off of the bike. 29ers aren't for everybody, a lot of people don't like them, but I recommend giving them a shot while you're out looking around. I sure fell in love with mine.

[Rock Star]

You might want to pick up a copy of Mountain Bike UK and/or What Mountain Bike magazines. They do a lot of comparison tests of entry level mountain bikes.

I think bikes are bit more expensive on your side of the pond. You might have to spend more than 250 pounds to get something really nice. The Rockhopper suggested above is a really nice bike. I have the Comp Disc version.
Sells for 880 USD or 750 pounds. Comes with a 100mm fork and disc brakes. The base Rockhopper has the same frame and is a bit less expensive.

You can learn a lot by reading this forum.

Also you can check http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/
for ratings and reviews of bikes and components.

And this site seems to be pretty good for comparing bikes side to side.
http://www.mountainbikebuyersguide.net/

Good luck and let us know what you get!

[wigger thomas]

I suggest checking out 29ers (bikes with 29 inch wheels as compared to the standard 26). It's what I ride and I love it. Easier to climb over obstacles and rolls a whole hell of a lot smoother. The handling isn't quite as tight on a 29er, bigger wheels = wider turns, but the big footprint tends to help me stay above the bike rather than next to, in front of, or otherwise off of the bike. 29ers aren't for everybody, a lot of people don't like them, but I recommend giving them a shot while you're out looking around. I sure fell in love with mine.

Actually,I have a 29er singlespeed now. I probably will never buy another 26" bike.

Oh,and my ancestors on my mother's side came from York,England to York,Maine in 1629.:D

[Butters]

Budget isn't really a problem. Obviously, I'm not going to go out and spend £1000. I am happy spending £400 on a good bike.

Well, just so you know, this is my current bike (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_pr oductId_219302_langId_-1_CarSelectorCatalogId__varient__categor yId_31506_crumb_33980-33957_parentcategoryrn_33957) (you are probably vomiting everywhere :p). Have had it for 2 years, and it's starting to show it's age (front wheel is slightly bent, pedal bearings are broken [i have no idea what's holding the pedal axle in place], and I wouldn't mind a lighter bike, as it is quite heavy).

Looks like I'm after a hardtail, as I need both gears and front suspension. I don't want rear suspension, as it's on my brother's bike, and when I cycle hard, the rear wheel bounces up and down; but, that could be because the bike is cheap, and the wheels were a bit flat.

EDIT: Another piece of important info, I guess. I am quite short (5'2"), if that affects the range of bikes I can choose from.

[Rock Star]

At 5'2" I think its safe to say you're better off sticking with a 26" bike with a small frame, maybe a 12" or 13" frame.

There is nothing wrong your bike. Any bike you can ride is a good place to start. But since you are getting a new bike I will tell you that if you're going to ride on trails the more you spend, the happier you will probably be.

The Specialized HardRock Pro is 399 pounds. If you can stretch and look at bikes in the next range up you can consider the Specialized Rockhopper and bikes in that range. Probably about £500 and up.

Actually here is a good buyers guide from website of Mountain Biking UK magazine (a great source of bike reviews and other bike info particularly in the UK)

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/buyers-guide-to-mountain-bikes-826

They have some good reviews on that site.
Rockhopper Disc £699
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/rockhopper-disc-9006

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/rockhopper-pro-disc-08-29417

Here's a bunch of other stuff to check out too;

http://products.howstuffworks.com/hardtail-mountain-bike-buying-guide.htm

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/sports_and_leisure/mountain-bikes/

[Butters]

So, it seems to be a choice between the Rockhopper and the Hardrock. I know that the RH is lighter, but I can't seem to find out how much by, as that would help me see if the increase in price is worth it.

[tryandgetme]

also important is WHERE it's lighter. if it's lighter in the wheels, that's a whole lot more important than a lighter frame. I vote for go down to a shop and compare in person, make them let you ride them both.

[Butters]

That is a good point.

I've had a quick look on the internet, to get an idea of prices, and the cheapest HR's are just over half the price of the cheapest RH's, so I will probably get a HR. I will still find a local shop that stocks them, and try them out.

[wigger thomas]

A general rule is that it is more economical to start with a pretty good bike than to buy a lesser bike and upgrade parts.

I'm fairly out of the loop here although I rode a Stumpjumper [step up from Rockhopper] hard tail hard for a few years.
I remember the Rockhopper being a very trail worthy machine. Hardrocks were OK but more of a hotel rental fleet bike.

[Nick Verstain]

A 250-pound bike? Jeez, probably descends like a mother. Climbing's a chore, tho.
Don't they have carbon in the UK?

[Butters]

My bike weighs 250 pounds? You sure? That's double my weight :p. I tried to find out, but couldn't find any numbers. If that's so, then a RH is about 9 times lighter, a difference I'll defintely notice.

Up-hill is a struggle, but it's also given my legs a good work out. It shows in my acceleration.

There probably are carbon bikes over here, but I've never looked. Like I say, I'm new to the world of quality bikes.

[tryandgetme]

My bike weighs 250 pounds? You sure? That's double my weight :p. I tried to find out, but couldn't find any numbers. If that's so, then a RH is about 9 times lighter, a difference I'll defintely notice.

Up-hill is a struggle, but it's also given my legs a good work out. It shows in my acceleration.

There probably are carbon bikes over here, but I've never looked. Like I say, I'm new to the world of quality bikes.

he's making a joke at the expense of your location's currency ;). They'll both be somewhere around 30 lbs iirc...

[Butters]

Nice. You got me good there.

[Butters]

Something I've just thought of, helmets. Shock, horror, I have never worn one in the years I have cycled (even after going over a car).

I have actually not gone off-road/done trails before either, but when I get this bike, I will actually go and get a train and go to nearby popular routes that I've found out about, and think a helmet would be a good idea.

Would a normal helmet do, as opposed to a full-face/head helmet?

[Rock Star]

For most trail riding an open face helmet will be much more more comfortable (cooler and lighter) than a full face helmet. For serious downhill at high speeds (usually on a full suspension bike) you might want a full face helmets.
Full finger gloves are a great idea for trail riding and so are light knee/shin and/or elbow pads. Bell and Giro make pretty good helmets. I have a Bell Slant which fairly inexpensive. Works good. Trail riding is a blast, the most fun you can have with your clothes on. Enjoy!

[Rock Star]

I've seen some pictures and videos of mountain biking in the UK and it looks great! Check out these videos of cool UK rides;

http://www.mtbbritain.co.uk/helmet_camera_video.html

There is a ton of great info on that site as well.

Also you may want to invest in a camel back, as well as helmet and gloves if you are going to get into trail riding.

Enjoy!

[Butters]

I will get some gloves. My current finger-less gloves are wearing out.

Forgot about knee, elbow and shin pads. Will have to get some.

Also, thanks for the link. I am going to enjoy those videos.

[althegud1srtakn]

honestly unless you're doing some downhill or dirt jumping or something similar the knee, elbow, and shin pads will be more of a hinderance than a help. yeah you'll be better protected when (not if) you fall, but you'll probably fall more.

also something to look at in that price range of bikes is to make sure that the chainrings (front gears) are BOLTED, NOT RIVETED to the cranks (arm that attatches the pedals to the gears/bike frame). it really sucks to have to replace the whole damn thing when you bend your biggest chainring or wear through the middle one

[Rock Star]

Yes, that's true. I only wear knee and elbow pads if I am going to be riding particularly gnarly terrain at higher than average speeds. A bike, helmet, gloves and camelback is really all you need to get started.

[Butters]

Thanks for those opinions.

I guess there's one last question. Are there significant differences between 2007 models and 2008 models? The markup is £100.

A local cycle shop has the 2008 model in a range of frame sizes, and a 2007 model in a 13-inch frame size. I'm going to pop up soon to find out which size is right for me, so it may end up being the 2007 model isn't even an option.

[50 Mission Cap]

Actually,I have a 29er singlespeed now. I probably will never buy another 26" bike.

Oh,and my ancestors on my mother's side came from York,England to York,Maine in 1629.:D

Well that certainly explains why I like you so much.

BTW, Yesterday was the 27th anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands MP.

[RacerK]

Good advice here. Check this article (http://www.dirtragmag.com/print/article.php?ID=1099&category=features) out as well.

Difference in '07 and '08 depends on the brand and model, but most likely there's not much, and actually you have a better chance of finding a good leftover in a small or large size (as you've discovered). Sounds like it might be a winner.

[nogearshere]

Difference in '07 and '08 depends on the brand and model, but most likely there's not much
true and most likely many of the 08 prices will be increased to reflect more appropriate black gold, raw materials and the weak green back...things we still tried to ignore in the 07 year.

[davkatreb]

A 250-pound bike? Jeez, probably descends like a mother. Climbing's a chore, tho.
Don't they have carbon in the UK?
I'm no weight weenie, but JFC, dude!

[longhaultruker2]

hey butters,i'm a little late reading this thread,but sounds like there's been some good advice shelled out,and you're well on yer way.congrads!

one request...we all love a good bike pic,be sure to post up what ya get,and the huge grin on yer face!:D

[Butters]

Yeah, I'll post a pic of it when it arrives. Ordered it today, but online, as I can't cycle back from the shop with 2 bikes (I went there to find my frame size though). 5-7 days they say, but that will give my knees some time to heal, as they are hurting very slightly from the last week of cycling.

[tryandgetme]

Yeah, I'll post a pic of it when it arrives. Ordered it today, but online, as I can't cycle back from the shop with 2 bikes (I went there to find my frame size though). 5-7 days they say, but that will give my knees some time to heal, as they are hurting very slightly from the last week of cycling.

sure you can, one hand on your left handlebar covering the brake, one hand on the other bike's stem. go slow. done it a few times

[Butters]

That sounds like you're asking for an accident to happen. I'd be too impatient go slow though.

[tryandgetme]

one of these days I'm going to bolt a truck bed fork mount onto the back of the rack on my bike so I can tow another bike...

[longhaultruker2]

one of these days I'm going to bolt a truck bed fork mount onto the back of the rack on my bike so I can tow another bike...

that'd be kinda kool,tagm:D