What's a good set-up for newbie freerider/all-mountaineer?

[SkullFour]

I just recently started riding again since I was a kid and I kinda want to get into freeriding. What's a good bike set-up under $500 for a newbie like me and where do I start?

I'm about 5'9" and approx 140 lbs.

[rockyrider]

About the only thing you'd be able to find that will survive freeriding for $500 is a fairly beat 5-6 year old bike. A new freeride bike is in the $3500-$5000 range mostly to survive the first drop to flat. Don't even think of trying freeriding with any new bike you could buy for $500.

Have a look through the classifieds at Pinkbike.

[SkullFour]

I'm a cheap ass mofo. LOL! Okay, so forget the $500 price range. What would be a good priced set-up? I can't buy a complete bike right off the bat so I'll be building it piece by piece. Besides, I want the satisfaction of a build. A list of suggested parts would be nice.

[rockyrider]

You're not likely to build a bike, even from used parts, for much less than $2000. A decent freeride capable fork like a Fox 40 or a RS Boxxer will be $1500 new and $700-$800 used.

What part of the world do you live in? That will determine how burly a freeride bike you need. It would also be good to calibrate your idea of freeriding against the world standards.

If the whole freeride thing is new to you, then you might want to check out some websites that specialize in freeride bikes and riding to see what people are using.

http://www.nsmb.com/

http://www.pinkbike.com/

[animalsrtasty1]

Specialized has two versions of their all mountain p bikes for around 500-600. They're good at taking a beating. The P2 is a better bet if want some gears at around 1300. Giant's STP would also be a good buy. The STP1 sells for 1100 or you could get just the frame for 300 new. I'd say start with a hard tail and find where your limits are at. If you stay with it for a while then think about a big travel free rider. You could also keep an eye out for an older Kona Stinky. You can find good deals on them on feebay and craigslist. I've had my stinky for just over 5 years and the frame is still holding up. Its not much fun to pedal that tank around but you'd be supprised what you can huck off of with it. One of my riding buddies has an older P2 that he's had good luck with. After he blew out the stock fork (100mm) he went to a longer travel (160mm) and has been rocking ever since.

[Ripp]

I have to question going form not riding to freeriding straight away. There are lots of skills to learn or at least re-learn. Hucking off 7' drops really isn't a good idea for a beginner. I suggest buying a burly crosscountry bike or any all-mountain bike and learning how to ride before you worry about having a true freeride bike.
A descent used 5"-6" travel bike (Specialized Enduro, Rocky Mtn Slayer etc) should be in the $1500 range and will allow you to do enough to learn the bike handleing skills required to step up to a more burly bike in a year or three.

[SkullFour]

Thanks for the info. I'll check those out.

Originally Posted by Ripp

I have to question going form not riding to freeriding straight away. There are lots of skills to learn or at least re-learn. Hucking off 7' drops really isn't a good idea for a beginner. I suggest buying a burly crosscountry bike or any all-mountain bike and learning how to ride before you worry about having a true freeride bike.
A descent used 5"-6" travel bike (Specialized Enduro, Rocky Mtn Slayer etc) should be in the $1500 range and will allow you to do enough to learn the bike handleing skills required to step up to a more burly bike in a year or three.

Yeah, I kinda got overly excited about the idea that I forgot that I had to learn a ton of stuff first. Right now I'm beating the **** out of my old rigid MTB trying to learn some essentials in riding. Hopefully I won't break it before I can buy one of those bikes that you guys suggested.