Thinking of Picking up Mountain Biking, Need help getting started.

[enz660]

For the last two months ive been experiencing an explosion in physical activity (went from being a flabby pale computer junkie to a tanned, muscular wall) mainly by joining the gym & keeping a relatively strict diet. I want to mix things up a bit & have some more fun getting fit, one way I could do this is by picking up Mountain Biking. I need some help getting started equipment-wise. Where should I look for a decent beginner's mountain bike, what should I look for in a good bike, whats the best gear for me to wear, etc etc...
any tips, faqs, informational websites would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[flyinfree]

When you finally pick your bike, it is important to set your seat at the right height. On the downstroke you want to be just short of your leg being fully extended.
THIS IS IMPORTANT!!

lots of others will have comment so i will limit mine.
FF

 

[g8r80]

You need qualified advice. You can get it at a bike shop or from local mountain bikers.

If you are sure you are going to stay with this, a new bike from a bike shop is a good idea. They will select a bike that is right for you and fit it for you. Or, if you decide to buy a used bike, do some homework from a mountain bike forum or, even better, start hanging out with some mountainbikers (there are organized rides near me and probably you) and pick their brains. Either option will work.

Just don't buy a bike from a department store or a mega store. They don't sell true mountain bikes and provide no service.

 

[NBS 4life]

A good starter bike for anyone is easy to aquire. This is what you need.

1) Specialized Hard Rock Comp frame. Make sure it is stiff tail. If it is second hand then try and get one from around 02.

2) A good set of straight handle bars

3) Good crank and pedal set, K2 is a good brand to look for.

3) Get v braked Not disk brakes. As a beginner you dont want alot of maintenance.

Any other questions ?

 

[corndogggy]

1) Specialized Hard Rock Comp frame. Make sure it is stiff tail. If it is second hand then try and get one from around 02.

2) A good set of straight handle bars

3) Good crank and pedal set, K2 is a good brand to look for.

3) Get v braked Not disk brakes. As a beginner you dont want alot of maintenance.

Any other questions ?

I don't agree with this.

A Specialized Hardrock has always been a good choice for beginners, but there's no reason why a beginner wouldn't like the entire bike and not just the frame. As for the 2002 model, they've been pumping out about the same style of frame for years as far as I know, and they probably just keep getting better.

As for making sure it's a hardtail, there's nothing stopping a newbie from getting a dual suspension bike other than money. When people first start out they want to keep their investment to a minimum and usually you can get a better bang for your buck by getting a hardtail, but if you can afford it, knock yourself out.

Most beginners don't like straight handlebars. Riserbars are typically a better choice due to the more comfortable upright position and more comfortable sweep angle for their wrists.

K2 doesn't even make their own pedals and crankset for their own bikes. I can't even find K2 cranksets or pedals at all on Google. Why would this be a good recommendation for a beginner?

Disc brakes just don't need maintenance. Actually V-brakes seem to require more maintenance. I've used discs for years and I never have to adjust anything. Discs are harder to set up initially if you have to bleed them and install the caliper but hardly anybody bleeds their own brakes, the caliper installation just isn't hard at all once you know what to do, and you shouldn't have to reposition the caliper once it's installed the first time.

 

[NBS 4life]

I don't agree with this.

A Specialized Hardrock has always been a good choice for beginners, but there's no reason why a beginner wouldn't like the entire bike and not just the frame. As for the 2002 model, they've been pumping out about the same style of frame for years as far as I know, and they probably just keep getting better.

As for making sure it's a hardtail, there's nothing stopping a newbie from getting a dual suspension bike other than money. When people first start out they want to keep their investment to a minimum and usually you can get a better bang for your buck by getting a hardtail, but if you can afford it, knock yourself out.

Most beginners don't like straight handlebars. Riserbars are typically a better choice due to the more comfortable upright position and more comfortable sweep angle for their wrists.

K2 doesn't even make their own pedals and crankset for their own bikes. I can't even find K2 cranksets or pedals at all on Google. Why would this be a good recommendation for a beginner?

Disc brakes just don't need maintenance. Actually V-brakes seem to require more maintenance. I've used discs for years and I never have to adjust anything. Discs are harder to set up initially if you have to bleed them and install the caliper but hardly anybody bleeds their own brakes, the caliper installation just isn't hard at all once you know what to do, and you shouldn't have to reposition the caliper once it's installed the first time.

:yelrotflmao: Well it seems our opinions differ. The 02 frame had more alloy in it and is generally regarded as a better frame than the later models because of manufacturing procedures. This is more of a concern to hardcore mountain bikers obviously and not such a worry to a beginner.

K2 does make their own pedals and crank sets google obviously doesnt know everything. I bought a set recently from a bike shop. Maybe off another bike they were second hand.

As for the brakes once again personal preference. I have also used disks for ages and have had no problems with them apart from when I was a beginner.

The stiff tail is an obvious choice in my opinion (dont forget it is in my opinion) As it is easier to ride on road and off road.

Keep it classy team.

 

[g8r80]

I'll pipe in even though I am much less experienced mountain biker (5 years) than a roadie (27 years)...

As for the bike, go used. Like cars and boats, the early depreciation is heavy and there are lots of bikes out there that were bought new, ridden a few miles, packed away in a garage and finally put up for sale. Don't pay more than 50% of the new price even if the bike is mint. After buying your bike, take it and your wallet to a local bike shop to get the other things you will need (shoes, helmet, water bottles, shorts) and have the local bike shop look over the bike and adjust it to your specs. They may charge you a little for this, but that is okay. The LBS will work with you if you buy your other stuff from them.

As for brands, there are bunches out there. But, beware that Trek makes all models of bikes and just because Lance Armstrong rode one that doesn't they're all top of the line. Actually, I've seen some really cheap looking stuff with Trek labels. Giant provides good value for the dollar. Specialized is probably a little more than you need. Stay away from any bike that was purchased in a department store or big box like Costco.

Stay away from any "mountain bike" that doesn't have front suspension. These are actually hybids and don't do anything well. Your choice will be between a hardtail (no rear suspension) and a full-suspension. The latter are more expensive, so that is a consideration. A hardtail will provide a perfectly good ride but if you get the chance to snag a full-suspension for a good price that is even better.

As for the equipment, Shimano (figuratively) owns the mountain bike equipment world. Deore will be fine for you. If you get the chance to go one step up and get Deore LX, so much the better. As long as the bike has cleated pedals, it will probably have equipment sufficent for you. Any bike with metal or plastic pedals should be avoided.

As for disk or caliper brakes, both do the job of stopping you. I have v-brakes, but am considering disks. As for K2 equipment, I have a K2 bike, 1999 1000, and it has Deore equipment so I don't know what K2 cranks are.

Most importantly, get a decent bike, make sure it is adjusted for your size, wear a helmet, don't get crazy and break your collarbone, have fun and burn some calories!

 

[aword4you]

Avid mountain biker here... though just getting back into other fitness (need to drop some lbs and lean up for a race next year).

You'll find that everyone has differing opinions on bikes, frames, and components. It's tough to try a bunch out when you're starting also. Going used can be an issue because you won't have a proper fit from a bike shop, and when something goes wrong you have no prior relationship with a shop, so you'll pay full price for small tune-ups and other fix-its.

You can easily get a good, new, hard-tail bike at a real bike shop for around $500 that'll keep you plenty occupied while you figure out if it's your thing. If not, you can always put the bike on craigslist for a little less than you bought it and it's all good.

Find a few bike shops in your area and ride everything in your price range. If you decide your price range is $2k and you want a nice full suspension bike (and can afford it) - go for it. Nothing wrong with that. That's what hubby and I did, and 2 years later we're still loving it (though have multiple different bikes).

It's good to ride a wide range of bikes so you can get a feel for what you are and are not comfortable on, what kind of brakes you feel comfortable with (v-brakes, disc - mechanical or hydraulic), etc. You may prefer one local shop over another and decide to buy from them.

Lots of good reviews and posts over at