Who Mountain Bikes for exercise?

[Big Kahuna]

title says it all, that is really all I do, just getting back into it..... gonna hit the trails today.

[wydopen]

not for exersise but i race downhill...mty bike is in the moto section..(lets see your rides)

[Jp116]

not for exersise but i race downhill...mty bike is in the moto section..(lets see your rides)

Haha i was going to say the same thing. GRAVITY RULES.
Why peddle up the hill when you can take the chair lift??

[waxhead]

i dont mountain bike but i ride my mountain bike to work every day

its 35 mins each way
its knocking me into shape quite quickly

[#ZERO]

I take my mountain bike out for a ride on the beach usually during the night time and stay gone for hours. If there is no moon light it can be dangerous because the kids are digging sand pits for their castles and it has caused me to flip my bike more than a few times.

[WaveDemon]

I take my mountain bike out for a ride on the beach usually during the night time and stay gone for hours. If there is no moon light it can be dangerous because the kids are digging sand pits for their castles and it has caused me to flip my bike more than a few times.
is that how youe really broke you collar bone?

[#ZERO]

is that how youe really broke you collar bone?

:haha:

Nope…I'm surprised that it never broke sooner, because the jet-ski didn't seem to hit me that hard behind my left shoulder. :frown:

[kx454]

yeah its something ridiculously small to break a collar bone, i have broken my right one three times...:frown:

[duvers]

I ride my MTB on the paved bike trail near my house...my favorite run is about 18 miles. I also like to do easy fire roads and single track. I'm definitely not a technical rider. Contrary to some of you guys, I *love* hammering uphill. I guess I'm a little twisted when it comes to cardio.

[felix5oh]

I got 4 bikes. 2 mountain bikes and 2 road bikes.
A Schwinn hardtail and a DiamondBack hardtail, 26".
A JackTaylor and a Shogun, both 700c.

I like the endurance of the road bikes more than i like the trail rides. Been doing it a long, long time.

[Boris]

I haven't been on a bike since I moved to Florida (6 years).
There are no hills to ride but I would love to get back on one and just go jump stuff.

What would be a decent bike to get without spending a fortune ?

[TKM]

I Ride!
Damn good cardio workout!!
I have a Schwinn Rocket 88 Full Suspension downhill bike!... :Banane01:
Go's like a bomb!

Its the best thing to do when the wind is wrong or the waves suck!!:purr:

[Big Kahuna]

did 4 miles yesturday after work before the sun went down. We have some good trails, really tight, you never have time to actually get into a pace, your constantly working.

[Whtbread]

We have a good park around where I live. It has miles of trails through the woods. Great place to ride but covered with snow today.

[norcal ex]

i ride, i used to race, but i crashes and lacerated my spleen in 2 places. now i just ride for fun. One of the best and cheapest sports besides jet skiing!

[SXIPro]

MTBing is a great workout. Hills will really test your endurance and leg strength. I 'thought' I was in good shape, since I weight train 3-4 days a week, ride my ski daily(except winter)and do a lot of walking. My first trail ride with my 14 year old son I honestly thought he was gonna have to call 911 and tell the dispatcher that his old man just dropped dead of a heart attack. I learned to pace myself after that. A 42 year old shouldn't let his ego get the best of him trying to keep up with a little whipper snapper.

[wydopen]

i ride, i used to race, but i crashes and lacerated my spleen in 2 places. now i just ride for fun. One of the best and cheapest sports besides jet skiing!

cheap??..i hope you are kidding

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/WYDOPEN/Picture081.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/WYDOPEN/CIMG0105.jpg

this thing is way more expensive than my ski and i barley paid anything for it (my buddy makes these frames)

[norcal ex]

well i do cross country. My bike is a full hardtail race bike. It would cost around 2.5k to build and it has Fox carbon fiber forks which were the best on the market at the time, but since i knew the R&D guy at specialied( whose headquarters is 15 min from my front door) it only cost me 500. But, 2k for a full race bike compared to 10k for a race jet ski ....WAY CHEAPER!!

[wydopen]

well i do cross country. My bike is a full hardtail race bike. It would cost around 2.5k to build and it has Fox carbon fiber forks which were the best on the market at the time, but since i knew the R&D guy at specialied( whose headquarters is 15 min from my front door) it only cost me 500. But, 2k for a full race bike compared to 10k for a race jet ski ....WAY CHEAPER!!

you would have trouble building a competitive cross country bike in the expert/pro level for 2500....at full shop prices

[wydopen]

my friends with $2500 bikes are always bitching about how much junk they are.. but those same guys ride circles around the pretty boys that can afford the shiny, pretty 4k bikes.

:biggrin: :haha:


cross country is definitly all rider no bike but downhill is totally different...having a properly set up bike with tuned suspesion makes all the difference..you cant really be competitive on a crappy downhill bike unless you are super fast

[norcal ex]

cross country is definitly all rider no bike but downhill is totally different...having a properly set up bike with tuned suspesion makes all the difference..you cant really be competitive on a crappy downhill bike unless you are super fast

I totally agree! For some weird reason... I enjoy going uphil ALMOST as much as i enjoy going down!:biggrin:

[wydopen]

I totally agree! For some weird reason... I enjoy going uphil ALMOST as much as i enjoy going down!:biggrin:

ur nuts...:haha:

[Big Kahuna]

you would have trouble building a competitive cross country bike in the expert/pro level for 2500....at full shop prices

Not neccesarily...... I built up a Kona Ku (handbuild custom frame) last year, got 90% of the parts off ebay..... Cost, about $900.00, worth, about $2300.00...... It can be done....... oh, it about 21 lbs..... It can be done...

granted, some of the parts are older, but they work just as well.

[Big Kahuna]

oh, got another 4 miles tonight, first night ride in the woods........ very interesting, whole new outlook.

[waxhead]

I totally agree! For some weird reason... I enjoy going uphil ALMOST as much as i enjoy going down!:biggrin:

Your on drugs or you should be
one of the two

[Big Kahuna]

I totally agree! For some weird reason... I enjoy going uphil ALMOST as much as i enjoy going down!:biggrin:

Pssssst, as fast as you can, get on your bike, ride to the nearest neuologist and get your head checked, I do think you bumped your head one too many times!!!!!!!!!!!:haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[mekanic305]

I ride trials bikes...for anyone who doesn't know, they look like this...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/mekanic305/houses001.jpg

and are ridden like this...

YouTube - Trials Riding (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4la1iWYOvU)

I love it cause it is an intense exercise of all your muscles, yet also helps improve balance, timing, eye/hand coordination and more.

[onesojourner]

I have done a little trail riding and I love it. most enjoyable workout I have ever done. In the summer I ride my bike to wrok but it only takes about 5 minutes, just long enough to get my heart pumping then I'm done. might try to do some trails with the wife when it warms up a bit. we are planning on doing the ms 150 this fall.

[Marshj]

Mountain Biking is the ********- we have some very good trails around here (and you guys really dont have hills? wtf saki? lol)

[spokewrench]

I try to ride every other day (cross - country) when it is above 40 - my hard core riding buddy just called and wants to go today (High of 32) A little too cold for me especially with the ice! We usually do between 8 - 16 miles on some pretty technical single track. Also racing / riding Downhill in season mostly @ Plattekill and Diablo. Yea this is not a cheap sport at all - I dont even want to think how much I got in my Intense 5 point 5, but at least I got the Turner DHR used! but then again, I dont want to know how much I got in this square nose either! I think that in all hobby sports, they stick it to ya!

Nice to see others into MTB though!

[Whtbread]

I ride trials bikes...for anyone who doesn't know, they look like this...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/mekanic305/houses001.jpg

and are ridden like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4la1iWYOvU

I love it cause it is an intense exercise of all your muscles, yet also helps improve balance, timing, eye/hand coordination and more.


That video is insane!

[mcdog]

I ride cross country singletrack for cardio about 3-4 times per week. I usually do between 8-10 miles in about 40 minutes. I got a 2005 specialized xc pro off e-bay last year for $1100 as a shop demo with warranty. He had put hayes 9 hydraulics and a manitou minute fork on it. It works fine for middle georgia. When I took it to the north georgia mountains I was surprised nothing broke because it took a serious beating. You definitely need a downhill bike for real downhill riding.

[primetime1267]

For all of the Florida mtn bikers.. You have to go ride HardRock or Santos up in the Ocala area.. Or go hit Brooksville or Morris bridge is great also. And Orlando has some excellent spots also.. Like the Big E-Con river.

There are some excellent areas in Florida. I have been mtn biking for about 12 years or so....

Here is a link for you guys...
http://www.swampclub.org/locations.htm

[2002zxi]

does it count if I have a nice hardtail bike but it's a sidewalk queen?

[Big Kahuna]

does it count if I have a nice hardtail bike but it's a sidewalk queen?

Urban Mountain Biking counts as long as it is not a Garage Queen!!!!!!!!!!

[2002zxi]

Urban Mountain Biking counts as long as it is not a Garage Queen!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.mastercraftmojo.com/cannondale.jpg

It should count for something that I can look at the Rocky Mountains while I'm biking:cheer: :arms: :skull2:

[Chopper]

I ride a lot. Been racing mountain bikes since I was 12.

Currently I am riding a new Haro Werx VL 120. It is the most efficent XC full suspension bike I have riden or raced on. It is weights in at just over 25 lbs, not bad for 5" of usable travel front and rear!

[Big Kahuna]

hey Josh, that post is useless without pics!!!!!!!

[Chopper]

Oh, sorry... The only pic I have is the one that was taken of me and published in a Mag called Silent Sports... It was during a race Night Shift (a night race in Iowa) last november just after a snowfall. The temps were around 24 degrees out and the snow was mixed with ice and mud since the ground was not totally frozen yet, which made for very tricky conditions. I did make a good tire selection and was able to motor through everything!

The bike was nomiated as 2006 XC bike of the year by Mountain bike action, Not why I bought it but I figured I would throw that in. I would suggest this bike to anyone who is looking for a fun light fast XC bike... The price tag on the 2007 model went up to $5400 though as it is spec'd with the new full XTR group on it.

You can check it out at: http://www.harobikes.com/atb/werx5.php

[SJ13]

I cant wait to get my new rig out on the trails! Well new frame with my old components.

[WAB]

This link has alot of MTB trails and rewiews. I just found 1 local trail that I did not know about.
http://trails.mtbr.com/defaultcrx.aspx

I rock an almost 10 year old GT LTS-5; it is nothing special. Replaced the POS fork with a White Bros. fork, platform pedals, and taller riser bars.
http://www.cam.hi-ho.ne.jp/wyal/friends/images/lts-5.jpg

[kurtywompus]

I have a trail just 10 min from my house here in the mountains... http://www.sabacycling.com/membership.shtml

The Jackrabit Mountain Biking Trail.


I ride a hard-tail setup.

[Chopper]

My Local trails http://www.humanpoweredtrails.com/ This system will be home to 1 12 hour endurance event, the Wisconsin State Single Speed Championships, The Dirty DU (offroad Duathlon) and many local time trial races... There is a good amount of fun and racing to be had!

[2002zxi]

anyone use nite rider lights? Does the minewt work well just for others to see you?

[Chopper]

anyone use nite rider lights? Does the minewt work well just for others to see you?


See my post above. Niterider makes the best lights out there!

[1550]

i drive also mountainbikes and roadcycles... Very good exercise... especially road cycling...

I have Specialized Enduro Pro and good Old Skool Rossin steelframe roadcycle...

For niteriding i use Silva lights... Very good and effective... i also seen some good xenon lights for bicycling... Here in dark north it must use lights at winter if you want to ride more than hour.... :frown: Snow and other ******** around and so short days....

[mcdog]

I think I may have everyone beat as far as how close the trails are to my house. Two miles to Arrowhead Park on Lake Tobesofkee in Macon, GA. About 10 miles of singletrack. It's a SORBA trail and the first race of the season is here in March. If anyone wants to go, PM me.

[DaUpJetSkier]

Im not into to mtn biking much, I got a specialized hardrock with a few upgrades. But my hometown, Marquette Mi has one of the best and biggest trail systems in the US, out town just cators to mtn bikers with hotels and trails that go right from them.

[Metal4130]

Does it count if you just fix other people's mountain and road bikes for a living? Although I did get to go to Interbike in Vegas to see all the newest most top secret bicycles. The new XTR is the sh!t.

[Jumper]

Love my biking! :woot:

Old School.

21763


New School.

21764

[Big Kahuna]

anyone use nite rider lights? Does the minewt work well just for others to see you?

I have looked at those, but have not seen how they mount..
I have the trailrat, it works, need another one to really see. The HID systems are really nice.

[Island750]

I MTB a lot almost every weekend I go and do at least 50miles. During the week I ride a road bike and urban MTB. Fun. I have a trail that if you do it twice is 36 miles and the second lap at about the 30 mile mark you legs are locking solid.
Great for the aerobic/endurance portion of our sport.

[Sospikey]

Well, I used to train about 3500 -3750 miles a year before I got my skis. Mostly mountain bike but also road bikes. ´Did some competeing as well. Nowadays it's more for fun and cardio. I have a Specialized Epic with a pretty nice spec. and a Ultegra equiped road bike. I still use my old Parkpre for winter training with studded Nokian tires.

[2002zxi]

you all are amazign.

[surfgy45]

im so glad this thread is here. i randomly just started biking again with such great weather we're having. i ride mostly freeride trails up/down on an old specialized mountain bike. nothing too fancy...i think i paid like $600 on it, decent.

well i've been wanting to get on a downhill full suspension bike. tried my buddy's trek session and loved it. personally i've been looking into Iron Horse bikes as a entry bike. what do you guys think? their mid level bikes have 6-7" travel ($1000+) and lower lines have like 5-6" travel ($500-$800) granted lower end bikes are like 35lbs.

any suggestions? deals out there? used bikes?:biggthumpup:

[wydopen]

im so glad this thread is here. i randomly just started biking again with such great weather we're having. i ride mostly freeride trails up/down on an old specialized mountain bike. nothing too fancy...i think i paid like $600 on it, decent.

well i've been wanting to get on a downhill full suspension bike. tried my buddy's trek session and loved it. personally i've been looking into Iron Horse bikes as a entry bike. what do you guys think? their mid level bikes have 6-7" travel ($1000+) and lower lines have like 5-6" travel ($500-$800) granted lower end bikes are like 35lbs.

any suggestions? deals out there? used bikes?:biggthumpup:

check out ridemonkey.com lots of info there...if you want a full dh bike get an IH Sunday..if you want a 'freeride" bike look for something is the 5inch travel range...just make sure you get hydro disks and a descent drivetrain

[Dubs chops]

for just free riding and maybe jumping over some small stuff, what is better a hard tail or softail?

[Whtbread]

What do you guys do about ticks? I went out the other day and put some miles in. When I got done I had about 10 ticks on me. I could care less about bugs but don't want to get Lyme's.

[Sospikey]

Well, use dark clothes that cover you skin for starters. Here in Sweden you can get vacciniated for Lyme's, I guess it is the same in the States. I remember a test performed by the Swedish equvivalent to Navy Seals. They had one team eat capsules with garlic extract and the other team got sugar capsules. Eating the garlic reduced the risk of getting ticks by 80 or so percent. Might help?

[Island750]

for just free riding and maybe jumping over some small stuff, what is better a hard tail or softail?

Buy a Full Suspension. You'll never regret it. I have 4 bikes now.My favorite is a 6" travel Giant Reign. Does all mountain pretty well, yet still light enough to do cross country.

I rode 10 miles yesterday for the first time in a awhile and it felt great!!!:Banane01:

[Island750]

im so glad this thread is here. i randomly just started biking again with such great weather we're having. i ride mostly freeride trails up/down on an old specialized mountain bike. nothing too fancy...i think i paid like $600 on it, decent.

well i've been wanting to get on a downhill full suspension bike. tried my buddy's trek session and loved it. personally i've been looking into Iron Horse bikes as a entry bike. what do you guys think? their mid level bikes have 6-7" travel ($1000+) and lower lines have like 5-6" travel ($500-$800) granted lower end bikes are like 35lbs.

any suggestions? deals out there? used bikes?:biggthumpup:

It shouldn't matter how heavy it is it's a "downhill bike":cool2:

[Dubs chops]

what is each one best for? hardtail softail?

[wydopen]

It shouldn't matter how heavy it is it's a "downhill bike":cool2:

yea right...my first dh bike was in the 50lb range...my race bike from last year is right arouud 40lbs and there is a huge difference

[2002zxi]

The shock on my cannondale XC bike is wasted :( :banghead:

I've been riding my roadie though :):biggthumpup:

[R Hudson]

I started with an old Gary Fisher solid years ago, not even a sus fork. I rode it for 5 years. Then I bought a Gary Fisher Level Betty full-sus. It was the y frame so it bobbed a lot but it tackled some serious terrain. I really liked it for the heavy-duty stuff, but it was a heavy bike. Now I've got a Kona Kickapu Deluxe. It was a nice upgrade. Hayes hydraulics front and rear, Marzocchi fork, and nice Fox rear air. It's a lot lighter anf faster than my Gary was. It's a lot more nimble. I ride a good mix of single track and road. Usually road just to get to the next trail. Trying to get out regularly, but usually 14-16 miles of pavement/trail 2-3 times per week. I love single track. The more technical, the better. It just doesn't feel right if my shoulders aren't sore from bouncing off of trees for balance;)

[MADMAT]

That video is insane!

x2! Awesome.

[750rider]

Santa Cruz Blur :woot: :woot:

[Big Kahuna]

Santa Cruz Blur :woot: :woot:

you suck Sir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[special fx]

Ellsworth ID w/Maverick fork

[Big Kahuna]

Fisher Sugar 3 for my regular ride

Kona KU for my exotic!!!!!!!!!! 20lbs

[flip]

Titus Racer X-100

[Corbearofskiing]

Giant Faith 2 w/ jr T, and a Giant ATX-1 with a White brothers dh2,


I work at whiteface mountain bike park, most verticle on the east coast, great riding up here, check out www.downhillmike.com for more info.

[duvers]

Any of you guys have wives/girlfriends that ride? I have a 10 year old Gary Fisher that I've pretty much just ridden on the local (paved) bike trail and some mild offroad for fitness.

On a whim, I signed up for a local MTB racing series...cross country. I got top 3 in my first 3 races, so they're making me move up from Beginner to Sport. It would be nice to get a better bike since I'll have to go more miles per race and might actually start training for MTB racing (rather than my one race/week being my only on bike time :-) ).

Anyway, looking for recommendations for a good XC MTB with women's geometry, durable and reliable. Will pay money for components that are worth it for significant performance improvements or added reliability, but not worried about every little ounce and every little nuance of performance. I'd pay up to around $2k, but it would really have to be worth it and not be obsolete immediately (don't know much about how quickly MTB stuff goes obsolete...).

[Corbearofskiing]

www.ridemonkey.com
www.hcor.net
www.pinkbike.com
www.bustedspoke.com

all of those have a for sale section and you should be able to find a reasonably prices xc bike

are you looking for a hard tail or full suspension? I will keep my eye out for you seeing as I work in this sport.

[duvers]

Full suspension, I think...unless there are advantages to hardtail. My Gary Fisher is a hardtail and I actually really like the bike, but I know there are advantages to better equipment. As for the websites, thanks for the links, but I am looking for recommendations as to makes and models that might meet my needs. Once I decide on a few possible makes and models, I can start looking at the classifieds, etc. BTW, if you keep an eye out for used bikes, I'm just shy of 5'4" and pretty much average build.

[Big Kahuna]

Hey Duv, check with Gary Fisher, Trek, and Giant, I believe they all make Womens Specific Full Suspenion (Womens Geometry).

[Corbearofskiing]

duvers, let me check with my boss, i think he might have a really nice xc bike for sale, i'll have to check this weekend with him cause we're doing trail work so i will see him, i'll let you know though


and i think hes maybe a little bit taller than you so i woud have to check on the bike size also, but keep your eyes on those forums, lots of good shape used bikes go for fairly cheap

[Aquaholic]

Ohh Hell yes!! MTB's are the schit! I wish that I had picked it up back when I was competing in Freestyle.

[JensNonsens]

http://www.freeride-h2o.de/autsch.JPG

mtb'ing sucks!

[SMP]

MTB'ing rules. I haven't had a ski for a few years now and I was starting to go nuts so last year I bought a Giant STP. I've set it up to be, basically a big man's BMX. I ride dirtjumps, skateparks and urban freeride. I also usually ride about 10 miles a day (5 mi to and from work) on my freeride bike, but this week I've only been doing about half that. Here's a very unglamorous shot of my ride:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/gnsnow/STPdriveside.jpg
Giant STP
Pike SL U-Turn
Shadow Conspiracy stem, seat, chain
Azonic bars
Odyssey MDS
single speed rear hub laced to Sun Mammoth rim
XPedo platform pedals
single rear caliper brake
etc.

The bike is pictured with Maxxis Hookworms, although I'm currently running DMR Motos.

[felix5oh]

That thing looks fun.

Growing up in flat Florida i ride the road bikes.(i got 4 bikes,2road,2off-road) My MT bikes are light duty hardtails.

We have to go to a trail in a park like Eulita in Dade county or Ulamay in Merritt Island,Brevard county. Too much work when i can just hop on the pizza cutters and do the usual 14 mile ride. (7 miles to the shore and back)

Cool bike.

[headshock]

I ride a Trek Fuel used to race XC years ago. Now just ride XC and hit Downieville 1x a year for a 30 mile downhill rush. Got the Summer Tahoe card this year so I will hit Kirkwood and Northstar a few times. Used to ride the nice hills in the bay area now jsut grind it around folsom lake. Spin is the best training for the uphill grind.

a few pics:
http://www.ericroscoe.com/gallery/Roscoes-Mountain-Bike-Zone

Any of you guys have wives/girlfriends that ride? I have a 10 year old Gary Fisher that I've pretty much just ridden on the local (paved) bike trail and some mild offroad for fitness.

On a whim, I signed up for a local MTB racing series...cross country. I got top 3 in my first 3 races, so they're making me move up from Beginner to Sport. It would be nice to get a better bike since I'll have to go more miles per race and might actually start training for MTB racing (rather than my one race/week being my only on bike time :-) ).

Anyway, looking for recommendations for a good XC MTB with women's geometry, durable and reliable. Will pay money for components that are worth it for significant performance improvements or added reliability, but not worried about every little ounce and every little nuance of performance. I'd pay up to around $2k, but it would really have to be worth it and not be obsolete immediately (don't know much about how quickly MTB stuff goes obsolete...).

My wife rides the Trek Fuel 7 and loves if for XC. Probably too heavy to race but its in your pricerange. Goto BP Bikes in Folsom and take a test ride.

[aranka]

just heard today that chris chelios and hascek (red wings) do that in the off season. has to be good for you since cheli is 46 million years old and still playing NHL.

[duvers]

My wife rides the Trek Fuel 7 and loves if for XC. Probably too heavy to race but its in your pricerange. Goto BP Bikes in Folsom and take a test ride.

Well, I've been to Bicycles Plus, REI, all three Bob's locations, both City Bicycle Works locations, Cambria Bike Emporium, Mad Cat, East Sac Bike, Mike's Bikes, and a little bike shop in Jackson, CA (can't remember the name). Half the people I talk to suggest full suspension and half say I should stick with a hardtail.

If I go full suspension, I've narrowed it down to a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert, Specialized Epic, Santa Cruz Juliana, or Cannondale Rush. Haven't gotten to test ride much in the way of hardtails. There's limited selection of nice ones available with women's specific geometry.

Any ideas/pros/cons of the full suspensions listed above? I think the Stumpy is in the lead for all around riding, but wonder about the Epic or maybe the Rush for more XC speed. Just learning about all the bikes, geometries, and components.

[Big Kahuna]

hey Duv, I was racking my brain trying to remember a G. Specific full suspension, it is the Santa Cruz Juliana..... Great bike........

They are higher priced, but that is a sweet bike!!!!!!!!..

[flip]

Anyone looking for folks to ride with? A few of us hit up Morris Bridge sometime during the week and then try to head to Ocala, Lakeland or Alafia on the weekend.

[duvers]

hey Duv, I was racking my brain trying to remember a G. Specific full suspension, it is the Santa Cruz Juliana..... Great bike........

They are higher priced, but that is a sweet bike!!!!!!!!..

Yeah, I got spoiled on the one that I test rode, but the price tag was $4500, so I'd better have felt spoiled riding it! I guess one of the top Amateur X-Terra women's racers had it built, but then her house didn't close and she couldn't buy it. The frame was the standard Juliana aluminum frame, but all the components were top of the line, carbon fiber, etc. Sweet bike! I just can't justify spending that kind of money for a newbie to MTB like me. :-)

[2002zxi]

oleta is awesome. that's mainly where we ride. weekdays i ride just sidewalks around my house (about 6 miles).

ive picked it up a little bit again since i finally got around to reading lance armstrong's book 'its not about the bike' last month.

This is a stock photo of my bike, nothing glamorous.

http://www.evanscycles.com/large_images/Y5007T_BIG.jpg

I couldnt put that book down... I tried.

[accbr]

Old thread but guess this is the place to show my new Christmas present to myself. :mischievous: Found a good used demo from last year that looked brand new. Stock photo of the bike cause mine is in the garage covered in mud and dirt.

[Big Kahuna]

nice ride... I have never really been a Cannondale fan, I rode Parrdaddy's Profit and liked the feel........ now, I find myself looking into getting a road bike.......... guess what kind?? yup, Cannondale Synapse..... looks to be an all around good bike..... not a race geometry but one that is more comfortable for longer rides, but if I found myself wanting to get a little more aggressive, all I have to do is remove a spacer below the stem and lower the bars and you are back to a more race orientation.

[accbr]

There's four nice bike shops in town, and they all carry different lines. I test rode Giant, Trek, GF, Specialized, and Cannondale. I still have my GT hardtail though. I've been riding the prophet for about a month, and it took some getting used to. Took me awhile to trust the rear shock in the rough stuff. I picked the Prophet because you can adjust the rear shock to change the head tube angle for XC or light freeride. So far I love it. Done a few 6 foot drops, and it's soooo much nicer than my old hard tail.

I've thought about getting a road bike, but I just don't know if I'd use it. There's a park with 10 miles of dirt single track about 2 miles from my house. I still throw the MTB on the back of the truck to get there. :27: Once I get on the dirt I'll ride for hours. No matter where you ride it's great exercise.

[Big Kahuna]

check these trails out........... http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=366125&highlight=blankets+creek

rode them a few weeks ago, cant wait to go back!!!!!!!!!!

2 miles, ride to the trails, good warm up!!!!!!!!!!

[accbr]

check these trails out........... http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=366125&highlight=blankets+creek

rode them a few weeks ago, cant wait to go back!!!!!!!!!!

2 miles, ride to the trails, good warm up!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome looking trails. We have some like that around the lakes here.

I know it's only 2 miles, but there's a really big hill between me and the park :baby:

If you're ever up this way hit me up, and I can show you some of the local trails. We have anything from 3 to 15 mile loops.

[mcdog]

My 2005 specialized xc pro head tube cracked. My local shop switched it out under warranty with a 2007 stumpjumper pro frame because it was all that specialized had available. It's anodized red and rides like a cadillac compared to my xc. Specialized really took care of me on this.

[squid]

I started off 2007 racing mountain bikes and then finished the year racing cycle cross. I also ride the road to help me get faster for the races. I have lost about 18 pounds and kept my sanity while building my new ski. For me cycling is the very best way to cross train. Wow cycle cross is hard has any one else done any bike racing?

[wydopen]

Wow cycle cross is hard has any one else done any bike racing?

i raced Norba downhill for years till i started jetskiing..used to be pretty fast

my dirt jump bike
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/WYDOPEN/nosepiece010.jpg

my downhill bike.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/WYDOPEN/Picture077.jpg

racing at sea otter on my dirtjump bike
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/WYDOPEN/AndrewSeaOtter05.jpg

[yamaslut]

wow... nice pics andrew...

last one looks like you were moving pretty good... how fast do you get going in a race like that???

[wydopen]

wow... nice pics andrew...

last one looks like you were moving pretty good... how fast do you get going in a race like that???

that course is really flat actually..thats why im riding the small bike there..some courses have some wide open stuff..probally hitting 45-50 or so..its all won or lost in the tech rocks and roots...thats where i used to pin it..i miss it sometimes but i like jetskiing alot more..

i dont think i have any more pics on this comp..wish i had some more...


my downhill bike is handmade by my buddy..its really dialed..custom internals in the suspension..i got it the same week i got my Sj..ive only ridden it a couple times..kind of a shame really

[Big Kahuna]

hey Squid, I use to race some back in 97, nothing big, just a local race....... beginner class........ may try and hit some this year, something new and different........ Thinking about getting a road bike, looking at a Cannondale Synapse Alloy.....

[Kennay]

Could anyone recommend a decent bike for cross country, jumping around town with? I can't really spend more than around 300-400 at the moment. I also wouldn't have a problem with upgrading shifting components and what not later on down the road.

For reference, I used to have a Schwinn Moab, and it fit the bill nicely after I upgraded a couple of things.

[Kennay]

Would this be decent? I've seen it locally for about 360.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08trailx3.html#

The shifting components are cheap, and I'd have to change the stem ASAP. Can anyone comment on the shock? Other things?

Thanks!

[Big Kahuna]

check ebay....

[yamaslut]

Could anyone recommend a decent bike for cross country, jumping around town with? I can't really spend more than around 300-400 at the moment. I also wouldn't have a problem with upgrading shifting components and what not later on down the road.

For reference, I used to have a Schwinn Moab, and it fit the bill nicely after I upgraded a couple of things.

around 500 you can get a Cannondale F7 disc. I picked one up for x training.. no mountains here, so I just got a hardtail.

[Big Kahuna]

There is nothing special about the fork, RST is an off brand, 10 years ago they tried to make a fork that was comparable to a rockshox but never took off..........

If your wanting to be doing urban MTB'ing, I would look for a steel frame, much better suited for what you are wanting to do.........

[Kennay]

Thanks!

[Kennay]

How about K2?

The Zeb 2 and 3 (2006 models) are in my range, and they use Rock Shox


And I will mention, I don't mind buying an older model bike, as long as it's new. Closeouts are awesome.

[Big Kahuna]

K2's are pretty good, without seeing the spec's on parts hard to say........ with your budget your better off finding used........ new you cant get much.

[accbr]

Azonic Steel heads are popular urban bikes. You can find cheaper ones depending on the components they're built with.

[Big Kahuna]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kona-Cowan-Mountain-Bike_W0QQitemZ130186204134QQihZ003QQcategoryZ98083 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Green-Kona-Stuff-Dirt-Jumper-LOADED_W0QQitemZ260199185813QQihZ016QQcategoryZ980 83QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Specialized-S-Works-M5-HT-HardTail-Mountain-Bike-Medium_W0QQitemZ190186746274QQihZ009QQcategoryZ980 83QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here are a few

[Kennay]

I put a bid in on the Kona cowan, I will be watching it.

[accbr]

Not sure if this site was mentioned earlier or not, but search the forums for product reviews. They have tons of info :fing02: I researched for a few months before I upgraded my bike. No matter what you get just have fun with it.

http://www.mtbr.com/

[Kennay]

Thank you

How does everyone feel about Scott?

[accbr]

I haven't read much about the Scott bikes.

Check these out. Good bikes for the money.

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Stacks/Series_Ignition.html

[Big Kahuna]

Scott's are good depending on what level bike......

most bikes are about the same when you are talking about 0-$800.00, not much difference, above that is where there really starts to be noticeable changes........... Some may have better parts, some may have better frames.

My first bike was a $450.00 specialized rockhopper, steel frame (1991), By 1995 I had dumped about $1000.00 back into it, The frame was a great frame, rode perfect, oh, that $1000.00 got that bike down to a nice 25.5 lbs from over 30 lbs. I dont think there was one single part left on that bike that was unchanged. Some bikes you can do that, some you cant, just be sure that you have a great frame to begin with if you plan to go the upgrade, otherwise, spend more or buy used to get better parts and frame.

[Kennay]

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/ALP-450-Details.html

?

[Big Kahuna]

ibex has been around for a while, they are not one of the big mfg..........That not a bad thing, but they are not one of the better known small mfg either...... components look like they bought some old stock new items and are still specking them, I did not think that alevio was still made by shimano.


I would go after that Kona...........

[Big Kahuna]

I was wrong, they still make the alevio components.......... those are really low end entry level. Personally lowest I will go is LX on anything, Deore is ok, but LX is where it really starts to pick up.

[Kennay]

I'm loving that Kona the more I read about it.

What would you set your max bid at?

[mcdog]

Ibex makes good bikes. The frames are knock-offs of older style bikes like the old specialized stumpjumpers. They will put good components on them, but you have to pay more. I like LX components and above too, but the Alivio setup on my wife's bike (my backup bike) has held up for years with NO issues.

I'd still recommend a used bike off ebay for the money. Just wait for a good deal instead of getting in a bidding war with someone, there is always another one coming along. If a warranty is important to you then get an Ibex or buy a demo bike from a dealer off ebay.

[Big Kahuna]

Did not know that about Ibex, remember the name for years back.......

I typ look at bikes and judge them by how they are built up, Not going to waste my time looking at a bike with all alivio components, that not the parts level I want on my bikes, not saying they do not work, they work well...... I ride XC, so weight is an issue for me, typ. the lower line components are going to be heavier....... luckily Shimano typically trickles down technology, so todays Alivio was LX from 5 years ago or longer, which was good stuff back then........ yes, I am a tech weenie with MTB parts!!!!!!!! but, not so far as to run XTR, that is rediculas, only XTR I have is a rear derailuer, it came on my Gary Fisher Sugar 3 when i got it used.... I currently ride a Kona Ku alum hardtail with XT Components with gripshift attack shifters. and my sugar is lx/xtr derails with (not all the way installed) XT dual control shifters/brake levers. before that LX Pod shifters.

[romack991]

i've been thinking about getting a single speed to try. currently i just have a rigid trek (moutain track 820). I rode a new Specialized and did not like it at all. Gary Fishers also look nice.

[Big Kahuna]

I built my Kona as a single speed, only rode one, conversions do not work well, need a S.S. specific frame.

It was ok, different, I ended up putting gears back on the Kona........ May get a S.S. at some point.

[Kennay]

so.... again, haha, what is the max bid I should put on the Kona?

Thanks for the info on the ibex!

[Big Kahuna]

so.... again, haha, what is the max bid I should put on the Kona?

Thanks for the info on the ibex!

It hard to say......... best advice, wait until 1 minute before the ending and put in the most you are willing to pay.......... you may get lucky and put 750.00 and get it for 550.00 or get beat at 751.00, who knows........

that how I do stuff, I rarely bid early........... more people bid when lot are looking at it.

[romack991]

just now starting to look at them. i've heard good things of the santa cruz chameleon and they say its versitile, but from what i've seen its $$$. i dont know much about bikes/components so trying to learn some. The trek is the only mountain bike ive had. I'm in indiana so not too rough around here to need a bunch of suspension, i like using my body more. I think i'd rather have a lighter ride than have shocks.

Cell phone pic of the trails near me and my bike after falling off a log.

[Big Kahuna]

Santa Cruz is equivilent to Full Spectrums.......... Nice, Expensive ....... you can find less that works just as good!!!!!!!!

I prefer light weight, my Kona Alum hardtail is only about 1 lbs lighter than my Full Suspension sugar 3. Keep in mind that I have heavier rims on the Kona and both bikes use V Brakes, no disc here, disc brakes are typically heavier....... unless you ride wet areas, you can do just fine with V Brakes over disc.

[cookerq62]

I just got a 29" rockhopper and I've been lovin it. It is def a cheap sport compared to snow skiing and jet skiing. Not having to buy gas or lift tickets is nice.

[Kennay]

It hard to say......... best advice, wait until 1 minute before the ending and put in the most you are willing to pay.......... you may get lucky and put 750.00 and get it for 550.00 or get beat at 751.00, who knows........

that how I do stuff, I rarely bid early........... more people bid when lot are looking at it.

I gotcha, it was at 300, and I think I bid like 325, or 340, something like that. I won't pursue it past like 350, he has shipping set at 80 bucks. I know it's worth more, but I can't spend that at the moment. Maybe he really wants to get rid of it, and nobody catches it. I don't know. I just figured I'd throw a bid in there, ya know?

[swanny]

If you go full suspension look hard at a Giant NRS 2. They built the bike and handed it to Renault Formula Racing for the suspension. It is set for no lag climbing and tons of travel. Awesome bikes.

[accbr]

Check craigslist too. A local college is a good place to check classifieds. Sometimes you get lucky and find some kid that has an expensive bike daddy bought them, and they just want to sell it for party money. I got a nice bike like that when I was in college. Don't rush into anything. If you get a bike you'll get more into it, read mountain bike forums, and end up wanting something different. Welcome to another addiction. :bananalama:

[Kennay]

He told me he will sell it outright for 375! I am so tempted!

[mcdog]

He told me he will sell it outright for 375! I am so tempted!

Not a bad price. Just know that it takes time to keep your bike tuned up and $ for parts that break the same as your ski does, so budget for more money to keep it going.

Romack...My advice on weight and full suspension or not is to decide why you are riding. If you are racing or trying to keep up with a bunch of hardcore riders, go light weight. If you are riding for fun and exercise, don't worry about weight as much as comfort. Full suspensions weigh more but they are WAY more comfortable if you are riding every other day for cardio/fitness.

[Kennay]

I used to be pretty big into the bike scene from about age 12 up until I had more than my daytime license, around 17 or so. I've had a slue of freestyle bikes, and I had a Schwinn Moab 3. I did some pretty nutty stuff, but I never really broke anything on the bike that I can remember.

I think I might just wait it out, and if I win the auction with my current bid, then it's done. If not, no big deal. The auction ends tomorrow at around 3 iirc.

[romack991]

Romack...My advice on weight and full suspension or not is to decide why you are riding. If you are racing or trying to keep up with a bunch of hardcore riders, go light weight. If you are riding for fun and exercise, don't worry about weight as much as comfort. Full suspensions weigh more but they are WAY more comfortable if you are riding every other day for cardio/fitness.

I know I'm not getting a full suspension, I don't ride anything rough enough to justify. Right now trying to narrow it down between completely rigid or front shock and if i should go single speed or not. Also 29" tires sound interesting and i'd go with v-brakes. Where I ride I basically never leave the low gear on the crank but i do mix road and trail so I use most of the rear gears, which is why i'm not completely sold on the single. But theres not many hills around here i couldnt take with a single speed i think and biggest drop is 3-4ft. I rode a Specialized Rockhopper? (not sure if thats the model, it was an 08, hardtail w/ disc brakes, was like $800) and didn't care for it, seemed to heavy to me and the shock was kind nice going over roots but didn't seem like i was connected to the bike/trail.

Just looking around, this bike seems like a pretty good fit, but probably out of my price range but that varies on how bad i want something:deal:.
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/d660.html

Any suggestions? price range probably from 500 to 1000. definitely open to used or previous year discounts.

[Kennay]

No way I'd ever own a rigid front bike again. I'm way past my Murray days :D

[Big Kahuna]

He told me he will sell it outright for 375! I am so tempted!

if he would go 375 for the Kona I would jump on that in a heartbeat!

[Kennay]

He said he would sell it outright for 375, and then actual shipping costs. I am thinking I might wait until right before the auction ends and put in a slightly higher bid and gamble it. From what I've been reading, the slack head angle, and the long chain stays make that bike not so good for the street anyway. Slow steering, long, ect... It's Kona's best dirt jumping bike.

[Big Kahuna]

ok, I did not do any research on the frame...... you may be right, may not be best for you.

[Big Kahuna]

I know I'm not getting a full suspension, I don't ride anything rough enough to justify. Right now trying to narrow it down between completely rigid or front shock and if i should go single speed or not. Also 29" tires sound interesting and i'd go with v-brakes. Where I ride I basically never leave the low gear on the crank but i do mix road and trail so I use most of the rear gears, which is why i'm not completely sold on the single. But theres not many hills around here i couldnt take with a single speed i think and biggest drop is 3-4ft. I rode a Specialized Rockhopper? (not sure if thats the model, it was an 08, hardtail w/ disc brakes, was like $800) and didn't care for it, seemed to heavy to me and the shock was kind nice going over roots but didn't seem like i was connected to the bike/trail.

Just looking around, this bike seems like a pretty good fit, but probably out of my price range but that varies on how bad i want something:deal:.
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/d660.html



Any suggestions? price range probably from 500 to 1000. definitely open to used or previous year discounts.

dont worry about how rough your riding area is, when I ride my hardtail, there are sections that I can power through faster, but overall, I am much faster on the Full Suspension, it just allows you to ride faster over all areas...

I am trying to decide if I want to sell my Kona......I try to force my self to alternate between the two.

[Big Kahuna]

I am not sold on the whole 29" thing, have not researched it much...... some people like them, some dont........ I really dont have a preference, suppose to benifit you when you ride in rock gardens and rooted areas

[wydopen]

ive got a specialized p3 frame size small (dirt jump/ street frame) ill let go real cheap..its got profile cranks and is a single speed conversion..too bad i just gave some kid a brand new cromo dirt jump bike and rigid 20mm fork for free..

but if you want to use it for xc as well it would be too small unless you are a midget..

[accbr]

I've thought about building a 29 inch wheel for the front of mine to try it. Just leave the 26 in the back. Alot of people have done it on the prophet frame with the lefty shock, and just put the shock on the XC setting.

[Kennay]

I set my final bid on that bike at 360. If I win it cool, if not... time to keep on looking :)

[Kennay]

I sent him an email asking why it's pictured with Dirtjumper 3 forks, when he has it advertised with the Dirtjumper 2's (Better and more expensive than the 3's). I just noticed that in the pics. The auction ends in around an hour btw.

[Kennay]

It sold for 365! haha, I am going to be keeping my eye out for a good bike.

[Big Kahuna]

ever find a bike??

I am looking into road bikes now..........

they aint cheap.

[cybermob2]

whats amazing to me is how much different it is (offroad) vs on road. i was riding about 60mi/week on my roadie last summer and thought i was (in biking terms) pretty good shape.

then got coaxed into taking my 15yr old $200 mtb out of the attic and hitting a local 12mi loop.

KICKED MY BUTT. HARD. i was good for about the first 7mi, but then the hills set in. game over. fore arms shot, legs shot, back shot. just the concentration level was tough... you never get a break to concentrate on pace, breathing, etc. more concentration focused on upcoming twisties, trees, ruts, roots, etc. whiping out was basically inevitable.

fun though... will be looking for a more capable used bike this spring. current bike just cannot hold up (about 25 trail miles and now have bent crank, broken sprockets, etc etc).

[mcdog]

Getting into a rhythm on the trail is a lot harder than on road. But when you do get into the zone, it's an awesome feeling. You have to get to know the trail first.

[Mike Serlin]

LBE, Joe gesicki and I have been hittin it up hard lately. Good PT for my leg and its a lot of fun. Picked up this giant yukon hardtail for $550. I dont really know what I'm doing but it sure is fun. Those expensive bikes are pretty. And the best part is that we can ride all over the place and its LEGAL!!!!

[crammit442]

LBE, Joe gesicki and I have been hittin it up hard lately. Good PT for my leg and its a lot of fun. Picked up this giant yukon hardtail for $550. I dont really know what I'm doing but it sure is fun. Those expensive bikes are pretty. And the best part is that we can ride all over the place and its LEGAL!!!!

Me and Derek(bmxboy864) have started back riding in the last month or so. We've been using mine and my wife's proflex FS bikes. They're a bit dated now, but still work pretty well. I just bought a trek today and it probably won't make me any faster, but it sure is cool.:cool: I had forgotten how much fun I used to have when I rode all the time. I haven't lost much weight, but I'm a much fitter fat guy.:burnout:

[Exile]

Im picking my new one up on monday, the gt avalanche 3.0, basic but good enough for just training and riding each day, I met a few pros here but that gt carbon marathon is such a wanna have!

Ps never ride trails alone we had a few guys who got hijacked thus got there wallets,cellphones and bikes and shoes stolen!?! shame.

[pabloescobar]

Im picking my new one up on monday, the gt avalanche 3.0, basic but good enough for just training and riding each day, I met a few pros here but that gt carbon marathon is such a wanna have!

Ps never ride trails alone we had a few guys who got hijacked thus got there wallets,cellphones and bikes and shoes stolen!?! shame.

a coworker of mine says he carries a either a little 22 or 25 cal pistol in his camel back when he rides. i've never, ever heard of needing it where we ride, but you never say never. i don't take a wallet or cell phone and unless u got a gun we're scrapping over my bike. good luck.

[Big Kahuna]

Me and Derek(bmxboy864) have started back riding in the last month or so. We've been using mine and my wife's proflex FS bikes. They're a bit dated now, but still work pretty well. I just bought a trek today and it probably won't make me any faster, but it sure is cool.:cool: I had forgotten how much fun I used to have when I rode all the time. I haven't lost much weight, but I'm a much fitter fat guy.:burnout:

do you ride with a computer? go do Oak Mountain on your old bike, and then do it on your Fuel, I think you will be surprised at the average speed you will have on the Trek over the ProFlex.

LOL, I know what you mean about fitter and fatter!!!!!!!!

[Big Kahuna]

Im picking my new one up on monday, the gt avalanche 3.0, basic but good enough for just training and riding each day, I met a few pros here but that gt carbon marathon is such a wanna have!

Ps never ride trails alone we had a few guys who got hijacked thus got there wallets,cellphones and bikes and shoes stolen!?! shame.

that what you get for riding "urban trails" through the wrong part of town!!!!!!!!!

that sucks........ I have thought about getting a small 22 or 25 but not for other people, I hate snakes!!!!!!!

I am looking into getting a road bike, I would be more inclined to carry one road riding than in the woods.

[Exile]

The scary part is that it happened just outside the protected nature reserve in which we ride, towards the main gate, so in short drive to gr8 locations and ride, carrying a pistol????I might shoot myself a puncture or a flat popping a wheelie;> those are gr8 pistols!

[pabloescobar]

I have to say mtb keeps me sane. i used to play alot of basketball for cardio and hurt my ankle this last time (18 mos. ago) and can hardly play the same. It's actually screwing me a little on wake boarding too. Mcdog got me back out on my old rig a couple of years ago and i got to admit that i'm thankful for that.:woot: between work, kids, and injuries my exercise time is limited. Mcdog and i have the trail < 5 min from the house and it courses near the lake we live/ski on. Here's my regular ride 2005 Gary Fisher Cake 2 DLX and my first rig, a.k.a the backup, 2000 GT aggressor. My Fisher has been bullet proof.

[accbr]

I still have my old GT Richochet hard tail too. Poor thing has been through alot.

[crammit442]

I still have my old GT Richochet hard tail too. Poor thing has been through alot.


That's awesome. I almost bought a ricochet, but splurged and got the avalanche. My brother is still riding it. Bombproof bikes.

[damnthathurt2]

I have a Trek Hardtail, and a GT Full suspension that I ride I typically ride down by yellow springs Ohio, they have some great single track and terrain parks to play in. bout 2 times a year i ride in the cross country races that are there.

as far as nte rider lights, that is all I use for night riding.

[GDFL]

I need some help. From this site: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2712462 what bike would you look at UNDER $350 or $300 that would be decent for light road use but 90% trails varying from mountain trails to semi-flat woods trails and maybe a gravel road or two. I have to get in shape BAD and this seems to be the best way to do it for now. I have a Dick's 5 minutes from work so I could pick it up easily. You could recommend other bikes from other places, but I can't spend any more on a bike right now. thanks

[RADNEY1]

www.mtbr.com or www.bikepedia.com are some places to get some decent info & Reviews. Even in your $$ range I would still lean towards trying to find a bike from an actual Bicycle shop service & quality is usaully much better for what you spend.

[Big Kahuna]

or find one on craigslist or fleabay.

[GinoNewOrleans]

I know nothing ab bikes, but a friend of mine has a Marin for sale. I am looking to get it b/c I just sold all my spinning bikes and I know it's good for cardio training. Is that bike ok, what's a 5 yr old bike worth?

[crammit442]

or find one on craigslist or fleabay.

Definitely. There are NO new bikes in that price range that are of decent quality. Frame brand is not nearly as important as component group. In Shimano, LX, XT, and XTR are the groups you want to look at. If the bike is equipped with SRAM, X7, X9, and X0 are the better groups. A bike with these parts will be reliable even if it's 5 or 6 years old as long as it's in overall good condition.

[GinoNewOrleans]

Here are some pics of it. I'm going to get it. He is selling it to me cheap. Plus I love that it has a carbon fiber handle bar. What's is this worth?

[crammit442]

Buy it NOW. It's full XTR. The components cost WAY more than you're paying for the complete bike.

[demolition_x]

I need some help. From this site: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2712462 what bike would you look at UNDER $350 or $300 that would be decent for light road use but 90% trails varying from mountain trails to semi-flat woods trails and maybe a gravel road or two. I have to get in shape BAD and this seems to be the best way to do it for now. I have a Dick's 5 minutes from work so I could pick it up easily. You could recommend other bikes from other places, but I can't spend any more on a bike right now. thanks

might want to check out this site...

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mountain_bikes.htm

i have had my eye out on the windsor cliff 4500
has some nice features for 350 bones and free shipping

[GinoNewOrleans]

I got it for $100. Not bad

[crammit442]

I got it for $100. Not bad

You scored bigtime!

[Big Kahuna]

You scored bigtime!

Why the hell cant we find deals like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GinoNewOrleans]

Why the hell cant we find deals like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got it from my buddy Trent. You should see his new one. Bad ass

[Big Kahuna]

post pics, but I still might not see it, my eyes keep going to the left.

[GinoNewOrleans]

post pics, but I still might not see it, my eyes keep going to the left.

That's funny.

[GinoNewOrleans]

This is the one my buddy bought.

http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/nomad/index.php?builder=1

[Big Kahuna]

That nomad is a great bike, but overkill for most of the riding I do. Prefer more of an XC spec frame......


In the past month I have gotten back into MTB big time...... Put close to 100 miles in the past few weeks..........

We ride every Wed night, hit about 7 miles in the woods. Then try to hit a larger trail set on the weekends, about 13 mile loop around a lake. Now considering selling my SXR to pick up a new FS bike (newer), mine is 9 years old now. Parts starting to wear out, not sure if I want to repair or not.

[yamaslut]

my friend and I have been hitting Graham Swamp a 6.5 mile single track up in Flagler... It is great, but my bike is not gonna last, I am gonna need a dual suspension bike soon...

vid: YouTube - Graham swamp good day (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdg52nFns-M)

I am finishing in an average of 55 minutes w/ an average speed of 7.3mph.

I think I can get better times once I am in shape.

[Big Kahuna]

WOW, not use to seeing trails where you can see for any distance!!!!!! Those look like fun!!!!!!

Your lap times are not too bad. That is about what we average but our trail sections are really tight.
http://westalmtb.org/sokol%20map.pdf

FS is nice, but honestly you dont need it....... (disclaimer, with your back, yeah, you would, help from jarring it). I enjoy riding both my FS and my Hardtail. Long rides are always on my F.S.

Keep riding, we go at least 2 times a week now. I have finally gotten back to the riding shape I use to be about 12 years ago. At some hills now instead of chugging up them huffing and puffing I am sprinting up them (powering), huff a little at the top but man does it feel good!

[yamaslut]

WOW, not use to seeing trails where you can see for any distance!!!!!! Those look like fun!!!!!!

Your lap times are not too bad. That is about what we average but our trail sections are really tight.
http://westalmtb.org/sokol%20map.pdf

FS is nice, but honestly you dont need it....... (disclaimer, with your back, yeah, you would, help from jarring it). I enjoy riding both my FS and my Hardtail. Long rides are always on my F.S.

Keep riding, we go at least 2 times a week now. I have finally gotten back to the riding shape I use to be about 12 years ago. At some hills now instead of chugging up them huffing and puffing I am sprinting up them (powering), huff a little at the top but man does it feel good!

I'm still in the huff and puff stage.... It definitely feels good though. THe prob here is it's all sand and some is very sugary... I end up doing a lot of walking up steep hills...

[cookerq62]

I'm still in the huff and puff stage.... It definitely feels good though. THe prob here is it's all sand and some is very sugary... I end up doing a lot of walking up steep hills...

29er's are great for soft or loose ground especialy when climbing. You would be amazed at the crap they will roll over with ease. You can also run lower tire pressures which softens up the ride a little an will keep you from sinkin in. I love mine but when things get tight it gets tricky. They are not as nimble and have pretty a wide turning radius.

[yamaslut]

29er's are great for soft or loose ground especialy when climbing. You would be amazed at the crap they will roll over with ease. You can also run lower tire pressures which softens up the ride a little an will keep you from sinkin in. I love mine but when things get tight it gets tricky. They are not as nimble and have pretty a wide turning radius.

I'm gonna try some fatter tires first... I'll check them out though... sounds fun.

[Big Kahuna]

29's definitely have their place.... Just not here, trails are way too tight for them.

only did about 6 miles tonight, AVS about 6.8, but all was in the dark. Forgot to charge one of my batteries.

[FxOne]

im dusting off the bike this weekend now that it has cooled off. video from last year with the old shaky camera mount. AUDIO SUCKS- MUTE


YouTube - 3-15 Barton Creek Greenbelt (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rcn3rMO65c&fmt=6)

[Flash-FX]

The best MTB video site http://www.petefagerlin.com/ . Pete is the man when it comes to good trail video. :headbang: Check it out.

Too bad it's so difficult to video (helmet cam) good clean jet ski stuff...water drops on the lens, waterproofness and all that.

[FxOne]

first ride of the season today (season starts when temp hits 75 and lower) did 10 miles, i forgot how much fun it is.

YouTube - reimers ranch 11-10 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOI9-jXw3XY&fmt=18)

[Big Kahuna]

I cannot imagine riding on totally Flat trails!!!!!!!!! Hills everywhere we ride!

[FxOne]

we've got hills here but it wasn't worth putting in the vid. those shots were from where the sport loop meets up with the beginner loop, just flat and twisty.

[Big Kahuna]

where you live?

[FxOne]

austin area - between dripping springs and lake travis. that was at Reimers ranch which has about a 160 ft elevation change 18 mile trail with smaller loops for beg. sport. adv. muleshoe bend park has 8 miles with plenty of ups and downs, i think that one is the best trail in austin area. barton creek greenbelt is ok, plenty of elevation change but hikers and dog walkers all over the place.



ill make it to whistler BC one day
YouTube - downhill whistler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu3HVWVAL5w&feature=related)
YouTube - Whistler A-Line (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZu8aiqfisc)
YouTube - Whistler Mountain Bike Helmet Cam (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRPrDwq3GS0)

[Big Kahuna]

Anybody been riding lately??? We go every wed night and on the weekends. Hitting Oak Mountain Friday........

[GDFL]

Anybody been riding lately??? We go every wed night and on the weekends. Hitting Oak Mountain Friday........

I rode Saturday, but a good bit of the trails I went to ride had vehicles parked there to hunt. It's all TVA land so anyone can use it for almost anything. I chose not to become a target. I still got a decent ride in. I plan on riding several times over the long weekend.

[Big Kahuna]

If the weather holds out we are hitting Oak Mountain Friday morning if your up for it!

18+ miles!!!!!!!!!!!

[GDFL]

If the weather holds out we are hitting Oak Mountain Friday morning if your up for it!

18+ miles!!!!!!!!!!!

would love to, but can't. I have to be at my dad's most of the day.

[accbr]

I haven't been in a month. Been busy with other projects. I've put down laminate flooring the past two weekends, and my legs are sore from crouching and crawling around on the floor. I'm turning into a :purr: I have no excuse. My driveway is exactly 0.72 miles from the start of great single track loop. :banghead: It gets dark to f*&kin early now. I'm going this weekend if it kills me.

[accbr]

ill make it to whistler BC one day



I've been snowboarding there twice. I could live there year round. I'd love to take the bike. We have Snowshoe mountain about 6 hours away that is one of Whistlers sister resorts. It's supposed to have nice down hill runs too.

[Big Kahuna]

I haven't been in a month. Been busy with other projects. I've put down laminate flooring the past two weekends, and my legs are sore from crouching and crawling around on the floor. I'm turning into a :purr: I have no excuse. My driveway is exactly 0.72 miles from the start of great single track loop. :banghead: It gets dark to f*&kin early now. I'm going this weekend if it kills me.

you need to get some lights, whole new world to biking..........

[Exile]

I ride 4 times a week, training in a nature reserve over here, oh the pain when it rains haha... I still have v brakes!

[Big Kahuna]

same here on the brakes, my bike is 9 years old....... But still is a blast to ride.........

[RADNEY1]

We try to hit different spots every other weekend.
Couple pics from last weekend Santos/Vortex MTB park around Ocala Fl.

6963069631

[yamaslut]

Santos is on my list... not very far from me... maybe like 2 hrs

[Big Kahuna]

did not make it to ride, still have the crud.......

went bike shopping in BHam....

[XFT LOU]

I had to move the; gt bmx, road & mountain bike also two unicycle's to mop the floor today. But I ran two miles at the gym! Let the training begain for spring time.

[Emm]

I got myself a bike yesterday :Banane25:

Garrett's step mom had a pretty nice one just sitting there collecting dust so she gave it to me....not really sure what kind it is but Garrett tells me it is a good one.


so there ..I joined the group I guess :woot:

[Jp116]

Hit Rays indoor Mountain bike Park in Cleavland this weekend. That place is a blast. Spent about 6 hours or so jumping and riding the XC Loop. You Cleavland guys should check that place out.

[Eclipsed830]

Hit Rays indoor Mountain bike Park in Cleavland this weekend. That place is a blast. Spent about 6 hours or so jumping and riding the XC Loop. You Cleavland guys should check that place out.

I was actually thinking about going there tonight to ride on "beginners night", but I also only have a BMX bike. :frown::ouch:

[Jp116]

There were tons of BMX bikes there too. they have 2 skate park style areas and several jump runs. Give them a call and see if its cool to BMX on beginner night but I can't see them turning you away.

[Eclipsed830]

There were tons of BMX bikes there too. they have 2 skate park style areas and several jump runs. Give them a call and see if its cool to BMX on beginner night but I can't see them turning you away.

Yeah, I emailed them earlier. I'm stuck in class tonight anyways. I'm just worried cause I haven't ridden since like August. :bad3:

[smoofers]

I have ridden (and ocaisonnaly raced) mountain bikes for the last 12 years.

A good site with a lot of info is MTBR.com

[FxOne]

clip from the my race sunday


TMBRA Single track stampede prt4 on Vimeo

[yamaslut]

I have never seen a trail w/ such a long straight away... that must be a big ass property you are doing it on...

[WaveDemon]

anyone here ever try cyclocross?

[FxOne]

2400 acres slut, thats where they filmed the movie "the alamo" a few years ago.

[dbrutherford]

Hit Rays indoor Mountain bike Park in Cleavland this weekend. That place is a blast. Spent about 6 hours or so jumping and riding the XC Loop. You Cleavland guys should check that place out.

The local shop told me about that place. The guy who has been working there for years told em it is pretty sick.


I just bought myself a Gary Fisher Mullet. Retail is 819.99 and I got it for 725 plus tax since I spent so much money at the shop on BMX parts back in the day. I can't complain so far. It has been a pretty good bike. I used to ride BMX all the time so I will be doing more MTB freestyle/ downhill/ urban/ dirt jumping. None of that wussy cross country up hill crap.

I will complain about the brakes. I would rather have v-brakes instead of cable disk brakes. In a few years, I will upgrade to a set of hyadrauilc calipers.

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/mullet

[Jetaddict]

I've been MTB'ing now for about a year. I have a Trek 4300 hardtail for the off-season (strictly pavement riding with some light trail riding), and the FS Trek Fuel EX6 for everything else. The FS is like night and day on the downhills and twisty singletracks. I'm going out west in May, hitting Fruita, Colorado, Moab, and Sedona. Can't effing wait.
For all you Florida riders, the best place to ride is Alafia River State Park. Killer trails and some wicked drops. Up the road from there is Boyette Scrub Preserve, which is also the shizznit. Santos in Ocala is also incredible, but aside from the Vortex section there, the trails are pretty tame with very small hills. Santos is good for the family rides or a good leg-stretch workout.

[WaveDemon]

For all you Florida riders, the best place to ride is Alafia River State Park. Killer trails and some wicked drops. Up the road from there is Boyette Scrub Preserve, which is also the shizznit. Santos in Ocala is also incredible, but aside from the Vortex section there, the trails are pretty tame with very small hills. Santos is good for the family rides or a good leg-stretch workout.

good to know

[Rob_M]

I've been MTB'ing now for about a year. I have a Trek 4300 hardtail for the off-season (strictly pavement riding with some light trail riding), and the FS Trek Fuel EX6 for everything else. The FS is like night and day on the downhills and twisty singletracks. I'm going out west in May, hitting Fruita, Colorado, Moab, and Sedona. Can't effing wait.
For all you Florida riders, the best place to ride is Alafia River State Park. Killer trails and some wicked drops. Up the road from there is Boyette Scrub Preserve, which is also the shizznit. Santos in Ocala is also incredible, but aside from the Vortex section there, the trails are pretty tame with very small hills. Santos is good for the family rides or a good leg-stretch workout.
I bought the same bike (Trek 4300) about a year ago now.. I love it... have not had the chance to make it over to Alafia River SP yet. I have heard it is the best place in FL to ride.. I want to go soon...

[yamaslut]

I've been MTB'ing now for about a year. I have a Trek 4300 hardtail for the off-season (strictly pavement riding with some light trail riding), and the FS Trek Fuel EX6 for everything else. The FS is like night and day on the downhills and twisty singletracks. I'm going out west in May, hitting Fruita, Colorado, Moab, and Sedona. Can't effing wait.
For all you Florida riders, the best place to ride is Alafia River State Park. Killer trails and some wicked drops. Up the road from there is Boyette Scrub Preserve, which is also the shizznit. Santos in Ocala is also incredible, but aside from the Vortex section there, the trails are pretty tame with very small hills. Santos is good for the family rides or a good leg-stretch workout.

I will be trying that track out soon. There is a great spot that I go in Flagler called "Graham Swamp". It's a 6.5mi loop w/ tons of switchbacks and and decent jumps and obstacles. It's a great workout and you can get up to 20mph + in some sections just zinging past trees...

[yamaslut]

btw - lets do a little ride at the Alafia spot... I wanna hit that place up bad after seeing some of the you tube vids.

[Big Kahuna]

got a decent ride in tonight, 2nd time in about 2 months. Had bronchitus for almost 2 months. Feels good to get back on the bike.

Read where Cannondale just announced a huge layoff, plus all MFG is going overseas.

[accbr]

Yep. There's a big thread on mtbr.com about Cannondale. I hope my Prophet doesn't break.

quote from article

In shifting Bedford’s operations away from bicycle frame manufacturing by 2010, CSG will be able to take full advantage of the
strengths and capabilities of the new Taichung, Taiwan-based Center of Excellence in manufacturing oversight, sourcing, testing and
quality control.

TAIWAN!!!!?????? Really???

.....no more made in USA frames? - Mtbr.com Forums

???? I can't post the link to the article for some reason????

[Big Kahuna]

anyone here ever try cyclocross?

No desire. It is not road riding, nor is it MTB'ing. Real rough on your arms and back.

[GIL]

You guys and all this exercise non-sense. I don't get it. Crammit just bought yet another new bike. It's a somethin somethin 29'er. (I think)
Knowing what the last one cost, I am scared to ask how much this one was. Do what I do for exercise, smoke and drink Sun Drop! LOL

[Cliff]

if it doesnt have an engine attached to it somewhere, im not interested. had enough bicycles when i was growing up.

[dbrutherford]

You guys and all this exercise non-sense. I don't get it. Crammit just bought yet another new bike. It's a somethin somethin 29'er. (I think)
Knowing what the last one cost, I am scared to ask how much this one was. Do what I do for exercise, smoke and drink Sun Drop! LOL




And it seems to be working for you! I would just go straight to crack but work drug tests...

[AtomicPunk]

btw - lets do a little ride at the Alafia spot... I wanna hit that place up bad after seeing some of the you tube vids.

I have a co-worker that rides there, he says it is bad-ass

i got bike i don't ride, and i am out of shape... I think I could last about 20 minutes, lets go!

[Emm]

You guys and all this exercise non-sense. I don't get it. Crammit just bought yet another new bike. It's a somethin somethin 29'er. (I think)
Knowing what the last one cost, I am scared to ask how much this one was. Do what I do for exercise, smoke and drink Sun Drop! LOL

you will be skinny with rotten teeth and a black lung! :crazy::poke:

[yz250fpilot]

you will be skinny with rotten teeth and a black lung! :crazy::poke:

skinny? rotten teeth?

Gil is buff with a blingin' smile!

http://www.realgil.com/

[Emm]

skinny? rotten teeth?

Gil is buff with a blingin' smile!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Gil-Williams/708789635

you can't guzzle sun drop without it affecting your teeth...trust me:chairshot:

Gil quit drinking that crap!

[GIL]

You guys and all this exercise non-sense. I don't get it. Crammit just bought yet another new bike. It's a somethin somethin 29'er. (I think)
Knowing what the last one cost, I am scared to ask how much this one was. Do what I do for exercise, smoke and drink Sun Drop! LOL

OK it's Titus Racer X 29'er with spinergy wheels with spaghetti noodle spokes that u can tie in a knot. No-I did not ask how much it was-still scared. LOL

[Big Kahuna]

Titus's are nice. Been looking at them. But do not care for the big wheel option. Slow handling.

[crammit442]

Titus's are nice. Been looking at them. But do not care for the big wheel option. Slow handling.

You'd think that from the opinions of a few, but I bet you'd be surprised if you rode one. It's about a pound and a half heavier than the Trek, but does everything as good or better. Should end up around 26ish. Climbs like a monkey, turns quick and light, rolls over everything, and smooths out the bumps. Confidence inspiring downhill. Did two laps at Oak Mtn last week on it. It really didn't take any adjustment in riding style. Lots of bad info out there about bikes. Just like jetskis when you think about it.:clown: Oh yeah, it does wheelies for days.:cool:

P.S. Here's a link to my bike. I mean MY actual bike. I bought that frame/shock and a new Fox 29er fork and wheels and switched over all the XTR stuff from the Trek.http://titusti.com/07/press/08RacerX29Review_VeloNewsBG.pdf

[Big Kahuna]

If I road Oak Mt. Exclusively then it would be a very viable option. The trails I ride at have a lot of very tight sections. Prefer a quicker handling setup. For a second bike I would not mind one. Wait, that would be a third not counting the road bike!

What did you ever do about your Trek?

[ZMANN]

My biotch

[WaveDemon]

No desire. It is not road riding, nor is it MTB'ing. Real rough on your arms and back.

I'm now building a fixed gear cyclocross bike. I must be looking for another way to hurt myself.


I'll be looking for off road spots to ride soon!

[wydopen]

My biotch

haha old school!

i used to ride a mnt cycle shockwave, that was my first dh bike...i still have that thing!

[ZMANN]

lol! I still ride mine it's fun just to drop off stuff and land like butter

[Big Kahuna]

I'm now building a fixed gear cyclocross bike. I must be looking for another way to hurt myself.


I'll be looking for off road spots to ride soon!

what made you go the cyclecross route?

[WaveDemon]

what made you go the cyclecross route?

friends own a track/fixed gear bike store, I want to help support them and do a little off roading.

[Big Kahuna]

what frame are you using?

[WaveDemon]

it's a cheaper track bike frame.

[dbrutherford]

If you want to ride a fixed gear bike>>> RIDE SOME BMX!

YouTube - Some BMX by DBR

[WaveDemon]

If you want to ride a fixed gear bike>>> RIDE SOME BMX!

YouTube - Some BMX by DBR (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM2WO5pCC2U)

the problem with that is I'm a grown ass man. :thumbsdown:

BTW that BMX wasn't fixed gear.

[dbrutherford]

I haven't ridden that bike for months now. That video was two years old.

You are right though, they have free wheels. I should have said single speed.

I did ride my Gary Fisher Mullet last night until it start pouring down the rain.

[dbrutherford]

Now this is some INSANE riding!

Awesome Trials Bikers - CollegeHumor Video

[WaveDemon]

Now this is some INSANE riding!

Awesome Trials Bikers - CollegeHumor Video (http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1908415)

holy crap.

that was fur cereal!

:Banane09:

[WaveDemon]

I just picked up a cheap cheap old aluminum Raleigh Technium. Any insight on aluminum frames used off road with no suspension?

I know that aluminum frames are supposed to break easier but I don't know how often that happens in reality.


I don't really need this bike, I might relist it or keep if for future use.

[WaveDemon]

anyone have any 700c rims/wheels they want to get rid of?

[Big Kahuna]

nope.
try Bicycle wheel warehouse .com

they sell hand built wheels for less than you can buy the parts and build them your self.

[WaveDemon]

just got the final invoice on my wifes bike. It was more than expected. looks like I'm selling my track frame and building the bike I picked up for $20 today.

[WaveDemon]

nope.
try Bicycle wheel warehouse .com

they sell hand built wheels for less than you can buy the parts and build them your self.

those are some really great prices.

the problem is I want a fixed/fixed flip flop hub. one side for road and the other for off road.

I think I can find a complete alloy wheel for the front for cheap and build the rear myself with a used rim and new hub and spokes.

[WaveDemon]

any advice on a good mountain bike forum?