I just love being a newb and completely lost on bikes

[SuperJETT]

I rode bikes all the time, stripped and painted then and rebuilt them, etc up into high school I guess, then for 25 years barely touched one.

I just bought a mtb last week that is a single speed conversion and I have the shifting components but they are pretty worn it looks like. I'm considering putting them on because my body is not ready for single speed that's for sure.

So I started looking around, and have an inkling of XT/XTR/SRAM and that they are different price points, etc, but once I actually started trying to figure out what I need/want, wow. Overwhelmed.

I think I'm just going to take my bike to a lbs and see what they recommend and go from there.

Mountain biking is just crazy in terms of the number of parts available, just look at Topeak's mini pumps: http://www.topeak.com/products/Mini-Pumps


Anyway, anyone got a basic recommendation for an entry level setup that will allow upgrading? Or should I just put my stuff on and see what needs work?

I did find some tires that I think will do what I want: mostly road with some trail here/there.
http://www.amazon.com/WTB-Graffiti-Ultimate-Kombat-Bicycle/dp/B001FTTYZM/

 

[accbr]

Just buy this. :biggthumpup:

http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/66099

I've always managed to leave my MTBs mostly stock, and only change the tires, seat, and grips. The local shops would probably be the best place to start as long as they don't try to sell you a bunch of stuff you don't need. We have 3 awesome bike shops here.

Welcome to another addicting hobby.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Hey Darin, a simple setup is to just make it a 1x9. Keep the front crank and chainring like it is. Then put on the rear cassette (9 speed) with a deraileur and the rear shifter only. This will give the option of gears.

 

[SuperJETT]

I picked up new tires/tubes at the LBS for less $$ than mail order would have been. That's always nice.

 

[accbr]

You've probably found this site already, but just in case.....

http://www.pricepoint.com/

They have a huge selection of parts. D@mn it!! Now you've got me looking are upgrades again.

 

[Big Kahuna]

It's addictive.

Even when you buy a new bike there is always room for improvement!

 

[SuperJETT]

I put the tubes/tires on last night and they're the exact kind of tire I wanted. Very smooth on pavement with with more aggressive sides so I can lower the air pressure for dirt and still have decent traction.

The ones that were on it are old and very aggressive dirt tires. On pavement with decent air pressure you can feel every knob hitting.

 

[w-nut]

component wise sll (the new lx componets from shimano) is pretty good stuff if you wont to keep the costs down a bit.

 

[Big Kahuna]

EBAY for parts!

 

[SXIPro]

Keep it single speed and work up to it. Do a strength training routine 3 times weekly and hit the stairs as well.

Your body and mind will thank you for it.

For inspiration, think of a multi-geared bike as a couch, and a single speed as an SJ.

 

[SuperJETT]

I did decide earlier this week to keep it single speed actually. My body has gotten used to riding and it's way easier already, plus I changed to tires that roll way easier so that helped too.

 

[WaveDemon]

if you really want to be tough on yourself you'll switch out the single speed for a fixed gear on a mountain bike.


Here is a site dedicated to it. http://www.63xc.com/index.htm

 

[accbr]

I saw a guy at lunch the other day on a fixed gear bike. He was pedaling his a$$ off going down hill. Didn't look very fun.