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07-13-2005, 12:50 PM #1
Newbie: What to look for in a bike
OK. I admit it, I've been mountain biking once or twice in my life. You guessed it, the slickrock loop. Besides that my biking experience has been limited to taking my old shockless Trek off "sweet jumps" around the neighborhood. You guessed it again, I destroyed my bike about 6 years ago by jumping off ledges and cement walls (I got so I could do about 6 foot drops), and haven't ever had enough spare money or interest to get a replacement. Now bikes are all different, with full suspension, disk brakes and all. I'll probably end up getting one, although not in the near future. What are essential features? What should I expect to pay for a good bike? Where's a good place to buy them? Can you find good used bikes out there or is it better to stick with new?
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07-13-2005 12:50 PM # ADS
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07-13-2005, 01:12 PM #2
Depends what kind of riding you will do. If you want to join the cool crowd and start biking with us, you may be looking for a full suspension bike.
Just ask KillEmAll. He's just getting into biking, and bought himself a pretty nice one. http://uutah.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=518
He had a quirk in it right off, but it was an odd deal. It's fixed, and it is a really great bike. Expect to pay atleast $1000 for a good bike.
Bad example below:
Watch out for these. They look nice until you get up close. The typical Walmart bike. See the rear spring? That's what you'll be doing, is springing around. Probably weighs 50 lbs too.
Get something with Shimano XT or XTR components. Or SRAM is starting to make a pretty good name for itself.
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07-13-2005, 01:55 PM #3
Re: Newbie: What to look for in a bike
Unless you're racing, I think Shimano LX/XT set up is just fine for a serious recreational rider. XTR is top of the line for Shimano.
What kind of riding do you want to do? Street hucking? Cross country trails? Bombing down hills and taking it to the resort? It all depends on what you think you're going to do or enjoy most.
Oh and how much do you want to spend?
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07-14-2005, 10:08 AM #4
I think everybody's hitting the questions - I get asked this a lot where I work, and usually it's in this order:
1 - what's your budget (I usually ask them for a range)
2 - how often do you want to ride
3 - what type of riding do you want to do now
4 - do you think you'll ride differently after some time in the saddle
I would certainly look at used bikes, but to do that you generally need to be more familiar with the components than with newer bikes. It helps for both, for sure, but you'll normally get more bike for less money with used. I also tell people to look at last years model closeouts, again more bike for your $$.
I think question 2 usually steers me in recommending lighter/heaver components. Don't be afraid of SRAM, and Shimano XT is usually good enough (I actually prefer it over XTR - more durable, less 'futzing').
You'll get a different opinion as to 'where' based on everybody you ask if you go new. Most shops are fine in sales, it's in service that you get the wide range of opinions. I find most of the maintenance I do on my own now, as I think I care more about it and usually because I don't want to wait 3 days to get my bike back (I'd rather RIDE!).
Good luck, if you find a bike you have specific questions about, I'm sure your posts will not go unanswered!
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07-14-2005, 10:27 AM #5
Or just be like me and have accadacca pick it out for you.
I'm satisfied.
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07-14-2005, 10:46 AM #6Originally Posted by Sombeech
I will give him a free plug: http://stores.ebay.com/Majorsales-Co
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07-14-2005, 11:32 AM #7Originally Posted by theprof
"Who am I? I don't know. I guess I have a lot of things to ponder."
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