getting started mountain biking

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2013-05-06 8:19 AM

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Extreme Veteran
317
100100100
Chelmsford, MA
Subject: getting started mountain biking
What do I need to know to go shopping?

Use cases:
1 - 6 month old son I'll want to ride with on paved bike trails in area. First in a trailer/seat. With him on his own bike in a few years.
2 - State park out back door I can ride directly into. Boston western suburb terrain. Short steep hills, rocky and rooty.

I'd obviously like to spend as little money as possible to have a reasonably comfortable ride that allows me to achieve both goals above.

I grew up trail riding in the midwest on my huffy and loved it but haven't been mountain biking. Part of the draw is the proximity of the state park and it's the most realistic riding scenario as I am primary daytime caregiver for my son. I'd love to get out on the road bike more but it's proving to be difficult scheduling with wife working full time and me at home with kid.



2013-05-06 8:25 AM
in reply to: #4728828

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2013-05-06 8:36 AM
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Veteran
360
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Waukegan, IL
Subject: RE: getting started mountain biking

wgraves7582 - 2013-05-06 8:25 AM Depending on your budget - Specialized has a 29'er Rockhopper that range from $800-1300 as a good entry level bike.  Obviously you can spend a lot more for a lot more bling and they even have some lower priced Hardrock line bikes ($440-700) 

There is a group of great mountain bikers out there that swear by the Hardrock. I test rode that before getting my Rockhopper and it is a solid bike. Trek Mamba is also a pretty good bike. If you're not looking to race on it, just about any mtb will do for you. The only thing I'd really advise is to get disc brakes. Hydraulic are nice, but mechanical will do just as well.  I rode my old, old Giant Rincon on the singletrack in SE Wisconsin for years before it got hit by a car.

When you get your mountain bike, and realize how great it is, do an Xterra. They're the best.

2013-05-06 8:37 AM
in reply to: #4728846

Extreme Veteran
317
100100100
Chelmsford, MA
Subject: RE: getting started mountain biking
wgraves7582 - 2013-05-06 9:25 AM

Depending on your budget - Specialized has a 29'er Rockhopper that range from $800-1300 as a good entry level bike.  Obviously you can spend a lot more for a lot more bling and they even have some lower priced Hardrock line bikes ($440-700) 


Approximately $1000 is reasonable although it would be nicer to spend $500.
2013-05-06 9:33 AM
in reply to: #4728828

Expert
2373
20001001001002525
Floriduh
Subject: RE: getting started mountain biking

$500 may be a bit on the low side as you will very much want to have a suspension fork on the bike.  It is a matter of safety as much as comfort.  Hard to see a decent bike for $500, I'd look at CL as it sounds like your budget is calling out for a decent used MTB.

EDIT:  I take above back, this doesn't look too bad and in your price range:  [url] http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/4ht_new_xii.htm

The one thing to recognize is that components wear out on MTB much faster that roadies for obvious reasons.  With the component level of a ~$500 MTB you will need to replace soon unless you are very careful about cleaning the bike after a muddy/dirty ride.



Edited by Oysterboy 2013-05-06 9:40 AM
2013-05-06 9:46 AM
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2013-05-06 12:09 PM
in reply to: #4728828

Expert
2180
2000100252525
Boise, Idaho
Subject: RE: getting started mountain biking

29ers are the bomb, but the terrain you describe (short/steep, rocky/rooty) lends itself to the good ol' 26" tire. 

Go to the LBS and establish a relationship.  Soon the kids will need bikes and you'll have someone you can trust.

2013-05-06 8:49 PM
in reply to: #4728828

Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: getting started mountain biking

I have a nephew Sam who works at: Bikeway Source in Bedford

 

He's only 15 but he or the shop could probably help you out.  It looks like they rent some bikes. You could try one for half a day.

Last time I was in Boston my cousin took me to I think they call it the Fells.  It was pretty fun.

2013-05-07 8:33 AM
in reply to: #4728828

Champion
7136
5000200010025
Knoxville area
Subject: RE: getting started mountain biking
I bought an Airborne Guardian at the end of last year... It's an insane deal for what you get. Nice frame, good components (the fork is quite a bit better than most bikes at the price point) including disc brakes... the only negative is that the tires that come on it are basically greenway trail tires only.
2013-05-08 8:31 AM
in reply to: #4728828


62
2525
Subject: RE: getting started mountain biking
I bought a Trek 3900 four years ago and have abused it and it has held up perfectly. I paid $400 +tax.

2013-05-08 8:49 AM
in reply to: #4728828

Member
333
10010010025
Marshall Michigan
Subject: RE: getting started mountain biking

I started out the the kids as well, got them up and going riding with Dad.  Well thank god they grew up and didn't want to go biking with me anymore as the trails got longer, and more advanced.  After I started riding with adults - I became a MTB'er.  So buy a bike from CL - there are dozens of bikes posted every month, you'll find a great deal - save a bunch of money.  Later on you'll upgrade.

Doing my 1st xterra next weekend!  can't wait to hit the trails!

pb

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