Getting into biking.

J. Crawford · #1 05-22-2009, 04:37 PM

Guys, my dad finally is allowing me to get a good bike. HE has been riding for years upon years and has always been afraid to splurge on anything other than a Mongoose for me. He rides a Specialized, and is finally getting me my own.

I have ridden my whole life, but its always just been short distances and with friends. I plan on riding to school, work, the YMCA, friends, golf, etc.

I guess what Im throwing out there is whats a good beginner bike? Im looking into a Specialized, and hopefully getting one of those.

If you wanna check us out, click HERE.

KingCrimson · #2 05-22-2009, 05:04 PM

Me too my bmx got stolen and now i'm picking up a Giant Brass 2. Mountain biking

kanonfodr · #3 05-22-2009, 05:14 PM

Whatever you get, make sure it fits you and whatever riding you choose to do. I had a 21-speed Mt. Shasta that I had tons of fun on it, whether riding Matagorda Island, 25km cookie chases, or just tooling around the block with my friends.

Also: Hydration and security. Camelbak is your friend, and a good cable lock will prevent your bike from getting stolen. That's important since you are going to be riding all over the place.

Sorry I can't be more specific on what bike to get. Visit your local bike shop and see what's out there.

Peace,
Greg

elgecko · #4 05-22-2009, 06:05 PM

Just find the Specialized that fits your target price range, They make from relatively affordable to ridiculously overpriced. If you're going to be road riding, get yourself an LED tailight, it can get sketchy out there. DON'T FORGET YOUR HELMET!

Lastly beware of the cyling version of gas. It's makes bass gas seem like the hiccups! Every single component of a bike can be, and often is, upgraded at great expense. Of course since you're saving weight, justifiable. Right!

Deluge Of Sound · #5 05-22-2009, 06:33 PM

What kind of riding are you going to be doing?

more to the point: do you envision riding on the road or off the road most of the time?

Otter · #6 05-22-2009, 06:55 PM

Oh Man!

And you think getting gas for bass guitars and amps is bad, wait until you start looking at "un-obtanium" full suspension frames with XTR gruppo's equipped with custom wheel sets!

Welcome to the journey of a lifetime....

Otter.
(fellow fat tire enthusiast)

J. Crawford · #7 05-22-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deluge Of Sound

What kind of riding are you going to be doing?

more to the point: do you envision riding on the road or off the road most of the time?

Im going to do just like my pops. HE has road conversion tires he puts on for riding to and fro, but still has his MB tires for the offroad counterpart.

kanonfodr · #8 05-22-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordasch

Im going to do just like my pops. HE has road conversion tires he puts on for riding to and fro, but still has his MB tires for the offroad counterpart.

Full suspension and gripshift. My buddy swears by triggershift mechs, but gripshifting is more natural and doesn't run the risk of getting in the way of your braking. Full suspension for all those fun landings that accompany every flight off a ridge.

Ah...the good ole' days.

Peace,
Greg

J. Crawford · #9 05-22-2009, 07:59 PM

What about just a Specialized Rockhopper?

Its what my dad rides, and he swears by his.

Relic · #10 05-22-2009, 08:26 PM

Believe it or not, a few years back I was up to 12 miles/day with a cheap 12-speed Huffy I bought at Toys R Us. I cant believe I had gotten used to that heavy clunky thing. The bike is super-important for sure but your mindset and willingness to push yourself even more so.

I just started up again about two weeks ago with a bike I put together from decent parts, much lighter and smoother ride. I'm up to about 3 miles a days now and plan to gradually bring it back up.

Kenbuntu · #11 05-22-2009, 10:04 PM

Whats a bike thread without pr0n?

my god, look at them so innocent yet rugged...

bassteban · #12 05-22-2009, 10:22 PM

An excuse to post bike pics!

My main ride, a 2006 FSR XC Comp. About $1,400, and well worth it. Also-

2005 Gemini 900. The *Monster Truck Bike*.

Edit: Oh yeah- ON topic, Specialized makes nice cheap bikes, too. Rockhoppers are very nice *first real bikes*

elgecko · #13 05-23-2009, 12:27 AM

If you're getting a mountain bike, the main choices are between a hardtail like the Rockhopper or a full suspension bike like the FSR XC. For the money, you'll generally get a better bike (components) with a hardtail than a similarly priced full suspension bike. Learning on a hardtail will make you a better rider since you actually have to pick lines where you just bomb straight through on a full suspension. Full suspension can make you kind of lazy but you'll definitely be more comfortable. Having said that, the only time I really ride my hardtail is on my work commute.

Check out mtbr.com, it's the Talkbass of the mountain bike world.

Here's my Trail Smurf:

dominic · #14 05-23-2009, 08:10 AM

I used to ride trials, then after I broke my collarbone I got into XC, unfortunatley I haven't ridden for a couple of years now what with university and moving to Germany for a year but I really hope to get back into it this year. My advice is to go for a hardtail, as they are often cheaper and better specced than their full squish counterparts, specialized make some excellent bikes and generally have good components (they make some excellent saddles). Happy trails, don't forget a helmet and I'd recommend shin pads if you aren't using spds, I have some wonderful scars up my legs from spikey pedals.

Otter · #15 05-23-2009, 08:29 AM

Cool!

I get to ride this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/purpleotter/3556060209/

Here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/purpleotter/3556059729/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/purpleotter/3556059235/

These are the front and back yard views from my property.

Otter.

Kipaste · #16 05-23-2009, 08:38 AM

I guess all you bikers have allready seen this, but still I got to spread if someone hasn't seen this. It's just insane. I mean, who does a sort of a mctwist off a tree anyhow? Even though I only ride a cheap mountainbike and I don't call myself a biker in anyway, this is just insane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z19zFlPah-o

J. Crawford · #17 05-23-2009, 08:59 AM

Kip, that video is insane!

elgecko · #18 05-23-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kipaste

I guess all you bikers have allready seen this, but still I got to spread if someone hasn't seen this. It's just insane. I mean, who does a sort of a mctwist off a tree anyhow? Even though I only ride a cheap mountainbike and I don't call myself a biker in anyway, this is just insane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z19zFlPah-o

Crazy! Check out these guys. They clearly have severe mental issues:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAqt141eJAU

J. Crawford · #19 05-23-2009, 02:56 PM

Back on topic guys, although I have watched that Dirt Spineology video a few times now.. Its hard as hell.

Im going to my bike shop this weekend or next, but hopefully today!

chrisisnotevil · #20 05-23-2009, 03:28 PM

I always found Specialized a bit pricey for what you could get from other makes for the same money. But then, it is a Specialized... I've not ridden in years, and now I have serious GAS for a beasty hardtail, something like an On-One Inbred. Thanks guys, I now know that what I'm going to spend my holiday money on...