[donovan]

I am currently in the DMV, closer to laurel Maryland area and I am very serious about taking up biking of sorts. I do not have a clear direction into this new sport so any suggestions of bikes/trails/fello members who do such things is welcomed!

FreQQ

[BrokenVert]

Motorbike or bicycle bike?

[donovan]

Shit.. bicycle, sorry guys

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by donovan

Shit.. bicycle, sorry guys

Thought so. I just needed to know if I would be interested or not.

When I'm offload I tend to really only do it on old logging roads up in new Hampshire and Maine. They're pretty fun and challenging if you find the right one.

[donovan]

What type of bike do you have?

[BrokenVert]

Cannondale RZ One Twenty - nothing crazy expensive but it gets the job done well.

I've been debating the merits of putting on a lefty for a while now. While we have real bike people here, what's the benefit of a lefty? Is it just a better shock? Or is the monotone front strut a better design than the normal twin tube design?

[donovan]

So many questions, I want to ride!

[DARK_M3]

I friggin LOVE mountain biking. I have an '06 Iron Horse MKIII Team. It's an "all mountain" bike with lots of front and rear travel but lightweight (not like a piggy downhill bike). I ride all the time.

Invest in a decent bike with good components otherwise you will run into BS little things all the time. You don't have to break the bank necessarily like I did but something in the 1.5k - 2k range outta do. Lots of great bike makes out there to choose from. I suggest going and trying a few and get fitted up to something that works for you.

Have fun and don't forget your helmet!

[DARK_M3]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Cannondale RZ One Twenty - nothing crazy expensive but it gets the job done well.

I've been debating the merits of putting on a lefty for a while now. While we have real bike people here, what's the benefit of a lefty? Is it just a better shock? Or is the monotone front strut a better design than the normal twin tube design?

It might be lighter but it's nowhere near as stable. I have talked to a couple guys in my old riding crew and they ended up swapping it out for a normal twin tube suspension. They were getting all sorts of weird flex in the front but then again, we ride pretty hard too..

[donovan]

Thanks for the motivation DARK.

My wife's father owns a lovely bike shop in Germany and I had first hand the opportunity to see bikes and understand them a bit and work on them. I will get one wholesale at some point from him.

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by DARK_M3

It might be lighter but it's nowhere near as stable. I have talked to a couple guys in my old riding crew and they ended up swapping it out for a normal twin tube suspension. They were getting all sorts of weird flex in the front but then again, we ride pretty hard too..

Yeah that was what I thought logically. But then why is basically every upper end Cannondale equipped with them?

[DARK_M3]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Yeah that was what I thought logically. But then why is basically every upper end Cannondale equipped with them?

Because marketing

[JamesMA]

I mountain bike XC and trail in MA and a little in ME.

For what it is worth, I would recommend getting an older bike used that has been well taken care of.

A few years ago I got an '02 Specialized s-works FSR for under $1k. All XTR components, mavic rims, etc. Ridiculasly light, climbs like a goat. I smile every time I ride it still.

I would recommend researching bikes you like and figure out what will give you the best bang for the buck. Also, if you decide cycling is not for you, you will not have wasted huge dollars on something which will just end up a garage hanger.

[donovan]

Thanks folks, I suppose that I can not go to a generic store for these picks.

[Alpha///M]

Hmmmm, generic store? Naah. Support your local bike shop! I ride both road and mtb and have several bikes. I bought a decent one (Cannondale) as my first one bc I wasn't sure how much I'd be into it. Now, there are soo many good/decent bikes to choose from your best bet would be chose ur components vs. frame. Like posted earlier, mountain bike components (cranks, brakes, shifters, derailleurs) get abused and break often if there cheap. On the other hand, u rarely break a frame (specialized, trek, kona). So, don't get hung up on a weird fork design or full suspension bike, but set a budget and upgrade the components. Then let the hills kick ur ass! Lol. Good luck. Let us kno what u buy...

[donovan]

Indeed, I beleive in getting a nice setup, but I also have to learn all this nomenclature and such..and different companies.

[Alpha///M]

Your local shop will b glad to help with "nomenclature" and such. Their employees are most likely avid riders as well....:

My current MTB:
http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/...2/509d9998.jpg

[ejheverest]

Originally Posted by JamesMA

I mountain bike XC and trail in MA and a little in ME.

For what it is worth, I would recommend getting an older bike used that has been well taken care of.

A few years ago I got an '02 Specialized s-works FSR for under $1k. All XTR components, mavic rims, etc. Ridiculasly light, climbs like a goat. I smile every time I ride it still.

I would recommend researching bikes you like and figure out what will give you the best bang for the buck. Also, if you decide cycling is not for you, you will not have wasted huge dollars on something which will just end up a garage hanger.

Grew up riding XC in Rockport/Gloucester(dogtown)
Road bike more right now but, hope to be back up in Maine-Mass so I can get back to more mtn. biking.
My road bike-1980's cannondale-only thing original is frame and fork.
I've put more miles on my road bike in the last 3 years than I've done on my toyota 4runner.

My Mtn. bike- Felt Redemption 2

[Red Bread]

Ride what you have, I commute on a $600 Schwinn single speed that's just as fun as my custom built ti and carbon road bike. Ride more and you'll be faster than the guys with expensive bikes who ride less.

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Ride what you have, I commute on a $600 Schwinn single speed that's just as fun as my custom built ti and carbon road bike. Ride more and you'll be faster than the guys with expensive bikes who ride less.

you can say the same about anything!

Of you love biking (like anything else) youll naturally become better at it with practice.


Not to put anyone off...but I have a nasty chasm in my skull from the first time I was on a real ride. I was 13 or 14 at the time and I had too much speed down a hill. Caught some air and I didnt know how to balance myself while not on the ground...so I landed on my head.

I thank god I had the presence of mind to have a Bell helmet on that day - otherwise I probably wouldve been a goner.



The point is do what you like to do, but start slow!

[ZMM_OMG]

Originally Posted by Alpha///M

Hmmmm, generic store? Naah. Support your local bike shop! I ride both road and mtb and have several bikes. I bought a decent one (Cannondale) as my first one bc I wasn't sure how much I'd be into it. Now, there are soo many good/decent bikes to choose from your best bet would be chose ur components vs. frame. Like posted earlier, mountain bike components (cranks, brakes, shifters, derailleurs) get abused and break often if there cheap. On the other hand, u rarely break a frame (specialized, trek, kona). So, don't get hung up on a weird fork design or full suspension bike, but set a budget and upgrade the components. Then let the hills kick ur ass! Lol. Good luck. Let us kno what u buy...

^^ This. I'm a roadie and a competitive cyclist (albeit a lousy one ) and the relationship I established with my local bike shop has been INVALUABLE in understanding the terminology and moving me from my 1st road bike (Trek 2.1) to my current setup (see my garage).

Cycling is amazing and such a wonderful way to stay in shape and experience the area in which you live.

Not quite sure what the cycling scene is like in your area, but I'd suggest the following:

• Talk to the folks at your local shop about routes and local rides
• Search the web for local bike clubs and see if they have group rides for beginners
• Find a good charity event (e.g. Team in Training). They often cater to beginning cyclists and it's a great way to take up a hobby and help others!
• Inundate the bike nerds here on the forums with questions. We'd be happy to drive you nuts with technical discussions about SRAM v. Shimano!

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by ZMM_OMG

[*]Inundate the bike nerds here on the forums with questions. We'd be happy to drive you nuts with technical discussions about SRAM v. Shimano! [/LIST][/INDENT]

Campy uber alles! I have four bikes, not a drop of Shimano on any of them. Looking to build up a cyclocross as soon as SRAM gets off their duff with hydraulic road shifters.