Goals Mountain biking

mantis

Whats up everyone?
Anyone have any goal this year? I do I want to get back to 600+ miles of hard hitting trail riding and make a point to go to Jim Thorpe this summer. Last year we didn't go and I think I clock in around 500 miles for the entire summer. Year before that I did a little over 600.
This is a shot from my first ride this year.

gudnoyez

Sounds like a good time, I myself not only like to spend money on audio and music, I've spent whats left on a Specialized Rockhopper, a 4800 Trek, and an old Cannondale, and just got the wife a raleigh venture for the easy rides. I think there is nothing better than filling up the Ipod with some Megadeth old AC/DC,and Tesla and hit the trails I like to put at least a 100 miles or so on each and have 65 on one and 50 on another since the snow melted. Nice GT

dorokusai

Hardtail? Nice...that's what a man rides.

mantis

gudnoyez wrote: »

Sounds like a good time, I myself not only like to spend money on audio and music, I've spent whats left on a Specialized Rockhopper, a 4800 Trek, and an old Cannondale, and just got the wife a raleigh venture for the easy rides. I think there is nothing better than filling up the Ipod with some Megadeth old AC/DC,and Tesla and hit the trails I like to put at least a 100 miles or so on each and have 65 on one and 50 on another since the snow melted. Nice GT

Very cool. I load up the Ipod as well when I'm riding solo. I try to get at least 10 to 20 miles in each ride. Depending on the trails , some rides are only 8.40 miles. Flat long straight runs I do much more.

mantis

dorokusai wrote: »

Hardtail? Nice...that's what a man rides.

Yep and all MAN here.

TNRabbit

I want to get back on this & do some serious riding this summer:

Beta

GT hasn't changed the frame on your ride much over the years. That Zaskar frame is tried and true. From the looks of the photo, your fork appears like it has significant travel. Doesn't look like it has even remotely adversely affected the geometry of the bike.

No doubt hardtails are lighter. However, nothing like full suspension for prolonged descents. If you haven't used them yet, disc brakes will blow your mind. Also, most new full suspension bikes have rear suspension that fully lock out to give one the best of both worlds.

mantis

Beta wrote: »

GT hasn't changed the frame on your ride much over the years. That Zaskar frame is tried and true. From the looks of the photo, your fork appears like it has significant travel. Doesn't look like it has even remotely adversely affected the geometry of the bike.

No doubt hardtails are lighter. However, nothing like full suspension for prolonged descents. If you haven't used them yet, disc brakes will blow your mind. Also, most new full suspension bikes have rear suspension that fully lock out to give one the best of both worlds.

My GT is a 2004 Avalanche 2.0. I'd like to get another bike. I have looked a few times at Trek , Specialized , Giant and newer GT's. They all make very nice bikes. I might get a full Suspension as I liked a few I rode. Disc brakes are very nice. Out of all the guys I ride with , I'm the only rim brake bike.

BIZILL

my goal is to let pass yet another year of leaving the 'ole mt bike hanging from the garage ceiling. i miss it for sure, but anything above 85 degrees with hard riding will leave your head spinning.

cstmar01

Beta wrote: »

GT hasn't changed the frame on your ride much over the years. That Zaskar frame is tried and true. From the looks of the photo, your fork appears like it has significant travel. Doesn't look like it has even remotely adversely affected the geometry of the bike.

No doubt hardtails are lighter. However, nothing like full suspension for prolonged descents. If you haven't used them yet, disc brakes will blow your mind. Also, most new full suspension bikes have rear suspension that fully lock out to give one the best of both worlds.

Very nice. Personally I love full suspensions, I just have the problem as there is not enough trails around here that would require that type of machine.

That is a beautiful bike IMO. I personally am fond of both Specialized and Kona. If anyone knows of good trails around WI, IA, MN and IL let me know. I would like to change it up sometime and get away from the norm of the little trails we have around here in Central WI.

codyc1ark

We've got about 36 miles of 124 on canoe down the Yadkin river, PLUS we have a 3 day trip over memorial day on the New River, time paddling is well spent! I've been wanting to get back into biking though, easy quick workout after work.

fatchowmein

My full suspension mt bike is collecting dust. I envy you guys who live somewhere with an interesting view.

Beta

mantis wrote: »

My GT is a 2004 Avalanche 2.0. I'd like to get another bike. I have looked a few times at Trek , Specialized , Giant and newer GT's. They all make very nice bikes. I might get a full Suspension as I liked a few I rode. Disc brakes are very nice. Out of all the guys I ride with , I'm the only rim brake bike.

I could be wrong, but I think your Avalanche and the Zaskar frame have very similar geometry. The Zaskar frame was/is made out of 6061 aluminum alloy. They also come in carbon fiber. Not sure, but I think the Avalanche frame could be chromoly is steel. The difference being weight.

I am a big fame of GT. GT used to be a stand alone company and their upper end bike frames were hand made here in Southern California. The welding in their joints was exceptional. Fine American craftsmanship. The one caution I would make about GT today is that they switched to their "idrive" drive train. Haven't heard many accolades about this technology, albeit I don't know much about it. Not sure if they still use it.

Like audio, many mass production bikes are now made in China. Doesn't mean they are bad. Before I recently moved to Specialized, I rode a GT LTS (one of their first full suspension rigs). Served me well for 15 years. I beat the heck out of this bike and the frame never cracked. I still have it. Unfortunately, I blew out the rear shock several times over the years and can no longer find a replacement that will fit the geometry of the bike. GT liquidated in the late 90s and the remnants of the company were purchased by the current firm that owns them. The down side of this unfortunate scenario is that they don't make or stock components for their older bikes. Hence, my inability to find a replacement rear shock.

Specialized has the mountain bike industry so "cornered" now that it is difficult for others to compete at the same level. I looked at "boutique" manufactures like Santa Cruz, Intense, Turner, Ellsworth and others. Way too expensive for me to justify. Furthermore, being keen (like I am with my audio gear) on keeping my bike in pristine condition, I could see myself going into a deep depression if I had an ultra expensive bike and dumped it during a "yard sale" (crash).

Here in my neck of the woods we have phenomenal riding. I have trails within a 15 minute drive from my house that go upwards of 5,000 vertical feet.

In the end, I chose Specialized because of their high quality and superior customer service. The very same reason I purchase Polk products.

nadams

My goals are simple...

Put at least 100 miles on the bike this year.

Better than the ~10 that I did last year, and if I make it to 100mi in the beginning of the season, I'll be more likely to keep at it. Getting through that initial period where you're so out of shape it's not fun to ride is the biggest hurdle. From there on out, it's just pushing yourself a little bit more every day you ride.

exalted512

Beta wrote: »

If you haven't used them yet, disc brakes will blow your mind.

My V-brakes stopped much faster than my disc brakes do. Disc brakes are much nicer if it's muddy / wet though. It also doesn't clog up like v-brakes do.

I like the consistency of the discs, but my old V-brakes would put you over the handle bars in the blink of an eye.
-Cody

Toxis

Quick question for all you riders... I used to be snacks rider as a kid and used to put an amazing amount of hours on my old bike (which I still own but needs too much maintenance for what it's worth). Anyhow, along with running, I'm going to start mountain biking again. While I still remember old brands, I haven't looked into new bikes other than Trek and Giant. I was not impressed with the Trek store by me but the shop that sells Giant really impresses me. I like the shop and the bike. To be honest, I will probably spend 80% of the time on the road and the remander off road but I don't want a hybrid or two bikes. Just one new mountain bike. I'm looking at the Revel 1 for 489 or maybe spring a little extra for the revel 0 or 29er 2 for bigger wheels. What do you guys think of these bikes and is there another bike in the 5-600 range I should be looking at?

mantis

Beta wrote: »

I could be wrong, but I think your Avalanche and the Zaskar frame have very similar geometry. The Zaskar frame was/is made out of 6061 aluminum alloy. They also come in carbon fiber. Not sure, but I think the Avalanche frame could be chromoly is steel. The difference being weight.

I am a big fame of GT. GT used to be a stand alone company and their upper end bike frames were hand made here in Southern California. The welding in their joints was exceptional. Fine American craftsmanship. The one caution I would make about GT today is that they switched to their "idrive" drive train. Haven't heard many accolades about this technology, albeit I don't know much about it. Not sure if they still use it.

Like audio, many mass production bikes are now made in China. Doesn't mean they are bad. Before I recently moved to Specialized, I rode a GT LTS (one of their first full suspension rigs). Served me well for 15 years. I beat the heck out of this bike and the frame never cracked. I still have it. Unfortunately, I blew out the rear shock several times over the years and can no longer find a replacement that will fit the geometry of the bike. GT liquidated in the late 90s and the remnants of the company were purchased by the current firm that owns them. The down side of this unfortunate scenario is that they don't make or stock components for their older bikes. Hence, my inability to find a replacement rear shock.

Specialized has the mountain bike industry so "cornered" now that it is difficult for others to compete at the same level. I looked at "boutique" manufactures like Santa Cruz, Intense, Turner, Ellsworth and others. Way too expensive for me to justify. Furthermore, being keen (like I am with my audio gear) on keeping my bike in pristine condition, I could see myself going into a deep depression if I had an ultra expensive bike and dumped it during a "yard sale" (crash).

Here in my neck of the woods we have phenomenal riding. I have trails within a 15 minute drive from my house that go upwards of 5,000 vertical feet.

In the end, I chose Specialized because of their high quality and superior customer service. The very same reason I purchase Polk products.

I'm also a very old GT rider. Back in the 80's I owned a few GT bikes in the BMX realm. I have a Pro Performer , Mach 1 and a Freestyle bike. GT was my favorite but I always wanted a Hutch and especially a Skyline.
Other bikes I owned was a Murray X20 and a X24 , Kuwahara which my lightest bike and a Mongoose pro class.
I use to work for a bike store and owned many different rims , cranks , frames you name it. My dad and I built a wooden shed that I kept all my bike parts in. I would go in there with one bike and come out with a completely different on. I basically worked for parts. I loved building bikes.
When I went shopping for my first mountian bike back in 2004 , I went looking for all the brands I was use to. Mongoose went Wallmart which they use to be a high end bike , GT kinda went the same way but still have better bikes in the higher end. I wasn't looking to spend over 700.00 on my first bike and found the 2.0 for 500.00. I was sold after 1 ride. I checked out all the other good brands in that price range and liked the GT the best.
I'm also pretty anal about my bike. I keep it nice as possible but I do go in the mud and water from time to time. Some rides I come back muddy from head to toe. I wash my bike and dry it afterwards. I'm also big on chain cleaned and well oiled.

exalted512

Toxis wrote: »

Quick question for all you riders... I used to be snacks rider as a kid and used to put an amazing amount of hours on my old bike (which I still own but needs too much maintenance for what it's worth). Anyhow, along with running, I'm going to start mountain biking again. While I still remember old brands, I haven't looked into new bikes other than Trek and Giant. I was not impressed with the Trek store by me but the shop that sells Giant really impresses me. I like the shop and the bike. To be honest, I will probably spend 80% of the time on the road and the remander off road but I don't want a hybrid or two bikes. Just one new mountain bike. I'm looking at the Revel 1 for 489 or maybe spring a little extra for the revel 0 or 29er 2 for bigger wheels. What do you guys think of these bikes and is there another bike in the 5-600 range I should be looking at?

Slightly out of your range, but:
http://www.rei.com/webservices/rei/DisplayStyle/812671?source=gpla&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-812671&mr:trackingCode=39C615C2-B849-E011-AFD7-001517384908&mr:referralID=NA

I would look for something that has a lockable front fork. That way when you're on the road, none of your pedaling goes into the suspension as you can lock the suspension. The Raleigh version down from that MIGHT have it, I don't remember off hand.
-Cody

nadams

Wow... Prices for bikes seem to have gone way up...

About 10 or 12 years ago, I bought a Giant Yukon SE for $300... put $200 in parts in it last year (brakes, new front chainrings and crank set, new chain, and a new pair of gloves)... I'm already way ahead of the game on a new bike. Hopefully the frame and front suspension will hold up, but it hasn't been ridden in a few years, so I think it should. Hell, I'm still running the original tires on it!

Oh, and those are all "local bike shop" prices. I always take it to the guys I bought it from... They may be a bit more expensive, but they know their stuff and its nice to see a local storefront still in business. Stuff like tires, I might buy from Nashbar, since I can put those on myself.

Toxis

Cody, that link took me to the mobile site and not a specific product. Which bike is it?

exalted512

Raleigh Talus 8.0 Bike

Site works for me, but I dunno? It lists the bike at $699.

http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/mountain/talus-80-11/

Looks like its little brother, the 5.0 does NOT have lockable forks.

I have the older version of the 8.0, wife has either the 5.0 or 4.0. I originally had the even older version of the 5.0, until it got stolen.

When I was shopping for bikes about 3 years ago, Raleigh was hard to beat in terms of the quality of parts used for the price.
-Cody

Toxis

There's a dealer about 20 minutes away from me. I might look into them as they have Raleigh and diamondback. Otherwise it's Giant, GT, Trek or Specialized close by... I mainly want a good frame to start with because I know me and I'll end up upgrading components next year after I know I am into it as much as I was/think I'll be.

gudnoyez

cstmar01 wrote: »

Very nice. Personally I love full suspensions, I just have the problem as there is not enough trails around here that would require that type of machine.

That is a beautiful bike IMO. I personally am fond of both Specialized and Kona. If anyone knows of good trails around WI, IA, MN and IL let me know. I would like to change it up sometime and get away from the norm of the little trails we have around here in Central WI.

If you ever get up to northern Minnesota north of Park Rapids The Headwaters of the Mississippi River is some good riding

mantis

Check this out , this is my bike just the current model. Looks nice.
http://www.gtbicycles.com/bikes/mountain/endurance/2011-avalanche-2-0-disc-blue

Beta

Toxis wrote: »

Quick question for all you riders... I used to be snacks rider as a kid and used to put an amazing amount of hours on my old bike (which I still own but needs too much maintenance for what it's worth). Anyhow, along with running, I'm going to start mountain biking again. While I still remember old brands, I haven't looked into new bikes other than Trek and Giant. I was not impressed with the Trek store by me but the shop that sells Giant really impresses me. I like the shop and the bike. To be honest, I will probably spend 80% of the time on the road and the remainder off road but I don't want a hybrid or two bikes. Just one new mountain bike. I'm looking at the Revel 1 for 489 or maybe spring a little extra for the revel 0 or 29er 2 for bigger wheels. What do you guys think of these bikes and is there another bike in the 5-600 range I should be looking at?

29ers are great for cruising. The 3 extra inches in wheel size make a significant difference.

Specialized frames have a lifetime guarantee to the original purchaser. They have outstanding customer service. My friend has cracked two or three Stump Jumper FSR Comp frames (he rides very aggressively) and they just keep replacing them for him with the latest model.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52809&scid=1000&scname=Mountain

Like with Audio, your money will go much further if you buy used. You may want to search on eBay and Craigslist. You should be able to find bikes in your price range that are in excellent shape and that sold originally for far more than your price point.

Beta

exalted512 wrote: »

I like the consistency of the discs, but my old V-brakes would put you over the handle bars in the blink of an eye.

Always wise to "tap" or "feather" the front break. Face plants are quite painful.

Joe08867

These bikes make my old Schwinn impact look like a tinker toy.

Internet Image. But my Impact looks just like this without the rack.

exalted512

Beta wrote: »

Always wise to "tap" or "feather" the front break. Face plants are quite painful.

Tell me about it. I almost face planted jumping a double hill when I didn't have enough speed. Bike tire hit below the crest of the second hill and I went over the bars, luckily I had enough time to duck and roll and just scraped up my knees and hands.

My mom got on my old bike one time...I told her to be very careful with the front brake...she didnt listen. She got the rear tire off the ground and almost went over the bars. She kept the rubber side down though...I thought it was hysterical.

But I can't bring my disc brakes to stop me like my v-brakes did. Granted, in most mountain bike trails, you dont want and/or need the ability to lock the front tire on a whim as it'll wash out in front of you and I've never had an issue with not being able to stop fine...and I also think the discs work much better on heavy constant breaking descents whereas v-brakes I guess heat up or something because I noticed myself having to keep squeezing harder to get the same stopping power whereas I dont have that issue with discs.

Don't get me wrong, discs outperform V-brakes in almost every way...but if I'm on pavement or hard terrain, I could stop, bring the front tire up and swing the back tire all the way around, and keep going in the complete opposite direction with v-brakes, can't do that with discs. But I think if I had a road bike, I'd rather have the v-brakes
-Cody

Toxis

After riding some, I'm leaning towards Specialized or Gary Fisher. Pretty much ruled out the Giant and Trek bikes. Haven't looked at Cannondale or Raleigh yet but the Raleigh looks like a steel frame so that's extra weight for the buck. I loved the Hardrock Sport Disc I rode and the Gary Fisher was really nice but it needed tuned. Felt like it was just assembled and not dialed in yet. The geometry seemed nice with the G2 technology. I felt a little better stretched out vs compacted on the Trek 3700. So do I go with a Hardrock or Tarpon for about $420 and then upgrade components at the end of summer/beginning of next season or do I spend the extra bucks now and hope it'll last me longer before upgrade-itis kicks in?

Toxis

Joe08667, I too have a Schwinn Impact sitting in the garage that I've contemplated tuning up but for a couple hundred more, I can get up to date on everything. I'm sure I can sell the bike for $50 to a shop and call it done. I did put a LOT of miles on that bike and loved it growing up.

Joe08867

Toxis wrote: »

Joe08667, I too have a Schwinn Impact sitting in the garage that I've contemplated tuning up but for a couple hundred more, I can get up to date on everything. I'm sure I can sell the bike for $50 to a shop and call it done. I did put a LOT of miles on that bike and loved it growing up.

Yeah, I have thought about the same thing. Maybe some shocked front forks and stuff like that.

The frame is like a rock on that thing. Although it ways as much too.