Any mountain bikers around? Could use some advice..

audiocr381ve

I was recently on a hike on foot at Daley Ranch, a local trail here in Escondido, CA, and I saw tons of mountain bikers that looked like they were having a blast. I have never mountain biked before and want to pick up my first bike to see if it's something I'd be interested in. I have an Uncle who recently passed who couldn't have been more passionate about it and that has something to do with my interest in riding too.

I'm a heavier guy, 260 pounds and 6' 0" tall & I want to find a bike that could handle terrain with rocks and hills. I don't want to do anything crazy, just simple dirt hiking trails for now and would like to be comfortable while doing so.

My budget is $500ish and I'm totally open to buying used. I have watched about 10 videos on getting into mountain biking and I'm pretty excited to try it out. I watched a video that explained a bunch of different types of mountain bikes and I'm convinced that a "trail bike" would suit my needs.

So with my height, weight, and budget factored in, is there a bike you could recommend or even link me too?

gudnoyez

I am on a Mountain Bike Trip right now been so since last friday. First off what kind of terrain is in your area is it any thing like El Cajon, Santee, been to Escondido never rode in that area. How into to it do you want to be, a good entry level Hard tail 29er goes for around $600-1200 look into Specialuzed, Rocky Mountain, Trek, Raleigh, Giant. I will post some links when I return. I BROUGHT MY 11 YEAR OLD Grandson on this trip he is having a blast and is hooked on the hobby until then start looking into those brands.

zane77

Used is definitely the way to go until you decide if you are really into it. Check out mtbr.com for reviews and classifieds.

badchad

Believe it or not, I think there is somewhat of an interesting parallel between biking and audio equipment.

I'd recommend you buy used. Bikes are like cars and audio equipment: they depreciate extremely quickly. Definitely look at last year's models or even 2-3 years old.

You'll also find (not surprisingly) that you pay a premium for the latest and greatest. I'd suggest you test ride before dropping coin to save you that extra pound via the use of whatever new alloy they've mined off of asteroids to make you faster.

I took a trip to lake Tahoe once, and for something like $150, I rented a brand new, full-suspension mountain bike that retailed around 3k or so. If you do something like that, you'll get an idea of what the "top-end" feels like, and whether or not its worth it to you to spend the money.

MrBuhl

+1 on buying used. Go with a solid name brand as with used audio (Trek, Specialized, Giant) and you will likely get a better product.

Many Specialized frames used to be gtd for life. At 6' you're probably looking at a large frame or 19" ballpark (depending on leg/torso length). The idea of renting a good bike is a great idea - it will tell you a lot more about what you like at what size to get for your use.

Also - if you're just riding rough dirt paths, full suspension eats up energy - you might just want shock front / hard tail. If you're going single track and all out - FS is the way to go. That's my 2 cents if it helps.

If you're patient around here - you can get a very well equipped Specialized with Shimano Deore XT or better in the $250 range (shock front / hard tail). I have not needed more for trail use anyway.

audiocr381ve

Nice to see a bunch of Polkies into riding! Thanks for the info and insight guys.

I found these locally, what do you think?

Giant Anthem
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/4635191679.html

Giant Trance 3
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/4644898894.html

2013 Kona Kahuna Large
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/4648397757.html

Santa Cruz Blur XC
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/4647637486.html

zane77

Don't forget helmet, bike shorts (the pads on a decent pair really help) and depending on the type of pedals bike shoes of a clip or clip less design. Also a pair of padded bike gloves help.

MrBuhl

As previously mentioned - check out any potential bikes (or equipment for that matter here - the collective opinion can be a nice guideline)
- http://www.mtbr.com/
- http://www.bikepedia.com
I think both are very useful sites for prices, opinions, dates of release. Giant makes frames for many different brand names and are good quality usually. Kona is usually good too - I'd think you could do better than those prices if you were willing to wait though.

Upstatemax

Get out there and ride some different bikes. Test different sizes.

I should be riding a larger size frame, but I prefer a more compact frame.

The only way to find out what you'll like is to ride, ride and ride.

As others have said, go for quality with good brands. I LOVE Specialized myself.

If you can, buy a bike locally so that you can look at it in person. If not, get A LOT of pictures, make sure they include weld joints.

Save the money and don't chase full suspension, you'll get more for your money sticking with a hard tail.

gudnoyez

We rode 27 miles on three different courses today off road on Hard Tails lots of loose iron ore shale on the climbs the climbing is a bit.h but the downs are so much fun. Those bikes you are looking at would do fine but if your going to only put $500 or a bit more get a new one for under $1000 you will be glad you did but if you do buy used check the frame weld spots on the frame and front and rear derailers. Only look at full suspension bikes once your hooked and your able to do the more technical trails you can drop some serious coin on full suspension bikes.

audiocr381ve

Thanks for all the feedback thus far guys. I'm changing directions a bit and diving in....hard.

Went to my local bike shop today and test drove a 2014 Specialized Camber Comp and thought it was great. Got some funds cleared by the boss (wife) and now have a budget of around $2K. Is there anything you guys could recommend around that price range that would be better than the 2014 Camber?

WLDock

Given this is your first, and with a $2K budget, there are many options these days. There's the Stumpjumper, the Trek Fuel, Giant Trance, Cannondale Scalpel, etc....ALL are great bikes. It comes down to riding style and terrain to be able to sort through one from the other.

IMO, pick the one that feels the best that you can get the best deal on. There is more cash to spend on, a helmet, clothes, different saddle, flat fix, pedals & shoes, tools, air pump, bike rack, lights, hydration pack, storage rack, etc.

I'm actually in the market myself. Getting back into it and want to explore more off road. Was into road bikes when I was younger....I worked at a shop for about four years back then. Oh boy do I miss the deals. Today, I have actually been avoiding going to a shop as I know I might fall for something really nice. LOL! I like Specialized a lot myself as well as GT.

gudnoyez

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/cross_country/x_caliber/x_caliber_9/

I would get this Excalibur by the time you get a helmet, gloves, pump, camelback hydration pack, padded shorts, biking shoes spare tubes and portable pump your pretty close to that 2k. I myself perfer hardtails over full suspension bikes

Upstatemax

Hard to go wrong with the Stumpjumper, but I'm a bit biased!

I still say try and find one a bit used and invest in good shoes, pedals, helmet, shorts...

The bike is just the tip of the iceberg.

One of the best things I ever put money into was good set of carbon soled shoes. Very light weight and stiff. Makes a world of difference on long rides.

I'm also a big fan of my CB Candy 3 pedals.