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ohyeah89

So my bf started mtb last year and spending A LOT of time online in what I like to call “MTB Land.” I thought it was awesome but I didn’t want to spend over 5k on a bike and I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was 10. THEN I saw how MUCH fun he’s been having and I knew I wanted to ride too!

I’ve been lurking on this site for a while now (haha ever since I saw the post on how to get your wife/gf to ride) but was hesitant to pipe in because I have NO experience mtb and hardly any experience biking (although I did find out recently I still can, and had a blast). This is definitely something I want to get into (I love the outdoors, don’t mind getting dirty and sweaty, love the fitness aspect of it, and look at “owies” as badges of honor, ha). Unfortunately aforementioned bf is not one of much patience or selflessness so I am definitely on my own for this one.

Soooo… I need a bike. Money is not an issue but I don’t think it’s a good idea to spend tons on my first bike because 1)I’m a complete beginner and 2) I know (and look forward to) spending a lot on a bike once I know more about what parts are good and what I like. For my first bike I am looking for versatility (dirt and pavement) and from what I’ve read in these forums quality makes a huge difference.

So I need your help! Any suggestions/guidance about what bike I should start out on (should I buy a cheaper/used model or invest now on a midlevel, etc), would be greatly appreciated, especially specifics as I don’t know much about bikes yet.

Also, for motivation/inspiration, I’d love to hear all about your experiences of how you first got started (was it love at first ride? ha)…

P.S. I just have to say I have never read a more interesting, entertaining, informative, and positive (no flamers!) forum before. Your passion is evident and it inspires others who’ve never ridden before (me) to try!

Collette

It was 1999, I was eating lunch in a hospital cafeteria, and I saw a copy of Bike, sitting on the table. I was hooked. Initially the gear attracted me. The helmet, the gloves, the shoes, all of that looked so cool.

bajamtnbkr

to STR, you are right about knowing what you want first before you spend good money on a bike, try to hook up on newbe ride or even better on a girls only ride, I'm sure the STR chicas will let you know more about it.

Pugz

Welcome to STR.

I got started because I needed to get out of the house and weight loss. I started out on a Trek 4600 and once I was convinced that I would stick with this I upgraded to my current bike, Chumba XCL. For me finding a bike was hard however I found a bike shop that I really liked and they really helped me find something that would work for me now yet good for the future as well.

You should come out to some of the newbie rides we have, we ride the Fullerton Loop every Sunday at 8am and it is a mellow pace (has to be cause I am so slow) and a lot of fun.

JOx2

I've been playing basketball for years blah blah blah, make long story short, last May, i injured my left ankle (severe sprain) no activity/sports for 5 months and need to get back in shape. I remember i used to ride alot as a security officer, on patrol with my bike and that really got me in good shape and bodyboarding on top of that. so i went back riding bike just this last October, and im loving it from the get go.

DeeZee

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohyeah89

[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]So my bf started mtb last year and spending A LOT of time online in what I like to call “MTB Land.” I thought it was awesome but I didn’t want to spend over 5k on a bike and I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was 10. THEN I saw how MUCH fun he’s been having and I knew I wanted to ride too! [/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I’ve been lurking on this site for a while now (haha ever since I saw the post on how to get your wife/gf to ride) but was hesitant to pipe in because I have NO experience mtb and hardly any experience biking (although I did find out recently I still can, and had a blast). This is definitely something I want to get into (I love the outdoors, don’t mind getting dirty and sweaty, love the fitness aspect of it, and look at “owies” as badges of honor, ha). Unfortunately aforementioned bf is not one of much patience or selflessness so I am definitely on my own for this one.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Soooo… I need a bike. Money is not an issue but I don’t think it’s a good idea to spend tons on my first bike because 1)I’m a complete beginner and 2) I know (and look forward to) spending a lot on a bike once I know more about what parts are good and what I like. For my first bike I am looking for versatility (dirt and pavement) and from what I’ve read in these forums quality makes a huge difference. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]So I need your help! Any suggestions/guidance about what bike I should start out on (should I buy a cheaper/used model or invest now on a midlevel, etc), would be greatly appreciated, especially specifics as I don’t know much about bikes yet.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Also, for motivation/inspiration, I’d love to hear all about your experiences of how you first got started (was it love at first ride? ha)…[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]P.S. I just have to say I have never read a more interesting, entertaining, informative, and positive (no flamers!) forum before. Your passion is evident and it inspires others who’ve never ridden before (me) to try![/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]"Unfortunately aforementioned bf is not one of much patience or selflessness so I am definitely on my own for this one."[/SIZE][/FONT]

Permagrin

I bought a mtb because I was doing my first sprint triathlon (on the street) but didn't want a road bike. I'd been thinking of taking up a new sport for a while and this gave me the opportunity to buy an inexpensive entry level bike. I didn't plan on setting any land records in my tri so it didn't matter that it wasn't a road bike and I figured if I tried it and liked it, I was set for a while with what I bought and if I didn't, no great money lost and I'd at least have an ok road bike to tool around on. Ha.

I started riding by myself and was pretty much hooked my first time out, even though I had no business being on that trail and going that fast and I knew it, so I kept at it and now can't imagine not being able to ride. I feel bad for the peeps who get hurt and have to take a haitus from riding. I'd probably kill someone or knit a really big sweater.

Welcome! Based on what you said, I have a feeling you're going to love it! I'll leave the recommendations to the more experienced riders since I'm still learning too, but I will say you'll get used to the dirt in your teeth and learn to like it

.

bighit8

I first started in 1992 I think when I was in the Marine corps. On weekends most of Camp Pendleton was open to ride. So I went to San Clemente cyclery and bought a KHS Montana sport. Got out of the core and did not ride again until say 2003. Bought a used Stumpjumper after my car was totaled to get to work. Been on a bike ever sense.As far as what bike to buy thats a tough one. Maybe you can get loaners and see what fits you best.I'm sure people here are willing to help.

Red Ryder

Thanksgiving Day, 15 years ago, my younger brother and sister thought it'd be funny to take me mountain biking down Lower Rock Creek. I got hooked, they got their laughs. I came back sore and bruised, but I loved it!

Red Hot Sloth

Actually started riding a department store bike to work and back...in the early nineties, never really took it in the dirt. Then a few short years later I was going through a divorce and of course it was ugly, and I needed a release, or relief from my thoughts, basically a break from reality with-out anything psychotropic. Was walking through the Price Club at the time in Carlsbad, and they had some Cannondales for sale, couldn't afford that, spent all extra cash on attorney's, so I went to my 5 gallon water-cooler bottle that I used to save all my change. Emptied it out, spent a few hours counting and wrapping coins, and low and behold I had close to $400 in change. I then proceeded to my nearby LBS, put it down on a Trek hardtail with Shimano Deore everything, and a Judy TT fork. The next week went in with about another fitty buck's and the bike was mine. I haven't looked back since, I'm loving just about every aspect of riding. When my wife notices if I seem stressed, she tells me to "Go get your Dirt therapy!" And all is better in the world.

jcbikeski

If you haven't done any kind of cycling for years I'd say first beg, borrow or rent a bike a few times first. Do you do other regular exercise? I know for some with little fitness even easy rides seem hard at first -- doing a LOT of very easy rides helps with this.

I had been riding on roads my whole life before I started mtn biking around 1990, so it was a natural progression.

Whatever you do, have someone with experience help with bike fit and simple technique. The most common beginner problem often too low a seat making climbing hard (though easier going downhill). The second most common problem is choosing the right gear -- I notice beginners often use too high (and sometimes too low) a gear which exhausts them fast. As beginners figure these things out they often seem like they're getting stronger very quickly, but more true is they're getting more efficient.

If it's hard to get to the dirt often (a few times a week) ride around your neighborhood or anywhere just to be riding.

Mudman

Flipping through some magazines and came across a photo of Steve Peat winning an MTB event some years ago. And from that point on I knew I wanted to ride someday...

mtnbikerdude87

My parents made me join the boy scouts when I was younger. At first I didnt want to do it because I wanted to stay home and play video games. But the troop did lots of camping trips which I found to be very fun. One day they decided to take us on a biking trip at CHSP. I had a crappy walmart bike then but I still had a great time there. Well after that ride I got hooked onto biking. I got a Marin a couple weeks after that. A couple years later Im got my Giant NRS. I gotta thank scouting for getting me into riding.

mntbiker12

Used to BMX as a kid. Stopped riding for a while to focus on sports.

Years later, I used to ride a beater Murray to college, using as nothing more than transportation. Kinda toyed with the idea of getting into it but never took it seriously.

Then I attended Interbike in the mid 90s and the MTB love affair began!

ohyeah89 · 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcbikeski

If you haven't done any kind of cycling for years I'd say first beg, borrow or rent a bike a few times first. Do you do other regular exercise? I know for some with little fitness even easy rides seem hard at first -- doing a LOT of very easy rides helps with this.

I had been riding on roads my whole life before I started mtn biking around 1990, so it was a natural progression.

Whatever you do, have someone with experience help with bike fit and simple technique. The most common beginner problem often too low a seat making climbing hard (though easier going downhill). The second most common problem is choosing the right gear -- I notice beginners often use too high (and sometimes too low) a gear which exhausts them fast. As beginners figure these things out they often seem like they're getting stronger very quickly, but more true is they're getting more efficient.

If it's hard to get to the dirt often (a few times a week) ride around your neighborhood or anywhere just to be riding.

I'm in pretty good shape (I regularly run about 5-6 miles in about an hour or go to the gym (free weights, swim, step classes, etc) nearly every day, haha to avoid the traffic after work). Bike-shape, I have no idea yet, I'll bet I'll prob have to build up to it since it uses different muscles from muscles I am used to using (great crosstraining by the way!) so thank you, building up gradually is a good idea so I don't get discouraged!

So then for the technical stuff would you reccomend taking a class (REI offers a beginning mtb class)?

el_d00der1n0

A buddy gave me a bike and took me to Calaveras. I hated it. I felt like I was going to die.

For some reason I'm still doing it, and I love it.

granny ring

I worked in a LBS right after High School. MTB was just getting started and I could get good deals on bikes and parts. We used to ride the Fully loop ( or variation of) after work back in the early 80's. I was hooked when I saw John Tomac's hair.LOL

northshore

I've been riding since I was a kid. BMX, road, mountain, heck even a beat up green banana seat bike with "red" tires. I loved them all. The complete mobility and being independent as a kid was all worth it to me.

mntbiker12

Quote:

Originally Posted by northshore

The complete mobility and being independent as a kid was all worth it to me.

Bang - dead on!


ohyeah89 LEARN-IMPROVE-TRAIN	How did you get started mountain biking? So my bf started mtb last year and spending A LOT of time online in what I like to call “MTB Land.” I thought it was awesome but I didn’t want to spend over 5k on a bike and I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was 10. THEN I saw how MUCH fun he’s been having and I knew I wanted to ride too! I’ve been lurking on this site for a while now (haha ever since I saw the post on how to get your wife/gf to ride) but was hesitant to pipe in because I have NO experience mtb and hardly any experience biking (although I did find out recently I still can, and had a blast). This is definitely something I want to get into (I love the outdoors, don’t mind getting dirty and sweaty, love the fitness aspect of it, and look at “owies” as badges of honor, ha). Unfortunately aforementioned bf is not one of much patience or selflessness so I am definitely on my own for this one. Soooo… I need a bike. Money is not an issue but I don’t think it’s a good idea to spend tons on my first bike because 1)I’m a complete beginner and 2) I know (and look forward to) spending a lot on a bike once I know more about what parts are good and what I like. For my first bike I am looking for versatility (dirt and pavement) and from what I’ve read in these forums quality makes a huge difference. So I need your help! Any suggestions/guidance about what bike I should start out on (should I buy a cheaper/used model or invest now on a midlevel, etc), would be greatly appreciated, especially specifics as I don’t know much about bikes yet. Also, for motivation/inspiration, I’d love to hear all about your experiences of how you first got started (was it love at first ride? ha)… P.S. I just have to say I have never read a more interesting, entertaining, informative, and positive (no flamers!) forum before. Your passion is evident and it inspires others who’ve never ridden before (me) to try!


Collette Member	It was 1999, I was eating lunch in a hospital cafeteria, and I saw a copy of Bike, sitting on the table. I was hooked. Initially the gear attracted me. The helmet, the gloves, the shoes, all of that looked so cool. __________________ MyTurnerBike


bajamtnbkr STR Veteran	to STR, you are right about knowing what you want first before you spend good money on a bike, try to hook up on newbe ride or even better on a girls only ride, I'm sure the STR chicas will let you know more about it.


Pugz Fat guy in a little coat	Welcome to STR. I got started because I needed to get out of the house and weight loss. I started out on a Trek 4600 and once I was convinced that I would stick with this I upgraded to my current bike, Chumba XCL. For me finding a bike was hard however I found a bike shop that I really liked and they really helped me find something that would work for me now yet good for the future as well. You should come out to some of the newbie rides we have, we ride the Fullerton Loop every Sunday at 8am and it is a mellow pace (has to be cause I am so slow) and a lot of fun.


JOx2 green grasshopper	I've been playing basketball for years blah blah blah, make long story short, last May, i injured my left ankle (severe sprain) no activity/sports for 5 months and need to get back in shape. I remember i used to ride alot as a security officer, on patrol with my bike and that really got me in good shape and bodyboarding on top of that. so i went back riding bike just this last October, and im loving it from the get go.


Permagrin STR Veteran	I bought a mtb because I was doing my first sprint triathlon (on the street) but didn't want a road bike. I'd been thinking of taking up a new sport for a while and this gave me the opportunity to buy an inexpensive entry level bike. I didn't plan on setting any land records in my tri so it didn't matter that it wasn't a road bike and I figured if I tried it and liked it, I was set for a while with what I bought and if I didn't, no great money lost and I'd at least have an ok road bike to tool around on. Ha. I started riding by myself and was pretty much hooked my first time out, even though I had no business being on that trail and going that fast and I knew it, so I kept at it and now can't imagine not being able to ride. I feel bad for the peeps who get hurt and have to take a haitus from riding. I'd probably kill someone or knit a really big sweater. Welcome! Based on what you said, I have a feeling you're going to love it! I'll leave the recommendations to the more experienced riders since I'm still learning too, but I will say you'll get used to the dirt in your teeth and learn to like it . __________________ "One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning." - James Russell Lowell


bighit8 STR Veteran	I first started in 1992 I think when I was in the Marine corps. On weekends most of Camp Pendleton was open to ride. So I went to San Clemente cyclery and bought a KHS Montana sport. Got out of the core and did not ride again until say 2003. Bought a used Stumpjumper after my car was totaled to get to work. Been on a bike ever sense.As far as what bike to buy thats a tough one. Maybe you can get loaners and see what fits you best.I'm sure people here are willing to help. __________________ DINO BROWN:I am a BIG fan of the G-Spot! You can quote me on that! ELSHIVA:Hey, what can a girl say? Trust me, that much vibration was NOT enjoyable......


Red Ryder Senior Member	Thanksgiving Day, 15 years ago, my younger brother and sister thought it'd be funny to take me mountain biking down Lower Rock Creek. I got hooked, they got their laughs. I came back sore and bruised, but I loved it! __________________ Quicker than slow... it's a good day to ride!


Red Hot Sloth White is the new Red	Actually started riding a department store bike to work and back...in the early nineties, never really took it in the dirt. Then a few short years later I was going through a divorce and of course it was ugly, and I needed a release, or relief from my thoughts, basically a break from reality with-out anything psychotropic. Was walking through the Price Club at the time in Carlsbad, and they had some Cannondales for sale, couldn't afford that, spent all extra cash on attorney's, so I went to my 5 gallon water-cooler bottle that I used to save all my change. Emptied it out, spent a few hours counting and wrapping coins, and low and behold I had close to $400 in change. I then proceeded to my nearby LBS, put it down on a Trek hardtail with Shimano Deore everything, and a Judy TT fork. The next week went in with about another fitty buck's and the bike was mine. I haven't looked back since, I'm loving just about every aspect of riding. When my wife notices if I seem stressed, she tells me to "Go get your Dirt therapy!" And all is better in the world.


jcbikeski Member	If you haven't done any kind of cycling for years I'd say first beg, borrow or rent a bike a few times first. Do you do other regular exercise? I know for some with little fitness even easy rides seem hard at first -- doing a LOT of very easy rides helps with this. I had been riding on roads my whole life before I started mtn biking around 1990, so it was a natural progression. Whatever you do, have someone with experience help with bike fit and simple technique. The most common beginner problem often too low a seat making climbing hard (though easier going downhill). The second most common problem is choosing the right gear -- I notice beginners often use too high (and sometimes too low) a gear which exhausts them fast. As beginners figure these things out they often seem like they're getting stronger very quickly, but more true is they're getting more efficient. If it's hard to get to the dirt often (a few times a week) ride around your neighborhood or anywhere just to be riding.


Mudman Short Tempered	Flipping through some magazines and came across a photo of Steve Peat winning an MTB event some years ago. And from that point on I knew I wanted to ride someday... __________________ "I wear my scars like the ring on a Pimp." -Slug


mtnbikerdude87 Huh?	My parents made me join the boy scouts when I was younger. At first I didnt want to do it because I wanted to stay home and play video games. But the troop did lots of camping trips which I found to be very fun. One day they decided to take us on a biking trip at CHSP. I had a crappy walmart bike then but I still had a great time there. Well after that ride I got hooked onto biking. I got a Marin a couple weeks after that. A couple years later Im got my Giant NRS. I gotta thank scouting for getting me into riding. __________________ Zot Zot cycling! Keep Pedaling


mntbiker12 Quest: Singletrack	Used to BMX as a kid. Stopped riding for a while to focus on sports. Years later, I used to ride a beater Murray to college, using as nothing more than transportation. Kinda toyed with the idea of getting into it but never took it seriously. Then I attended Interbike in the mid 90s and the MTB love affair began! __________________ iLive MTB! Frame for sale: 04 Haro XLS R7


el_d00der1n0 Creature of the Wheel	A buddy gave me a bike and took me to Calaveras. I hated it. I felt like I was going to die. For some reason I'm still doing it, and I love it. __________________ all your macs are belong to us


granny ring Not Really Here	I worked in a LBS right after High School. MTB was just getting started and I could get good deals on bikes and parts. We used to ride the Fully loop ( or variation of) after work back in the early 80's. I was hooked when I saw John Tomac's hair.LOL __________________ "It'll feel better when it stops hurting."


northshore Aloha Brah!	I've been riding since I was a kid. BMX, road, mountain, heck even a beat up green banana seat bike with "red" tires. I loved them all. The complete mobility and being independent as a kid was all worth it to me. __________________ Hawaiian Island Creations Ride it: dw-link.com/reasons http://kencolada.blogspot.com

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