Getting Started..

Hey everyone!

So I was just wondering if anyone could offer any advice about getting started mtn biking. Im a complete novice, and dont even have a bike, but I want to start, hopefully join a club, but just dont know what I need. All I know is that I am interested. Without making this sound like a personals ad, I would like to maybe meet someone, a freind who could help me out in a selection of stuff, and maybe show me the ropes. A mentor I suppose. About me, Im 24, in Southern Ca (ontario, moving to LA area) and pretty easy going. Anyway, let me know what you guys think! Thanks!

[dstepper]

Many bike shops either rent or demo bikes.

I am I bit out of your area. Laguna Beach, but am willing take you out for a short local ride. I have two bikes that are very different from each other, a meduim 2003 Tunner 5-spot and a custom 18 inch 2005 Kona Unit, singlespeed.


Note: I work weekdays, but sometimes ride afterwork, and do not ride when it is hot out. Send open me a PM if you want to take me up on my offer.

This offer is is open to anyone else who is thinking about buying a bike and wants to demo one of my bikes. Especaily if you are thinking about getting in to singlespeeding.

Later Dean

[DeadlyStryker]

all i can say, is figure out what you are going to be doing before buying a bike.

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

i live in Ontario, by far the best place to go in the area is Incycle bike shop in Chino or San Dimas. ( www.incycle.com )

Go there and ask questions see what bikes they got to demo and go ride with us on monday evenings, they have a beginner ride that would introduce you to mountain biking.

if you have anymore questions about this send me a private message and maybe i can meet you at one of the shops so i can help you out.

[pshloss]

Consider going for a used bike, assuming someone will help you with what to look for and help evaluate it once you find one. You will get at least twice the bike for the $. And like dstepper said, there are a fairly wide variety of bikes you might eventually want from XC race (light, front shock only) to downhill (heavy, big shocks) and everything in between. I would recommend trying something in the XC or enduro category as a middle of the road bike- something with front and rear suspension but not too heavy. Maybe 4 inch fork travel. The demo and loaner ideas are great.

I have an extra bike, too, in the category I am describing. If you wanted to meet in Fullerton some evening you could try it on the Fullerton loop. It's a fun ride and the climbs are fairly short.

Everyone has had some really good suggestions. Just ask tons of questions, like Pshloss said,you may want to buy "used" when first starting out. I know I bought a Hardtail for like $350.00, then about 6 months later I bought a full suspension rig for around $600.00, the frame was good but the components blew, so then I slowly upgraded the fork, the wheels, etc...its almost an addiction. Always wanting to upgrade your bike and make it unique. If you find a good deal on a used bike that has already been upgraded, that may be your best route. At first the cost of a brand new bike may seem high and outrageous, but the more you learn about the sport and technology, the more you understand (somewhat) why things cost so much. Sometimes you are better off spending a little more than you anticipated right off the bat to get more bang for your buck. If you slowly upgrade on a midgrade bike, you end up spending waaaaay more than you could have if you just dropped a little more at the time of the original purchase.

Don't forget the accessories, you'll need a helmet, gloves, riding shorts (with pad/chamois) although not necessary, but they make a huge difference, a breathable jersey, waterbottle to start with, although I recommend a hydration pack which holds at least 70oz. of liquid and you can keep your spare tube, tire levers, multi-tool, pump and whatever else you can fit in there. Lightweight sunglasses/eyeprotection is a good idea too.

Mt. Biking is definately a great hobby to be involved with, most everyone who rides is very cool and more than willing to help others when it comes to anything mt. bike related.

I'd definatly take up Epic_Mt_Bikers offer to meet up and have him help you out with anything you may need.

Welcome to Mt. Biking!

[TURNERob]

Nice write up Dino, I've got tears in my eyes