Got my first bike for xmas

[LeftBehind]

hey people..santa was generous this year and brought me me my first real m/b. santa brought me a 2010 flat black giant boulder se .. i know its not the best bike but hey i am greatfull for it and cant wait to put it to use.

I was reading the manual and it says you should have a 3-4 inch clearance from the top tube to your crotch.? is this rule still valid.? took it to the bike shop two pedals one world in lake forrest (i believe thats the name) and the guy said that this rule is thrown out the window and is no longer a valid rule? with both feet on the ground my nads are literally resting on the tube...is this right.. opinions..?

also where should i start with some up grades..? i need a helmet and a car rack to get started ... any recommendations.? g.p.s necessary ? go tubeless?

thanks people.

[YakityYak]

I say just enjoy your bike for now. You'll get an idea of what you'll want to change as you put more miles on it.

[ShockTheraphy]

don't upgrade anything on that bike coz you'll be jonesing for a full squish SOONER! its just a matter of time

p.s. don't worry too much about stand over clearance. I barely have some and there were no instance that I could remember that I almost smack my crotch on the top tube.

[jefbystereo]

Awesome! My first real mtb was a Boulder se, had it for a couple years. Great bulletproof bike.

[nerdgirl]

congrats! Happy riding!

[tweasol]

took it to the bike shop two pedals one world in lake forrest (i believe thats the name)

Haha, you mean, Two wheels one planet?

And yes just beat the crap out of that ride until your fully engulfed in everything the MTB community has to offer, and get a full squish, like they said. (I was once told MTB's were meant to be abused...I agree)

Bike racks are confusing... If you have a hitch, get a cheap hitch rack for now. Roof racks can be convenient, but are generally expensive. Trunk mounting racks exist too but are kinda sketchy for carrying your prized possession in my experience.

[LeftBehind]

Haha, you mean, Two wheels one planet?

hahah ya thats it.well since the cross bar rule dont apply. time to unbolt that kick stand and hit a trail.

whats a good trail to start on?
im in lake forrest now. i am moving to the riverside area soon, just waiting the job transfer to complete.

[downhiller23]

mine the same way on my 2010 trek session 88 dh

[GeorgiaOfTheJungle]

Congrats on the bike!!!

In the Lake Forest area--Whiting is a fun beginnerish trail. A bit challenging with the sand in the first section, then a long crappy hill that you may not clear on the first try (took me 6 months), but it's followed by a fun downhill--you can do the easy fire road descent or the more technical singletrack that has a couple of steep sections and looser bits. However, there isn't any long sustained technical section, so it's a great way to try out some techy riding without going over your head. Both trails join onto another fire road, where you can connect to another singletrack off of the left that is just plain fun.

Aliso isn't too far either, plenty of trails to run around there, trying different types of riding--just be sure to stay on the legal trails. Mathis is a long steady, difficult climb (straight forward descent, just watch your speed, as it can bite you), Cholla is the other prefered beginnerish ascent-it has steep sections and turns, but if you go slower on the less steep stuff, you can probably make it up. Then you have plenty of trails to ride down.

The best thing to do, is to meet up with a group. Not only will they show you some trails, give you some tips and keep you company, but they may have a bit more experience with emergency situations (like a fall or a flat), be better prepared, and, if needed, go for help (see the riding solo thread).

[Letyrides]

How exciting! I had a Boulder SE for years before I upgraded. I rode everywhere with that thing. Don't go anywhere before getting a helmet! The more you ride the more you will see things you want. For know just enjoy getting out and riding! Congrats!

[noweyout]

I rode the heck out of my hardtail (DB response). I was itching to upgrade also the whole time. But now that I look back, I was glad I didn't. It made me appreciate the rides more, Learned techniques, and became more grateful for what I have now. I upgraded to a full suspension trek and I love it. But I am always itching to go back to my Hardtail.

so here's my advice like everyone else here is saying...ride the crap out of you bike and upgrade when NECESSARY!!! If you upgrade now, you won't notice/appreciate the changes in your bike.

[Pain Freak]

Usually what comes on that bike is fine and upgrading is not something I'd do unless something wears out or breaks. Ride the Boulder for a year or so and if you feel like you want to, go for the full sus. Your skills will improve more with the ht experience.

[SCVKickstand]

The Boulder SE was my first mountain bike. I always had road bikes, but needed something more sturdy to commute on and it was on sale. One day a man introduced me to single-track. Fast forward 2 years and I now have 2 hard-tails, a full squish and no road bikes. My Boulder still lives on in Arizona where my dad rides it around the block. But every once in a while I take a trip out to visit, give it a tune up and let it loose on some desert trail.

As stated a few times above, don’t worry about making upgrades until things start to break. I am guessing that before that happens you will have become a more accomplished rider and will be ready to move on to higher end bikes. But as the saying goes, you always remember your first.

[LeftBehind]

cool thanks for all the replies. i will only up graded as needed glad i consulted with str before i got sold on some parts i dont need.

one i think i noticed i will need is a chain guard some small rash;s are starting to happen on that bar. also change out the pedals..


really like the Thule 594 Side Arm upright bike carrier and the The Yakima High Roller rack..
i don't like the idea of having my bike on the back end the car it would take the punch for the car..but would the bike be covered under the car insurance? would i be entitled to a new bike?