New to Area and Serious Bike Riding...

[Stephen Edlin]

Hello folks, I'm relatively new to trail riding on a bicycle.

I'm looking for a bike. I don't want to make a bad decision on purchasing my first one and thought I'd get on here and get some help. I'm a big fellow (6'2") tall and 225lbs. I've been to a couple local shops in the area around San Diego and ridden a few Giant brand bikes. That and cheap Wal-mart style bikes are my only experience with them. ( I rode BMX style bikes when I was a kid)

The more expensive $2,000+ Giants felt exceedingly better built than the cheaper ($1,000) ones did.

What could some experienced riders offer in advice? Brand, Style, Bang for Buck? I plan on seriously doing this with the intent of riding the trails here in San Diego. I appreciate any information that could help.

 

[mtnbikej]

As you can see....this joint is a ghost town. The only members signing up these days are Bots.

This used to be the "it" place to be....but after years of virus infections and just plain neglect....most have left.

Much more activity over here:

http://www.imtbtrails.com/forum/

 

[B_Bunny]

Give me an "I". Give me an "M". Give me a "T". Give me a "B"!



Http://IMTBtrails.com

 

[herzalot]

Hello folks, I'm relatively new to trail riding on a bicycle.

I'm looking for a bike. I don't want to make a bad decision on purchasing my first one and thought I'd get on here and get some help. I'm a big fellow (6'2") tall and 225lbs. I've been to a couple local shops in the area around San Diego and ridden a few Giant brand bikes. That and cheap Wal-mart style bikes are my only experience with them. ( I rode BMX style bikes when I was a kid)

The more expensive $2,000+ Giants felt exceedingly better built than the cheaper ($1,000) ones did.

What could some experienced riders offer in advice? Brand, Style, Bang for Buck? I plan on seriously doing this with the intent of riding the trails here in San Diego. I appreciate any information that could help.

Almost every brand makes great bikes, so it's a matter of fit, application, budget, opportunity and emotional connection (looks, color, etc). Giant makes great mt. bikes.

At 6'2" you will want a Large or XL. If you are long in the torso, look for a long effective top tube length - like about 25-26" and a reach nearing 19". If you have long legs, then seat tube length matters, as does "stack" - the higher the better in the case of long legs.

First decision will be do you want a good hardtail (no rear suspension) or a good full suspension bike? At your height, I would suggest a 29er, but I'm 6'4" and love my 27.5" wheeled full suspension bike. You can get a very good hardtail at $2000.00, but you are just getting into tolerable components on a full suspension bike at that price point.

I recommend establishing a relationship with a real bike shop, trying some bikes and asking lots of questions. And I second @mtnbikej 's recommendation as to an active local mt. bike forum. Not much happening here.

 

[Stephen Edlin]

Thanks folks I will sign up