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looking to get started on mountain biking

Discussion in 'Sports, Hobbies & Interests' started by thainess, Aug 13, 2010.

  1. Aug 13, 2010 at 8:54 PM
    #1
    thainess

    thainess [OP] Well-Known Member

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    so i went mountain biking for the 1st time today with my walmart bike its kinda old, the front wheel isnt aligned and im to big now for the bike... got it when i was 13 as a gift....when i was like 5'5'' now im 6'1'' I still had a blast today though

    i know there are many other threads on here with the same types of question i am having sorry for the repeat!

    i was wondering should i go to walmart to get another mountain bike or go to a real bike shop?

    i don't have much money to spend 200 maybe 300 dollars

    i think mountain biking is going to be my new hobby though it was really fun today and imma take the walmart bike out to the trail again tomorrow
     
  2. Aug 13, 2010 at 8:56 PM
    #2
    jodiddly33

    jodiddly33 Well-Known Member

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    Save up for a quality bike, it's worth it. Especially if you think you'll really enjoy it :thumbsup:
     
  3. Aug 13, 2010 at 9:06 PM
    #3
    tacobell007

    tacobell007 Western Mass Automotive Coatings

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    I like my Diamond Back I got from Dick's for $350 after tax and extended warranty. You would probably want 19 inch frame. I'm 5' 11" and an 18 inch frame fits me with out cutting the seat post. find what fits and what feels right
     
  4. Aug 13, 2010 at 9:12 PM
    #4
    thainess

    thainess [OP] Well-Known Member

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    im guessing i probably shouldnt get a $120 bike at walmart?
    just keep riding what i got till i have enough money for a good one?
     
  5. Aug 13, 2010 at 9:16 PM
    #5
    Sinister

    Sinister Well-Known Member

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    I would avoid the walmart specials. Your going to quickly tire of that bike and kick yourself for not saving up for a high quality bike. Visit a bike shop so they can fit you to a bike. Then you can get an idea of what size you need if you decide to go the dick's route.
     
  6. Aug 13, 2010 at 9:17 PM
    #6
    jodiddly33

    jodiddly33 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah save up, it'll make it so much more enjoyable. You'll find that as you go more often and progress, your bike will hold you back in a lit of ways.
     
  7. Aug 13, 2010 at 9:19 PM
    #7
    tacobell007

    tacobell007 Western Mass Automotive Coatings

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    x2. I just gave the dick's route because thats what I did and its a little over his price range
     
  8. Aug 13, 2010 at 9:44 PM
    #8
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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    Go to a real bike shop.

    I realize you may not have the budget now, but if you really get into it, you will spend at least $1k on a decent bike eventually, like a hard tail with front suspension and good derailleurs and brakes. The enjoyment you get out of a bike with good components that give you good control is hard to beat. Lighter weight an precision parts give you the ability to really make the bike do what you want it to do underneath you.

    Test ride a bunch of different ones, even beyond what you think your price range is...just sayin'. Like a lot of new endeavors, in a couple years, you will likely get dissatisfied as you gain proficiency and want to upgrade...

    You can also test bikes at shops and then start hunting on craigslist for a good used one once you know what you like.

    And check out his site: http://www.mtbr.com/
     
  9. Aug 13, 2010 at 10:04 PM
    #9
    CopDoctor

    CopDoctor Well-Known Member

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    my first real bike was a trek hardtail, i think it was like 340 or so. think of it like this...you buy a good lightweight base, maybe it doesn't have the best components or whatever, but you can buy those later. i started with a hardtail trek low-end model, added new wheels, then new components, new handlebars, this and that, lastly i swapped the frame to a trek fuel 90 frame and bam, $1600 bike for about 1000 total.
     
  10. Aug 13, 2010 at 10:25 PM
    #10
    thainess

    thainess [OP] Well-Known Member

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    yea i was thinking i get a cheap but decent 150 bike and then in about a yearish when i move into my brothers house from my crappy apt. and i dont have to pay rent :p ... i'll shell out the money for a good one maybe 400-600

    plus that year will give me time to learn and get better at biking on the trails

    what do y'all think?


    probably should included in my first post. the walmart bike was supposed to be temporary for about a yearish
     
  11. Aug 13, 2010 at 10:37 PM
    #11
    CopDoctor

    CopDoctor Well-Known Member

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    is it as heavy as your truck? if it is i'd personally sell and dish out for a $300 bike, if not then yea there's no worries, you just don't want to learn the trails the wrong way you know? you don't want to learn all this cool stuff and new techniques then have it not transfer over to a new bike
     
  12. Aug 13, 2010 at 10:37 PM
    #12
    Taco505

    Taco505 Well-Known Member

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    well man keep the walmart bike for now, go to a bike shop maybe a few different ones and try alot of different bikes out because some shopd have a mixture and other shops only carry 2 or 3 different makes of bikes. Also it depends on what your gonna use the bike for down hill, cross country, a mixture? just take your time and dont rush into it and dont buy a bike you "think" you like make sure you happy with it and your comfortable on it #1 rule.

    for example i got lucky with a pretty good bike i had a cannondale f700 it was a pretty damn good bike and light as hell, i got it for free and used it like crazy did a few races with it broke some stuff up graded the bike was pretty bad ass after 3 years then i sold it :( wish i never did i miss mountain biking ALOT. but what did i sell it for??? take a guess!! to mod my god damn taco haha FML!

    anyway good luck on the search man im sure youll find somethin youll enjoy alot!
     
  13. Aug 13, 2010 at 11:12 PM
    #13
    thainess

    thainess [OP] Well-Known Member

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    the bike i actually have is a youth bike lol :D
     
  14. Aug 13, 2010 at 11:23 PM
    #14
    Taco505

    Taco505 Well-Known Member

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    ooo shit haha well then maybe see if you trade with someone on craigslist or just get one off there for the time being, idk haha
     
  15. Aug 14, 2010 at 12:15 AM
    #15
    stmpjmpr

    stmpjmpr Well-Known Member

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    Go to a bike shop. figure out type bike you want/need, then dont waste your money buying new. go CL. lost of people selling good bikes at good prices. I bought my first one new. never again. last two have bern CL and Im very happy.
    With the money you save, buy a good helmet. and other supplies you will need.
     
  16. Aug 27, 2010 at 7:15 AM
    #16
    oldtimertoyota

    oldtimertoyota Well-Known Member

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    I would go to some of your local bike shops and learn the differences between the wal mart bikes and the better quality ones most bike shops will have. Start saving your money, all the while checking CL, newspapers etc for a good used one. There is a big difference in the quality of bikes and the components on the bike are a big part of what will reflect on the price of the bike. I still have my Giant ATX 760 that I bought new in 1992, I think I paid around $450 back then and man that sure seemed like alot of money, but hey I still have the bike and I really enjoy riding it.
     

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