Alabama Mountain Biking Thread

I know those trails like the back of my hand... Well at least Monte Sano.

 

I also rode it on a 160mm travel full suspension bike and sometimes felt I could use a little more suspension. Monte Sano has some serious gnar if you go looking for it.

 

oh are you in this area??? I didn't know you were lol.

 

From Florence originally but currently live in Colorado Springs. I spent one and half years in Huntsville. Redstone also has great trails.

 

He's not riding aforementioned gnar. Not to mention they are riding at various places where a 160mm bike would suck. He can bike-up if/when he decides to dive into it more.

 

Ah gotcha. I haven’t hit the trails on Redstone yet

 

I am def not a gnar rider yet lol. I have done nothing that would justify a full suspension to me, especially what I’ve seen people capable of on a hardtail. I’ve got years to go before that.

 

I have seen some people defy gravity on hardtails, especially climbing. At the end of the day, a full suspension bike main purpose is to give you better traction over changing terrain. A side benefit is increased comfort and confidence. I urge you to hit google hard and find some demo's and get on as many bikes as you can before you pull the trigger. I know its a pain in Huntsville to get to a demo because they rarely come there but its worth the effort (Chattanooga). Even investing in a road trip to Outerbike in Arkansas, in my opinion, would be a better use of your money. It will expose you to a wide range of components and bike geometries and it will show you through experience what you like and dislike. There you can ride bikes ranging the spectrum of cost but at least you will know the difference your $$$ buys you.

A parking lot ride of a $1500 bike should not be enough to make up your mind. It is, after all, still $1500. If you want to dump that bike after riding it a little take a look at the used market to see what a mistake that may turn out to be. Used bikes in that area do not fetch much because its a small very niche market where the new bike consumer is very uniformed in regards to quality bike construction.

Full Disclosure: I love bikes and I hate when people buy the wrong bikes (my brother). Unfortunately its even worse for consumers buying skis but thats another thread. I hope my passion for the subject does not come across as preachy. I have got a lot of people into the sport and the most satisfied ones were patient and allowed themselves the time and budget to get out there and try as many bikes as possible.

 

Not preachy at all. I appreciate any and all advice. I definitely need to ride more bikes.

 

Lol I can’t make that.

I know the demo day we ran across at monte sano was nuts. They only had bikes way out of my price range. To me there is no point in even riding one of those.

 

Hardtail.

 

Lol yeah that would be too much for me. I’m on the line between medium and large

 

I might’ve done something financially irresponsible last night. I feel no remorse. Lol.

 

There is no financial irresponsibility on a truck forum

 

Where are we riding next weekend?

 

I think I’ll leave y’all in suspense since I have to wait for it to come in. I’ll post pictures when it arrives

 

A giant dildo.

 

Got me.

 

How did the wife do biking?

 

She had a good time but ate it coming up a rooty climb. I think the pedal smacked her in the shin so she’s bruised up. She’s better than she gives herself credit though.