All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Sorry, had my links backwards. Fixed now.

Been a long day!

 

Hmmm Should i continue my search? I'm trying to spend around 300-500 bucks for a good starting bike!

 

I’ve never ridden mountain bikes but I live in Bend Oregon where it’s a huge sport!

curious if any of you guys are around 220-230lbs? And what suspension travel you recommend, if rider weight plays a part.

 

The type of terrain that you plan to ride matters more for suspension travel. If MTB is really big in your area, go to one of your local bike shops, better yet all of them that you are willing to drive to. Check out their bike selections, check out what kind of bikes are being sold. Ask them questions. Chances are they will be super cool and willing to answer any question you can think of, plus at least some of them should have demo fleets. MTB is an expensive Sport.... so pick the shop you like best, and demo some of the bikes they recommend for your local area and the trails you want to ride. Once you narrow down to a bike or two that you really like, then look at the different trim levels of that particular bike and make your selection. Most bike shops will take your rental fees and put them towards your bike purchase, so you aren’t losing money, just helping yourself out. Find a shop that’s does a lot of servicing too so you can bring your bike back for maintenance. My local shop is big on bike rentals and servicing, and they have weekly group rides and skills days to help people improve. Sometimes even the local pros and you tubers show up to roll with the group to get people pumped up.

It’s a great sport and community, just do your due diligence and find the proper bike for your area that will help you grow and not hold you back. Lower trim levels can be upgraded over time as you improve and/or break things.

 

Ok, so like mentioned before in my last post, it’s hard to say, “get this bike” because we don’t know your area or your goals for riding. I would suggest you also visit your local bike shop(s) for suggestions and demo some of their bikes. What do you mean mountain biking/ street riding hybrid?

 

I'll probably hit up my local bike shop. I just don't want to get super invested and not liking it!

 

definitely. Demo some of their bikes, look up your local trails on trail forks and YouTube videos about them. There are usually good guides and info about trails so you know where to go and what to expect. Take your Rental bike on the trail and love it. Would suggest investing in a decent helmet and some decent shoes to make the most of your demo, and stay safe.

 

I'm not a mountain walrus for nothing. I weigh 220-225lbs. rider weight really only plays a part in suspension setup, as said above the type of suspension you get should be based on where you ride. be aware though....some bikes have "weight settings" and you might fall into the top category like I did and it will make you feel like the fattest mountain biker ever haha! but really, your bike shop will tune the bike to your weight settings for you.

 

I appreciate you guys! I will definitely be talking to some local shops. Thank you

 

I used to live in Corvallis and ride out in Bend all the time. There are some great trails in that area!!! I had a buddy that worked at Pine Mountain Sports, but I've also been to Hub Cyclery a few times, both good shops.

As mentioned elsewhere, go demo some bikes and get a feel for it. The type of bike you get is gonna depend on what kind of riding you like as there are lots of options in the area. For what it's worth, if I were to have a single bike for the area, I'd be looking for something in the 140mm travel range.

Also, I'm about 210-220lbs. Most bike races would classify us as clydesdales .

 

Same. Man Bend is a good time!

 

Agreed. Ive actually found that my chain was a link LONGER than that article.

Lucky duck! Bend is super fun. Demo first, but you're likely looking into the All Mountain or Trail category. Something 140mm or less, no need for a long travel bike if you're staying local to Bend. Something that pedals well is key, and you'll likely want something with a lively feel to it as there's not a lot of steep stuff there (at least not in town).

 

Well thats pretty neat. Excellent way to start the day

 

Anyone recommend a cell phone mount for a mountain bike?

 

I ride to get away from my cell phone!!

 

My little town has a big ass mountain bike park with some bobcat and mountain lions LOL. I definitely will buy a nice helmet!

 

I usually put my phone away and only take it out for photos. However, if you really want to mount a phone, this is my response from a few pages back:

 

I think Ram mounts make some.

 

Got my bike rack on! Really digging it. Ryan at @Shmellmopwho was able to weld everything together for me. Looks great. Exactly how I pictured it. Now to paint the tubes black to match or clear coat it for the cool contrast.

 

Slick