Calling All Mountain bikers

Hello everyone. Recently, I have been feeling the itch to get into mountain biking. Dicks Sporting Goods carries the Diamondback Axis XE. It retails for around $500. I will be riding on pavement, as well as dirt roads/trails, but nothing crazy. I will not be doing any drop offs or jumps. So, for that reason, I do not think I need to spend $1000+ on something else. Anyone have any experiance with these bikes? Anything else I should know before adopting a new hobby? Thanks.

 

Not familiar with that particular bike but based on the riding style you described you'd be best off buying a $500ish hard tail bike than a $500ish full suspension bike. Just my 2¢

 

For the riding you are describing, this is probably an okay bike for a beginner. Try it out and if you stick with riding you can get a better bike later. Bikes are very much a "you get what you pay for" kind of thing.

Get a good helmet (how much is your brain worth?) and gloves. Good luck....

 

What they said. 27.5 or 29'er hardtail would be a good choice, check out trek and specialized. Hit up your local bike shop and tell them your budget and what your looking for, they'll do a lot better job of setting you up than a big box sporting goods store.

 

If you think you're getting serious into MTB avoid any big box store including Dick's. Walmart, Target and Dicks are toy stores when it comes to bikes. If I was starting over again I'd recommend at least a hardtail with rock shox front fork or better, and hydraulic disk brakes at a minimum. Don't buy a full suspension bike unless it's over $2,000. You should be able to get into a Specialized, Giant or Trek (Specialized Hardrock, Trek Marlin) for a price point around $700-900 with a bike that you won't end up hating. Bike shops really don't make their profits on bikes, they make money on add ons after the sale, (clothes, helmets, etc.) the prices are competitive and you'll get what you pay for. If you're really on a budget check out craigslist or bikesdirect.com, you'll find something decent to test your interest before you spend thousands on a bike. You should be able to find a great deal on a entry level bike this time of year. Also, check out fat bikes, they are fun as hell and can go anywhere as long as you pedal hard enough. If you know someone that is into mountain biking see if they have a spare bike for you and go with them on a borrowed bike a few times. Welcome to the addiction.

 

I'll second the Specialized Hardrock. I bought a Hardrock Sport 29er four years ago for about $600 and it has been a great bike. I ride no more than once a month; 90% pavement/gravel bike trails (rail trails) and 10% actual mountain bike trails.

 

If you're eligible for a govx account you can get up to 40% off some Diamondback bikes direct from Diamondback. I used the Diamondback corp program to buy bikes for my brother and sister-in-law

 

Awesome, thanks for the replies guys. Before I buy anything, I'll try finding an actual bike shop in my area. I've had cheap Wal Mart mountain bikes in the past when I was younger, and it was a huge POS. Constant problems.

 

If you don't qualify for GovX try to see if you qualify for any teams on Promotive.
Excellent deals on bikes and components, among other things.

 

If you're really really really sure you're going to stick with the sport, spend some money and get a good bike.

$1,000 won't get you anything these days.

Buy this, and thank me later: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2011-yeti-575-25th-anniversary-1-of-only-250-made.403834/

 

That is the thing, I don't know if I am going to stick with it or not. What I would really like to to do is buy something used that is more geared towards the beginner's end of the spectrum, but still reliable. I figured if I liked it well enough, then I would either start upgrading things that it already has, or ride it while I save for something better. I found a used Trek XCal 6 for $600 at a local bike shop. I'm still researching that model, and have yet to see it in person.

I'll also look into qualifying with GovX. I think I have once before a few years ago, but I cannot remember.

 

Here's a critical point: Do you have real mountain bike trails in your area?

 

If your hesitant, I would find a used 26" bike. They are super cheap because of the 27.5" market. You can at least get a decent full suspension (or even better hardtail) for around 1k in the 26". Just make sure its in decent working condition or have a shop tune it up.

 

I've got almost 30 years of MTBing experience, from racing to wrenching. IMO - $500 is a good and cheap (for mountain bike standards) first-time investment into the sport. Comfort and control is the key to enjoying riding a bike on dirt trails . If you're taller than 5'7" then I'd suggest you get a 29er. It'll roll over rocks, roots and ledges a little smoother than a 27.5 hardtail. If and when you decide to upgrade to the next level then a dual suspension bike is your better option but expect to spend at least $2000.

My other advice is to stick to easier trails for now and ride with people who will respect that you're new to the sport. Good luck and enjoy!

 

Yes, there are several nice areas that I know of. I don't really know what difficulty level they are, but I have seen quite a few in the areas that I hike around, and they always seem to be busy with mountain bikers.

Thanks for the reply. Since this thread, I am kind of steered away from the big box store ones. I dont really know too many people that ride, so I'm not worried about having to keep with anyone. I am about 5'11" so I'll keep that in mind as well.

 

Sounds like you need to buy that Yeti, before I do.

 

Ha, well you will definately get it before I do. Even if I was sure about this hobby, I just am not in a position right now where I can spend that kind of money on a bike, even though it is being let go for a great price (or so it seems).

 

Do it: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/s...ferralID=c4eb8710-ae59-11e5-9cda-005056941669

 

It really depends on a person's athletic ability (not to mention cardiovascular endurance) but this is not a beginner friendly trail...


This is...

 

I have seen trails that are like both of the ones pictured above, and maybe some in between.