What bike is right for me??
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What bike is right for me??
Postby rhys117 » Fri Jun 08, 2007 10:15 pm
I'm looking for something for a intermediate rider, remembering that I'm only 14 so I cant afford everything you guys can. Looking to spend $1000-2000.
thanx for your time
Rhys
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Postby europa » Fri Jun 08, 2007 10:28 pm
What is most important to you? My son, same age as you, loves speed.
How much suspension do you want and what are your views on disc brakes?
How's that for a start? I'll leave the answers to those who know something about mtbs While you're waiting for their bulldust disguised as sage advice, have a hunt through the forum - I reckon there've been a few threads that have discussed bikes that might suit you.
Welcome to the pack. Don't be awed by us greybeards ... most of us don't have a clue either
Richard
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Postby rhys117 » Fri Jun 08, 2007 10:47 pm
think that covers it. thanx for replying so quick.
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Postby Kalgrm » Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:25 pm
In that price range, I'd look at the lower end Giant Reign 3 (perhaps second hand?). It's an okay FR bike, good value for money, 5.5" travel front and rear (I think ... maybe 6"?). Of course, you could do what many of your mates are doing and get an STP - they seem to be a popular HT for hucking and FR stuff. Tough and a little heavy, but built for taking the punishment only a fourteen year old can mete out!
Remember though, if you're breaking frames now, it could indicate you need to tighten up your technique. Otherwise you may end up breaking every bike you get your hands on.
Cheers,
Graeme
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Music was better when ugly people were allowed to make it ....
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Postby rhys117 » Sat Jun 09, 2007 9:50 am
Thanx for your help so far,
Rhys
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Postby Bnej » Sat Jun 09, 2007 10:11 am
Sounds like you probably want a bike like the Giant STP, which is more or less a BMX flavoured Mountain Bike. As long as you don't need to climb steep off road too much!rhys117 wrote:I've always ridden with my seat on as low as it can go (pretty much on the frame).
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Postby Kalgrm » Sat Jun 09, 2007 12:49 pm
Some of my mates in Kalgoorlie were doing the sort of riding you have described on their Konas and STPs. The Kona Stuff has a pretty rugged frame design, which should suit you. The STP is bullet-proof and the frames are everywhere, meaning if you snap yours, you should be able to pick up a used one cheaply to replace it.
Honestly though, a 2m drop is going to be hard on any HT frame. Have another look at the FS FR frames around - I reckon you'd be better off on one of those. Your budget (at the top end) allows you to look seriously at some pretty decent bikes.
Cheers,
Graeme
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Music was better when ugly people were allowed to make it ....
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Postby Bnej » Sat Jun 09, 2007 3:28 pm
Makes it a lot harder. Probably spend minimum $1800 for full suspension. Most of the freeride dual suspension bikes are waaay out of your price bracket.rhys117 wrote:sorry should of mentioned, I want back suspension
What you probably want is something like the Trek Session or the Giant Glory, but lower end Giant Reign or Trek Fuel is probably what you need to look at with the money you have.
Having a higher seat is not the worst thing ever, the geometry is designed that way to support both up and down hill riding - the dedicated freeride bikes will be absolutely appalling if you ever need to climb hills with them.
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Postby mikesbytes » Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:05 pm
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Postby Kalgrm » Sat Jun 09, 2007 6:42 pm
I'm not sure which style of racing you saw, but there are generally considered to be 4 disciplines in MTB riding: cross-country (XC), four-cross (4X), downhill (DH) and free-riding (FR).
The one shown in the Olympics and Commonwealth games is XC. Whether the riders opt for full sus or HT bikes depends very much on the course. It has to be pretty rough before they'll choose FS bikes, because HT bikes can be up to 2lb lighter for the equivalent components. Cadel Evans came from this discipline of riding.
4X racing is like BMX on steroids (ummm, maybe that's not what I meant - "Drugs are bad, HMMM?) but the riders in that often don't use FS bikes either - they use technique and outright power to take wicked looking jumps. Those guys are nuts!
DH racers usually have massive bikes with up to 10" travel in their suspension. They're aiming for all-out speed and they just plough through stuff that makes me sick just looking at it. Those guys are nuts!
FR bikes are lighter, but usually have FS. These blokes drop down cliffs and fly like winged demons. Hucking is the main activity. They get points for style as well as speed, so they want tough bikes they can toss about easily. Those guys are NUTS!
I guess my point is, it's really hard to recommend a bike for Rhyss without knowing just how nuts he is.
Cheers,
Graeme
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Music was better when ugly people were allowed to make it ....
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Postby europa » Sat Jun 09, 2007 7:02 pm
I like watching the pushbike version of trials riding - I have NO idea how they do that stuff.
Richard
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Re: What bike is right for me??
Postby Andrew69 » Sat Jun 09, 2007 8:24 pm
What hardtail frame did you manage to snap?rhys117 wrote:I've had my hardtail SNAP on me 2times now and I've decided that its time to move on.
Rhys
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Postby Mulger bill » Sun Jun 10, 2007 6:53 pm
Real good to hear from ya mate, this place needs more fat tyres.
I'm a hardtail nut, have been since the Mongoose VRS was out. Soooooooooo, look for a single pivot bike, it'll be lighter, stronger and simpler to maintain. It'll also teach you to ride smoother. Guaranteed extra speed there.
SBS was showing 4X and XC this morning, sweet.
Shaun
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Postby europa » Sun Jun 10, 2007 9:41 pm
Richard
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Postby europa » Wed Jun 13, 2007 5:17 pm
It all went well. Didn't fall off (but tried hard enough). Got good and muddy. Much fun had by all ... and he was riding his bmx so I could get him on the straightsrhys117 wrote:post pics of frame later, but thanx for help so far, how'd u do on the track vs your son
Richard
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