anyone here train with mountain bikes?


leeinmemphis

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Oct 19, 2000
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if so what brand and specs do they have. i think that i may be in the market to get one around christmas and am interested in the new innovations that they have now! thanks.
 

High Lord Gomer

Poked with Sticks
Sep 26, 1999
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I just got into BMX (I couldn't just sit there and *watch* while the kids were riding!)

I have been riding most mornings before work, but the BMX bike (GT XL) is not the best for that sort of thing. After seeing the price tag on some of those mountain bikes, I feel lucky to get away with $450 for the GT.
 

MR.WR

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Apr 7, 2000
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I ride my mountain bike to help stay in shape. In the winter I ride it offroad when weather permits. In the spring, summer and early fall I remove my dirt tires and install my city slickers tires. I ride my bike to and from work. I ride 10 miles each way. There is plenty of cross over between off road m/c riding and my mountain biking, body english ect, ect. If the weather is to harsh in your area you can always get a wind trainer and set the bike up in the house and ride it while watching TV or listining to the radio.

I feel a mountain bike gives you the best of both worlds. With a mountain bike you can ride it on the road or in the dirt both are excellent workouts.

You can get a computer for your bike and keep track of milage, speed, distance and RPM's if you want. If you want to rid yourself of a little weight you can get a heart monitor and train with it. The heart monitor will help you stay in your "target zone" to really burn off that turkey dinner :)

As for bikes, if your going to really get into this sport you can drop some serious $$$!! I ride a Schwinn S96.1, which is a custom butted aluminum frame, with front suspension. As for components you can drop some cash here too!!

There are hard tail bikes and full suspension bikes. My Schwinn is a hardtail which means no rear suspension. If you go the full suspension route you can dail in your suspension very much like your m/c. Full suspension bikes are heavier than hard tails. Hardtails can be spec'ed very light and that make a MAJOR difference when your grinding up a steep long hill, but when it come time to burn down hill that full suspension bike can be a very plush ride.

The choice is yours. What ever you do don't buy the Huffy full suspension bike and expect the bike to hold up! In mountain biking you get what you pay for!!!

I hope this helps, if you want more information drop me a email.

I've been in volved in mountain biking since 1987 and have been through my share of bikes, frames and componets and have learned that you if your going to get into this sport be prepared to drop some cash for a quality bike.

There is a couple different ways to get a bike, buy it from a dealer or buy a frame and build the bike yourself or have a mail order shop build it for you. If you go this route you can spec the bike just about any way you want, or as deep as your pocket book will let you :)

You can't go wrong with Schwinn (Homegrown $1100-$1300) top quality componets. GT make GREAT bikes too, Cannondale has some good priced bikes. The F-700 and 800 are nice bikes. Rocky Mountain has great bikes, the Hammer or Race Hammer are sweet! Kona's are good to go!!

Keep in mind that if you go with a steel frame you will get a smoother ride than the aluminum frame, but you will get more flex out of the steel frame. The aluminum frame will give you a much stiffer ride and will tend to climb better because of the stiffness, less flex when pushing big gears in a climb.

Most bikes now use "V" style brakes or disk brakes. As for gears you can get up too 27 speeds to choose from. XRT rear cassettes will have 9 speeds in the rear and 3 drive gears on your cranks. Then you have "Grip Shift" or Rapid Fire to choose from.

As for front suspension there are some crappy forks out there and they just don't perform. Zoke's, Manitou and Rockshox are all pertty nice. Rockshox have some bottom line stuff that is "ok" but for serious offroad Zokes are the way to go!

The list goes on and on!! Don't be in a hurry to buy a bike. Think about how much your going to use it and what your going to use it for. If it is just for a stroll with the family then there is no need to roll out the big bucks. But if your going to really hammer the bike and might even do some cross country racing then go for broke and get a sweet ride, you'll not be sorry!

You can find some GOOD deals on used bikes.

Here's a links that might help you out;

http://www.mtbr.com/market/daily.html
http://cambriabike.com/
http://www.bikesource.com/
http://www.mountainbike.com/ http://www.cannondale.com

Good luck and Happy Trails

Rick

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[This message has been edited by MR.WR (edited 11-25-2000).]

[This message has been edited by MR.WR (edited 11-25-2000).]
 

High Lord Gomer

Poked with Sticks
Sep 26, 1999
11,790
34
What does the "butted frame" mean? My GT has a Chromoly frame and it says something about that.

My biggest problem with BMX is that I put way too much weight on the front end. It's taken me 15 years to get forward on my motorcycle and now they're telling me to move back on the bicycle...ARGH!
 

MR.WR

Member
Apr 7, 2000
434
0
HLG,

Double butted (or even triple butted) frames are of better quality because they have tubes with different thickness to decrease weight and keep resistance high.

This past summer I was looking at getting a BMX bike for myself. I am 38 years young! I used to own a crusier 24 inch "Frank the Welder" FTW BMX bike. Frank was a welder over at Yeti Cycles a few years back. Very trick BMXer, but I sold it. I'm looking at getting a BMX bike over the winter. I'm either going to get a Schwinn, GT or a Robinson, not sure yet. My son rides a Schwinn Micro. We all have a good time at the races :)

Rick

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bud

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Jun 29, 1999
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I have some decent single track right across the road from me, and I have a mountain bike also. I don't wanna disagree with someone who has obviously been there/done that, but I found my mountain bike certainly doesn't help dirtbike skills. Good for general fitness, especially stronger legs, but that's it. Like Gomer said, getting forward is a hard habit to break. I went over the bars on my mountain bike several times because of trying to position myself as I would on my dirtbike.

And as for increasing general fitness, sure, if you live in an area where you can't ride a dirtbike, but if that's not the case, a dirtbike will keep you plenty fit. My mountain bike is rusting away, and I can't say I'm particularly unhappy about it :).
 

leeinmemphis

Member
Oct 19, 2000
55
0
thanks mr wr,
i use to race back in the late 80's and have found out lately how far the technology in the sport has come. i'm planning on spending about 2500 on a bike with full suspension i think. we have quite a few areas around here that are very fast and constantly up and down hills. here's my question, i use to weigh considerably less....now i weigh in the 230 lb. area can they adjust the suspension like they can on a m/c? i've been looking at a specialized s=works fsrxc. have you heard anything good or bad about these? i need to lose a good 30 lbs. and i cannot ride a dirtbike three to four times a week. its just not feasible when you consider where i work, live, and ride. they are just too far apart.
 

MR.WR

Member
Apr 7, 2000
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Here is a link I dug up on the bike that your looking at getting. http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike_full/product_25415.shtml

Use the mtbr link and check out the reviews on just about any bike. If I was in the market for a new bike I'd go with a Santa Cruz hard tail and if I was going the full suspension route I'd go Santa Cruz too. I've rode both bike and they are SWEET!!

I'm sure that you will have to get heavier springs in the forks and on the shock to be able to get the ride that your looking for....

On the upper end suspension bike you can set the sag, dail in the compression and rebound just like your m/c.

Rick

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MR.WR

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Apr 7, 2000
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Bud,
I use mountain biking to keep up on my m/c skills. When I decend down steep rough hills I look for clean lines that I would use on my m/c. When in the slow techical stuff I work on body english and things of that nature. Since I use SPD pedals I take turns with my feet cliped into my pedals, and on my m/c I also try to keep my feet on the pegs. True, not everything crosses over to offroad m/c riding, but when I can't ride my m/c the next best thing is my mountain bike and I find that it help me stay in touch with the m/c.

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SpeedyManiac

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Aug 8, 2000
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Where I live is the mountain bike capital of the world, that's right, Rossland BC, I actually live a couple miles east of it, just down the big hill. My mountain bike isn't very good, but it works great for keeping in shape, I have no suspension but I still do the steep stuff. The choices for bikes are endless, BMX, mountain, street, etc. I think mountain biking is great!!

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EXC/PETE

Member
Oct 14, 2000
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Hey Lee,i presently ride a Rocky mountian instinct,its a cross country full suspension bike.With out getting into to much mtb jargon its a great all around xc bike.I have had some specialized brand bikes in the past and they have been good.If you have 2500 U.S to spend find a good hard core shop were the guys are really into the riding.I live in Vancouver B.C.which has the north shore and some of the wildest riding in the world.People that have'nt ridden hard core off road trails on a mtb have no clue just how hard it can be,most of the trails i/we ride on my mtb would most likely cripple me and demolish my exc[seriously]That said, to get the reward of the desent[bombing down the mountain] you have to climb to the top first,this where the fitness comes in.Mountain bikes improve your cardio,balance,line choice[reading terrain]how to keep momentum[a body dont make much Hp]and improved braking[let it roll when you have to and break when you can].Enough preaching of the MTB gospel,i should also point out this is another way to play, not a replacement for dirt bikes[nothing can do that!!!!]MY TWO CENTS, PETE

[This message has been edited by EXC/PETE (edited 11-27-2000).]
 

bud

Member
Jun 29, 1999
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Originally posted by EXC/PETE:
most of the trails i/we ride on my mtb would most likely cripple me and demolish my exc[seriously]That said, to get the reward of the desent[bombing down the mountain)

Can you exaplin what these trails are like? Not that I don't believe you, just I can't picture anything that can be ridden on a pushbike but not on a dirtbike. Certainly nothing like that where I live, and yes, there are mountains here.

Btw downhill mountain biking was the thing I enjoyed most, but trying to ride some of the local single track descents on a mountain bike sent me over the bars. Had my butt on the rear wheel (almost :)), but it wasn't enough to keep from endo-ing. Is there some trick to it you can share?
 

Lastplace

Member
Jan 4, 2000
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A year ago I bought my 1st MTB to get me into shape for enduros; was done play riding w/my boys, & @ 46YO, needed to bring my body up to the point where I could ride uncessitant desert whoops - in other words, I needed to strengthen up my legs, back & stomach muscles for continuous stand-up riding instead of the previous sit-down play type.

I bought a leftover Specialized FSR Stumpjumper XC Comp (not sure what all that alphabet means) for $1.3k @ SuperGo; retailed for under $2k. They said it has cartridge (Manitou) forks, adjustable preload, compression & rebound; Fox air shock out back - 3" travel both ends. 27 speeds. Found out it will climb just about anything I dare. Been over the bars once so far. Overall very pleased. It weighs ~27 lbs.

I ride ~5-10 miles/week; not much but sufficient, & 75% of it is on singletrack trails; more up & downhills than I'd like, but it's a mile from home & a good workout. I do it very early in the morning, sometimes w/lights before dawn, so it does not interfer w/later day family matters (domestic duties) while they sleep.

With under a total of 500 miles logged in so far, I've replaced the tires; last weekend the drivetrain (uphills take their toll).

Overall, a good investment (& workout), tho my son's clean, low-hours '90 RMX cost a lot less ($800), I couldn't get away w/riding it on the same trails near home.

Now if I could just get those hikers to "curb" their dogs...
 

SpeedyManiac

Member
Aug 8, 2000
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Okay, for these trails, picture a cliff. Now picture a mountain biker going vertical down this cliff and Vola!!! Presto!! That's pretty much what it's like, I'm not joking either, they are VERY VERY VERY VERY tight!!!!! They have many drops, somewhere between 2ft-20ft, the big ones usually have a detour for the wimps (that includes me!!). They are crazy!!! No way could a dirtbike go down them!!

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1978 XL250S
 

leeinmemphis

Member
Oct 19, 2000
55
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i bought the fsr xc pro today with xtr components and the rock shox sid fork. the rear shock has a lockout for extended uphills and both front/rear are tunable with air. this thing is so cool. i cannot wait until tomorrow when i can ride it. i also bought the specialized wireless computer, specialized "enduro" helmet, and specialized mtb shoes. this bike is equiped with time clipless pedals. does anyone know how well these things hold up? thanks again guys, especially MR WR for all your help. see ya.
 

MR.WR

Member
Apr 7, 2000
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Ok, you made the major plundge, full suspension with a SID fork! Very cool :) The SID is a sweet fork, very light. XTR, very nice stuff, great shifting performance and again very light. Did you get disk brakes??? A little advice here if I may. SET YOUR PEDDLES LOOSE UNTIL YOU GET USED TO CLIPS!! Take your time getting used to them, you may find yourself falling over in the slow low gear grinding. When you go to put your foot down, it is still clipped into the pedal. Keep you cleats clean on your shoes and have a good time! The weather is perfect here for riding, but I broke my collar bone 2 weeks ago so no MTB or M/C for me!! Let me know how that bike works...

P.S. Get a pair of Specialized FAT BOY SLICKS for the road, pump them up to 100psi and go for it! THEY ARE FAST :)


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MR.WR

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Apr 7, 2000
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Speedy & EXC,

I have never rode in B.C, but I've seen some of the trails on Outdoor Life TV! They are insane! Dig dropoffs with logs crossings stairs and sll kinds of steepvery wooded fast single track trails! I've also read about them in BIKE magazine! You guys in B.C are in mountain bike heaven!!



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BrentBlain

~SPONSOR~
Aug 21, 2000
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i don't know if anyone mentioned this but i switch my brakes around on my mountain bike. The left is the rear and the right if the front brake (as oposed to normal bicycle brakes right is rear and left is front) this makes it easier when you switch from the mountion bike and the dirt bike. I am guessing everyone already does this but just incase someone is thinking of getting into the sport. Its not fun to go over the bars

-Brent



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leeinmemphis

Member
Oct 19, 2000
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no i didn't get the disc brakes but the bike does have the flanges in case i decide to add them later. i'm not so sure that i need them because the hills around here may sometimes be steep but usually they are not too long. are there any other common accessories that you think i may need? i'm going to go ahead and get a small seat pack, tube, co2 cartridge kit, floor pump, gloves and of course padded shorts(i may want to have kids one day!).....i'm glad to hear that you thought i made a good purchase, now i just have to get my butt in shape. thanks.
 

Jonala

~SPONSOR~
Sep 20, 2000
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Lee,
Get a good MTB bike pump, Blackburn makes a good pump for MTB's. You need two CO2 cartridges to fill just one tube. They're OK for racing, but if get another flat,you're stuck.

As far as your original question, I've found that I have a very good fitness base from riding bicycles. Understand that it takes a lot of cycling time for an increase in fitness, when compared to running. I'd say on the order of 3:1. But its a lot more fun.

John
 

longtime

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Oct 7, 1999
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hey lee, i used to race the pedal bikes before i got bored with them & got my mind right & got back into dirt bikes. i have the time pedals & love them. they don't clog up near as much as the industry standard, shimano. they are easy to click in & out of, but a previous poster was right, they take a little getting used to. most people fall over a time or 2 like that guy on the old laugh-in show (probably you are too young to remember this). give me a call someitme, i'd like to drag my fat butt back out for a ride.
 

Lastplace

Member
Jan 4, 2000
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leeinmemphis: yes, U did well, & like Mr. WR said: U went all out; my enduro bud dumped his GT for an FSR Pro - talk about uptown! It makes mine look like it's from WalMart.

Everything will hold up well. I considered disc brakes but found that's only needed 4 wet/muddy conditions & long downhill runs, like the guys who do the ski lift thing.

Component-wise your OK. If you're experiencing prostate numbness :o then consider the Specialized seat with the groove under your private parts, intended 2 relieve saddle pressure on long rides. I have one, & like it a lot; the only drawback is sometimes shorter than normal shorts get caught when moving back forward following descents.

Make sure 2 take lots of water, be it a Camelback, bottles or the like.

I took off my clipless type & put on the older clip/strap type - too many slow speed layovers! It worked out 4 teh better, tho, as I ride to the tennis courts every other day w/my boys.

Say Mr. WR, sorry to hear of your injury. :(
Need me to help break in your GG? :D
 

MR.WR

Member
Apr 7, 2000
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Lee,
In your seat pack I'd throw in; tube repair kit, folding hex head tool kit, zip ties tubes, bicycle multi tool, chain breaker tool, Pro Max Bars!! I use a camel bak, and 2 water bottle cages on my bike. I NEVER like to run low on H2O!. I'm not a big Co2 cartridge user. I don't race anymore so I'd rather use my pump than carry those throw away bottles. I have tried alot of cycling shorts, Single Track Mind, Fox, Cannondale, Trek, ect,ect and have not really been happy with them. Last year I found a pair of Reebok 8 panel with a gel pad insert :) They are the best shorts that I have ever owned hands down!! http://www.thesportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=85418&categoryPath=4 606.128204

I don't know how hilly your area is, but if your going to ride in hill/mountains go easy at first. Your knees will take a beating, since they are not used to that kind of stree that you will be placing on them they will get pretty sore...

Enjoy the bike, be safe. If I can help drop me a email..
---------------------------------------------

Lastplace..........NO :p Just kidding, I'd like to get down your way sometime to ride :)


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[This message has been edited by MR.WR (edited 11-28-2000).]
 

Jonala

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Sep 20, 2000
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Lee, and Mr.WR
I found that a Cool Tool works well as an all around tool. As far as shorts go, I have been using Velo Wear shorts. I did an abrasion test on a set during the annual Thanksgiving hillclimb. They hold up very well. Much better than the Pearl Izumi knee warmers that I had on.
http://www.velowear.com

John
 

BrentBlain

~SPONSOR~
Aug 21, 2000
67
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i would also get a cycle computer. For 15 or 20 bucks they are real handy and they don't weigh hardly anything. Its kinda of nice to see how fast you are going and how far you went. They also have alot of other features you can use.

-Brent



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