Mountain Bike Advice Needed

[montanafan]

I'm going this weekend to buy a mountain bike and I don't know much about what to look for as far as components go. I've been doing a little riding on an old 10-speed that a friend gave, but they're going to be opening some trails near here soon and I want to invest in something a little better.

I know I want a fairly lightweight frame because these trails are mainly for ATVs and so I'll be doing some packing and pushing. It'll be a woman's frame.

I think I want the type with the handle grip shifting, unless someone can tell me a reason why I shouldn't.

The only other things I've heard about that I want are:

Quick release seat post.

Aluminun alloy rims.

Quick release wheels.

That's all I know. Any other advice before I hit the shops would be greatly appreciated.

Edit - Someone suggested the Mongoose 2002 Rockadile SX for women. Anyone know anything about it?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Some rules of thumb are that lighter frame sets and components cost more but if your 5-9 or shorter then most bikes will be pretty light. Gripshift is fine (I prefer rapid fire shifters myself) Most all cross-country MTBs come with quick release rims that are lightweight and if the quick release seat post isn't on it you can buy 1 for 10$ approx. so no big deal there and don't let it be a factor. the big companies brands like Cannondale and Trek have women specific frames and lifetime warranties on the frames as well. A good entry level MTB with good quality components (if your a normal sized woman almost all components will be plenty strong enough to take your weight and abuse) should put you in the $500-900$ range depending on manufacture/model Bikes in this range generally come with adequate front suspension and you want it because it makes a huge difference in control/comfort/endurance(will keep your arms from going numb as quickly) when riding. As to the Mongoose 2002 Rockadile Mountain Bike Womens it appears very sturdy but the frame is steel(not chrome molly which is lighter and has more suspension characteristics) which means very heavy and the components are cheap and there is no suspension or rear wheel quick release either so you'll wish you spent more on a bike when your not getting any stoke on that heavy beast look at the 4900 WSD by Trek and F500 Féminine these are women specific bikes that are very sweet and will ensure you get more from the experience and knock off 12+lbs of weight over that Mongoose you were told about and provide that very helpfull suspension. If you get sticker shock from the 550-900$ tag then buy a Mamba or Wahoo they are not women specific but the small frame will fit and the stem and seat/seatpost can be adjusted to fit you well and the prices are super low for that high a quality bikes If you have anymore questions just ask and stay away from that Mongoose it's to heavy for real singletrack riding! BTW, put semi-slicks tire on the bike you do get if you want even less rolling resistance and still have exceptable off-road riding characteristics. Finally, buy from a real bike shop and not Sports Authority or Toys R US or something because the people at a bike shop will be much more knowledgable, the bikes will be higher quality and the mechanics will make certain your bike is tweaked right for you before you ride

 

[montanafan]

Wow, thanks for all the info, DAPUNISHER!

I checked out the links for the Mamba and Wahoo. I liked the look of the Wahoo and I think it would fit me fine in the XS size. I'm 5'5 with a 28'' inseam.

I was going to go to Dick's Sporting Goods and then to four different bike shops listed in the area. Now I think I may just call the bike shops to see what sort of a selection they have and then skip Dick's altogether if the shops have some interesting possibilities.

BTW, what are rapid fire shifters?

Thanks again.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Rapid fires are This type

 

[Mursilis]

I know I want a fairly lightweight frame because these trails are mainly for ATVs and so I'll be doing some packing and pushing. It'll be a woman's frame.

Why would you want a women's frame, even if you are a woman? It's both heavier and less structurally sound - no serious woman rider rides a women's frame. I strongly suggest a standard ('men's') frame if you're actually going to take it off road - unless you're under 5 feet, you can easily find one in your size with standard 26 inch wheels.

<-------- former bike mechanic

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Mursilis

I know I want a fairly lightweight frame because these trails are mainly for ATVs and so I'll be doing some packing and pushing. It'll be a woman's frame.

Why would you want a women's frame, even if you are a woman? It's both heavier and less structurally sound - no serious woman rider rides a women's frame. I strongly suggest a standard ('men's') frame if you're actually going to take it off road - unless you're under 5 feet, you can easily find one in your size with standard 26 inch wheels.

<-------- former bike mechanic

I beg to differ, times have changed

8000 WSD for instance just changes the geometry a bit to account for their generally smaller frames and shorter arms and legs and since the frames are smaller they use less materials. Just look at the specs on that bike! It dosen't look the women's bikes of old eh?

 

[montanafan]

Nice. A little too expensive for me to think of adding to this first bike, but something to keep in mind for the future. I already have some bike trail destinations lined up for the summer and hopefully, this will be something I can enjoy for the next several years.

Thanks again.

 

[Brutuskend]

I would stay away from a woman's frame if I were you. They are not as strong because of the basic frame design. Are you leaning that way because your short? If so, a LOT of companies make shorter frames.

Personally I would stay away from Mongoose as well. They used to be good bikes, but now that department stores are selling them, they are BAD NEWS!

I own a HARO MTB (and sell them as well ) And I really like them! This years Vector's are a GREAT bike for the money. And HARO makes a 13.5 inch frame. (@ 5'6" I ride a 15.5)

Probably the most critical thing to think about when getting a bike is FIT. For off road riding you want to be able to stand over the top tube, and lift the front wheel 3-4 inches. If your climbing a steep grade off road (or ON ROAD for that matter) and you decide half way up it that you wanna get off (and push, which I DO myself )if the bike is too tall, you won't be able to get your feet on the ground. (without a considerable amount of discomfort)..

BTW: most bikes are set up for MEN. Women are built differently (DUH) Most women have longer legs and a shorter torso. Get a shorter stem and it will feel better. OH yeah, and a different saddle.. But a word of warning. If your stem id TOO short, you will have a hard time keeping your front wheel on the ground while climbing. So it's a bit of a trade off sometimes. Your bike will either work GREAT off road or you will feel more comfy on road. So decide what your main riding type will be.....

As far as components go, get the best you can afford. A bike is like anything else, you get what you pay for. The more you spend, the longer it will last, and the better it will hold up. But the heart of the bike is the frame. GET A GOOD frame. You can always upgrade the other stuff as it wears out!!

IMO grip shift SUCKS!! You almost always have to nurse it into gear. (slightly overshift) Rapid fire is MUCH MUCH better if you ask me. When you click it, it's THERE!

HARO

 

[FrustratedUser]

I suggest you look into Specialized for a first bike.
Frames are rock-solid.
Website

I still have mine but now I moved on to a full suspension Rocky Mountain. (Sweeeeeet ride)

 

[RACER]

I personally prefer rapid fire shifters, or as some would call "trigger shifters".... because 1) if you're someone who does not wear gloves, the grip shift would either cause you to blister up or bruise. [when you sweat or when it rains, had that happen to me when i was riding and it suddenly started raining and i was far from home] 2) going down rough terrain would may inadvertently cause you to shift gears... that has happened to a lot of my friends... they SWORE they would never get another bike with grip shifts.

I'd stay away from Mongoose, unless you want a cheapo bike for weekend biking along a paved trail... I live in NYC, and there are any rough terrains here.... so I settled for one of those. I'd recommend going with Specialized, Trek, maybe Gary Fisher and Cannondale (if you have the money)... Haro is good too... I had a friend who had a Haro... really sturdy. I used to have a Trek before it got stolen... sniff =(


Hope this helps...

*definitely get the quick release for your wheels.... the cheapo Mongoose I have doesn't have those... and I hate transporting it.*

 

[pillage2001]

Definitely go with rapid fire shifters. Easier to handle IMO.

 

[montanafan]

Hey, Mursilis, I didn't mean the traditional girl's style frame. Like DAPUNISHER said, I'm talking about the women's specific frames for weight, height, reach, etc. Thanks for trying to help though.

Brutuskend, thanks for a lot of good information. I looked at the Haro site and two of the bike shops I'm planning to visit are in the dealer guide, so I'll take a look at what they have.

FrustratedUser, I looked at the Specialized web site and I think they're probably all out of my price range, but one of the bike shops I'm going to visit sells the brand so I'll look at what they have. Thanks.

RACER, thanks for the specifics about the grip shifts and the Mongoose. I'll hardly ever be on a paved trail, so I'll stay away from their brand.

Thanks, pillage2001, it sounds like the grip shifters are going to be out if at all possible.

 

[Thegonagle]

If a bike you like has grip shifts, you can have them upgraded when you buy a new bike. You should be able to make a deal for a decent pair of shifters installed, like Deore, or maybe even LX, for a reasonable price.

 

[pillage2001]

Originally posted by: Garfang
If a bike you like has grip shifts, you can have them upgraded when you buy a new bike. You should be able to make a deal for a decent pair of shifters installed, like Deore, or maybe even LX, for a reasonable price.

Deore comes in two versions right?? The XT and LX?? Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[tkdkid]

My advice would be to go to a local bike shop and tell them the type of riding you'll be doing and your price range. They'll help, and maybe point out some other trails in the area.

Oh and also, don't ever buy a department store bike.

 

[Brutuskend]

Top shimano components

Deore/LX/XT/XTR

Though this seems to change every few years!

 

[pillage2001]

Originally posted by: tkdkid
My advice would be to go to a local bike shop and tell them the type of riding you'll be doing and your price range. They'll help, and maybe point out some other trails in the area.

Oh and also, don't ever buy a department store bike.

Department store bike is OVERPRICED.

 

[FrustratedUser]

The Specialized Hardrock is not that expensive. You should be able to pick one up for <$500, which by the way is probably the lowest to go when it comes to bikes for any kind of off-road biking.

And, don't forget the used marked. Lots of good bikes.
Check out mtbr.com for reviews and check out their used-market place here.

Get a good bike. Sooner or later you want more. I did, so my Hardrock is now my comuter.
Good luck!

 

[Mursilis]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER

Originally posted by: Mursilis

I know I want a fairly lightweight frame because these trails are mainly for ATVs and so I'll be doing some packing and pushing. It'll be a woman's frame.

Why would you want a women's frame, even if you are a woman? It's both heavier and less structurally sound - no serious woman rider rides a women's frame. I strongly suggest a standard ('men's') frame if you're actually going to take it off road - unless you're under 5 feet, you can easily find one in your size with standard 26 inch wheels.

<-------- former bike mechanic

I beg to differ, times have changed

8000 WSD for instance just changes the geometry a bit to account for their generally smaller frames and shorter arms and legs and since the frames are smaller they use less materials. Just look at the specs on that bike! It dosen't look the women's bikes of old eh?

But that Trek frame you linked is still a traditional men's ('double-diamond') frame, albeit proportionally sized for women - I was warning her against the women's 'step-through' (also known as 'mixte') frame, where the top tube slopes down and contacts the seat tube down near the bottom bracket. Anyway, I see from the message above that montanafan isn't leaning in that direction, but just wants a traditional frame proportionally sized for a woman - looks like we're all in agreement on that.

BTW, DAPUNISHER, good taste in bikes (Trek)!!

I've got two Schwinns, two Specialized, a Cannondale, a Giant (the old Cadex line), and a Univega, so I like those brands as well.

 

[Stark]

When you go to the bike shops, ask if there are any local mountain bike clubs. Many offer beginner clinics that show you how to fix a flat tire and other basic pointers. They will usually also schedule group rides for beginners. That is a good way to learn the trails and make some friends all at the same time.

 

[Mursilis]

Originally posted by: Stark
When you go to the bike shops, ask if there are any local mountain bike clubs. Many offer beginner clinics that show you how to fix a flat tire and other basic pointers. They will usually also schedule group rides for beginners. That is a good way to learn the trails and make some friends all at the same time.

Another good tip. And please consider a helmet, unless there's nothing in your head worth spending ~$30 to protect.

<---- has crashed a bunch & always wears a helmet.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: Mursilis

Originally posted by: Stark
When you go to the bike shops, ask if there are any local mountain bike clubs. Many offer beginner clinics that show you how to fix a flat tire and other basic pointers. They will usually also schedule group rides for beginners. That is a good way to learn the trails and make some friends all at the same time.

Another good tip. And please consider a helmet, unless there's nothing in your head worth spending ~$30 to protect.

<---- has crashed a bunch & always wears a helmet.

Maybe the best tip so far. Always use a helmet off-road.

 

[montanafan]

Thanks everyone for all the advice.

Garfang, that's a good tip about asking for an upgrade, thanks.

FrustratedUser, thanks for the links. I read through some of the reviews for the bikes I'll probably be choosing between.

Stark, that's a good idea. I wouldn't be able to ride with the bike club (over 80 miles away), but I could attend a class or two on simple bike maintenance, thanks.

Mursilis, I'll definitely be getting a good helmet. The trails that will be opening here also require protective eyewear, so I'll be looking for something in that as well.

I called the bike shops today and though I'm still going to look at all the possibilities they have, it sounds like I'll probably be choosing between these:

Trek 2002 800 Sport Mountain Bike - $260.00
Giant 2002 Rincon Mountain Bike - $270.00
Specialized 2001 Rockhopper on sale for $450.00
Gary Fisher 2002 Mamba - $250.00

I'll probably pass on the Specialized. I know it's a good deal, but this is my first foray into the sport and I have a lot of accessories to buy at the same time as the bike, so I want to stay on budget.

So, which of these do you think is the better bike?

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
Top shimano components

Deore/LX/XT/XTR

Though this seems to change every few years!

I have the Deore LX components on my Specialized Sirrus Comp. Wonderful, wonderful shifting. Much better than the low end Shimano grip-shift on my old MTB. I would NEVER go back to grip shifting.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

But that Trek frame you linked is still a traditional men's ('double-diamond') frame, albeit proportionally sized for women - I was warning her against the women's 'step-through' (also known as 'mixte') frame, where the top tube slopes down and contacts the seat tube down near the bottom bracket. Anyway, I see from the message above that montanafan isn't leaning in that direction, but just wants a traditional frame proportionally sized for a woman - looks like we're all in agreement on that.

BTW, DAPUNISHER, good taste in bikes (Trek)!!

I've got two Schwinns, two Specialized, a Cannondale, a Giant (the old Cadex line), and a Univega, so I like those brands as well.

That's a big quiver you have there :Q Most my friends ride Trek but I actually have a SuperV 2000 98' frame set(Fatty SL front/Fox Alps5R rear) that I just keep refitting every 18-24 months with all new components and of course anything that I nuke in between I'm lookin' at the Sugars and Haros<------Brutuskend's suggestion, for my next bike although I'll never get rid of my SuperV because I've put thousands of miles on it, most on singletrack and I am way to sentimentally attached to it! It's like a loyal dog to me