Beginner "What bike should I get?" Thread

PB Forum :: Beginners
Beginner "What bike should I get?" Thread
Author Message
flag tlt593
Posted: May 17, 2011 at 10:31 Quote
Thanks man that helped a lot. I'll look into those because they seem like really good deals
flag thecarpy
Posted: May 17, 2011 at 15:49 Quote
UnderpantsMachine wrote:
I'm fairly new to the world of mountain biking, I've ridden mountain bikes for most of my life, but it was mostly nicer low-end bikes for commuting and the occasional not-so-intense trail ride. Recently I got started with more all-mountain style biking and want to get a bike that I will be able to do all the things that I want to do and have 'nicer' components.

About me: I'm 6'1 and about 150lbs. If it changes anything

About my biking style: I love the speed of riding down a hill, hitting jumps, drops, burms and anything else that gets in my way. I don't want to rule out the possibility that I will eventually at the very least dabble trying out a downhill jump track. However my primary focus of this bike is to have something that I'll be able to do serious all mountain track without feeling like I am exceeding the capacity of my bike.

I have an opportunity through my work to get a bike at a discount through Trek and I really want to take advantage of it. I was looking at the Rumblefish II, but the Session 8 is also in my price range. I’m more or less convinced that I prefer the 29 wheels on the rum’fish. My real question here is how a Rumblefish II would compare to the bikes that people always seem to rave about like the RIP 9, Giant Reign, etc. I don’t seem to get any solid feedback on the bike except for one or two scattered web reviews.
I would disuade you from the Rumblefish. It sounds a bit under-equiped for what you want. That bike isn't going to be able to go on a dh course if you want, hit jumps, big drops, and things like that. It is really just an xc bike with a little more travel, known as a trail bike. People just call it a trail bike because they don't want to say its an xc bike. The Trek Remedy sounds perfect for you. Its still got a pedalable frame, but has 150 mm of travel and will take some good abuse. If you want to go even more heavy duty, the Scratch Air. Don't get the regular Scratch, its a full on freeride bike. The Scratch Air starts to take you into even more intense stuff, like 36 mm stancion tubes, a chain guide, and a freeride frame (with less travel). If you can afford the Scratch Air 8, I would get it. If you can't, the Remedy is an extremely capable bike.
flag bubbaleech
Posted: May 17, 2011 at 19:58 Quote
carpy95 wrote:
UnderpantsMachine wrote:
I'm fairly new to the world of mountain biking, I've ridden mountain bikes for most of my life, but it was mostly nicer low-end bikes for commuting and the occasional not-so-intense trail ride. Recently I got started with more all-mountain style biking and want to get a bike that I will be able to do all the things that I want to do and have 'nicer' components.

About me: I'm 6'1 and about 150lbs. If it changes anything

About my biking style: I love the speed of riding down a hill, hitting jumps, drops, burms and anything else that gets in my way. I don't want to rule out the possibility that I will eventually at the very least dabble trying out a downhill jump track. However my primary focus of this bike is to have something that I'll be able to do serious all mountain track without feeling like I am exceeding the capacity of my bike.

I have an opportunity through my work to get a bike at a discount through Trek and I really want to take advantage of it. I was looking at the Rumblefish II, but the Session 8 is also in my price range. I’m more or less convinced that I prefer the 29 wheels on the rum’fish. My real question here is how a Rumblefish II would compare to the bikes that people always seem to rave about like the RIP 9, Giant Reign, etc. I don’t seem to get any solid feedback on the bike except for one or two scattered web reviews.
I would disuade you from the Rumblefish. It sounds a bit under-equiped for what you want. That bike isn't going to be able to go on a dh course if you want, hit jumps, big drops, and things like that. It is really just an xc bike with a little more travel, known as a trail bike. People just call it a trail bike because they don't want to say its an xc bike. The Trek Remedy sounds perfect for you. Its still got a pedalable frame, but has 150 mm of travel and will take some good abuse. If you want to go even more heavy duty, the Scratch Air. Don't get the regular Scratch, its a full on freeride bike. The Scratch Air starts to take you into even more intense stuff, like 36 mm stancion tubes, a chain guide, and a freeride frame (with less travel). If you can afford the Scratch Air 8, I would get it. If you can't, the Remedy is an extremely capable bike.

(yay for long quotes!)
First of all good sir, I applaud you for giving us so much info on your needs. Not many beginners actually do that. One thing that I would like to know, though, is what specific tupes of trails you are planning on doing. (like does it need to be climbable, dedicated DH, race bike, etc.). I wouldnt deter you from getting the normal scratch, as it would be a better downhill bike if that is what you need. The one thing I would definatley say though os that you should stay away from the 29er for what it sounds like you want to do. I personally ride a 29er for XC, and I love it, but the big wheels do not handle like you would want for actual DH tracks. Hope that helped, and feel free to ask if you jave any more questions.
flag ginged26dj
Posted: May 18, 2011 at 11:30 Quote
just for all to know tlt593 will be getting himself a marin san quentin or mongoose fireball as a new bike courtesy of this thread if anyone knows anymore neewbies looking for bikes send them here
flag hardyk
Posted: May 18, 2011 at 11:54 Quote
for MTB usage, a very good overall bike for the price is a specialized pitch. u can do a lot of stuff with that.
flag pilosh
Posted: May 18, 2011 at 12:08 Quote
(old) N00b here, figured I'd add to this thread instead of starting one for the same purpose...

I am 30 next year and haven't ridden for over a decade. (Except a crap $150 full suspension bike I bought on a whim a few years back from a department store, rode it 2x, broke it and set it out by the road, someone was picking it up 30 seconds later)

So with that said I now live out in the country and have plenty of land to build whatever kind of dirt jumps, ramps, pump track, and so on. So I plan to make what I never could as a kid but I have no bike to ride on.

When I was into biking you either rode a mountain bike or a BMX bike - now there are bikes specific for downhill, trials, DJ, etc... And more or less I am lost.

I am 5'9" and 225lbs - so not a small guy at all and I have broken many a bike parts as I ride very hard. Therefore I understand I'll probably have to spend at least $500-800 to get a bike I won't destroy the first time out. The question is - what kind? This is where I am lost.

The two bikes I've found in my research that seem to fit my needs are the Specialized P2 and the Kona Shred - I think as they are geared towards dirt jumping from what I can tell which is what I want. Plus there is a local dealer for both of these brands. The one thing I don't like is that both of these bikes have 26" tires and for some reason I think 24" would be better. It seems like 26" would limit what you can do or am I wrong here?

I'll just be riding whatever tracks/jumps I make. I have no pavement at all to ride on, I won't be riding long distances much but I would like it to be some what comfortable in case I do take it to some longer trails. I just want to be able to jump without fear of breaking more or less.

Any suggestions for me?

Thanks
flag hardyk
Posted: May 18, 2011 at 12:29 Quote
pilosh wrote:
(old) N00b here, figured I'd add to this thread instead of starting one for the same purpose...

I am 30 next year and haven't ridden for over a decade. (Except a crap $150 full suspension bike I bought on a whim a few years back from a department store, rode it 2x, broke it and set it out by the road, someone was picking it up 30 seconds later)

So with that said I now live out in the country and have plenty of land to build whatever kind of dirt jumps, ramps, pump track, and so on. So I plan to make what I never could as a kid but I have no bike to ride on.

When I was into biking you either rode a mountain bike or a BMX bike - now there are bikes specific for downhill, trials, DJ, etc... And more or less I am lost.

I am 5'9" and 225lbs - so not a small guy at all and I have broken many a bike parts as I ride very hard. Therefore I understand I'll probably have to spend at least $500-800 to get a bike I won't destroy the first time out. The question is - what kind? This is where I am lost.

The two bikes I've found in my research that seem to fit my needs are the Specialized P2 and the Kona Shred - I think as they are geared towards dirt jumping from what I can tell which is what I want. Plus there is a local dealer for both of these brands. The one thing I don't like is that both of these bikes have 26" tires and for some reason I think 24" would be better. It seems like 26" would limit what you can do or am I wrong here?

I'll just be riding whatever tracks/jumps I make. I have no pavement at all to ride on, I won't be riding long distances much but I would like it to be some what comfortable in case I do take it to some longer trails. I just want to be able to jump without fear of breaking more or less.

Any suggestions for me?

Thanks

depends on how much you are wiling to pay for it.. p2 and shred are hard tails, of course you can hit some big stuff with that but its more tricky than with a full suspension bike, if you are looking for a rock solid freeride bike, id recommand a kona stinky, a specialized SX or big hit, or norco have some cheap full suspension bike like b-line or shore.

really depends on the $ you are willing to pay tbh. for something around 800$ yeah p2 and shred are good i guess.
flag ginged26dj
Posted: May 18, 2011 at 12:41 Quote
pilosh wrote:
(old) N00b here, figured I'd add to this thread instead of starting one for the same purpose...

I am 30 next year and haven't ridden for over a decade. (Except a crap $150 full suspension bike I bought on a whim a few years back from a department store, rode it 2x, broke it and set it out by the road, someone was picking it up 30 seconds later)

So with that said I now live out in the country and have plenty of land to build whatever kind of dirt jumps, ramps, pump track, and so on. So I plan to make what I never could as a kid but I have no bike to ride on.

When I was into biking you either rode a mountain bike or a BMX bike - now there are bikes specific for downhill, trials, DJ, etc... And more or less I am lost.

I am 5'9" and 225lbs - so not a small guy at all and I have broken many a bike parts as I ride very hard. Therefore I understand I'll probably have to spend at least $500-800 to get a bike I won't destroy the first time out. The question is - what kind? This is where I am lost.

The two bikes I've found in my research that seem to fit my needs are the Specialized P2 and the Kona Shred - I think as they are geared towards dirt jumping from what I can tell which is what I want. Plus there is a local dealer for both of these brands. The one thing I don't like is that both of these bikes have 26" tires and for some reason I think 24" would be better. It seems like 26" would limit what you can do or am I wrong here?

I'll just be riding whatever tracks/jumps I make. I have no pavement at all to ride on, I won't be riding long distances much but I would like it to be some what comfortable in case I do take it to some longer trails. I just want to be able to jump without fear of breaking more or less.

Any suggestions for me?

Thanks
give me a few hours ill find something for you and do you want gears
flag pilosh
Posted: May 18, 2011 at 12:50 Quote
@ Hardyk

$800 is about the max I'd want to go. Not because I don't think an $800 bike is the best but because it's the most I could afford unless I saved for years since I am not rich by any stretch of the word. It would take me a long time to save the $800 as is.

The Kona Stinky / Specialized Big Hit -SX all look super nice but are WAY out of reach money wise.

So I think I am pretty much stuck with a hard tail, which is ok by me.




@ginged26dj
Thanks. I would prefer at least a few gears in case I do some trail riding but it's not completely necessary. I rode a single speed BMX bike for years and it suited me fine too.
flag thecarpy
Posted: May 18, 2011 at 16:08 Quote
ginged26dj wrote:
just for all to know tlt593 will be getting himself a marin san quentin or mongoose fireball as a new bike courtesy of this thread if anyone knows anymore neewbies looking for bikes send them here
Big Grin

Awesome. I am glad this thread is helping people, but you get the creds on that one. tup
flag thecarpy
Posted: May 18, 2011 at 16:11 Quote
pilosh wrote:
(old) N00b here, figured I'd add to this thread instead of starting one for the same purpose...

I am 30 next year and haven't ridden for over a decade. (Except a crap $150 full suspension bike I bought on a whim a few years back from a department store, rode it 2x, broke it and set it out by the road, someone was picking it up 30 seconds later)

So with that said I now live out in the country and have plenty of land to build whatever kind of dirt jumps, ramps, pump track, and so on. So I plan to make what I never could as a kid but I have no bike to ride on.

When I was into biking you either rode a mountain bike or a BMX bike - now there are bikes specific for downhill, trials, DJ, etc... And more or less I am lost.

I am 5'9" and 225lbs - so not a small guy at all and I have broken many a bike parts as I ride very hard. Therefore I understand I'll probably have to spend at least $500-800 to get a bike I won't destroy the first time out. The question is - what kind? This is where I am lost.

The two bikes I've found in my research that seem to fit my needs are the Specialized P2 and the Kona Shred - I think as they are geared towards dirt jumping from what I can tell which is what I want. Plus there is a local dealer for both of these brands. The one thing I don't like is that both of these bikes have 26" tires and for some reason I think 24" would be better. It seems like 26" would limit what you can do or am I wrong here?

I'll just be riding whatever tracks/jumps I make. I have no pavement at all to ride on, I won't be riding long distances much but I would like it to be some what comfortable in case I do take it to some longer trails. I just want to be able to jump without fear of breaking more or less.

Any suggestions for me?

Thanks
Unfortunately the P.2 is completely sold out. Are you looking for a pure dirt jump bike, or a do it all hardtail, that you can take on trails? Also, what brands do you have access to buying?
flag Nobble
Posted: May 18, 2011 at 16:22 Quote
carpy95 wrote:
pilosh wrote:
(old) N00b here, figured I'd add to this thread instead of starting one for the same purpose...

I am 30 next year and haven't ridden for over a decade. (Except a crap $150 full suspension bike I bought on a whim a few years back from a department store, rode it 2x, broke it and set it out by the road, someone was picking it up 30 seconds later)

So with that said I now live out in the country and have plenty of land to build whatever kind of dirt jumps, ramps, pump track, and so on. So I plan to make what I never could as a kid but I have no bike to ride on.

When I was into biking you either rode a mountain bike or a BMX bike - now there are bikes specific for downhill, trials, DJ, etc... And more or less I am lost.

I am 5'9" and 225lbs - so not a small guy at all and I have broken many a bike parts as I ride very hard. Therefore I understand I'll probably have to spend at least $500-800 to get a bike I won't destroy the first time out. The question is - what kind? This is where I am lost.

The two bikes I've found in my research that seem to fit my needs are the Specialized P2 and the Kona Shred - I think as they are geared towards dirt jumping from what I can tell which is what I want. Plus there is a local dealer for both of these brands. The one thing I don't like is that both of these bikes have 26" tires and for some reason I think 24" would be better. It seems like 26" would limit what you can do or am I wrong here?

I'll just be riding whatever tracks/jumps I make. I have no pavement at all to ride on, I won't be riding long distances much but I would like it to be some what comfortable in case I do take it to some longer trails. I just want to be able to jump without fear of breaking more or less.

Any suggestions for me?

Thanks
Unfortunately the P.2 is completely sold out. Are you looking for a pure dirt jump bike, or a do it all hardtail, that you can take on trails? Also, what brands do you have access to buying?
sold out meaning that stores cant buy any more... that dosent mean that shops dont have them.
flag pilosh
Posted: May 18, 2011 at 17:10 Quote
carpy95 wrote:
Unfortunately the P.2 is completely sold out. Are you looking for a pure dirt jump bike, or a do it all hardtail, that you can take on trails? Also, what brands do you have access to buying?

Well, my local shop may have one. I haven't even called to check since I don't have the cash yet but good to know.

I would say not a *pure* dirt jump bike on one hand but I don't want to sacrifice the ability to jump and not break it by just getting a do it all type. I do want to be able to take it on trails or go for a ride on occasion though, so like I said it's got to be at least some what comfortable to cruise on occasion.


The two shops in town I know of have

Cannondale
Specialized
Trek
Kona
GT
Fuji
KHS
Mongoose
Haro


I don't know all these brands, some may not apply..

I am also considering buying a frame and building one after seeing prices for what good bikes cost these days, I have never done it but I've rebuilt cars many times so a bike can't be any harder... I priced frames and they are not bad but the other components may add up quick too.

 


Copyright © 2000 - 2023. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.013616
Mobile Version of Website