Beginner questions

[Kcf3106]

I recently bought a low end Mongoose FS, figuring that if I didnt end up liking mountain biking I wouldnt of lost to much money in it. Now that I know I enjoy mountain biking I'm looking into buying a HT since I'm beginning to loathe my FS, but since I can't afford to waste any money I wanted to check some things real quick.

1) What is a good HT brand name to look for ( In the $600 range, and something sold from REI would be preferable)

2) I've seem to have low pedaling clearence with my FS(i.e. I will sometimes hit rocks with my pedals.) Am I just not manuvering enough, or is there something I should look for when buying a new bike.

3) Are mountain bike shoes that clip into the pedal worth the $80+ that they cost.

Thanks for any help.

[CRAIG2]

Answers:

1) At $600, buy the one that fits the best. For a hardtail, something steel if you can find it. Most will be aluminum, however. Some good brands are KHS, Jamis, Specialized, Trek, Giant and I hear the REI house brand is decent. Fit is the most critical item.

2) You're just starting, you'll learn over time to pick better lines. You'll learn when to pedal, when to ratchet the pedals in rocks, etc, and over time will learn better technique. I doubt much of it has to do with the bike if you're pedals are hitting things.

3) The shoes for clipless pedals (what you're referring to) and the pedals, together as a system, are VERY worth the $80. They do take a little getting used to, but they are far more efficient than standard platform pedals or even toe cages.

4) COME JOIN A MORE GROUP for a casual / beginner friendly ride! Learn from those that have been doing this a while, learn what lines to pick, learn a few new techniques. Have a good time! I lead a beginner friendly ride at Wakefield park every Tuesday and Thursday (weather permitting) at 6:45. Also, check the ride calendar for rides if that is not something in your area.

Good luck!

Craig

[Jackson]

I recently bought a low end Mongoose FS, figuring that if I didnt end up liking mountain biking I wouldnt of lost to much money in it. Now that I know I enjoy mountain biking I'm looking into buying a HT since I'm beginning to loathe my FS, but since I can't afford to waste any money I wanted to check some things real quick.

1) What is a good HT brand name to look for ( In the $600 range, and something sold from REI would be preferable)

2) I've seem to have low pedaling clearence with my FS(i.e. I will sometimes hit rocks with my pedals.) Am I just not manuvering enough, or is there something I should look for when buying a new bike.

3) Are mountain bike shoes that clip into the pedal worth the $80+ that they cost.

Thanks for any help.


Other, more knowledgeable folks will certainly chime in - but welcome. This is a great forum to ask questions and get more involved w/ bike stuff:

1) For $600 or so, you should be able to get a pretty good HT. You'll have lots of options, really. I don't know what brands REI sells, but they probably have some good stuff. I'd recommend looking around at the local bike shops as well - they have good stuff and usually have excellent service - check out some of the sponsors on the front page - I think they all have fans here.

2) Everybody hits rocks - most people get better about dodging obstacles like this as they get more experience. But, even the most experience riders have beat up cranks. It's all part of the fun! I'm sure there can be difference in the clearance amounts on different bikes, but I doubt it's terribly signifcant.

3) Clipless pedals and shoes give you a better, more efficient pedaling platform and better control of your bike.

Enjoy -

Tom

[jabberwocky]

1. As Craig noted, in the 600 dollar range, the bikes from major manufacturers are very similar. Try to find one that fits well and feels good, and try to pick a shop that you like.

2. Its probably technique. You will learn when and how to pedal to avoid this, although even experienced riders hit their pedals sometimes. My pedals look like they serve double duty as rock chisels.

3. Clipless pedals are the single biggest improvement you can make to your biking. The almost double your effective power when climbing, they make it more difficult to get bounced off the pedal while climbing technical stuff, and they make manuvering the bike much easier (since you can lift the rear of the bike as well as the front). They do have a cost associated with them though, and a steep learning curve (tip: practice in a soft grassy field when beginning).

4. I'll second Craig: get out to a casual MORE ride. The Wakefield casual rides are fantastic beginner rides (I got my start there 2 1/2 years ago). Feel free to ask questions. I personally learn much faster when I'm riding with a group, and MORE is a great group to ride with.

[Jackson]

I recently bought a low end Mongoose FS, figuring that if I didnt end up liking mountain biking I wouldnt of lost to much money in it. Now that I know I enjoy mountain biking I'm looking into buying a HT since I'm beginning to loathe my FS, but since I can't afford to waste any money I wanted to check some things real quick.

.......

Thanks for any help.

By the way, here are two great resources to learn some good bike techniques & know-how:

Mountain Bike (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0897321146/002-0311364-9687263?v=glance&n=283155) by William Nealy

and

Taming the Bicycle (http://www123.pair.com/dzurn/bike1x.html) by S. Clemens.

- Tom

[redclayrambler]

(I got my start there 2 1/2 years ago)

Chris,
You have only been riding 2 1/2 years!!?? :eek:
Gosh.......................... I suck :mad:
Maybe you rode BMX before? :)
Time to go train or something..................
See ya,
Clay

[Kcf3106]

4) COME JOIN A MORE GROUP for a casual / beginner friendly ride! Learn from those that have been doing this a while, learn what lines to pick, learn a few new techniques. Have a good time! I lead a beginner friendly ride at Wakefield park every Tuesday and Thursday (weather permitting) at 6:45. Also, check the ride calendar for rides if that is not something in your area.

That sounds great, thanx for all the advice

-KC

[pirate]

Chris,
You have only been riding 2 1/2 years!!?? :eek:
Gosh.......................... I suck :mad:
Maybe you rode BMX before? :)
Time to go train or something..................
See ya,
Clay


I hear ya dude... I've been riding for like 8 years, and it seems like EVERYONE on here can smoke me. It's a little upsetting! :o

[gravel fodder]

I wouldn't rule out buying a used bike either. Thats pretty much what I did and I got a $900 bike for $550. I used the classified section of MTBR. At least there you're generally dealing with other bikers. Eaby might work as long as you're careful and know exactly what you're buying.

Go to www.bikenashbar.com or www.pricepoint.com and have a look for a combo deal on shoes and pedals. They'll usually have a decent starting combo for less than $100. I bought a set of Welgo Pedals and a pair of Sette shoes for $70-80 and while they're probably not spectacular they do the job and I can always upgrade one piece at a time.