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Bike and Shop
Hey everyone, I'm new to the whole mountain bike caper, in the real terms of actually riding on trails anyway! But rode Manly Dam last friday on a bike lent to me by someone who thought they had an awesome bike (although not what more experienced eyes have said) it was a Mongoose something or other (I remember them from bmx back in the 80's) anyway did the job but didn't inspire confidence in how many times it might complete the circuit, so I was wondering if anyone has any basic advice for me on brands and good cycle shops?
I don't want to spend a fortune, but would like value for my dollar and some tips on what to look out for, I'm about 180cm tall and 95kg
Any advice appreciated.
Cheers
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Welcome AJD
You don't say where you live but check out your local bike shop first, then perhaps pay a visit to Bike Addiction in Manley to compare. I have found them to be knowledgeable and have a great line of items in stock. If you live closer to the city perhaps check out City Bike Demo, they tend to have a good rep, although I haven't really used them. I have found the folks at Cranks friendly as well and they stock good stuff.
As for decent value bikes, check out the Giant range. They offer great value and are easily serviced. BA do demo's on most bikes which would almost certainly be a huge improvement on that old horse you have been riding.
And come along to a social ride some time, there are plenty of people that will bore the socks off you with regard to the answers you seek
Ah... the old... "what's the best bike" question.
Can you give us a clue on your budget? And the typical riding you will do? Depending on the budget you might have to limit yourself to a hardtail (no rear suspension) which might not be a bad thing if you like smooth XC riding.
Most will say that the brand they ride is the best (clearly - or why would the have bought it?
) but many will also tell you Giant are probably the best value available in Aus at the mo. Although with recent price hikes I'm not so sure 
Anyhow - from Giant, you can get an entry level hardtail from 500 bucks. Personally - I also like Trek hardtails in this price range.
If you want rear suspension start looking around $2K or on eBay, but be very careful on the latter if you don't know what to look for.
I live in Northbridge, and have been into KOM at Neutral Bay but they seem to what seemed a very specialised line up, Cannondale or something like that?!
Once I find something reasonalbe to ride I'd like to do some social rides, but would rather not take the old mongoose out again as I'm not sure if it would get back to the owner in one piece!!!!
About $2k or that is what I seem to notice as the start of dual suspension bikes of any note. I don't really know what sort of riding I'm going to be doing but I'm up for anything like Manly Dam which seemed to have a nice combination of trails.
Specialized have a good range of bikes from the beginner to the elite. Northside at Chatswood are helpful but not really active in discounting, but will be wanting to get rid of 09 stock in the next couple of months, because the 2010 stuff will be out soon.
I have an Enduro all mountain bike and love it. I brought the entry level comp for about $4k at the end of 07 and love the bike. The thing about Specialized is, they do things like make the seat post a different diameter to the standard, so you need to buy there's and my front hub is 22mm where the standard is 20mm for all other hubs. But there gear is good.
Cycle World at Burwood carry Specialized and will drop their price lower than Northside.
Benny
Like mentioned above, I think going on a social ride is the best way.
If you really like MTB'ing I suggest you go medium-hog (not low or full-hog) and spend $4-$5k if you can afford it, instead of spending $1k on a hard-tail next week, and then upgrading to a $5k dual suspension bike next year... which seems to be the popular progression.
Hi AJD,
Such an open question will attract various points of view. None are wrong and simply reflect peoples personal experience.
Although I have ridden hardtails for many years my first full suspension bike was a Giant Reign purchased from Bike Addiction 3 1/2 years ago(I am also 180cm and 92kg). To date, I always go to see these guys first for any bike products, advice and guidance. The guys at Bike Addiction don't sell product, they provide sound knowledge to allow you to make a good choice. The Giant Reign served me very well for a couple of years (several day rides, Dirtworks 100 and some technical riding) and only cost $2400.
BTW - Check out the recent edition of Australian Mountain Bike as Bike Addiction have an advert on page 73 which offers 20% discount on 2009 Giant bikes.
wow.. $2K..
That sits right in the "really good hardtail range" and the "really shit dual suspension range"
Bugger.
Either get a hardtail, or get a second hand dual suspension bike, but be aware of your products before hitting ebay.
If you are sort of handy with tools (ie scredriver, allen keys and a spanner or two
), definately look into a second hand bike. Or even a secondhand frame and buy seperate componentry.
A full second hand bike has it's advantages and it's disadvantages. Advantages - ; You get a much better quality frame and shock/fork combo for your dollar. Actually, if you buy smart combined with a bit of luck you can get a bloody good buy. There are actually a couple of really good buys on e-bay at the moment. Disadvantages - ; You might have to double dip on a few things. Like drivetrain, rear cassette, rear derailier, front chainrings, chain etc. These items are basicly disposable items. If they aren't maintained well, they wear out quite quickly, and even if they are maintained well, still wear out. So buying a S/H bike could mean you may need to buy a few things to get it running 100%. So allow a few hundred dollars for stuff like that. General servicing, brake fluid/pads etc.
Or you can go the frame and buy everything to suit direction. Advantages - ; You get to put new stuff on your bike if you have a particular fetish for something. Mines carbon fiber... hahah You get to choose the brakes you want, the wheel set you want. If you look around and shop wisely in the S/H market you can find some real bargains and put together a really well spec'd bike for alot cheaper than buying new and generally not a whole lot more than buying a complete bike second hand. Above all else, you'll learn about your bike and how it all goes together. There is an infinite amount of information on here and on other forums should you need advise or help. Disadvantages - ; You will spend more than buying a complete S/H bike.
Having just gone through the process myself, I weighed up all of the different options. Being handy on the tools helped me with my descision. I ended up buying a reasonable quality S/H frame off ebay (06 Specialized Enduro). It came with a rear shock (FOX DHX 5.0 Air). Fortunately for me, for an extra few hundred, the guy gave me a set of wheels (original Enduro wheels), and a few other bits and pieces that helped me get a good base for a bike going. I then hunted the forums and ebay for everything else. All up it's cost me around $2500. It's spec'd better than any other bike I've seen second hand for the same money and I have the bike that suits exactly what I enjoy doing with some really good quality components. I think Lozza summed up buying S/H really well, "be aware of your products". It takes a little while to learn the lingo and discipher it all, but it's well worth it.
Since you have the Goose for now, at least you can still ride that for a while, and build up something that suits you. As it was advised to me by my mate and has already been said above, just watch out on buying a hardtail (due to limited finances etc). Alot of people make the progression from HT to dually quite quickly as thier skills, ability and fitness improve.
But if you can't be assed with building a bike, or simply don't have the time and just want the LBS to service it and look after it, then possible a new bike would be your best bet. This way, you get warrenty, it's all looked after for you and all you have to do is jump on and enjoy it.
Hope that helps
Tark
Thanks for the comments, it was a open ended to get a nice range of feedback, which is what I'm after, looks like a trip to pick up Mountain Bike mag and pick up on the lingo so at least if I drop into a bunch of shops I wont be baffled with bulls*^t.
Thanks again
AD
Size of this is large, but may be adjustable. Its a good price.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Specialized-Enduro_W0QQit...
Benny
Thanks Benny,
I came across that last night and it looked like a good price I guess I just need to know what size bike would suit me?
cheers
AD
I'm 182cm and my Enduro is a large. i've got a longer torso and shorter legs. The Large is perfect for me. If you wanted to come around and have a quick ride of my bike to see if it's suitable you're more than welcome. At least then you'll have an idea of sizing, although mine is the previous shaped model, but should still be relevent.
Before you buy try and sit on and ride as many bikes as you can. The right one for you will talk to you.
Phil
Hi AJD, I have just listed a 05 Kona Dawg in the classifieds if you are interested? I am approx same weight and height. Genuine reason for sale.
Cheers