Getting back into biking - advice please
Discussion
Hi folks,
I've recently gone on a bit of a push to get some weight off and more importantly get fit.
I used to do a lot of Downhill and freeride type stuff, competed in quite a few events etc. Anyway, I packed in around 8 years ago and really regret it, so I'm keen to get started again. Treating it like a fresh start, and as such I'm not reverting to spending thousands on it just yet.
Plan for now is pick up a bike for 500 notes or less, and spend a while getting back into it and enjoying the agony of exploring the lack of fitness I now have, before going onto getting something better and more expensive. I really have no idea how far 500 notes will get me, but I'm a long way off spending thousands on them like I used to.
I've been looking at more XC orientated stuff, maybe freeride as I can see me instantly wanting to rediscover some drops and jumps on the local trails.
So, I suppose the first step is getting a bike, any recommendations for one in the 500 quid or less bracket. Not really looking for second hand gear unless it's an exceptional bargain. I've not kept my finger on the pulse for a long time, so I've no idea who is good and who isn't these days. Orange and Kona where always my favourites.
Local stomping grounds are a heady mix of singletrack, woodland / forest, proper trails and gravel tracks.
I've recently gone on a bit of a push to get some weight off and more importantly get fit.
I used to do a lot of Downhill and freeride type stuff, competed in quite a few events etc. Anyway, I packed in around 8 years ago and really regret it, so I'm keen to get started again. Treating it like a fresh start, and as such I'm not reverting to spending thousands on it just yet.
Plan for now is pick up a bike for 500 notes or less, and spend a while getting back into it and enjoying the agony of exploring the lack of fitness I now have, before going onto getting something better and more expensive. I really have no idea how far 500 notes will get me, but I'm a long way off spending thousands on them like I used to.
I've been looking at more XC orientated stuff, maybe freeride as I can see me instantly wanting to rediscover some drops and jumps on the local trails.
So, I suppose the first step is getting a bike, any recommendations for one in the 500 quid or less bracket. Not really looking for second hand gear unless it's an exceptional bargain. I've not kept my finger on the pulse for a long time, so I've no idea who is good and who isn't these days. Orange and Kona where always my favourites.
Local stomping grounds are a heady mix of singletrack, woodland / forest, proper trails and gravel tracks.
Depends if you are looking to buy new or used. To be honest £500 might buy you a decent enough XC hardtail but it won't buy you full suss/proper freeride that stands any chance of staying together assuming you are going to give it some welly as you used to DH. If you are trying to get fit, going for a lighter XC bike might be the way to go anyway as it will encourage you to do riding where you will burn more calories and spend less time messing around and possibky hurting yourself!
Have a look at bikeradar.com or WMB magazine which have recommended bikes in each price bracket/category.
You may get more for your money second hand but budget some of your cash on a few new parts/service etc.
Have a look at bikeradar.com or WMB magazine which have recommended bikes in each price bracket/category.
You may get more for your money second hand but budget some of your cash on a few new parts/service etc.
Cheers, I figured 500 notes wouldn't get me too far, something to get started on with a view to moving onto better, more expensive gear next year was the general idea.
Aside of ebay and the like, is there anywhere decent for picking up second hand bikes? I'm a little weary of them knowing how much grief my bikes used to take, but if it's the only way I'll get something that won't be scrap after one trail fair enough.
Aside of ebay and the like, is there anywhere decent for picking up second hand bikes? I'm a little weary of them knowing how much grief my bikes used to take, but if it's the only way I'll get something that won't be scrap after one trail fair enough.
MBUK has a £500 hardtail group test this month. The Merlin Malt 1 from Merlincycles.co.uk wins. http://merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&productI...
Also have a look at the Boardman range from Halfords. They've dropped the prices at the moment, plus there's 10% off al bikes too. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Another option is the Commencal Combi Deluxe: http://merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&productI... (depending on how tall you are, as L and XL are sold out)
All of these are more XC orientated bikes, so won't be up to much Downhill or Jumping, but they're all good light bikes to help you get fit!
Also have a look at the Boardman range from Halfords. They've dropped the prices at the moment, plus there's 10% off al bikes too. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Another option is the Commencal Combi Deluxe: http://merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&productI... (depending on how tall you are, as L and XL are sold out)
All of these are more XC orientated bikes, so won't be up to much Downhill or Jumping, but they're all good light bikes to help you get fit!
To be honest if you try your LBS you might be surprised what they have on offer 2nd hand, they will normally service it and give you some kind of warranty. Face it, you will go through consumables like pads etc, but as I guess you know your stuff you will be able to make a reasonably informed buying decision, there's not that much to go wrong assuming they let it leave in a reasonable state. A test ride will reveal a lot assuming you know your bikes fairly well.
Alternative is buy an 08, or even 07 or 06 model new but heavily discounted. From what you have said you want to do, go for an older (but new) hardtail at the best spec you can find (pick up the bike mags and go through the shop ads at the back for the bargains) and concentrate on weight loss/XC, or if you want something to mess about on, look at a more hardcore hardtail that won't be as comfy or as XC suited but will take the silly stuff (and arguably get you fitter if you XC it as it will be harder work!)
Other option and assuming lots here, I don't suppose your employer does the bike to work scheme?
Alternative is buy an 08, or even 07 or 06 model new but heavily discounted. From what you have said you want to do, go for an older (but new) hardtail at the best spec you can find (pick up the bike mags and go through the shop ads at the back for the bargains) and concentrate on weight loss/XC, or if you want something to mess about on, look at a more hardcore hardtail that won't be as comfy or as XC suited but will take the silly stuff (and arguably get you fitter if you XC it as it will be harder work!)
Other option and assuming lots here, I don't suppose your employer does the bike to work scheme?
Cheers guys, I'll be picking up some mags when I go out later on tonight, bike mags that is 
What are Focus like? Seen a couple by them I quite like on wiggle, but it'd mean spending a bit more, hardtail ones look decent, and with a change of bars and pedals I reckon they're about on the money.
For what it's worth I'm 6'3
What are Focus like? Seen a couple by them I quite like on wiggle, but it'd mean spending a bit more, hardtail ones look decent, and with a change of bars and pedals I reckon they're about on the money.
For what it's worth I'm 6'3
Nice one. Not bad at all for £500...
I'm sure you'll remember all this from your DH days, but still, shocks have moved on a bit. Are your pikes Coil or Air? Whatever, they'll be Motion control damped, and the shock is an RP23 or RP2 I presume.
Take the time to set these up properly. It is CRITICAL to the ride of the bike. Also remember that they will free up over time and need fettling accordingly.
Enjoy though, looks neat.
I'm sure you'll remember all this from your DH days, but still, shocks have moved on a bit. Are your pikes Coil or Air? Whatever, they'll be Motion control damped, and the shock is an RP23 or RP2 I presume.
Take the time to set these up properly. It is CRITICAL to the ride of the bike. Also remember that they will free up over time and need fettling accordingly.
Enjoy though, looks neat.
They're the air version, though I've no experience of either.
If it proves to be a nice piece of kit I can see me upgrading bits rather than replacing the bike, but I'm sure they'll be fine for now as it's going to be a while before I'm anywhere near good enough to warrant spending more
I can really see me getting back into it in a big way, positively salivating at the prospect of blazing down some of the trails around here
Still need to get some gear sorted out, think I'll swing by the local bike shops tomorrow and see if I can pick up some kit, and some basic stuff for maintenance etc.
If it proves to be a nice piece of kit I can see me upgrading bits rather than replacing the bike, but I'm sure they'll be fine for now as it's going to be a while before I'm anywhere near good enough to warrant spending more
I can really see me getting back into it in a big way, positively salivating at the prospect of blazing down some of the trails around here
Still need to get some gear sorted out, think I'll swing by the local bike shops tomorrow and see if I can pick up some kit, and some basic stuff for maintenance etc.
Stu R said:
They're the air version, though I've no experience of either.
If it proves to be a nice piece of kit I can see me upgrading bits rather than replacing the bike, but I'm sure they'll be fine for now as it's going to be a while before I'm anywhere near good enough to warrant spending more
I can really see me getting back into it in a big way, positively salivating at the prospect of blazing down some of the trails around here
Still need to get some gear sorted out, think I'll swing by the local bike shops tomorrow and see if I can pick up some kit, and some basic stuff for maintenance etc.
Thats great. Point of note - did you order a shock pump too? Your not gonna be able to ride it till you do! Pick one up for £15 in your LBS, or if your orders not been dispatched get them to chuck one in. If it proves to be a nice piece of kit I can see me upgrading bits rather than replacing the bike, but I'm sure they'll be fine for now as it's going to be a while before I'm anywhere near good enough to warrant spending more
I can really see me getting back into it in a big way, positively salivating at the prospect of blazing down some of the trails around here
Still need to get some gear sorted out, think I'll swing by the local bike shops tomorrow and see if I can pick up some kit, and some basic stuff for maintenance etc.
Read the manuals for the shocks. The performance will be much better than what you last used I imagine, DH ten years ago, I'm guessing, Super T's, original Bombers, Maybe a set of Boxxer 151's!?
I just looked at your location. Now, a lot of people scoff, but hitting up a trail centre if the perfect place to get used to a new bike - its a 'controlled' environment, you can concentrate on the ride rather than navigating etc.
You shouldnt be too far from Hamsterley and Dalby forest - well worth a visit if you get a spare day. In fact, I'd happily meet up for a blast, need an excuse to get there, Im about the same distance away in the opposite direction.
Bet your grinning at the thought of it, new bikes rock as much as new cars.
snotrag said:
Stu R said:
They're the air version, though I've no experience of either.
If it proves to be a nice piece of kit I can see me upgrading bits rather than replacing the bike, but I'm sure they'll be fine for now as it's going to be a while before I'm anywhere near good enough to warrant spending more
I can really see me getting back into it in a big way, positively salivating at the prospect of blazing down some of the trails around here
Still need to get some gear sorted out, think I'll swing by the local bike shops tomorrow and see if I can pick up some kit, and some basic stuff for maintenance etc.
Thats great. Point of note - did you order a shock pump too? Your not gonna be able to ride it till you do! Pick one up for £15 in your LBS, or if your orders not been dispatched get them to chuck one in. If it proves to be a nice piece of kit I can see me upgrading bits rather than replacing the bike, but I'm sure they'll be fine for now as it's going to be a while before I'm anywhere near good enough to warrant spending more
I can really see me getting back into it in a big way, positively salivating at the prospect of blazing down some of the trails around here
Still need to get some gear sorted out, think I'll swing by the local bike shops tomorrow and see if I can pick up some kit, and some basic stuff for maintenance etc.
Read the manuals for the shocks. The performance will be much better than what you last used I imagine, DH ten years ago, I'm guessing, Super T's, original Bombers, Maybe a set of Boxxer 151's!?
I just looked at your location. Now, a lot of people scoff, but hitting up a trail centre if the perfect place to get used to a new bike - its a 'controlled' environment, you can concentrate on the ride rather than navigating etc.
You shouldnt be too far from Hamsterley and Dalby forest - well worth a visit if you get a spare day. In fact, I'd happily meet up for a blast, need an excuse to get there, Im about the same distance away in the opposite direction.
Bet your grinning at the thought of it, new bikes rock as much as new cars.
But yeah, the last bike I used for any serious and regular work was fitted with SuperT's I've got a run of great trails around here that I still know fairly well, a great mix of some local woods, an old motorcross track, and some fells. I used to do Hamsterly and kielder most weekends, done a few events at both in the past, be lucky to get up the hill at the minute!
Definately up for meeting up at hamsterly sometime though, though I'll get my fitness off the floor first
Glad you mentioned the shock pump! Hadn't even thought about it.
Can't begin to explain how exciting it is now, tuesday seems a hell of a long way away
Ah ok, sounds good.
We've been discussing this at work today - it is very obvious that there is a natural cycle to the way mountain bikers develop.
You start off as a kid. Over the years you break your bikes at the jumps, and save up and move to stronger, tougher bikes, with more travel, You jump off increasingly big rocks, and do more DH races. You end up with a big ££££, massive travel bike, doing expensive races all over, until eventually you get sick of breaking things and always being skint and give it up.
Then you decide to come back, but realise that 'XC' isnt, actually, gay. It is way more fun to ride a bike that is, well, ridable. Earn your altitude. Use it to keep fit. And still be able to rip on the downs, get some air time and do some big skids. Proper mountain biking!
It seems you are doing the same. I did, everyone at work has, lots of our customers have, my riding buddies have, etc etc.
We've been discussing this at work today - it is very obvious that there is a natural cycle to the way mountain bikers develop.
You start off as a kid. Over the years you break your bikes at the jumps, and save up and move to stronger, tougher bikes, with more travel, You jump off increasingly big rocks, and do more DH races. You end up with a big ££££, massive travel bike, doing expensive races all over, until eventually you get sick of breaking things and always being skint and give it up.
Then you decide to come back, but realise that 'XC' isnt, actually, gay. It is way more fun to ride a bike that is, well, ridable. Earn your altitude. Use it to keep fit. And still be able to rip on the downs, get some air time and do some big skids. Proper mountain biking!
It seems you are doing the same. I did, everyone at work has, lots of our customers have, my riding buddies have, etc etc.
So true! I started with XC hardtails, turned them into really ropey dirt jumpers, moved onto full susser freeride bikes, then natural progression was hardcore DH bikes with the latest most expensive gear, did some competing but not enough to justify it. Even did the great north ride on a full weight downhill bike, with fat wheels and the widest tyres at the time (tiogas)
Sold the gear, found bikes with engines, and a girl with really big norks, and altogether forgot about biking.
A few years on and a few stone gained, I'm really beginning to wish I hadn't given up, but can't wait to get back into it
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