TW Mountain Biking Thread

If you have a life outside of BWFC, then this is the place to tell us all about your toilet habits, and those bizarre fetishes.......

Moderator: Zulus Thousand of em

User avatar
Abdoulaye's Twin
Legend
Legend
Posts: 9714
Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:27 pm
Location: Skye high

Post by Abdoulaye's Twin » Tue Aug 11, 2009 8:14 am

Unless you know your bikes I wouldn't buy second hand. You could very easily end up with something with the drivetrain components very worn which could cost you a couple of hundred or more to replace. Same with the frame. Unless you know what you're looking for you might not spot previous stress on the frame.

Spend as much as you can afford and consider the type of riding you intend to do as this affects what you need to buy. If you can try out a couple of bikes beforehand it helps to decide if things like full suspension are for you. Also, don't make the mistake of getting a frame too big for you for off roading. The bike I built years ago had a 20" frame, which for someone of 6'5" is a little on the small side but I found it to be the right size for me when coupled with a fancy extra long seat post. Elevated chainstays are a wonderful design if you can find one. A little too flexible for some but they give you great clearance and help with extra speed and acceleration from standing starts.

Remember that you need to spend on a good lock and I recommend SPDs. They take a little getting used to but you'll never want to be without them...

General Mannerheim
Legend
Legend
Posts: 6343
Joined: Wed Oct 18, 2006 12:45 pm

Post by General Mannerheim » Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:27 pm

Just discovered the track from the mast down to Belmont - Brilliant! even managed to buckle a wheel! bit of a ball ache getting to the top, and back to rivington from belmont - but well worth it!

William the White
Legend
Legend
Posts: 8454
Joined: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:43 pm
Location: Trotter Shop

Post by William the White » Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:35 pm

General Mannerheim wrote:Just discovered the track from the mast down to Belmont - Brilliant! even managed to buckle a wheel! bit of a ball ache getting to the top, and back to rivington from belmont - but well worth it!
i usually do winter hill from Barrow Bridge... but i walk... can you ride up 63 steps?

User avatar
officer_dibble
Immortal
Immortal
Posts: 15295
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2004 9:33 pm
Location: Leeds

Post by officer_dibble » Thu Aug 13, 2009 11:20 pm

General...AT, sorry guys I've just remembered this thread, cheers for the advice.

I think I will hit Dolby as not too far from it, for a day, but a few mates at work are trying to get me into this so I think I will take the plunge!

General Mannerheim
Legend
Legend
Posts: 6343
Joined: Wed Oct 18, 2006 12:45 pm

Post by General Mannerheim » Sun Aug 16, 2009 11:31 pm

Today we got up early and went to Betws-y-Coed to do the Marin Trail, then on the way back we stopped at Llandegla and did the circuit round there! about 50k in total!

knackered now but theres no better way to spend a sunday!

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 35 guests