Should I Own a Mountain Bike?
#1
BF's Resident Dumbass
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Posts: 1,566
Bikes: 1990 Raleigh Flyer (size 21"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 15"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 17.5"); 2019 Dahon Mu D9; 2020 Dahon Hemingway D9
Liked 1,496 Times
in
497 Posts
Should I Own a Mountain Bike?
No, seriously. A couple of nice MTBs popped up in the local classifieds recently and I was tempted. I've always been extremely curious about this whole mountain biking thing, and my brother-in-law, an avid mountain biker, tried - and then stopped trying - to get me into the fold, but I kept balking for various reasons - cost, logistics, my lack of fitness (or is it poor mental fortitude? )
So the question I'm really as is, would actually physically owning a mountain bike encourage me to at least try out the sport, or would I just be throwing away good money after bad?
(PS or I could just spend the money to get my motorcycle license and get me my first motorcycle, which I've been wanting to do for, like, ever!)
So the question I'm really as is, would actually physically owning a mountain bike encourage me to at least try out the sport, or would I just be throwing away good money after bad?
(PS or I could just spend the money to get my motorcycle license and get me my first motorcycle, which I've been wanting to do for, like, ever!)
Last edited by sjanzeir; 10-31-22 at 01:21 PM.
#2
Senior Member
It depends. Riding trails is a lot of fun, but not everyone likes it. Only you can say. I think it is a blast. With a used bike you can try it and sell the bike for what you paid if it isn't for you.
Likes For staehpj1:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,663
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike
Liked 768 Times
in
471 Posts
Any chance of borrowing your brother-in-law's mtn. bike to see if you like mtn.biking? Or are there any bike shops that rent bikes, or someone that would let you try their bike? Personally, I don't see how anyone would not like mtn biking-you can go from mild to wild, doesn't have to be extreme. But I do know a few who don't care for it at all.
Last edited by freeranger; 10-31-22 at 02:47 PM.
Likes For freeranger:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 7,317
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Liked 2,397 Times
in
1,353 Posts
There's a learning curve to riding certain kinds of trails, if you think you might want to try single track stuff. One major reason I mt. bike is its harder to motivate for a road ride when its 35 degrees and windy. Thats my comfort point on the road. On a mt. bike you are usually moving slower (10 mph vs. 18), so less wind factor, you are in the woods, so less wind there. Can comfortably mt. bike at 15 degrees or so, so I've now extended my riding season.
Last edited by Steve B.; 10-31-22 at 04:14 PM.
Likes For Steve B.:
#5
BF's Resident Dumbass
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Posts: 1,566
Bikes: 1990 Raleigh Flyer (size 21"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 15"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 17.5"); 2019 Dahon Mu D9; 2020 Dahon Hemingway D9
Liked 1,496 Times
in
497 Posts
Well, to be honest, MTBing and I did not get off to a good start. Way back in July 2016, the same brother-in-law lent me an X-caliber 9 and took me out to a group ride and a race across some hills to the east of Jeddah; only he neglected to tell me that the front brake was faulty, and I neglected to test ride the rig before starting out. On the first steep descent I came barreling down, I lost control of my speed, eventually ditching and crashing down onto my tush. For months, I had a third butt cheek to show for it.
But it was that incident that got me even more curious about MTBing, and the episode went a long way in getting me to shape up my regular riding. I had already figured at the time that I would've had a steep learning curve to grapple with, but it was on that day that I realized just how steep the curve was.
Would he lend me that X-caliber 9 again for a second chance to see if I'd fare better? I'll definitely ask him that the next time I see him! But there's no shortage of barely-used Marlin 7's (and lesser Marlins) in my size in the classifieds, along with a few older 3700s and the like!
But it was that incident that got me even more curious about MTBing, and the episode went a long way in getting me to shape up my regular riding. I had already figured at the time that I would've had a steep learning curve to grapple with, but it was on that day that I realized just how steep the curve was.
Would he lend me that X-caliber 9 again for a second chance to see if I'd fare better? I'll definitely ask him that the next time I see him! But there's no shortage of barely-used Marlin 7's (and lesser Marlins) in my size in the classifieds, along with a few older 3700s and the like!
#6
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 14,619
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Liked 4,553 Times
in
3,050 Posts
Yes the formula is N+1 and is scientifically formulated so you know it is correct. It is good to own one of everything I think or at least most stuff.
Likes For veganbikes:
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 7,317
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Liked 2,397 Times
in
1,353 Posts
Well, to be honest, MTBing and I did not get off to a good start. Way back in July 2016, the same brother-in-law lent me an X-caliber 9 and took me out to a group ride and a race across some hills to the east of Jeddah; only he neglected to tell me that the front brake was faulty, and I neglected to test ride the rig before starting out. On the first steep descent I came barreling down, I lost control of my speed, eventually ditching and crashing down onto my tush. For months, I had a third butt cheek to show for it.
But it was that incident that got me even more curious about MTBing, and the episode went a long way in getting me to shape up my regular riding. I had already figured at the time that I would've had a steep learning curve to grapple with, but it was on that day that I realized just how steep the curve was.
Would he lend me that X-caliber 9 again for a second chance to see if I'd fare better? I'll definitely ask him that the next time I see him! But there's no shortage of barely-used Marlin 7's (and lesser Marlins) in my size in the classifieds, along with a few older 3700s and the like!
But it was that incident that got me even more curious about MTBing, and the episode went a long way in getting me to shape up my regular riding. I had already figured at the time that I would've had a steep learning curve to grapple with, but it was on that day that I realized just how steep the curve was.
Would he lend me that X-caliber 9 again for a second chance to see if I'd fare better? I'll definitely ask him that the next time I see him! But there's no shortage of barely-used Marlin 7's (and lesser Marlins) in my size in the classifieds, along with a few older 3700s and the like!
Likes For Steve B.:
#8
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,626
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Liked 8,954 Times
in
4,198 Posts
Definitely get a MTB, and learn how to ride it. It will make you a better bike rider. MTB'ing is a skill set to be built slowly, and skills should be practiced in areas that are less likely to cause significant injury. YouTube is full of videos demonstrating skills for every level. As with ANY bike, a properly operating machine is critical for your safety.
__________________
Platypus gravelus.
Platypus gravelus.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,768
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Liked 1,844 Times
in
1,182 Posts
Yes... And a Gravel, Road, Touring, Bent, Tandem, E, Trike, bike... Sure...
No really... Considering what it costs now days I would agree it best to borrow a basic Mountain bike and give it a try first...
No really... Considering what it costs now days I would agree it best to borrow a basic Mountain bike and give it a try first...
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
Likes For zandoval:
#10
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,252
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Liked 2,571 Times
in
1,451 Posts
Sounds like you got a bad intro to the sport.
Do some easy stuff first. Heck, some people never get into the gnarly stuff and still enjoy it for a lifetime. Its just awesome to ride a bike in the woods.
Get your own bike that fits and works well, and go with people who know how to ride with a beginner…. Or use Trailforks or MTB Project to find easy trails and go by yourself and take your time.
Being out in nature and no cars…. What’s not to love?
Do some easy stuff first. Heck, some people never get into the gnarly stuff and still enjoy it for a lifetime. Its just awesome to ride a bike in the woods.
Get your own bike that fits and works well, and go with people who know how to ride with a beginner…. Or use Trailforks or MTB Project to find easy trails and go by yourself and take your time.
Being out in nature and no cars…. What’s not to love?
#11
Senior Member
Way better to bave a bike you know and are used to. Ride it on some easy trail at an easy pace first. If it is one on loan that is okay, but you should be well acquainted with it and it should be in good working order. Then progress at your own pace. That may be fast or slow.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,653
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Liked 3,680 Times
in
2,381 Posts
getting a MTB is one thing, racing downhill is another thing. you don't have to ride like he does, or even with him. I really enjoy being away from auto traffic
Likes For rumrunn6:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paradise, TX
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: Soma Pescadero, Surly Pugsley, Salsa Fargo, Schwinn Klunker, Gravity SS 27.5, Monocog 29er
Liked 234 Times
in
166 Posts
A good hardtail bike is good to have. It can be anything you want it to be and you can find your I wn adventures. Anything from single-track to rails trail, commuting around town or touring.
Likes For c_m_shooter:
#14
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,508
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Liked 2,150 Times
in
1,402 Posts
I can't really relate. In forty or so years of riding a bike I think I've had a mountain bike for nearly all of them. Excepting the first three or four years on a BMX, and the last two years of college when one broke down and I couldn't afford the next yet.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
Likes For Darth Lefty:
#15
Deraill this!
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: CMH is close
Posts: 810
Bikes: 18 Cdale Quick 1, 16 Cdale Synapse 105, 88 Cdale M500, and a few others
Liked 639 Times
in
341 Posts
I really enjoy singletrack as it is a change of pace and scenery for me. I did a couple singletrack rides on my Quick 1 but it felt out of place to me. I picked up an old Hardrock, made some upgrades, and had fun riding with my daughter. Minimal cash outlay got me a solid bike and hours of fun. It was a bit small for me so I gifted it to a work friend after finding an old Specialized M2.
Do you need a mountain bike? There's a fine line between need and want...
Do you need a mountain bike? There's a fine line between need and want...
Likes For Trav1s:
#16
I find a mountain bike good for all-around riding. You can ride on trails or pavement, dirt roads and grassy parks. The gearing range is usually enough to get up steep climbs without getting out of the saddle, the bigger tires and suspension soak up bumps and bad pavement, you can ride over curbs and even down stairs. They are durable, and very reasonable nowadays.
Likes For 50PlusCycling:
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Nevada County, California
Posts: 807
Bikes: Subject to change at any given moment but currently is...... Colnago Mapei, Colnago C40, Wilier Triestina Carbon, Wilier Triestina Ramato, Follis 472, Peugeot PX60, Razesa, Orbea Terra, Soma Pescadero and 1/2 owner of a Santana tandem.
Liked 796 Times
in
272 Posts
I am primarily a road/endurance rider and have never had much interest in MTB…… until now. The area I live in is pure suicide for road riding but is a MTB mecca. The wife and I became tired of driving an hour or more to ride road bikes so bought a pair of Specialized Rockhoppers to increase our riding opportunities. Damn if we aren’t having a blast and feeling stupid for not done this long ago.
Endurance riding is still my passion but now I’m riding much more.
Endurance riding is still my passion but now I’m riding much more.
#18
Senior Member
I find a mountain bike good for all-around riding. You can ride on trails or pavement, dirt roads and grassy parks. The gearing range is usually enough to get up steep climbs without getting out of the saddle, the bigger tires and suspension soak up bumps and bad pavement, you can ride over curbs and even down stairs. They are durable, and very reasonable nowadays.
These days I hit the trails every day for a dose of single track and haven't been on the road bike in months.
Then there are gravel bikes... but they are another story.
#19
BF's Resident Dumbass
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Posts: 1,566
Bikes: 1990 Raleigh Flyer (size 21"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 15"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 17.5"); 2019 Dahon Mu D9; 2020 Dahon Hemingway D9
Liked 1,496 Times
in
497 Posts
A bit of a detour (pun intended,) but I'm actually interested in this one! It looks ripe for some mods and upgrades!
Last edited by sjanzeir; 11-07-22 at 08:51 PM.
#20
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 14,619
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Liked 4,553 Times
in
3,050 Posts
I wouldn't mod or upgrade parts on that bike. I would leave it alone and find something that has parts you are looking for. That bike is designed to be a very low initial cost internet bike. Low quality parts on a low quality frame fine for the occasional rider or someone looking to purchase a bike to get stolen but nothing worth putting much money into aside from maybe small low cost stuff to keep it running till I can get the bike I wanted.
#21
BF's Resident Dumbass
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Posts: 1,566
Bikes: 1990 Raleigh Flyer (size 21"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 15"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 17.5"); 2019 Dahon Mu D9; 2020 Dahon Hemingway D9
Liked 1,496 Times
in
497 Posts
I get what you're saying, but I was thinking more along the lines of stuff off of Ali and his 40 Thieves over in the Big Red Land - things like a knockoff Hollowtech crankset and 11-speed L-twoo shifter/RD... that kind of stuff (I've been running those exact parts on one of my folding bikes for months now without issue.) The only thing I'd happily splash out on is the brakes - MT401/MT420 at the very least. There's no way I'm going to turn this into some epic YouTube dream build - it'd just be something to customize and enjoy as one's own.
With that being said, I'm far from pulling the trigger on any bike right now; I'm about to do some major repairs to the Old Girl.
With that being said, I'm far from pulling the trigger on any bike right now; I'm about to do some major repairs to the Old Girl.
#22
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 14,619
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Liked 4,553 Times
in
3,050 Posts
That is even worse! Using knockoff parts and supporting that industry is just bad. Just because they or their government aren't controlling things doesn't mean we should support them. I would be great if Winnie the Pooh would do something about it but I doubt that is ever going to happen he has his hands deep in shady stuff.
What's wrong with having a dream build? Dream builds can be quite fun, expensive but well worth it especially if you plan on riding it often. My current commuter is a dream build (or close to it my dream doesn't fit the size and shape of titanium bicycle tubing) and I have put 3600 miles in a under a year and a half and can't wait to add more. Still have some stuff I want to do to it but most of it is again sort of out of currently made items.
If you know what you want in a bike do it! Splash the cash as you said. If you were just starting out I might say hold off but I think by now you know what you want so go for it. Don't do some low end knockoff but get the real deal and build it how you want it or buy it with the specs you want.
What's wrong with having a dream build? Dream builds can be quite fun, expensive but well worth it especially if you plan on riding it often. My current commuter is a dream build (or close to it my dream doesn't fit the size and shape of titanium bicycle tubing) and I have put 3600 miles in a under a year and a half and can't wait to add more. Still have some stuff I want to do to it but most of it is again sort of out of currently made items.
If you know what you want in a bike do it! Splash the cash as you said. If you were just starting out I might say hold off but I think by now you know what you want so go for it. Don't do some low end knockoff but get the real deal and build it how you want it or buy it with the specs you want.
Likes For sjanzeir:
#24
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 14,619
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Liked 4,553 Times
in
3,050 Posts
The dude abides. Probably my favorite movie!
Likes For veganbikes:
#25
BF's Resident Dumbass
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Posts: 1,566
Bikes: 1990 Raleigh Flyer (size 21"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 15"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 17.5"); 2019 Dahon Mu D9; 2020 Dahon Hemingway D9
Liked 1,496 Times
in
497 Posts
Okay, now that Walter is just having his coffee, hear me out! On my Dahon folder - which is my daily rider and my most ridden bike - I've been running a Chinese, no-brand, Hollowtech II knockoff crankset for a while now. I originally intended for this to be a test run before I splash out on a real, actual Shimano deal (which I had already done just recently with one of my 7.6s, and it wasn't exactly plain sailing.) Problem is, this thing has been so smooth and reliable that I'm not in too much if a hurry to replace it with a real Shimano! The same bike came with a rebranded (with the Dahon logo) L-twoo A7 RD and shifter, and the, too worked with nary a hitch for the year and a half that they were on the bike, and when I upgraded to 11-speed I went with an L-twoo A9 and it's been a total workhorse so far.
Mind you, those are the only "Chineeze" components in that upgrade! The chainring is a Wolf Tooth; the cassette is a Sunrace ; and the chain is either a KMC or a Wippermann - I forget which one it is. Everything else on the Dahon is a brand-name item.
So, yeah, I will eventually replace that crankset and bottom bracket with the real deal - it's just that I'm not in a hurry to do it. Politics aside, would I be willing to go for a Chinese component in a pinch? I have little reason not to!
Mind you, those are the only "Chineeze" components in that upgrade! The chainring is a Wolf Tooth; the cassette is a Sunrace ; and the chain is either a KMC or a Wippermann - I forget which one it is. Everything else on the Dahon is a brand-name item.
So, yeah, I will eventually replace that crankset and bottom bracket with the real deal - it's just that I'm not in a hurry to do it. Politics aside, would I be willing to go for a Chinese component in a pinch? I have little reason not to!