Beginner starting off. Hows my gear/bike choice?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 27
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Beginner starting off. Hows my gear/bike choice?
So I used to ride on the street when I was younger, but haven't ridden in a while.
I visited my local bike shop a few times and finally decided on a 26er full suspension bike and placed the order.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes.../fuel_ex_9_7/#
I decided on the Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Carbon. I realize this is somewhat overkill but I'd rather spend the money now, than down the line upgrading or buying a new bike etc as my skill level advances.
In addition, I bought the following accessories:
Fox Striker Helmet
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details
Shimano PD-A530 Dual platform pedals:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details
Shimano SH-MT42NV Shoes
https://www.zappos.com/shimano-sh-mt42nv
And a pair of basic Fox gloves and long Fox riding pants.
What do you guys think of the stuff I got? I didn't want to go with pure clip on's as I am a beginner. Is that the wiser choice?
Also I was really torn between going with a 29er and a 26er and kinda regret my decision with not going with a 29er. What do you guys think? Most shops I talked to said 29er's are gaining popularity and are easier to maneuver over obstacles etc. Am I really going to notice the disadvantages of a 26er compared to a 29er?
Any comments would be appreciated! Thanks
I visited my local bike shop a few times and finally decided on a 26er full suspension bike and placed the order.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes.../fuel_ex_9_7/#
I decided on the Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Carbon. I realize this is somewhat overkill but I'd rather spend the money now, than down the line upgrading or buying a new bike etc as my skill level advances.
In addition, I bought the following accessories:
Fox Striker Helmet
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details
Shimano PD-A530 Dual platform pedals:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details
Shimano SH-MT42NV Shoes
https://www.zappos.com/shimano-sh-mt42nv
And a pair of basic Fox gloves and long Fox riding pants.
What do you guys think of the stuff I got? I didn't want to go with pure clip on's as I am a beginner. Is that the wiser choice?
Also I was really torn between going with a 29er and a 26er and kinda regret my decision with not going with a 29er. What do you guys think? Most shops I talked to said 29er's are gaining popularity and are easier to maneuver over obstacles etc. Am I really going to notice the disadvantages of a 26er compared to a 29er?
Any comments would be appreciated! Thanks
#2
.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: The Summit of Lee
Posts: 10,939
Bikes: Hecklah
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
All crap. You may send it back to the place you bought it. I'll give you the return address.
Actually...I like it all except for the pedals. Make a freakin' decision. Run flats or clipless...but don't waffle a decision like that. The shoes are alot like mine. Mine are really durable...diggin' them for quite some time now.
Actually...I like it all except for the pedals. Make a freakin' decision. Run flats or clipless...but don't waffle a decision like that. The shoes are alot like mine. Mine are really durable...diggin' them for quite some time now.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 27
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I figured I go with dual style pedals for now because I really don't have any experience with clipless. Once I get the hang of the clipless, I will just buy a new set like the XTR line or something
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 9,201
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1186 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times
in
177 Posts
Also I was really torn between going with a 29er and a 26er and kinda regret my decision with not going with a 29er. What do you guys think? Most shops I talked to said 29er's are gaining popularity and are easier to maneuver over obstacles etc. Am I really going to notice the disadvantages of a 26er compared to a 29er?
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 27
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#6
Ho-Jahm
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Manchester, NH
Posts: 4,228
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have an ex8, which I bought after riding around my old newly fixed up childhood mountain bike for my first season or two. I love the bike especially the plush suspension. Here in Southern NH a lot of the public trails are super rocky and rooty, so the rear really soaks up the medium sized bumps but still lets you pump over them to keep up speed.
I still crashed a lot when I first got the ex8 and have two or three noticeable dents, plenty of dings and scrapes on the frame. Nothing to be worried about on an alloy frame but I doubt the carbon wouldn't have cracked or splintered. I also think I would have been more worried about a carbon frame cracking and not taken as many risks as I have.
Oddly enough I just got that same helmet and its awesome, so excellent choice there.
I still crashed a lot when I first got the ex8 and have two or three noticeable dents, plenty of dings and scrapes on the frame. Nothing to be worried about on an alloy frame but I doubt the carbon wouldn't have cracked or splintered. I also think I would have been more worried about a carbon frame cracking and not taken as many risks as I have.
Oddly enough I just got that same helmet and its awesome, so excellent choice there.
#7
Pint-Sized Gnar Shredder
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere between heaven and hell
Posts: 3,549
Bikes: '09 Jamis Komodo, '09 Mirraco Blend One, '08 Cervelo P2C, '08 Specialized Ruby Elite, '07 Yeti AS-R SL, '07 DMR Drone
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's one hell of a way to start. Nice bike.
The problem with pedals like that is you really don't get a good experience with either type. The platform side is slicker than a good set of platforms, and the clipless side is only on one side. Which means that Murphy's Law states that you'll always want the side that's on the bottom, and you'll need to flip them.
The problem with pedals like that is you really don't get a good experience with either type. The platform side is slicker than a good set of platforms, and the clipless side is only on one side. Which means that Murphy's Law states that you'll always want the side that's on the bottom, and you'll need to flip them.
#8
Pedals, Paddles and Poles
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Vegas Valley, NV
Posts: 5,495
Bikes: Santa Cruz Tallboy, Ridley Noah, Scott Spark 20
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1233 Post(s)
Liked 69 Times
in
58 Posts
Nice setup! I have the same shoes, its also good to know that zappos sells them. Gear is good, now post some trail pictures! That's where the fun is.
__________________
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 27
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
So I picked up my bike today. The seat post is slightly too high (even at the lowest setting the tip of my feet are about 1-2inches off the ground). The bike shop assembling the bike said I need to cut the tube. Is this standard practice? Kinda angers me as I'd like everything to be OEM without modifications like cuttting it.
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
#11
Pint-Sized Gnar Shredder
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere between heaven and hell
Posts: 3,549
Bikes: '09 Jamis Komodo, '09 Mirraco Blend One, '08 Cervelo P2C, '08 Specialized Ruby Elite, '07 Yeti AS-R SL, '07 DMR Drone
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1) You didn't check the size before you ordered a $4000 bike?!
2) Yes, I've cut seat posts before. Anyway, you'll make other modifications fast. You might find yourself changing things like the saddle, grips, and/or tires right away, and maybe changing other stuff later.
3) Saddle height is determined with your feet on the pedals, not on the ground. The height of the bottom bracket will dictate how close your feet come to the ground. That and your riding style, since an aggressive rider who doesn't use the saddle might slam it to get it out of the way.
2) Yes, I've cut seat posts before. Anyway, you'll make other modifications fast. You might find yourself changing things like the saddle, grips, and/or tires right away, and maybe changing other stuff later.
3) Saddle height is determined with your feet on the pedals, not on the ground. The height of the bottom bracket will dictate how close your feet come to the ground. That and your riding style, since an aggressive rider who doesn't use the saddle might slam it to get it out of the way.
Last edited by Zephyr11; 11-19-11 at 12:26 PM. Reason: Did I really write "seat tube??" Durr...my brain must be shut off.
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 27
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1) You didn't check the size before you ordered a $4000 bike?!
2) Yes, I've cut seat tubes before. Anyway, you'll make other modifications fast. You might find yourself changing things like the saddle, grips, and/or tires right away, and maybe changing other stuff later.
3) Saddle height is determined with your feet on the pedals, not on the ground. The height of the bottom bracket will dictate how close your feet come to the ground. That and your riding style, since an aggressive rider who doesn't use the saddle might slam it to get it out of the way.
2) Yes, I've cut seat tubes before. Anyway, you'll make other modifications fast. You might find yourself changing things like the saddle, grips, and/or tires right away, and maybe changing other stuff later.
3) Saddle height is determined with your feet on the pedals, not on the ground. The height of the bottom bracket will dictate how close your feet come to the ground. That and your riding style, since an aggressive rider who doesn't use the saddle might slam it to get it out of the way.
#14
Redheaded Stepchild
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: GA, USA
Posts: 1,912
Bikes: A fat tire & a skinny tire & two others I loaned out
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
^For his sake, I hope not. But I think so.
I would have recommended getting a cheaper used bike to start with. That way if you decided you didn't like the sport after a month, you could resell it for roughly the same price (maybe more if you got a good deal). And if you did like the sport, you could still resell it a month later for the same price & then use what little you learned about MTBing in that month to make a somewhat-educated decision on buying a new bike. But if you have the disposable income, I guess I can see the allure in not wanting to upgrade.
Getting back to reality, it seems like it would have been nice for the bike shop to help guide you with sizing & maybe cut the seat tube for you when it came in.
I would have recommended getting a cheaper used bike to start with. That way if you decided you didn't like the sport after a month, you could resell it for roughly the same price (maybe more if you got a good deal). And if you did like the sport, you could still resell it a month later for the same price & then use what little you learned about MTBing in that month to make a somewhat-educated decision on buying a new bike. But if you have the disposable income, I guess I can see the allure in not wanting to upgrade.
Getting back to reality, it seems like it would have been nice for the bike shop to help guide you with sizing & maybe cut the seat tube for you when it came in.
#15
Pedals, Paddles and Poles
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Vegas Valley, NV
Posts: 5,495
Bikes: Santa Cruz Tallboy, Ridley Noah, Scott Spark 20
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1233 Post(s)
Liked 69 Times
in
58 Posts
If you go to several bike websites, you will see that cutting the tube and making sizing adjustments is pretty standard. Its nothing more than getting fitted for a suit. The sleeves, inseam and waist need fitted. Don't get freaked out. I had a similar reaction when I saw that I needed to trim my $150. Carbon Fiber Seat post. WHAT-CUT IT DOWN! Yeah, the weight weanie world of biking even wants to shave every gram off a bike and custom fit to obsession.
You jumped into biking with both feet. Don't over think it, go get covered in a good healthy sweat.
You jumped into biking with both feet. Don't over think it, go get covered in a good healthy sweat.
__________________
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
#17
Ho-Jahm
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Manchester, NH
Posts: 4,228
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Please don't cut the seat tube, that's part of the frame and you need it.
FWIW I had to cut the seatpost on my Ex8 to get it low enough for rough trails.
FWIW I had to cut the seatpost on my Ex8 to get it low enough for rough trails.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Paradise CA
Posts: 442
Bikes: 13' Ragley Marley, 12' Pivot Firebird, 13' Pivot Point, 89' Bridgestone RB-1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ide say youve done pretty well. Cant go wrong with a trek carbon bike doesnt get a whole lot better than that. Personally would of gone with something with a little more travel but thats just my preference. Fox strikers a nice helmet, been contemplating getting one myself for a lighter hot weather helmet. Only thing ide disagree with are the pedals. Like previously stated go flats or clipless but stay away from the combos. If youre not sure get a pair of both and then youre set. They both have there benefits for different types of terrain.
Now get out there and get some dirt on that bike. Its way to shiny . And most importantly have fun! Cus thats what this is all about. Happy trails.
On a side note whats that bike weighing in at? Ive seen some stupid light fuels.
Now get out there and get some dirt on that bike. Its way to shiny . And most importantly have fun! Cus thats what this is all about. Happy trails.
On a side note whats that bike weighing in at? Ive seen some stupid light fuels.
#19
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 27
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks i think it weighs in around 28lbs thats heavy no?.
Ide say youve done pretty well. Cant go wrong with a trek carbon bike doesnt get a whole lot better than that. Personally would of gone with something with a little more travel but thats just my preference. Fox strikers a nice helmet, been contemplating getting one myself for a lighter hot weather helmet. Only thing ide disagree with are the pedals. Like previously stated go flats or clipless but stay away from the combos. If youre not sure get a pair of both and then youre set. They both have there benefits for different types of terrain.
Now get out there and get some dirt on that bike. Its way to shiny . And most importantly have fun! Cus thats what this is all about. Happy trails.
On a side note whats that bike weighing in at? Ive seen some stupid light fuels.
Now get out there and get some dirt on that bike. Its way to shiny . And most importantly have fun! Cus thats what this is all about. Happy trails.
On a side note whats that bike weighing in at? Ive seen some stupid light fuels.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 69
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#21
Ho-Jahm
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Manchester, NH
Posts: 4,228
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
^^ What have you switched out? Seems like the cranks, seatpost, bars and saddle are probably where the most gains could come from if you keep the wheels stock.
I do like those offset spoke bead Duster rims. Once I re-tensioned them and got all the machine built screwiness out they've been bombproof.
I do like those offset spoke bead Duster rims. Once I re-tensioned them and got all the machine built screwiness out they've been bombproof.
#22
Redheaded Stepchild
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: GA, USA
Posts: 1,912
Bikes: A fat tire & a skinny tire & two others I loaned out
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
What kind of scale are you using? Seems a bit heavy for a CF frame. My bike sits right around 31# right now with an AM fork and tubed tires...I'd be shocked if I could match the weight of a $4k CF bike with a XC fork and tubeless tires.
#23
Pedals, Paddles and Poles
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Vegas Valley, NV
Posts: 5,495
Bikes: Santa Cruz Tallboy, Ridley Noah, Scott Spark 20
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1233 Post(s)
Liked 69 Times
in
58 Posts
My XL '08 Spark is 25.6 with a pump and bottle cage and REI off the shelf tubes. But you might get some stability where I don't.
__________________
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 69
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
^^ What have you switched out? Seems like the cranks, seatpost, bars and saddle are probably where the most gains could come from if you keep the wheels stock.
I do like those offset spoke bead Duster rims. Once I re-tensioned them and got all the machine built screwiness out they've been bombproof.
I do like those offset spoke bead Duster rims. Once I re-tensioned them and got all the machine built screwiness out they've been bombproof.
Edit: Kenda Karmas and Ill add more as they come to me.
Last edited by Hou-Tex; 11-20-11 at 09:11 PM.
#25
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 27
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well I weighed myself on a scale, then held the bike and re-weighed. I reweighed earlier today and I think it actually came out to around 26lbs. Maybe I was off