Davey_Jones Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 Hi Guys, David here. So i finally submitted to peer pressure and went on my first MTB ride this weekend. Holy crap its frikken awesome, hard work but awesome. I went with a mate to Modders and did the 20km green route, despite my "friend" suggesting we do the longest 40km route, evil bastard does 80km 3 times a week so he is fit. I was k@king off on those uphills, man i'm unfit. I used a borrowed bike and the ride was awesome but i know there is a few things i need to do to make it a little better till i collect enough cash to buy myself a bike. So i need a little advice on what to get when to improve the ride. So the borrowed bike is my wifes its a Raleigh Nomad 40 size Small, it does have front suspension and also has a lady seat. What hurts my ass and my wrists. So from what I understand the lady seat is way to wide for a guys especially a skinny one like me. I'm 1.8m and 73kgs. So i know i need to change the seat so there isn't as much pressure on those two boney sticky outy thins in my butt. I think my wrists hurt cause i'm too big for the bike and leaning to far forward? What my mate suggests i do is:Change the seat, maybe even buy a descent one i could transfer to new bike later?Get cycling shorts with paddingGet mtb shoes to assist pedaling a bit better, this would also require pedals and cleatsIs there anything else that would assist my cause? Is the above list correct and what order of importance are they? The other thing i was wondering is, if I convince my wife to give up ownership of said bike would it be easier to just buy a new frame, and transfer parts, slowly upgrading a shifting back till we have two complete bikes. Or is it not that simple like Raleighs components only fit certain frames. Sorry not sure how all that works? I think i'm gonna try get around R7K or so together to buy my first bike, also don't mind going the 2nd hand route. Appreciate any advice given. Snoochie Boochies
Fabian46 Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 Firstly, you probably need a large frame. Secondly, you should be able transfer all or most of the parts over. Thirdly, welcome to mountain biking! ;-)
Davey_Jones Posted November 3, 2014 Author Posted November 3, 2014 Haha thanks yeah one ride in and i'm already hooked!
Eugene Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 Don't worry about MTB shoes now......as a beginer, you will probably spend more time on the ground than on the bike if you are not used to clipless pedals (they are called clipless, but actual do have clips). I ride mostly road, but have been messing about on a mountain bike for 10 years now and still don't ride with proper cycling shoes on my MTB.
Gitfo Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 Wrist hurting can be because the handlebars are to wide any bike shop can trim those down for you if required. They are supposed to be just a bit wider then your shoulders. And you will definitely need a large frame. If you are going to buy a new bike make sure to get a bike fitt done. Or watch some youtube on the proper bike fit. That will help you adjust seat position for maximum ride comfort and pedal power.solomons cycles has a sale on bibs get one and save yourself some ass blisters. Or the hub Bibs are also well priced here - https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum/store/ - some cheap gloves will also make it more enjoyable
Izak Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 Awesome thanks guys!What Fabian said ... first look at getting the right size frame as that will almost surely sort out some of the pain issues. Welcome to the family hope to see you on the trails soon!
Dirkitech Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 Hi Guys, David here. So i finally submitted to peer pressure and went on my first MTB ride this weekend. Holy crap its frikken awesome, hard work but awesome. I went with a mate to Modders and did the 20km green route, despite my "friend" suggesting we do the longest 40km route, evil bastard does 80km 3 times a week so he is fit. I was k@king off on those uphills, man i'm unfit. I used a borrowed bike and the ride was awesome but i know there is a few things i need to do to make it a little better till i collect enough cash to buy myself a bike. So i need a little advice on what to get when to improve the ride. So the borrowed bike is my wifes its a Raleigh Nomad 40 size Small, it does have front suspension and also has a lady seat. What hurts my ass and my wrists. So from what I understand the lady seat is way to wide for a guys especially a skinny one like me. I'm 1.8m and 73kgs. So i know i need to change the seat so there isn't as much pressure on those two boney sticky outy thins in my butt. I think my wrists hurt cause i'm too big for the bike and leaning to far forward? What my mate suggests i do is:Change the seat, maybe even buy a descent one i could transfer to new bike later?Get cycling shorts with paddingGet mtb shoes to assist pedaling a bit better, this would also require pedals and cleatsIs there anything else that would assist my cause? Is the above list correct and what order of importance are they? The other thing i was wondering is, if I convince my wife to give up ownership of said bike would it be easier to just buy a new frame, and transfer parts, slowly upgrading a shifting back till we have two complete bikes. Or is it not that simple like Raleighs components only fit certain frames. Sorry not sure how all that works? I think i'm gonna try get around R7K or so together to buy my first bike, also don't mind going the 2nd hand route. Appreciate any advice given. Snoochie BoochiesHi OP. just my quick opinion. MTB shoes- don't see the point it this. if you have decent platform pedals thats fine. Heck, Until I bought my first pair of shimano saint platforms, I rode with a set of crankbrother candy pedals and some tekkies- it was fine enough on rocky downhills though a bit intimidating at first. IMO, you'd be better off with proper pedals vs mtb shoes.What i would suggest a newbie rider MUST get, is a pair of full fingered gloves. I myself use a pair of very affordable FOX Spectrums. 1. they prevent severe blistering to an extent during your first few rides and if you fall with your hand open on gravel, you can still work on monday without using your pc mouse with your naked flesh.As for changing the seat, changing the pedals, changing whatever on the bike- it may be better to just go off and buy a new bike that comes stock with decent components. The titan comp's seem quite reliable and fun at 7-10k. There are also some cheaper mongoose on the market at around 5-6k. If you shop around you may even find a dual-sus cube at around 9-11k. Goodluck OP, may gravity be ever in your favour.
Daniel J Méssem Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 +1 on the shoes - would definitely stay on flats until you can hop and jump (depends if you want to mountain bike or dirt road bike ) 7k is sufficient for a pretty nice 2nd hand MTB - much better value than new (7k would be a stretch)
Dirkitech Posted November 3, 2014 Posted November 3, 2014 +1 on the shoes - would definitely stay on flats until you can hop and jump (depends if you want to mountain bike or dirt road bike ) 7k is sufficient for a pretty nice 2nd hand MTB - much better value than new (7k would be a stretch) second hand is a big risk... I actually bought a second hand carbon before at R7k... have since spent at least R5000 in repairs and replacements- also had some nasty surprises and falls due to stripped bolts etc. I wouldnt likely buy second hand again anytime soon because of the risk i took and lesson i learnt.
MarickH Posted November 12, 2014 Posted November 12, 2014 I recently bought two bikes second hand and am very happy. If unsure, take someone with who knows their stuff.
Loose cog Posted November 12, 2014 Posted November 12, 2014 Buy the missus a new Santa Cruz or Specialized!
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