Advice for two newbies buying MTBs

[Readsalot]

Finally - here is our first bike!

 

[porqui]

Get rid of those pedals immediately we call them bear traps and for a very good reason - go to the bike shop and ask for a set of proper "flats". (+- R400)

 

Google "flat pedals" and hit images.

 

This is not advice - this is an instruction - ignore at your peril.

[Uni]

Finally - here is our first bike!

and is it the right size?  trust me, riding the wrong size bike is not worth the pains. 

[Uni]

Get rid of those pedals immediately we call them bear traps and for a very good reason - go to the bike shop and ask for a set of proper "flats". (+- R400)

 

Google "flat pedals" and hit images.

 

This is not advice - this is an instruction - ignore at your peril.

having only recently done that ("riding" for over 3 years) - listen to the fella

[Readsalot]

Get rid of those pedals immediately we call them bear traps and for a very good reason - go to the bike shop and ask for a set of proper "flats". (+- R400)

 

Google "flat pedals" and hit images.

 

This is not advice - this is an instruction - ignore at your peril.

Will do - thank you! Still have to get the helmet and the cycle shorts, so will put that on my list for this weekend. Why get rid of the bear traps - just for comfort and safety or is there a more specific reason?

 

As for the size - yes, we seem to just make it. It's a medium frame marked up to 5'10, and since I'm 1,77 we should be okay, though just barely.

[popcorn_skollie]

Get rid of those pedals immediately we call them bear traps and for a very good reason - go to the bike shop and ask for a set of proper "flats". (+- R400)

 

Google "flat pedals" and hit images.

 

This is not advice - this is an instruction - ignore at your peril.

 

Those aren't beartraps. They're spd's with a platform. They'll sell quickly.

Actually looking for a set myself

 

But you're right that he'll need flat pedals anyways.

They will be a hazard to ride with sneakers. 

 

Congrats on your bike Readsalot.

Looks like its in good shape.

 

Don't worry too much about pedal preference just yet.

You still have to decide which side of the fence you're on.

The ones on the bike at the moment need specific shoes which clip into them.

Riding those pedals as is with a pair of sneakers will have your feet will slipping off constantly and it can be very discouraging when starting out. Its also gonna hurt your shins which is even more discouraging. Try and score a pair of flats for your first ride.

 

Flats look something like this.

 

http://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/products/1838/photos/441/s780_97137570_1270100644.jpg?1290195234

Not this

http://www.discountbicycles.co.uk/accessories/pedals/pep36s.jpg

 

Those are bear traps. Stay away. They will skin you. Litterally

[popcorn_skollie]

Oh and in terms of shoe choice.

whatever sneakers you have now. Go with soles that look more like this

http://www.nytopbrands.com/nytb/vans/vans-shoes-authentic-red-vn-0ee3red-sole.jpg

and stay away from soles that look like this.

http://rencsi.com/b/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ZumbaPumas.jpg

I'm sure you get the idea.

Happy trails

[Readsalot]

Great stuff - thank you very much!

[porqui]

I could be wrong and they could even be flats - the difference is evident in popcorns post. If the outer part is serated metal strip on it's edge you get rid of it. In the first pic they looked like bear traps.

[Readsalot]

 

Think this might be a better photo.

 

[Marco187]

I'll keep my eye on this....maybe the bike will come up for sale sometime?

[shaper]

I had a mate who rode a K2 for years, even stage races. Solid and good starter bike!

[Readsalot]

I'll keep my eye on this....maybe the bike will come up for sale sometime?

Ha - maybe, but definitely not soon. 

[spectra]

You can get an Axis A30 for R9499 or even better Axis A20 for R10999 , you wont get better specs cheaper.

[Readsalot]

You can get an Axis A30 for R9499 or even better Axis A20 for R10999 , you wont get better specs cheaper.

Unfortunately my budget is only about half of that. 

[popcorn_skollie]

Unfortunately my budget is only about half of that. 

 

Till the bug bites....I've seen budgets change inline with aspirations over time.