New to mountain biking...

[slowpoke]

droo and yang and the guys are right - rather buy a btter second hand bike than a new bike in that range - at that price it's well worth it and being just after the 94.7 there's a good chance you get a good deal than at most other times of the year.

 

as calabash and the guys have said, get a decent "approved" helmet with as many vents as you can. they are quite right that it doesn't have to be top-of-the-range, just make sure it's approved and fits right.

 

shorts are more important than shoes at this stage. if you do have the money left over to get proper cycling shoes though, it is worth it. but again, you don't need the expensive ones - the olympics are very reasonably priced and they are not bad shoes at all.

 

if you do decide to buy new, rather look at the silverback range - currently the best value for money in the entry level range, otherwise yes, the schwinn mesa is a nice little bike (i used to have one before i upgraded to my mongoose)

 

the most important thing, though, is the one that costs nothing - and that is smile and have fun and enjoy it!

[Li Mu Bai]

hiya Welcome to the hub.

I went to the ride before you buy at Northern Farms, what good fun. met Danger Dassie too.

Do yourself a favour and go talk to the guys there and try the bikes, the 6km test run is great, a bit of single track, a bit of technical, a bit of climbing. nice mix to get an idea if its really for you. Just Hot weather. so are the bikes!

If you can, go check out the entry level Commencal bikes at Northcliff cycles. Awesome value for money on the entire range. Superb fun.

[Yang]

.........I would have attended a skills clinic much sooner. It really boosted my riding skills a lot' date=' and therefore my enjoyment of the sport.....
 
[/quote']

 

Oooohhh yes- They don't have skills courses up where I am, but I'm sure that I would enjoy my technical riding a lot more if I had been coached.

[SlickOrange]

Just took the Mesa out for a test run... it was awesome.. I think I am going to stick with it. If I buy it there new I get a 2 year service plan, and so far the service has been great. I'll pay extra for service like that.

[Sammajoor]

Welcome to the dark side........... there are a few rides you can get involved in.  One is Holy's MTB ride nect week.  The Calabash outride newyears day and also the 4 January 09 is Holy's Mine dump ride.

 

Keep in touch and stay on the board and enjoy getting dirty