New to MTB -please help !!

[covie]

oh and most i have learned is from youtube, and got a MTB repair AVI that i am going to watch one of these days Johan's course should be brilliant, though its not cheap, but i can understand why. The man knows his stuff.

[chris_w_65]

+1 for Silverback, good value for money

 

R9K will only get you an entry level dual sus in Silverback but a nice spec HT

[GLuvsMtb]

From the above, you will gather that there are as many opinions as the day is long.

Answer these questions to yourself:

1. What type of rider are you now?

2. What type of rider are you looking to become?

3. What is your budget for the equipment?

4. How much are you willing to spend on maintenance?

 

Now all you have to do is have a plan to get from where you are now to where you want to be taking your budget constraints into account. This will provide you with 2 or 3 options making it a lot easier to choose.

[FBSP]

Well done on picking MTB-ing, it's totally awesome. Its also awesome to get all these handy bits of advice when you're starting, but can become overawed and intimidated by too much jargon, etc. Tubeless though, is a no brainer, and is a must, regardless of the initial expense it may incur to you. Secondly, like all other sports/hobbies, a lot of stuff like saddle preference, grips, full suss or HT is all a personal choice and something that you have to sift through as you go and become more experienced. A FS bike will make MTB-ing much easier (esp with all the technology these days), but it won't make you a technically better rider, and riding a HT is definately more thrilling, but harder on the parts of your body which can be affected, esp on stage races. Although it makes it easier, it also makes it heavier and gives you more things to have go wrong. I would say try a Sella Italia saddle with a cut out, that may aleviate your saddle problems, and in my opinion, if you are 184cm you should maybe be on an 18inch not a 21. I'm 192cm and ride a 20inch and I could be on a 19in comfortably. A consideration when looking for your next bike. Go and enjoy and be safe..

[chris_w_65]

Not sure if these are any good

ebicycles-bicycle-sizing-chart-mountain-bikes.pdf

ebicycles-bicycle-sizing-chart-road-bikes.pdf

[kanigit]

Guys, thanks a gazillion for all the advice, it is REALLY appreciated.............(yes, you sensed it, there's a BUT coming on)

 

BUT....... you do know there are more dumn ass questions coming

So, please scuse the ignorance

 

Went for a lekker ride this evening.....and I've got to say that bike FEELS small for me. I keep finding I want to sit on the back of the seat......

 

@MorewoodMad : you ask good questions, and quite honestly I can't even begin to answer the first one - I actually don't even know the different types of riding and races.

But that will come........for now, I am just going to concentrate on the basics, getting fitter, and learning the ins and outs of maintenance as I go along.

 

Am super impressed with the heaps of responses to my post. Cheers!

[AlsDad]

Went for a lekker ride this evening.....and I've got to say that bike FEELS small for me. I keep finding I want to sit on the back of the seat

 

I'm 1.94m and ride a 21!

 

Best money you'll ever spend initially is on a proper set up for your steed!

 

Read up on it, ask someone you know or go to your LBS and have it done, preferably the LBS route!