Looking to get into mountain biking, advice

ZyklonB

Could anyone point me in the right direction of a quailty mountain bike. What brands are above par, what should I be looking for when shopping around.

I know the post is fairly vague but Im really just looking for general pointers to put me on the right track. I know it can be an expensive hobby so Im starting now hopefully to be up and running when the weather gets nice.

Cheers

Morgan

"ZkylonB" ??? Right...

What's your budget?

You don't need to go wild buying stuff when you're starting out - just a decent, basic bike, helmet, gloves and away you go.

Hmmzis

I would recommend to stay clear of any bikes that have Suntour forks on them (plenty of the lower spec bikes have them, even from reputable manufacturers).

Have one myself and there is very little good I can say about it.

ZyklonB

Thanks for the heads up about those forks.

Can anyone recommend a good place to shop for a bike? Are the bike halfords stock generally rubbish or do they offer some quailty ones too? Id perfer to buy one good bike rather getting stung with something thats of poor quailty, any recommendations of brands is welcome as I mentioned before.

Hmmzis

Good question about Halfords.

The bulk of the stuff they have is indeed just BSOs. But there have been some very good reviews around about their Boardman bikes but they might not be the bargain they once used to be.

xxyyzz

Generally an entry level mtb has some or all of the following
Rockshox forks (probably from the recon model upwards. Avoid the Dart model)
Shimano XT rear derailleur
Shimano SLX front derailleur
Shimano SLX shifters
Hydraulic disc brakes (Avid, Shimano, Formula, Stoker Ryde)

Most brands have something in the €800 - €1000 region for that Spec. Brands to look out for would be Specialized, Cube, Giant, Canyon, Trek etc etc. There are numerous others and they all have an entry-level model with some combination of those components. The most important thing is to find a bike that fits you. The rest is all marketing bollocks when you are starting out and won't make any difference to your ability so just get out and ride the damn thing. Steer clear of magazines as they will only tempt you with loads of ****e that you won't need.

kuro_man

might be an idea to hire a bike for a few spins first. try trackandtrail.ie or biking.ie

ABitofsense

i was in the same boat and ended up getting this in 21inch size

http://www.mycycle.ie/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=678679679

i tried a good few different bikes like treks and this was by far the best. And i love the colour.

just go to LBS and try them out. Which ever ones you like check the reviews online before you buy to see if theyre good spec. thats what i did

Lawdie

Can you post some details. Such as budget, goals (xc race/spins/etc), research completed to date.
Have you checked through the site for previous postings.
Whats your MTB experience? As some suggested hiring a bike, good idea. Whats your timeframe? Is this bike to work purchase?

The experienced MTBers will always advise a hardtail. Previous comments on avoiding Suntours make sense. If this is your first bike then local bike store (LBS) all the way, call into a few stores (assuming dublin);

Eurocycles (Focus)
Cycle Superstore (good range, ask only for Richie Byrne)
Thinkbike (Trek/Scott, talk to Adrian/John)
Expert Cycles (Top mtb knowledge lads)

Without sounding callous, I would expect you to conduct some research and dig into this forum.

My own opinion is arm yourself with some knowledge on parts, get to the stores, try a few bikes out and pick the one that feels right for you. Like any preferences each to our own...

I started out on a Focus Black Raider and still thinks its the dogs of a machine. Buckled front wheel and all!

Its a great sport/pass time, get choosing and get on the trails.

easygoing39

Just to add to the Lawdie's post,

Cycle Superstore employs Conor Conneffe also,another regular MTB racer
Cycle Inn is owned by Mick Jordan,another longtime successfull MTB racer
Eurocycles sell Felt and Corratec MTB's also,plus the swords shop employs Rigid Micky,well known winning MTB racer
Expert Cycles,owned by Alf Wallace,elite MTB racer,plus Robin Seymore works there too,he's Irelands top MTB racer for over 20 yrs.

Just food for thought.

digazz

I' recommend a Specialised Rockhopper comp. Recon forks, slx derailer, deora shifters, light hardtail as they come. I ride mine in ballyhoura, and have had no problems. Cube have some well kitted bikes too, I think cycle superstore sell them, and there is someone on donedeal selling a cube race ltd, no price just looking for an offer.

galway008

I have just started mountain biking, I rented a Cube Attention in Ballyhoura for the day and really liked it. I then did a bit of research and eventually ended up buying the Cube Attention, So far I have had it out in Derryhoura and I really like it. Bought the bike in Kearneys in Galway, they did me a good deal.

Lawdie

easygoing39 wrote: »

Cycle Superstore employs Conor Conneffe also,another regular MTB racer
Cycle Inn is owned by Mick Jordan,another longtime successfull MTB racer
Eurocycles sell Felt and Corratec MTB's also,plus the swords shop employs Rigid Micky,well known winning MTB racer
Expert Cycles,owned by Alf Wallace,elite MTB racer,plus Robin Seymore works there too,he's Irelands top MTB racer for over 20 yrs.

Cheers Easygoing39, I don't personally know Conor or Mick (know the names!), so could not add them into my original post. Eurocycles also sell Felt and Corratec, but I can't come to mention that, its like cheating on my Focus
Expert Cycles is just wall to wall knowledge and abuse (craic). You almost feel like in Wayne World "were not worthy, were not worthy". But the two lads are spot on, I just got the Focus forks services there recently. I have to add in Thinkbike as I ride out with these guys. Top service and really great advice.

I still believe its down to personal preference. Cube are really excellent, very very similar to Focus in feel. Probably the same German bike engineer double jobbing.

jimstir

ZyklonB wrote: »

Could anyone point me in the right direction of a quailty mountain bike. What brands are above par, what should I be looking for when shopping around.

I know the post is fairly vague but Im really just looking for general pointers to put me on the right track. I know it can be an expensive hobby so Im starting now hopefully to be up and running when the weather gets nice.

Cheers

I think a good place to start would be to go down to Ballyhoura Mountain Biking trail on Lim/Cork border. U can hire a bike there and get a feel for it. The trail is incredible and U can hire a bike for the day. U need to ring in advance and book it. Google them

digazz

I think Ballyhoura sell there bikes on after a few months of use