Starting MTB

Hey Bren10101,

I recently got interested in mountain biking and was faced with the same decision as you, I nearly bought a 2004 giant DH bike for €400 but didn't.

In the end I spent €800 on a KTM Ultra Flite which I now use for XC and some light/mild downhill at the end of the XC course I cycle. I'm really pleased I made this decision to get a light XC hardtail. I used to have an ~18KG apollo phaze and cycling this course would kill me, but my KTM is perfect for all of it. It's a great way to build up fitness as when you start out DH you're probably gonna be very cautious and not go very quickly so probably won't be out of breath too much/build up a sweat.

The first time I tried the DH section, I fell a lot, The second time I went back with a new front tyre, I fell less but still used the breaks a lot. By the end of It though my confidence was building and I was able to take sections fast and keep a good pace, the bike probably isn't great. But try and cycle either a heavy hardtail or full suss up the uphill bits and you'll be wrecked I'd definitely recommend an XC hardtail.

Now a lot of people warned me against getting one, saying they'd be no good when I'd want to do jumps and stuff but so far I've had no issues and if you're afraid of damaging it you can avoid jumps. My bikes 13KG which I find is very light, You need to keep a lot of weight over the back tyre so make sure if you get a used bike it's got a good back tyre and a decent set of breaks.

Next join a local club, Go on spins I started by going off-roading on my own, which was fine but I'd just look at the DH section and cycle down a flat path instead. First time I went with a group I stuck to the back, watched them and then followed and made it down relatively well on my first attempt. It helps a lot. If you're new enough to off-roading/cycling don't be afraid to cycle on the road as well, I go this a lot and I think it keeps my fitness up, I cycle home up steep hills, obviously it wouldn't simulate and off road hill climb but it'll help with your fitness. Uphill is probably the worst thing about XC but it's worth it cause you know they'll be a downhill bit at the end.

I think a dirt jump bike is a bit restrictive, I know they're a bit smaller than XC/DH bikes and I think that might be an issue if you want to get more into that stuff.

It sounds like you're a bit like me in wanting to get a bike as soon as possible but all I'd say is, Just chill out and wait for the right bike, You don't want to get something you'll regret.

Bren10101 wrote: »

okay, 3 thins

1) I have decided to chill relax and calmly buy an xc hardtail, dirtjump or bmx or dh bikes can come later, once ive mastered the basics.

2) I have realised that i need to be patient, i cant get a bike immediatly.

3) I have realised i have no clue at all about xc bikes, so i need help picking one online. :P

It's the best thing to do or else you might make an impulse buy and regret it. Firstly are you willing to travel far for a bike and if not want county's could you go to? Loads of clubs has for sale parts( like icyseanfizt said) and usually buying a bike from a well known member on there means it'll probably be as described.

Secondly what height are you? Frames range from 16-22 inch and usually 18,19 and 20imch bikes are the most common.

Thirdly, safety ive only done this a while and already have some bad cuts and bruises, which are all part of the fun as long as your heads ok, make sure you budget for a helmet, either a full face or non full face just get one. If you turn up to a club meeting without a helmet people could get quite angry... Just saying!