Recommend me a mountain bike!

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thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,003
111
106
What makes them better? They are 3 times the price and they use an SPD type cleat plus they weigh slightly more than the pedals I bought.

If anything I was thinking I should have gone with the eggbeaters. They have a set of pedals that are markedly lighter than the SPD pedals I bought but only $10 more expensive.

Like most crap it comes down to personal preference. Time pedals are kind of the best of both SPD/Crankbrothers. They don't clog with mud, they don't unclip on rock strikes, easy to get into and out of, have lots of float, and are indestructible.
 

_Rick_

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2012
3,937
69
91
That's when you want a cyclocross bike, no?

Which is why I don't get 29ers.

If a cyclocross bike doesn't cut it, then a 29er will barely be any better.
I guess you get a bit more comfort on the bigger tire and sprung front, and maybe a tiny bit more durability, but in the end you'll be faster most of the time on a CX-bike.
 

FleshLight

Diamond Member
Mar 18, 2004
6,883
0
71
Which is why I don't get 29ers.

If a cyclocross bike doesn't cut it, then a 29er will barely be any better.
I guess you get a bit more comfort on the bigger tire and sprung front, and maybe a tiny bit more durability, but in the end you'll be faster most of the time on a CX-bike.

It's basically a CX-bike with a shocks, more crotch clearance, and more "stable" handling. Yes you will be faster on a CX bike on the flats and on non-technical climbs but once you start going downhill or technical single track, you'll want that front/rear shock =)
 

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,003
111
106
Which is why I don't get 29ers.

If a cyclocross bike doesn't cut it, then a 29er will barely be any better.

They make 29ers that will do everything a 26er will do other than very serious downhill riding. Only reason they can't do that is with that big ass wheel in the back it is hard to get much more than 6 inches of travel in the rear suspension. That is one of the big reasons 650b/27.5ers are starting to gain popularity. A 29er is no more like a cyclocross bike than a 26er is other than the wheel size. A cyclocross bike is a cyclocross bike.


Guess they do make a few downhill 29ers now. 7 inches of travel in the rear.
 
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_Rick_

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2012
3,937
69
91
Well, the 26er will always be lighter, and therefore quicker up the hill. Wheel and tire weight are what worries me most about 29ers. It's not like 26ers are sprightly on the acceleration, or particularly lightweight.

What I read in the reviews was that the 29er was the better bike to get to the places, where a 26er is fun, which is how you spend most of the time. A CXer just takes that one stop further.
I think in the end, there' one thing about CX, that should make me reject them: They're raced on circuits, with pits. Essentially they're expected to break down over the average outing. And I think that may be a little bit too....adventurous for me.

I'll probably end up with a basic 26" hardtail, if I get a job before winter. With an eye on keeping the weight around 10 kilos.

What's the general opinion on CF frames for MTBs? I'm always a bit worried about durability, and I already dented my road bikes frame, which would have probably totaled a CF frame. On the other hand MTB frames should be slightly more resistant to off-angle forces, as crashing out on them happens more regularly...
I'm not afraid to drop 2k euro on a decent bike if it saves me 2 kilos over a 1k bike, if both last ~ 5 years of "caring but rough" use.

Also, I'm not much into downhill racing either. Always prefer a nice physical climb, and the way down is just that awkward, dangerous bit necessary to get home again - or to the next climb. Of course, that may be just the roadie in me talking.
 

Dirigible

Diamond Member
Apr 26, 2006
5,961
30
91
Well, the 26er will always be lighter, and therefore quicker up the hill. Wheel and tire weight are what worries me most about 29ers. It's not like 26ers are sprightly on the acceleration, or particularly lightweight.

What I read in the reviews was that the 29er was the better bike to get to the places, where a 26er is fun, which is how you spend most of the time. A CXer just takes that one stop further.
I think in the end, there' one thing about CX, that should make me reject them: They're raced on circuits, with pits. Essentially they're expected to break down over the average outing. And I think that may be a little bit too....adventurous for me.

I'll probably end up with a basic 26" hardtail, if I get a job before winter. With an eye on keeping the weight around 10 kilos.

What's the general opinion on CF frames for MTBs? I'm always a bit worried about durability, and I already dented my road bikes frame, which would have probably totaled a CF frame. On the other hand MTB frames should be slightly more resistant to off-angle forces, as crashing out on them happens more regularly...
I'm not afraid to drop 2k euro on a decent bike if it saves me 2 kilos over a 1k bike, if both last ~ 5 years of "caring but rough" use.

Also, I'm not much into downhill racing either. Always prefer a nice physical climb, and the way down is just that awkward, dangerous bit necessary to get home again - or to the next climb. Of course, that may be just the roadie in me talking.

My experience is not at all like you describe.

A mountain bike is a mountain bike, whether it has 26" wheels or 29" wheels. They are significantly different than a cx bike.

I enjoy riding my 29" mtn bike more than I enjoy mtn bikes with 26" wheels. I'm not a weight weenie. I don't care about a few extra grams from bigger wheels. The advantages outweigh a little extra weight. With 125mm rear suspension travel and 140mm front suspension travel I do things on my 29" wheeled bike I would not attempt with a cx bike.

I do have a cx bike and ride it on mixed road/trail routes. It is rideable on many trails but the experience is much different. For example, I've bent the fork of my cx bike on a rocky trail that I rode gingerly and with fear of crashing. It is not built for the same type of riding as a mtn bike. Same trail I blast down on my 29" wheeled mtn bike without needing to touch the brakes.

Carbon fiber mtn bikes have been ridden hard enough for long enough that I have no more concerns about them than I do about aluminum bikes.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,472
867
126
Well, the 26er will always be lighter, and therefore quicker up the hill. Wheel and tire weight are what worries me most about 29ers. It's not like 26ers are sprightly on the acceleration, or particularly lightweight.

What I read in the reviews was that the 29er was the better bike to get to the places, where a 26er is fun, which is how you spend most of the time. A CXer just takes that one stop further.
I think in the end, there' one thing about CX, that should make me reject them: They're raced on circuits, with pits. Essentially they're expected to break down over the average outing. And I think that may be a little bit too....adventurous for me.

I'll probably end up with a basic 26" hardtail, if I get a job before winter. With an eye on keeping the weight around 10 kilos.

What's the general opinion on CF frames for MTBs? I'm always a bit worried about durability, and I already dented my road bikes frame, which would have probably totaled a CF frame. On the other hand MTB frames should be slightly more resistant to off-angle forces, as crashing out on them happens more regularly...
I'm not afraid to drop 2k euro on a decent bike if it saves me 2 kilos over a 1k bike, if both last ~ 5 years of "caring but rough" use.

Also, I'm not much into downhill racing either. Always prefer a nice physical climb, and the way down is just that awkward, dangerous bit necessary to get home again - or to the next climb. Of course, that may be just the roadie in me talking.

I've been riding road bikes for years and I love bombing down steep hills. The faster the better. I've hit 48mph on a steep decent on my road bike. :biggrin:

As for the 29er, I really like the way it rolls over rocks, ruts and uneven trails and didn't really notice that I was slower on the climbs. I'm not racing anyone so who cares if I get to the top first? Plus, I'm riding with guys with 29ers so we're all on about the same equipment anyway.
 

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
13,679
10
81
I've been riding road bikes for years and I love bombing down steep hills. The faster the better. I've hit 48mph on a steep decent on my road bike. :biggrin:

As for the 29er, I really like the way it rolls over rocks, ruts and uneven trails and didn't really notice that I was slower on the climbs. I'm not racing anyone so who cares if I get to the top first? Plus, I'm riding with guys with 29ers so we're all on about the same equipment anyway.

I've head stories of carbon forks shattering at 65+ mph on death ride coming down Ebbetts or Carson pass ...D:
 
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brainhulk

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2007
9,418
454
126
Gratz on the bike. I ride my hardtail 29er during my midweek easy rides. It is more than adequate for mild stuff. On my Sunday rides we tend to tackle harder trails where a FS bike makes it a whole lot easier.

Get a dropper post! Best upgrade ive put on my bike. (XT Brakes a close 2nd)
 

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,003
111
106
Rick you may have a problem finding a lightweight XC race bike with 26er wheels these days unless you build it yourself. All the racers run 29ers with maybe a few on 650b and I don't know of any of the big bike builders that build a race 26er anymore. If I were going to do that I get one of the Chinese carbon 26er frames off ebay and build around that. They are cheaper than dirt and the 29er versions are pretty popular over on mtbr.com so the 26er should be all right too.
 

_Rick_

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2012
3,937
69
91
I've been riding road bikes for years and I love bombing down steep hills. The faster the better. I've hit 48mph on a steep decent on my road bike. :biggrin:

Yeah, I go fast too, but it is terribly stressful, and cold.
In the dry things are still relatively straight cut, but a deflated tire once pwned my in a corner on a descent, and I never really trust the bike. And that's on roads I know.... Barreling at 40+ mph around a blind corner to find a switchback right behind it isn't all that fun.
I just prefer the physical challenge and the elation of making it to the top. Going down fast is just too dangerous.

And when it's wet, those same 40-50 mph suddenly are really scary....

Also, I think this: http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3017#tab-reiter2 is a pretty interesting bike. 2k euro, okay components, and 10kg weight make it a decent compromise. Too bad it's sold out. I hope they'll refresh the 26er hardtails as well, the comparable 29er http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3170#tab-reiter2 weighs in at another 400 grams extra, all in the wheels -.-

As for racing: low weight is not about how fast you get somewhere, but where you can go, and still make it home in time for dinner
 

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,003
111
106
The Canyon looks pretty good to me other than the brakes. Don't care for Avids which are what I have on my own bike. They are a PITA to bleed and seem to need it all the time. Plan to pick up a set of shimano SLX or XT brakes at soon. I don't see a single 26er hard tail listed in their 2014 preview. You would think somebody would want to fill in that niche since everybody else seems to be dropping out of it and lots of people still prefer 26ers.
 

_Rick_

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2012
3,937
69
91
The Canyon looks pretty good to me other than the brakes. Don't care for Avids which are what I have on my own bike. They are a PITA to bleed and seem to need it all the time. Plan to pick up a set of shimano SLX or XT brakes at soon. I don't see a single 26er hard tail listed in their 2014 preview. You would think somebody would want to fill in that niche since everybody else seems to be dropping out of it and lots of people still prefer 26ers.

Well, they haven't updated their aero bikes yet either, and only a select few configurations for those bikes that are being previewed. I think they went with the big sellers first, for rather obvious reasons, and then will add the lower volume products later on.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,472
867
126
Really loving this bike. I've been riding it for a couple weeks now and decided to upgrade the wheels. I found a good deal on a 2012 Easton EA70 XCT rear wheel for $179 but they didn't have the front wheel so I looked at the 2013 EA70 XCT and they look exactly the same so I took a chance and ordered the 2012 rear with a 2013 front.

They were delivered Wednesday so I swapped my front brake disc and tire/tube over to the new wheel (these wheels are UST ready so I can go tubeless without the need for rim tape or sealant when I wear out these tires). At first I thought I had just thrown a couple hundred dollars away for nothing but after taking the front wheel off and spinning it in my hand I noticed that the bearings in the stock Giant wheel were pretty poor. It just wasn't smooth at all. The rear wheel wasn't as bad as the front but the OEM wheels just aren't a quality wheel. I'm sure it is adequate but it isn't light and it is not very stiff. The Eastons in comparison spin smooth as butter and they have sealed cartridge bearings and from what I've read they are very strong and fairly stiff too.

I looked at both wheels and really can't notice any discernible difference between the 2012 and the 2013 wheel. The 2013 (front) might have a very slight variation in the shade of the graphics on the rim but it is very slight if at all.

I swapped the brake rotor and cassette on the rear wheel this morning (left off the dork disc) and took it out for a short spin to make sure everything was working perfectly. Oh, this swap dropped 1 pound off the weight of the bike and will drop even more when I go tubeless. After I finished putting it all back together I cleaned the chain and lubed the chain. All ready to get dirty again.



I'm going out riding with friends tomorrow. Can't wait!
 
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May 13, 2009
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I try to live by the famous quote "Don't buy upgrades. Ride grades."
I will admit I am liking those wheels though. Maybe if I start racing I'll look into some myself. A pound off the wheels would definitely help over the course of a good ride.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,472
867
126
I try to live by the famous quote "Don't buy upgrades. Ride grades."
I will admit I am liking those wheels though. Maybe if I start racing I'll look into some myself. A pound off the wheels would definitely help over the course of a good ride.

I try to do that too... but I don't always succeed.

The only way to get better at climbing is to do lots of climbing. I used to go on road rides and just find the biggest hills around and just ride up and down them. That was a few years ago though and I'm not in as good a shape now as I was then.

Oh well, I'll get back to that level. Just keep riding. :thumbsup:
 
May 13, 2009
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Yeah I was shocked at how fast I got my bicycling legs back. It was a month and a half of hitting a brick wall. I took a couple days off as I had been riding every day and was exhausted. When I started again its just like a switch was turned on. I noticed the mph was up and my legs weren't nearly as tired as they once were. I am entering my first organized ride Saturday. 65 miles in the Texas hill country.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,472
867
126
Man, I'm beat. Just got back from Newport... tons of hills and trails today. The climbing killed me but bombing down the hills was great fun, even got some air over a few little jumps. The wheels held up fine and probably made climbing just a little bit easier but ultimately it is me that needs to improve, the bike is only as capable as I am. I have no idea how far we rode but we were out there a couple hours and it was very warm with full sun.
 

natto fire

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2000
7,117
10
76
I have peeked at this thread and it has made me nostalgic more than anything. Had a very primo bike and riding in primo BLM territory.

that thing was a maintenance head ache, but more than worth it for the joy I felt conquering rough trails.
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,856
1,048
126
finally picked up mountain bikes of our own (we wanted those handlebar types, not mostly for its capabilities) - newbie questions:

- do we really need helmets for just riding around a large park and some neighborhood trails? I feel like I'd be breaking the 1st rule of biking or something.
- are $10 combo bike locks fine? What's the benefit of a U-lock? Don't expect to lock them long term; just for going in the store or library, etc.
- what's the proper way to lock a bike? Thinking not the wheel because it easily comes off...
 
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ch33zw1z

Lifer
Nov 4, 2004
38,003
18,350
146
1. Wearing a helmet for just easy riding around is totally up to you.

2. $10 combo bike locks are fine

3. put the lock through the frame, between the top and bottom.
 

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,003
111
106
Man, I'm beat. Just got back from Newport... tons of hills and trails today. The climbing killed me but bombing down the hills was great fun, even got some air over a few little jumps. The wheels held up fine and probably made climbing just a little bit easier but ultimately it is me that needs to improve, the bike is only as capable as I am. I have no idea how far we rode but we were out there a couple hours and it was very warm with full sun.

Climbing is just something you have to do and lots of it in order to get better. You can pick up most of the other skills you need going every now and again but to get up the hills you have to become pretty regular. I'm a 160lbs of nothing and I ride with over weight and/or old guys and girls and I'm the slowest going up. I usually only ride once a week while they are out there 2 or 3 times a week.
 

7window

Golden Member
Nov 12, 2009
1,533
1
0
1. Wearing a helmet for just easy riding around is totally up to you.

2. $10 combo bike locks are fine

3. put the lock through the frame, between the top and bottom.

bad advice on locks. u lock is your best bet
 
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