Recommend me a mountain bike!

[JulesMaximus]

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.

One thing I will say is that if you have kids you are setting a bad example by not wearing a helmet in front of them.

I'd get U lock and remove the front wheel. Run the lock through the frame, through a bike rack and both wheels.

 

[Jadow]

I bought a Giant Talon 29er 0. It is a 2013 model and I got it on closeout for $899. WOOT!

looks cool, but man that seat does not look comfortable.

 

[BassBomb]

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.

No

 

[ch33zw1z]

No

Show me a law that states otherwise.

FWIW, I wear a helmet all the time now so my kids do. My parents never even brought up the helmet thing, or bought us one...etc...

Riding through a park, without a helmet? Totally up to you, it's your head.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Show me a law that states otherwise.

FWIW, I wear a helmet all the time now so my kids do. My parents never even brought up the helmet thing, or bought us one...etc...

Riding through a park, without a helmet? Totally up to you, it's your head.

Yep just like in FL with motorcycle laws. Gotta have eye protection (sunglasses etc) but helmet not required. I don't get that but I guess they figure "it's your head".

However pretty much any MTB park/trail will require helmets here.

 

[ch33zw1z]

One thing I will say is that if you have kids you are setting a bad example by not wearing a helmet in front of them.

I'd get U lock and remove the front wheel. Run the lock through the frame, through a bike rack and both wheels.

Totally agree on the helmet thing, but I tell it like it is. It's your choice. Leisurely riding through a park, do so at your own risk. aggressive riding on a trail or road? better wear a helmet

Did you guys seriously always wear a helmet when you were kids?

$10 combo will make do in most situations, but you have to be aware of where you are. If you're in an area that warrants something like a U lock, then get the U lock. lol, yeesh.

 

[JulesMaximus]

looks cool, but man that seat does not look comfortable.

:thumbsup: That was the first thing I swapped out.

Here is where we rode yesterday. We rode about halfway to the ocean... not sure how many miles. We were gone probably 2 hours.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Totally agree on the helmet thing, but I tell it like it is. It's your choice. Leisurely riding through a park, do so at your own risk. aggressive riding on a trail or road? better wear a helmet

Did you guys seriously always wear a helmet when you were kids?

$10 combo will make do in most situations, but you have to be aware of where you are. If you're in an area that warrants something like a U lock, then get the U lock. lol, yeesh.

No, but I grew up in the 1970s so it wasn't really even an option then. It is the law that anyone under the age of 18 riding or as a passenger on a bicycle must wear a helmet in CA.

I wear a helmet when I ride on or off road. Just a habit I guess.

I'm not passing judgement on anyone who chooses not to nor do I want to debate helmet laws in this thread. I'm just saying that if you are riding with your kids and you tell them that it is important for them to wear a helmet but then you don't wear one that you're setting a bad example.

My .02

 

[rh71]

- bought a couple helmets on amazon so we're good
- kids have been wearing helmets so we're good
- waiting for the kryptolok u-lock to come back down in price. camelcamelcamel.com is awesome. In the last 3 days, holy price fluctuation batman http://camelcamelcamel.com/Kryptoni...e-FlexFrame/product/B005YPK8G2?context=browse

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Helmet and some sort of mirror for me every time. I have a mirrycle mirror on my hybrid and on my helmet I have a look closer mirror strapped to it. I can't ride without knowing what's behind me. It's as vital as a helmet imo. Especially a road rider like myself. It also helps on the trails if someone is making a pass on you. Although that's happening less than it use to.

 

[ch33zw1z]

I'm not passing judgement on anyone who chooses not to nor do I want to debate helmet laws in this thread. I'm just saying that if you are riding with your kids and you tell them that it is important for them to wear a helmet but then you don't wear one that you're setting a bad example.

My .02

I agree with this. I wear mine whether or not I'm with my kids, now that I'm old.

I'm from Massachusetts, MA state law is 16 and under must wear a helmet.

I responded to rh71 like he was an adult, above 18. Maybe that's not the case. But if it is...it's his choice.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Helmet and some sort of mirror for me every time. I have a mirrycle mirror on my hybrid and on my helmet I have a look closer mirror strapped to it. I can't ride without knowing what's behind me. It's as vital as a helmet imo. Especially a road rider like myself. It also helps on the trails if someone is making a pass on you. Although that's happening less than it use to.

I've been eyeing a mirror. I ride much of the time on a road. Around here, that still requires a mtb almost all the time. I'll check out the mirrycle mirrors.

 

[_Rick_]

Checked the market some, and it looks like cf 26er hardtails are disappearing for 2014.

As for helmets: I currently have two
I'd recommend getting a decent one, and take care to get a decent fit, then you'll barely even notice it anymore, and it'll make you look the part as well.
Dorky helmets are just dorky though

 

[thedarkwolf]

Well I was going to say there is always the Chinese carbon 26er frames on ebay but it looks like even those are drying up. Only one on there right now and it is a 20".

I need to pick up a new helmet. Cracked my good one hitting a tree lol and am back to using my old one that isn't in the greatest of shape either. Might hit amazon tonight.

 

[ch33zw1z]

What is everyones preferences for helmets? Since we're on the subject...I'm going to need a new one soon.

 

[_Rick_]

I've got a "cheap" MET road helmet (2009 or 2010 season) and got a 2011 season Giro Prolight at 50% off for about the same price. (100 euro for each one).

I mostly do road cycling though. On the other hand, those helmets are usually the most airy and long-term comfortable ones, which makes them a good pick for anyone that rides a lot.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I agree with this. I wear mine whether or not I'm with my kids, now that I'm old.

I'm from Massachusetts, MA state law is 16 and under must wear a helmet.

I responded to rh71 like he was an adult, above 18. Maybe that's not the case. But if it is...it's his choice.

I'm pretty sure he has kids so that is why I said that. I have an 11 year old myself and believe me, they aren't stupid and they will question you on it if you're telling them one thing and doing the opposite.

 

[JulesMaximus]

What is everyones preferences for helmets? Since we're on the subject...I'm going to need a new one soon.

I just bought a Giro mtb helmet with matte white paint scheme at Performance Bike. They didn't have much of a selection of mtb helmets if you can believe it and this one fit me perfectly so I bought it. I spent a little over $100 on it. The retention system pretty much locks it to my head perfectly.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1096944_-1_400146__400146

Whatever you get, make sure it fits your head. That is the most important thing.

 

[rh71]

quickie question on front wheel install (quick release)... seems the axle is barely long enough to stay in the fork (both sides are equal). And relies on gravity, and the strength of the quick release skewer & lock to keep it in there. Is this normal? Makes sense as far as "quick release" but it seems pretty unsafe.

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/rh71/wheel1.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/rh71/wheel2.jpg

I remember the other thread where someone said they face-planted and people were guessing it's because the quick release came out.

Also, is there such a thing as winding it too tight where I can barely lock it by hand? Greater chance of failure?

 

[BassBomb]

quickie question on front wheel install (quick release)... seems the axle is barely long enough to stay in the fork (both sides are equal). And relies on gravity, and the strength of the quick release skewer & lock to keep it in there. Is this normal? Makes sense as far as "quick release" but it seems pretty unsafe.

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/rh71/wheel1.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/rh71/wheel2.jpg

I remember the other thread where someone said they face-planted and people were guessing it's because the quick release came out.

Yes the clamp's gonna hold it together. It shouldn't be too easy to close, if it is it might not be tight enough.

 

[BassBomb]

Show me a law that states otherwise.

FWIW, I wear a helmet all the time now so my kids do. My parents never even brought up the helmet thing, or bought us one...etc...

Riding through a park, without a helmet? Totally up to you, it's your head.

I don't really give a shit if it is a law or not. I will always wear my helmet, yes its your head.

I've had close calls which make me very fortunate to have been wearing a helmet. I can't imagine why anyone would put themselves in that kind of risk without protection. It's like wearing a seat belt for me.

 

[ch33zw1z]

I don't really give a shit if it is a law or not. I will always wear my helmet, yes its your head.

I've had close calls which make me very fortunate to have been wearing a helmet. I can't imagine why anyone would put themselves in that kind of risk without protection. It's like wearing a seat belt for me.

https://www.google.com/search?q=coo...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

 

[JulesMaximus]

quickie question on front wheel install (quick release)... seems the axle is barely long enough to stay in the fork (both sides are equal). And relies on gravity, and the strength of the quick release skewer & lock to keep it in there. Is this normal? Makes sense as far as "quick release" but it seems pretty unsafe.

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/rh71/wheel1.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/rh71/wheel2.jpg

I remember the other thread where someone said they face-planted and people were guessing it's because the quick release came out.

Also, is there such a thing as winding it too tight where I can barely lock it by hand? Greater chance of failure?

Hold the quick release lever open and spin the nut on the other side until both are almost clamping the fork dropouts and then rotate the lever closed. This will tighten it to the fork dropouts and secure the wheel. You should be able to get the lever all the way to a "closed" position using some force. If you cannot, then try loosening the nut just a little bit. If you can close the lever with ease then you should tighten the nut and keep doing this until it takes some force to close the lever. If the quick release skewer isn't clamping the wheel tightly between the dropouts, it isn't secure.

I've never had a wheel come off using quick release ever and I've been riding bikes with quick release wheels since the 1980s.

 

[7window]

anyone here like downtube shifters?

 

[thedarkwolf]

anyone here like downtube shifters?

They don't work to well on mtn bikes