My New Mountain Bike

[Giulianna23]

I just couldn't resist and went to the LBS today to get my bike. A 2012 Giant Revel 1 (men's frame)

Just got back from the trails with my son...and had a wonderful time. I don't know much about mtbiking and bikes but this bike rocks!!... spent about an hour at the Washington Town Park bike trail in Avon...about 5 minutes from where I live.

I want to thank Indysteel for her help and advice as far as bike options.

[indysteel]

I just couldn't resist and went to the LBS today to get my bike. A 2012 Giant Revel 1 (men's frame)

just got back from the trails with my son...and had a wonderful time. I don't know much about mtbiking and bikes but this bike rocks!!... spent about an hour at the Washington Town Park bike trail in Avon...about 5 minutes from where I live.

I want to thank Indysteel for her help and advice as far as bike options.

You're welcome! Glad you and your son had fun today. It's a blast for sure!

[lovelygamer]

Congrats!! New bikes are exciting. I have been in the stores looking, but nothing yet. :D Continue to rock out on it!

[Catrin]

Congratulations and have fun on your new mountain bike :D

[Giulianna23]

Just posted some pictures of the bike. For some reason they won't upload with my Android phone.


You're welcome! Glad you and your son had fun today. It's a blast for sure!

Indy.... we had a great time!...finally I found something that we can do together and really enjoy. He crashed a few times (nothing to worry about) because he got scared on the narrow parts of the trail and zig zags but he liked it. Like I said ....I don't know much about mountain biking but I definitely know how to control speed and turns and how to use the brakes to slow down and balance. I went the first 35 minutes up front ,but then I let him lead so I could coach him the best I could. I feel soo good !...can't wait for our next ride.



Congrats!! New bikes are exciting. I have been in the stores looking, but nothing yet. :D Continue to rock out on it!

Thanks .. This is my new toy...I was feeling like a teenager while riding ..lol.....I still have my new road bike on its way. And I really thought I was going to get that one first... but I was so excited to be able to do something with my son that the road bike can wait a couple more weeks. I need to workout with the new road bike ASAP though....for an event in September that I signed up for (50 miles category)


Congratulations and have fun on your new mountain bike :D

Thank you Catrin...I am looking forward to meet you in person and ride the trails together

[Owlie]

Another new bike? Dang! Looks awesome. Have fun!

[Aggie_Ama]

Congratulations!! It is a fun discipline, I never thought I would be a mountain biker but it has a way of sucking you in. Have fun learning and riding with your son.

[thekarens]

Nice looking bike, congrats!

[Tri Girl]

Saweet!!! Congrats! :)

[Giulianna23]

Another new bike? Dang! Looks awesome. Have fun!

Thank you!...I said..If I have the money I better pull the trigger now!!. Otherwise I spend the money on something else. I wasn't even thinking nor considering a MTB but because of my son ... and I am soo happy I did. :)


Congratulations!! It is a fun discipline, I never thought I would be a mountain biker but it has a way of sucking you in. Have fun learning and riding with your son.

Thank you...and yeah..I got that feeling already... I need to get some gears especially for my son. What would you recomend to first get for him aside from helmet and gloves ...I am not too worry about me right now.


Nice looking bike, congrats!

Thanks...yeah I like it ;) Thats one nice machine.

[Giulianna23]

Saweet!!! Congrats! :)

Thanks...!

[zoom-zoom]

Congratulations!! It is a fun discipline, I never thought I would be a mountain biker but it has a way of sucking you in. Have fun learning and riding with your son.

Truer words have never been said! I am finding that I'm actually looking forward to single-track rides more than road rides--this comes a HUGE surprise to me (since I fall down a LOT)!

I love that you are riding with your DS. My son is 11 and we have fun riding together, too. Someday I will be eating his dust...probably in the next 2 years, I suspect!

[Catrin]

It is an addicting activity, even when you fall as often as I do :o ;)

[zoom-zoom]

It is an addicting activity, even when you fall as often as I do :o ;)

That reminds me, I need to resurrect the bruise thread to post a photo from my most recent "color." :p

[Catrin]

That reminds me, I need to resurrect the bruise thread to post a photo from my most recent "color." :p

I hear you :) I've decided that I really need to get elbow and new shin guards though, I keep banging up my elbows and knees and my co-workers wonder when I wear long sleeves to work on a hot day :rolleyes: I ride BMX pedals anyway and should just to save my shins. Pedals left their mark Saturday on my one little fall.

Giulianna - glad that you are able to take advantage of a close beginners loop! You and your son might also want to check out the beginners loop at Ft Ben when you feel like going somewhere different. It is about a mile and very easy - but of course it is on the opposite side of town from you...

[Giulianna23]

Truer words have never been said! I am finding that I'm actually looking forward to single-track rides more than road rides--this comes a HUGE surprise to me (since I fall down a LOT)!

I love that you are riding with your DS. My son is 11 and we have fun riding together, too. Someday I will be eating his dust...probably in the next 2 years, I suspect!

I fell yesterday once and my son crashed several times but it was fun!! As a matter of fact I wanted to ride harder and faster..but needed to hold back and wait for him.


Riding with him is the best part of the whole thing!!! :)...I am affraid if he really get into this mTbiking he will eventually get his buddies and forget about mom :( but thats ok...if that happens?...I can live with that.... I just want him to get involve in some type of sport and get some exercise.

[zoom-zoom]

Riding with him is the best part of the whole thing!!! :)...I am affraid if he really get into this mTbiking he will eventually get his buddies and forget about mom :( but thats ok...if that happens?...I can live with that.... I just want him to get involve in some type of sport and get some exercise.

This is how I feel, too. And I look forward to the day when I can do the C cyclocross race and he's doing the B races (with his dad)...so I can actually SEE him race and cheer! I'll be his biggest fan. :D

[Giulianna23]

Congrats!! New bikes are exciting.i like and want to buy it.http://www.okhealthy.com/image/12.jpg


Thanks :)


I hear you :) I've decided that I really need to get elbow and new shin guards though, I keep banging up my elbows and knees and my co-workers wonder when I wear long sleeves to work on a hot day :rolleyes: I ride BMX pedals anyway and should just to save my shins. Pedals left their mark Saturday on my one little fall.

Giulianna - glad that you are able to take advantage of a close beginners loop! You and your son might also want to check out the beginners loop at Ft Ben when you feel like going somewhere different. It is about a mile and very easy - but of course it is on the opposite side of town from you...

Talking about protection . Are those guards comfortable?...I want to get some protection gear/accesories for him.

Would you send me the address via PM? is that the Town Run trail?

[Giulianna23]

This is how I feel, too. And I look forward to the day when I can do the C cyclocross race and he's doing the B races (with his dad)...so I can actually SEE him race and cheer! I'll be his biggest fan. :D


Thats nice!...MY sons Dad lives in South Dakota and he really don't have a realtionship with my son nor my other 17 year old son. I am basically a single mom and I have been trying to do my best to get them involve in sports like I was when I was young. (I was a tomboy I was better than my two brothers :)..) I love sports in general. But since I had to raise them by myself you already know...not enough time nor resources etc etc . Besides the fact that they arent sport kids either. But I am glad he at least showing interest in mountain biking and I like it too... For now I will enjoy all the time I can spend with them.

[zoom-zoom]

Thats nice!...MY sons Dad lives in South Dakota and he really don't have a realtionship with my son nor my other 17 year old son. I am basically a single mom and I have been trying to do my best to get them involve in sports like I was when I was young. (I was a tomboy I was better than my two brothers :)..) I love sports in general. But since I had to raise them by myself you already know...not enough time nor resources etc etc . Besides the fact that they arent sport kids either. But I am glad he at least showing interest in mountain biking and I like it too... For now I will enjoy all the time I can spend with them.

I think it's awesome that you are encouraging this. He may find that he's more of a jock than he ever expected! Or he may find that he simply likes getting out and cruising along the singletrack and enjoying nature. Either way is a win-win for you both! :)

[Catrin]

Thanks :)

Talking about protection . Are those guards comfortable?...I want to get some protection gear/accesories for him.

Would you send me the address via PM? is that the Town Run trail?

There are many different types of guards, and I am by no means an expert. I have a pair of Lizardskin shin guards that work fine, but they are all going to to be hot. The Lizardskins were also made for people with longer lower legs than I have so I had to cut them. I am currently searching for something more comfortable. Some of the more experienced wommen here may have suggestions on better guards.

I would not recommend Town Run, I won't go there myself right now. The problem is the trail is highly popular with people who ride it for speed and time - and apparently a good number of them aren't looking out for slower riders. I've been warned not to ride that trail by everyone I know during the evening or weekends, I am still pretty slow so am listening to my more experienced friends. I will eventually try it during the middle of a weekday.

I was referring to the new beginners loop at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park in Lawrence. You can find out more information here (http://www.hmba.org/smf/index.php?board=40.0) and a map to the park and of the trails here (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=215785101859280476170.0004a89e7d97990c28231). The beginners loop is the one in green on the west side of the park. It probably isn't any longer than the trail you have in Avon so it may not be worth your drive, but I wanted to mention it.

[Giulianna23]

I think it's awesome that you are encouraging this. He may find that he's more of a jock than he ever expected! Or he may find that he simply likes getting out and cruising along the singletrack and enjoying nature. Either way is a win-win for you both! :)


I think he likes the idea about mountain biking because he loves nature and animals and all that. He can watch the Discovery or Nat Geo chanels 24/7 . I told him that when he get more experience he can take the digi cam and take pictures of the nature and the animals...he loves that. So yeah...this is a good thing..I dont know why I never thought about it before. :(
If it wasn't for TE :) thank you...

[Giulianna23]

There are many different types of guards, and I am by no means an expert. I have a pair of Lizardskin shin guards that work fine, but they are all going to to be hot. The Lizardskins were also made for people with longer lower legs than I have so I had to cut them. I am currently searching for something more comfortable. Some of the more experienced wommen here may have suggestions on better guards.

I would not recommend Town Run, I won't go there myself right now. The problem is the trail is highly popular with people who ride it for speed and time - and apparently a good number of them aren't looking out for slower riders. I've been warned not to ride that trail by everyone I know during the evening or weekends, I am still pretty slow so am listening to my more experienced friends. I will eventually try it during the middle of a weekday.

I was referring to the new beginners loop at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park in Lawrence. You can find out more information here (http://www.hmba.org/smf/index.php?board=40.0) and a map to the park and of the trails here (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=215785101859280476170.0004a89e7d97990c28231). The beginners loop is the one in green on the west side of the park. It probably isn't any longer than the trail you have in Avon so it may not be worth your drive, but I wanted to mention it.


Wow..thanks for the heads up on that Town Run Trail. Yesterday at the Avon park we had the trails just for us.... we just encountered a couple of runners.
That Park in Lawrence sounds interesting. We go visit a good friend of mine on that side of town at least once every month or so....so I guess when we go visit them we can take our bikes.

[indysteel]

My husband was never into team sports, but he's long been an avid biker, road and mountain. If your son takes to it, he may very well have found a hobby to last a lifetime and one that could take him all over the States (and beyond). How cool is that?

[Aggie_Ama]

Thank you...and yeah..I got that feeling already... I need to get some gears especially for my son. What would you recomend to first get for him aside from helmet and gloves ...I am not too worry about me right now.





I am not big into pads myself, never used them but a lot of people say they make them more confident. My skin is pretty sensitive and I don't want anything rubbing on it.

My big things other than gloves (full finger, even in the Texas summer for me) would be some padded shorts and a small Camelbak or similar item. Drinking is so important and it is hard to pull a bottle out a cage at first and then stopping a bunch gets old.

When we host our womens rides that is what we look for: gloves, helmet and adequate water. The reason I said full finger gloves is your hands are more exposed, brush often catches my fingers if I ride fingerless and those little cuts on the knuckles hurt! Plus they have a little more protection for the inevitable fall.

[Becky]

The reason I said full finger gloves is your hands are more exposed, brush often catches my fingers if I ride fingerless and those little cuts on the knuckles hurt! Plus they have a little more protection for the inevitable fall.

+1 on full-fingered gloves. Not only do they provide extra protection, but I find that they provide extra grip on the bars and brake levers when I'm a sweaty mess all over. I don't find them any warmer than fingerless gloves in the summer.

[Catrin]

+1 on full-fingered gloves. Not only do they provide extra protection, but I find that they provide extra grip on the bars and brake levers when I'm a sweaty mess all over. I don't find them any warmer than fingerless gloves in the summer.

I concur - good full-fingered gloves is why my hands/fingers don't look as bad as my calves from the mountain bike trails :)

[Giulianna23]

My husband was never into team sports, but he's long been an avid biker, road and mountain. If your son takes to it, he may very well have found a hobby to last a lifetime and one that could take him all over the States (and beyond). How cool is that?

Veryyyy cool.... thanks for the thoughts


I am not big into pads myself, never used them but a lot of people say they make them more confident. My skin is pretty sensitive and I don't want anything rubbing on it.

My big things other than gloves (full finger, even in the Texas summer for me) would be some padded shorts and a small Camelbak or similar item. Drinking is so important and it is hard to pull a bottle out a cage at first and then stopping a bunch gets old.

When we host our womens rides that is what we look for: gloves, helmet and adequate water. The reason I said full finger gloves is your hands are more exposed, brush often catches my fingers if I ride fingerless and those little cuts on the knuckles hurt! Plus they have a little more protection for the inevitable fall.

Yeah I was thinking about the pads but he is sensitive to his skin as well . Thanks for the general advice .. I am clueless about camelbak which one would you recommend?..any spec brand?


+1 on full-fingered gloves. Not only do they provide extra protection, but I find that they provide extra grip on the bars and brake levers when I'm a sweaty mess all over. I don't find them any warmer than fingerless gloves in the summer.

Thanks for the advice on the gloves...he sweats a lots on his hands. Any spec material to look for?



What about glasses?...he uses them should I get him sport Rx or will he be ok with his everyday glasses?

[Aggie_Ama]

I am not sure how old or big your son is but I assume he is a teen? I think the kids packs are for little kids.

My personal favorite pack is the Rogue, it isn't too bulky but can hold a decent amount of water with 70 oz and a few things in the pocket. I like it also because it isn't one that you will quickly outgrow when you move to longer rides. The classic just sacrifices some of the pockets but gives you the 70oz water capacity. I have only used the Camelbak brand myself so I can't really say if there is something better.

http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2012-Rogue.aspx

http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2012-Classic.aspx

[Giulianna23]

I am not sure how old or big your son is but I assume he is a teen? I think the kids packs are for little kids.

My personal favorite pack is the Rogue, it isn't too bulky but can hold a decent amount of water with 70 oz and a few things in the pocket. I like it also because it isn't one that you will quickly outgrow when you move to longer rides. The classic just sacrifices some of the pockets but gives you the 70oz water capacity. I have only used the Camelbak brand myself so I can't really say if there is something better.

http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2012-Rogue.aspx

http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2012-Classic.aspx

He is 15 years old. I will look into those.. I might end up getting one as well.. because of what you said it is hard and risky to reach for the bottle cage when mountain biking. I don't like the idea of having like a backpack because it makes me sweaty and hot but in this case it def worth it.


Thanks again!..

[indysteel]

I barely notice my Camelback when I'm mtbing. On the road, yes, because I'm in less of an upright position, but on the trails it doesn't bother me in the least. I'm sweaty enough as it is; the Camelback doesn't make me more so. It's so much easier to drink regularly and I have room to stuff food and other supplies. I use a women's version. I prefer one with both a chest and tummy strap.

ETA: This (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1103238_-1___) is the one I have. And it's on sale!

[Becky]

+1 to what Indy said.

[Catrin]

I agree with Indy, but I also wear a pack on the road. One thing about water bottles on the trails is they get dusty/dirty and can also bounce out of the cage.

[Becky]

One thing about water bottles on the trails is they get dusty/dirty and can also bounce out of the cage.

DH once had a bout of uh..."gastrointestinal distress" that we're fairly sure was caused by drinking from water bottles on trails that were used by horses :eek::o

[Aggie_Ama]

I have a larger one (The Luxe) and I do sometimes notice it but that is because it has padded straps and those are what I notice. That one is the one I use for long adventures, the Rogue I even race marathons in with no complaints and I really don't notice it is there. Catrin is right too, bottles can get gunky from dirt, although with the right cage they should stay pretty secure. I use my bottle cage for something with electrolytes and water in the Camelbak. The two I posted (and it appears maybe Indy's) have a nice narrow footprint so yes you'll be sweaty but these are not your normal backpack they are made to fit your back for active adventures.

[katherine]

DH once had a bout of uh..."gastrointestinal distress" that we're fairly sure was caused by drinking from water bottles on trails that were used by horses :eek::o

Ewwwwww.
I also use a Luxe, love it, holds enough stuff and H2O for day-long adventures. It's never bothered me. Except for that time when I found a month old bag of grapes, but that was in the kitchen, not on the bike ;)

[sassygirl]

I have already been on it, to be able to get into the metro-parks off Drake road is the parks best idea yet

[Giulianna23]

Thanks every one for your inputs and advice...I am checking on those and I am be getting a pair of those camelbaks asap ..

BTW... I wanted to share a few pics of me ,my son and our bikes at the Washington Township Trail ...Sorry for the crappy cellphone pics.

[Catrin]

Congratulations on your new mountain bike - and it is great that you can ride with your son - that is seriously cool!

[Becky]

Ewwwwww.
I also use a Luxe, love it, holds enough stuff and H2O for day-long adventures. It's never bothered me. Except for that time when I found a month old bag of grapes, but that was in the kitchen, not on the bike ;)

Yeah, it was gross. I never have understood why he likes/liked bottles on the MTB.

Another vote for the Luxe. Love mine! I really want an Osprey Verve 10 too.

[Catrin]

You might also want to look at Osprey and Vaude hydration packs, the various stores in our area carry them as well as the Camelbak. I do have the Luxe, but I prefer my Vaude as the pack itself is much lighter. Both hold 100 ounces, but the Vaude is easier on my neck - there is a different design in how it connects with the body. I am considering replacing the bite valve with the Camelbak version if it will fit.

You can also find good prices on eBay as well for these packs.

[Giulianna23]

Hey gals ...what about this one for my son?...He will only use it on the weekends.....pretty good reviews

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12860772&cp=4406646.4413993.4418012.12852942#showReviews

[Giulianna23]

Went on a group ride yesterday for about an hour and 15 minute ride . Covered about 8 miles. And the bike just feels so nice..she kept up with them 29ers pretty good :) ..the group ride was amazing and very friendly.....I am loving this mountain biking thing and my bike as well. I am in the search of a new helmet that would serve me for road and mtb. I have already got a hydration pack for my son and I a new camelbak lobo is on its way for me!!...I am hoping it gets here before Friday. I don't know if its the best hydration pack for cycling but I got a really good deal on ebay for it $60 including shipping brand new and a pretty color too. Yay!!

[Catrin]

You might want to consider two separate helmets, that is what I do. Mountain bike helmets have more protection on the back of the head than road helmets do, and the ability to switch them out does lengthen helmet life. Also, if you happen to drop one hard, or fall and hit your head (which always means you should replace the helmet even if you can't see damage), then you have a backup.

[Giulianna23]

Thanks for the suggestion Catrin... I agree .... I will get a mtb helmet ASAP and I can keep using the one I have for commuting and events and get a new Roadbike helmet later.
BTW I am off today and heading to the trails in a few. Yay!!

[Catrin]

Thanks for the suggestion Catrin... I agree .... I will get a mtb helmet ASAP and I can keep using the one I have for commuting and events and get a new Roadbike helmet later.
BTW I am off today and heading to the trails in a few. Yay!!

Nothing wrong with just using the commuting helmet for the road bike, unless you just want a third helmet ;) Both of my helmets are mountain bike helmets, though the one I use for actual mountain biking is beefier than my other one.