I wanna do this

Hi All,
Well the cycling bug is still going strong and now I'm thinking of doing both road riding and mountain biking. But I have questions. I hope I don't put too many here. Well, I guess I want to let ya'll know what I can do so you can tell me what I need to be able to do.
First I have a bike, Giant Rincon, hardtail, no disc brakes (and apparently can't get them without paying more than I did for the bike)
I am very comfortable on this bike. I kind of got the impression that you would need to be comfortable so you can move it right. I can ride a wheelie, I can "walk" the bike (for lack of better term), you know swing the back around and then bring the front well you know what I mean. I have a lot of fun going over curbs (doesn't matter what size). I have ridden this bike a lot on rail trails and some on the road (with slick tires before I got my road bike). I want to get into mountainbiking as kind of a cross training thing but mainly because it looks like fun. Other than getting out on the trails and trying it, what else do I need to be able to do?
I know I've got more questions. But I'll stop here for now. I love to get dirty and I love being in the woods. I need to find some people to go with though.
Thanks,
Gray

Be able to communicate with Mother Nature's creature. It's a really helpful skill when you need to send a messenger back to the Park Ranger regarding your need for assistance with a crash related broken bone. Just kidding:p...

I'm very humble, but one of the biggest things that blew my mind on my frist trail was how long it took in terms of miles covered, vs road. I know that sounds rather simpleton. I looked at the trail map and thought, "hmm, ok... 6.5mi, how bad can that be?". Then I got out in the woods, well:eek:...

I think on what you need to do, you'll figrue when you come to the obstacle. Or re-riding the living he$$ out of the same obstacle until you get it:cool:.

One thing about mtb is that it is so nice to not have to worry about cars. That's fun in itself:).

Just try is all you have left to do. I am a roadie at heart but really love playing in the dirt. My mountain bike is just a Scott Hardtail and it is farily low end for one but for the beginner to intermediate trails hardtail is just find. Half the time DH wishes he didn't have the weight of the full suspension on the easier trails. I am fortunate to have a willing tutor in DH but you can learn without one. Just try it out. A lot of the fire roads (jeep trails) are easy but riding over gravel and rocks challenge you on your first rides. You may even see if you have a local club that holds clinics, we have one that does a women's only clinic and will really be nice to the newbies who have no clue like me! You may have to wait for spring to really find that although here we do ride year round there aren't organized clinics in the winter months. Come on over to the dirty side!

BTW- I took a few tumbles and figured out you probably won't break anything by being a clumsy fool. In fact yesterday I ate it with an audience, I just turned and waved. :)

Your bike sounds fine. Disc brakes are all the thing now, but you really only NEED them if you ride in consistently wet conditions.

The general philosophy that most folks I know go by is, "it aint the bike it's the rider". Sounds like you have a good set of bike handling skills. For some ideas on mountain bike specific skills, I've got a good list on my website,
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/pen...g/ridetips.asp

Probably the biggest difference in getting on the trail is how much more time you spend OUT of the saddle, using your whole body.

Now go have some fun.

Also, if you check the IMBA site, you should be able to find a local mountain bike club in the state listings

www.imba.com

http://www.imba.com/contacts/near_yo..._virginia.html

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Originally Posted by Irulan

Your bike sounds fine. Disc brakes are all the thing now, but you really only NEED them if you ride in consistently wet conditions.

The general philosophy that most folks I know go by is, "it aint the bike it's the rider". Sounds like you have a good set of bike handling skills. For some ideas on mountain bike specific skills, I've got a good list on my website,
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/pen...g/ridetips.asp

Probably the biggest difference in getting on the trail is how much more time you spend OUT of the saddle, using your whole body.

Now go have some fun.

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Thanks! I'll go check out your website here in a just a few. This is a list of components on my bike. http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...2874&Type=bike I don't know what any of it means though. As far as if I need something or not. It's from bike pedia and my bike has all of the factory components except for the pedals which are the shimano ones that are regular pedals on one side and clipless on the other. I know I need different tires just because mine are kind of worn. I was actually wondering about the rear cassette. Should I change it? And the brakes. Anyway, if you or anyone else could look at this and give me some advice I'd appreciate it. I'm mainly going to be road riding but I thought maybe MTB in the winter if it's not too wet would be a good time to kind of practice. On some less technical trails of course.
Thanks again,
Gray

That should be enough bike to get started, I see people riding Walmart bikes on the trail. Maybe get a tune up if needed but you are just trying it. You will likely want to upgrade if you get into it but you have somewhere to start. ;)

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Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama

That should be enough bike to get started, I see people riding Walmart bikes on the trail. Maybe get a tune up if needed but you are just trying it. You will likely want to upgrade if you get into it but you have somewhere to start. ;)

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Thanks Aggie! (Is it ok to call you that?)
Anyway, what kind of upgrades? I'm a little OCD. I like to know a lot about a subject, at least enough to have a conversation or to plan ahead when I start something. (eg I researched my watch for 3 months before I bought it!):) Anyway, what kind of upgrades are we talking about? I'm planning on doing MTB and Road Biking pretty much equally in the summer.

Irulan, I did find a clinic that I can attend in the spring and another one in Sept. Your website is awesome. I do have a question though...Should the bike fit be done with me in "neutral" position? Does that make a difference?
Thanks again, Ladies!
Gray

bike fit would be done sitting in the saddle, not out of the saddle.

I'm with Aggie, don't worry about upgrades. Just go ride the heck out of the dam thing until you break something.

A $360 bike is not worth upgrading. Ride it like you stole it and save your $$ for an upgrade bike.

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Originally Posted by Irulan

bike fit would be done sitting in the saddle, not out of the saddle.

I'm with Aggie, don't worry about upgrades. Just go ride the heck out of the dam thing until you break something.

A $360 bike is not worth upgrading. Ride it like you stole it and save your $$ for an upgrade bike.

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:D Okay, I can do that. Thanks again. I think I'll go play a little. Have a great day.
Gray

You can call me Aggie or Ama, just don't call me a longhorn. :p

Yes, I meant upgrading the whole thing after you ride it into the ground. My Tess (her name) was a Craigslist find, she is about a $500-600 bike when she was new and there are definitely nicer bikes. My eye is on a nice Full Suspension rig when I get a new one. But I will probably keep Tess around too. The stable is full but what the heck.

I am eager to hear how you like the dirt when you get to try it. I didn't think I would like it and it frustrates me some because there is a lot to learn as you try harder stuff but it is a blast! You will find mountain biking engages the muscles differently the road riding, be prepared to be a bit sore in different places. I was really shocked by that after my first few rides.

Hi Aggie,
I was actually thinking of getting started pretty soon. It's a little wet today so I was just gonna go out in the parking lot and ride around a bit (I"m bored) and play. Since the parks are closed for the winter now I'm not sure I'm allowed to hit the trails there, but I live in a university town that has a Core Arboretum that has some bike paths (and a really steep relatively long access road. I thought maybe I could practice out there. The cold doesn't really bother me if I'm not on the road so I thought that might be fun to do instead of strictly riding the trainer (although I do love it). I'm anxious to get started on this. It should be fun.
Talk to you later, I promise to keep you posted.
Gray

Hi again,
Question, what kind of tires should I put on the mountain bike? I've got a set of Kenda Nevegal tires that came with the bike but that i took off when I needed some slicker tires.
I'm not sure about conditions around here. I've been hiking these hills since I was a kid and I can tell you that the trails NEVER fully dry out. Even during the hottest, driest summers the trails never really "dry" they are always pretty moist. As far as I know they do a good job of maintaining the trails. I'm sure that moist trails are not unique to this area, but...well, blah I'm babbling. So anyway, what kind of tires?
I played a bit yesterday out in the parking lot. About 45 minutes or so. Hopping around, rolling over parking blocks and such. Fun.
And Aggie, I will take the camera and take a pic of me when I finally get to get dirty. I'm excited. And I'm probably a dork. But that's ok.
Okay, I'm done now. Have a good day.
Gray

Talk to your local LBS about a tire recommendation, and what are the recommendations about whether to ride or not when the trails are wet, seasonal closure etc.

I don't have a tire suggestion but when in doubt I ask the LBS. That is what I did with making sure the lube I was using on my chain was sufficient for our dusty conditions.

Make Friends With Your LBS

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Originally Posted by Irulan

Make Friends With Your LBS

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I'm tryin'!:) I've had to start keeping a notebook of questions, terminology, and tips I get so that I can remember to talk to them about it later. The guy at my LBS has been great. I just can't remember all this stuff when I go in there. I get really discouraged when I don't know stuff. But, I'm learning and trying. Never thought there would be more to this cycling thing than just getting on the bike and pedaling. Ha!
Thanks again for all your help.
Gray

Hi there,
I use Nevegals as my winter, non-racing tires. They should be fine for most east coast riding. Not gonna be really rolly on a fire road though.

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Originally Posted by GraysonKelly

I'm tryin'!:) I've had to start keeping a notebook of questions, terminology, and tips I get so that I can remember to talk to them about it later. The guy at my LBS has been great. I just can't remember all this stuff when I go in there. I get really discouraged when I don't know stuff. But, I'm learning and trying. Never thought there would be more to this cycling thing than just getting on the bike and pedaling. Ha!
Thanks again for all your help.
Gray

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Be sure to take in some home baked treats sometime.;)

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Originally Posted by Irulan

Be sure to take in some home baked treats sometime.;)

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I hear many wrenches are partial to a good microbrew as well. ;)

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Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama

I hear many wrenches are partial to a good microbrew as well. ;)

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That is true, but I always try to think of the under age shop rats too. And not everyone drinks, for different reasons.

LOL! Thanks for all the advice. I'll be heading back there on Monday or Wed next week to ask questions and hang out a bit. Plus get my bike checked out. Got a busy rest of the week...work tonight and tomorrow night then my sis is getting married on Friday...whew! That's gonna be a long day. Anyway, have a great one everyone. Talk to you soon.
Gray

Thought I might a mention a few riding tips:

Always look ahead, looking for the best "line." If you look at the ground in front of you, you may end up looking at it up close and personally.

Climbing: To keep your front wheel down on steep climbs it's "boobs to the bars." Bend your elbows and get your body down. If you spin at too high a cadence your heart rate will go crazy. Learn to climb slow and steady. A good way to keep a good pace and regulate breathing is to sing a nursery rhyme. If you can't sing, you're working too hard.

Down hill: Don't go faster than your skill level (or faster than you want to crash). Get your butt off the back of the saddle. The steeper the downhill the farther you shift your weight back, even completely off and behind the saddle at times. Barely use your front brake. If it is scary, don't put your fingers on the front brake at all because a panic grab can launch you over the bars. (Voice of experience.)

Switchbacks- look to the inside of the turn, not the outside.

Don't look at that scary rock, tree, fence post, cow. You will aim right for it.

Rock gardens: Learn to back pedal as you ride so you don't snag on a rock- or root- in other words, if your pedal is not going to clear the rock, pedal backwards so it does. Actually practice riding without making full revolutions of the pedals- pedal forward, back, forward, back.

Sand, loose gravel. Speed is your friend. That may sound crazy, but you will more likely crash in the soft stuff if you go slow. This is also true for rolling over bigger rocks and stuff.

Scary stuff: This is another place where singing or humming can help- it engages the part of your brain that says this is scary and helps you focus.

Clipless pedals: Use them, they really help for climbing and control. I will sometimes unclip one foot if I am a little nervous and just move my foot forward so I can still pedal.

Kamikaze squirrels: There is nothing you can do about these furry killers.

Have fun!

BTW my first mtb was a $300, 35 pound hard-tail and I kept up with all my full sus friends. I think you become a better rider starting that way, you learn to maneuver and negotiate stuff. But you will spend more time out of the saddle.

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Originally Posted by fatbottomedgurl

Don't look at that scary rock, tree, fence post, cow. You will aim right for it.

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Best piece of advice as far as lessening frustration. I am still struggling to not look at the big ol' rock (root, tree) and have to bailout when I could keep going if I will just look past it.

Oh and find a way to trust following your bike, sometimes it doesn't seem like that would work but when I just sit back and roll on magical things have happened- like I survived. ;)