Experienced roadie considering 1st MTB…advice needed

[out_spokin']

So I’m thinking of adding to my repertoire and bike stable and could use the help of the forum. I’ve been interested in doing more off-road riding lately (have been riding cyclocross bike on a few easy trails), and think I'm ready to take the plunge and buy an MTB.

My idea of a fun time will be the “flowy mostly smooth singletrack” variety. Rock gardens and drops not so much - my joints hurt just saying it. Can’t imagine that I’d ever race. I want to increase my bike handling skills, do more group riding and have more variety in my rides, especially in the cooler months. There are fantastic beginner-intermediate trails (single track and jeep road type) within an easy ride from my home.

I’m tall (5’10”) but have very long legs/short torso, so geometry WILL be an issue. But before I deal with that, wondering what you all think about an appropriate first bike? My budget says: mid-range hard tail, entry-level dual, or hard tail 29er. Test riding tells me little because suspension is completely new to me and riding down the street from a shop hardly foreshadows how I’ll feel on a trail.

I’m philosophically leaning towards a 29er but not sure I’ll be able to pull off the reach (not many WSD choices). I very much like the idea of the better components and lighter weight I’ll get in a hard tail. I know a lot of people say when learning a hard tail will teach me better skills. Others say if you can afford a dualie you should start there for more overall fun & comfort...What do YOU say, and why??? Thanks in advance!

[jessmarimba]

Heyyy!!

Hard-tail 29er is what I would go for. Relatively affordable, depending on the frame, and tons of fun.

Gary Fisher/Trek is making (I believe) 2 WSD 29ers starting in 2011. Specialized is also, and I believe they have a hard-tail starting at $990. Many of the other ones I've looked at or ridden have a shorter reach than my old 26 inch bike, too.

I haven't test-ridden either of these, but I will vouch that you are much more cushioned on a hard-tail 29er than you are on a hard-tail 26. I haven't ridden a FS 29er but didn't think I needed one after feeling the difference between a HT 29er and my old mountain bike. The last FS 26 I rode, which was awhile ago, I felt like I was losing some power on the uphill but with the suspension lock-out that isn't as big of a deal. I was completely ready to buy just HT, though. (I might need FS now, but that's to cushion/baby the recent metal additions to my spine).

It's also easier to go up and over things on a 29er - I felt invincible

Don't know where you are in CO, but Golden bike shop has a ton of bikes to demo and a cool demo program, lots of 29ers in-stock too.

Can I ask where your beginner-intermediate trails are? I'm tired of ones that go straight up and then right back down.

Good luck! Keep us posted

[Becky]

If it were me, I'd go with a HT for 2 reasons: better bike handling and MTBing skills and more bang for the buck. FS is nice for the "get out and have fun" aspect. It depends on which philosophy is more in line with your goals. I learned how to ride on a HT and am glad I did for the skills that it taught me. I do love my FS, but missed having a good HT, and recently built up a HT 29er to fill that gap.

Definitely 29er if you can swing the fit. I'm only 5'4" and short torso/long legs, but mine fits me well. I actually feel a little forward on it, in part due to the higher front end than my FS 26, and will probably tinker with the parts a little more before buying the final cockpit. Reach is definitely not an issue for me. It rolls like crazy over everything, but still corners really nicely. I'm still learning how to handle it, but it's an enjoyable learning process.

Ride a bunch of bikes, and see what feels good fit-wise. Test rides are free!

[out_spokin']

Thanks for the input so far!

@jessmarimba - thanks for the Golden Bike Shop advice. I haven't been out there for bikes since the Self-Propulsion shop closed. I still work in Denver 3 days/week so will have to check it out. I live in Colo Springs. While we have a bunch of Apex-like ups/downs, there are also a lot of flatter/rolling options. Red Rock Canyon Park, Garden of the Gods, Palmer Park...come on down sometime after I get my bike - I'll trade ya new terrain for some skills!

Other opinions? If you were starting out now, what would you get?

[loveaz]

Love my hardtail Scott Scale 29er - I'm 5'7, about 150 lbs. I bought this ride ($1600) with all high-end components (remote front suspension lock-out, juicy hydraulics, etc. etc-I'm not very tech savy) and I love how these components have held-up to the desert terrain here in Phoenix. Previously I had Specialized Rockhopper, but now that I've gone 29er I would never go back. Smoother ride, easier climbs, more responsive downhills.

[pumpkinpony]

I started on a HT, rode it for about 8 years, and recently got a FS. I did one or two rides on the HT since I bought the FS, and I can say I don't miss the HT. The FS is so much nicer and easier on the joints! Since you mention joints in your post, I'd lean towards a full-suspension.

I picked up a 2009 Trek Fuel EX8 for a good price, good components, and love it. It is a bit on the heavy side (28 lbs) but I only notice that when I go to put it in the car. The Pro-Pedal works great going up hills... No bobbing at all.

[jessmarimba]

f flatter/rolling options. Red Rock Canyon Park, Garden of the Gods, Palmer Park...come on down sometime after I get my bike - I'll trade ya new terrain for some skills!

Haha I've got no skills If I did I'd be allowed to ride right now! but I'll trade what I've got for road skills, since that's all I can do for the next 10 or so months.

[Cato]

I ride all 3 - road, full suspension 26" mtn Flux and hard tail Kona Kula 29'er single speed. The 29'er is my go to bike for most all dirt rides, it's fast, light, fast handling and most importantly FUN!

I would recommend a 29'er, esp. if you've been riding road bikes with similar wheel size, it may feel more intuitive than smaller wheels. The larger wheels roll over obstacles better than 26", helping to smooth out the terrain. If you have the option for tubeless rims and tires, do that. You can run lower pressures (23- 25lbs) to soften the ride up a bit. Wider tires also help. Good luck!