New Hardtail...now the fun begins!

[Aggie_Ama]

If you actually start trying some singletrack you will likely get a better workout and than road riding. For me the road is not about hammering, I look around and enjoy the sites. Mountain biking engages the whole body and I find I burn as many calories on a one hour moutain ride as a two hour road ride. I am also sore in different places. I like the compliment of mountain with the road.

Congrats on the find, my hardtail Tess is a Craigslist steal. Other than the scratches on the frame it was like new and less than 1/3 the retail for the bike. We are good buddies now. By the way, I name all my bikes so we can talk like old friends.

[Red Rock]

Aggie-Yes, I am excited to get out there on the dirt. I totally understand what you mean by one hour on dirt is worth two on the road. That is what is nice about this type of riding. Maximum calorie burn with least amount of time. Plus it is a totally different ride. There is no comparison.

I am noticing oil drip from the front fork though. Any ideas on what I should do? Bike is standing upright is not upside down.

[Irulan]

Aggie-Yes, I am excited to get out there on the dirt. I totally understand what you mean by one hour on dirt is worth two on the road. That is what is nice about this type of riding. Maximum calorie burn with least amount of time. Plus it is a totally different ride. There is no comparison.

I am noticing oil drip from the front fork though. Any ideas on what I should do? Bike is standing upright is not upside down.

There's been calculations done as to how many trail miles equal how many road miles. The truth is that nothing beats road riding for building endurance and a good cardio base, but MTB will give you more of an all over work out, assuming you are being dynamic.

As for the oil, sounds like a seal leak. Get thee to a bike shop.

[Aggie_Ama]

Sounds like a seal leak. There are rebuild kits if needed for many forks, just take it to the LBS and have them look at it.