New rider (again)

[forestbiker]

Just found this forum and it looks like a friendly place to visit.

I just bought a mountain bike. A GT Avalanche 2.0 disc. I hope it's a good brand, if not REI has a generous return policy . I wanted a Specialized Rockhopper, but sizing was a concern. The GT is 13", I hope it's right, it feels good so I guess that's what counts.

I lived on bicycles when I was a kid. Then had a cruiser type road bike in the mid 90s. Now I'm into hiking and the outdoors, so I need a mountain bike for Forest Service roads and some singletracking. I'm trail ready baby!

Now I need the practice. Ugh! At first I went on an old road-turned-trail. I only made 2.5 miles! I've worked myself up to 5 miles on paved roads. Hills, ok, that's a story for another post.

Anyway, hows all the bicyclists out there doing?

[malkin]

Welcome!

I'm enjoying a personal weekend of laziness, but I'm sure other people are out riding around.

[Zen]

Just found this forum and it looks like a friendly place to visit.

You're wrong. We're horrible nasty women who love to flame newbies.

I hope it's right, it feels good so I guess that's what counts.

It has two wheels, you pedal it and you like doing it. It's a fine bike

At first I went on an old road-turned-trail. I only made 2.5 miles! I've worked myself up to 5 miles on paved roads. Hills, ok, that's a story for another post.

It's very different riding dirt than asphalt. More resistance for one thing.
It doesn't matter how far or how fast, just ride.

[bcipam]

You seem to be very concerned about the sizing. If you purchased the bike at a shop - they hopefully measured you to assure the sizing was proper. 13 is a small frame mountain bike. For instance I ride a 17 - 18 and am 5'8". 15 would be for around 5'6" and 13 for 5'4" or less. Does that seem right to you?

The GT bike is a good bike. The best way to get riding is to just get out there and ride. It's fun to plan a course. Say a 5 mile out and back and see how you improve first just making the distance and next improving your time. Remember trails is tougher than paved road. Also remember tire pressure is also different for each. Don't forget to properly inflate your tires for each instance. That is the best way to prevent flatting. If you are riding on a 2" knobby, tire pressure should be around 60 for the paved road and 30 - 40 for trail. Also learned how to do some simple maintenance - like how to lube your chain and keep the bike clean.

Anyway just go out and have fun!!!

[Psycler]

forestbiker,

I rode everywhere and all the time when I was a kid in Detroit. Then I gave up my bike for about 15 years. After doing a lot of traveling and settling down in north east PA, I finally got a new bike. The first time I went out I stuggled to go 2.5 miles and couldn't figure out why it was so hard. Then I turned around and coasted home. Detroit was completely flat. I had no idea what hills were like.
Just keep on riding and having fun.

[Trek-chick]

forestbiker,

Detroit was completely flat.

It sure is. I practice my hills on the bike path overpass ramps or a stong headwind LOL. Have fun with your new mountain bike...I just got a road bike recently but, I still love my mountain bike. Michigan isn't all flat though...I love going up north or to the UP to ride.

[forestbiker]

Went out again and fell in love with my GT Avy. The geometry is just right, it just feels good.

Feels good=fit, funny how that works.

I do mourn the loss of a top tube. I have a genuine girlie bike now, but hey, one must make some compromises in life.

[bikerHen]

I was going to ask where you are in the PNW. But after seeing that picture, you are definitly on the wet side. If you ever venture over to the dryside let me know we have some nice trails around these parts. bikerHen

[forestbiker]

BikerHen,
I'm in the Puget Sound area. The picture was taken at Mt Rainier National Park.