Steel mountain bike?

[Catrin]

I am not buying another bike this year However next year I am considering a mountain bike in the late spring. I know I want steel, outside of that I've a lot of research to do over the winter. I don't want to spend a large amount of money, something that will be a good bike to learn on next summer. I suspect there won't be too many rock gardens in my future next summer, just learning basic mtn biking skills.

Suggestions in a good beginners steel mountain bike to give me a starting point?

[indysteel]

Before you go too far down this path, I would have a candid conversation with Jonathan--who is an expert MTBer--about whether any of your physical issues, namely your arthritic hands, will be a significant issue for mountain biking. I'm somewhat concerned that they'll be a very limiting factor to your ability to get out of the saddle, jump, hop, etc. My somewaht limited understanding is that it's just.a much more physical discipline.

Now I say that as a non MTBer, so take it for what it's worth. In the very least, I'd consider renting a MTB before you put moeny on the table for one to make sure it's for you.

[Catrin]

Good thought, I will do that. I've not had any grip/pain problems at all with my mountain bars - not even when I was on the bike for 6 hours. Of course, that was on the road. I am seeing Jonathan next Friday on another matter.

[indysteel]

Good thought, I will do that. I've not had any grip/pain problems at all with my mountain bars - not even when I was on the bike for 6 hours. Of course, that was on the road. I am seeing Jonathan next Friday on another matter.

The position and bars themselves won't pose the problem. Having to stand, pull up on the bars, or otherwise maneuver while out of the saddle might, however.

[Cataboo]

There's usually places with single track that isn't very technical that would still be fun.

I know gunnar makes steel mountain bikes.Surly's got the instigator or the karate monkey,things like that... Rawlands has a steel frame that can be built up as a mountain bike, but I think the top tube is going to be too long.

Given the suspension that is on mountain bikes - I don't think it's really necessary to have a steel one instead of an aluminum. If you're planning on riding rigid than it makes more of a difference.

I would just get a hard tail if I was you - it really requires an investment of a lot of cash to get a lightweight full suspension bike - the cheaper ones are heavy, andI don't see the point pedaling a 30+ bike up obstacles. However, maybe a full suspension would be better for your wrists/hands.

Do you have friends that you could borrow their mountain bikes for a bit?

If you want to go further - there's titanium. Litespeed makes nice titanium mountain bikes.

Marin used to make nice steel frame bikes, you could consider picking up a used marin,probably about a 14" frame.

[SadieKate]

Why do you want steel?

If it's is to provide more cushion for your hands, buying an absolutely lush fork like a dual-air Reba is the way to go.

[eofelis]

I know gunnar makes steel mountain bikes.Surly's got the instigator or the karate monkey,things like that... Rawlands has a steel frame that can be built up as a mountain bike, but I think the top tube is going to be too long.


Marin used to make nice steel frame bikes, you could consider picking up a used marin,probably about a 14" frame.

I did some looking around the past year for small size steel hardtails.

Gunnar Rockhounds come in a 13" but the frame alone is $800. Used ones come up infrequently (I keep a constant watch on ebay for small steel frames [just too see if anything interesting pops up ].)

I ended up buying a new 13" Jamis Dragon complete for $1k. It was an '09 model at a pretty good discount.

Surly just came out with a hardtail frame for a geared bike (in contrast to the 1x1 frame for a fixed gear hardtail). I'm not sure how they are, but they look kewl.