The MTB thread

[Paul the 6th]

hmmm... I would like to try some trails at somepoint. Used to go on muddy country footpaths as a kid/early teen and was quite competent & quick. Having said that, the aim for me at the mo is fitness (or lack of it). I can ride forever on the exercise bikes (17km in 39 mins the other day, and that was at resistance level 9 out of 20 - quite resistant! I was nackerd). So I can ride roads all day.

Trails could be an excellent way to build my fitness as well, but I could get into long distance road riding quicker than learning to handle a bike over trails, and therefore prolly see better results sooner? Think a hybrid could be the way to go as I do fancy a bit of off road.

Are hybrids any good or are you generally best off sticking to roads with road bikes & trails with mtb's as hybrids are a compromise on both parts?

[Paul the 6th]

Originally Posted by Jdawg

fizzwheel has got it right. If you want to do road riding, get a road bike. However if you are planning to start on the tarmac, and progress to the trail, then get yourself an xc bike, whack some semi-slicks on it, and you'll be set! Once you have enough confidence to give the trails a go, pop some xc tires on it.
Regarding the Appollo, if you have a budget of 200-250, this is definately not what you want, you can get a much better bike than that. (In my opinion).
Take a look at what people have said to plowsie, who was on a budget similar to yours. Page 28 of this thread...

HTH, Jamie.

is an "XC" a manufacturer or type of bike i.e. hybrid? Time to do some research lol.

Thanks for the pointer to p.28 - mashive fred!

Sorry, no xc = cross country. Personally, I'm not a fan of hybrids, but I think you should try a few different types of bike before taking the plunge!!
Im not sure if a hybrid would be up to much on the trails, depending on the type of trail. I'd mabye pop down to your LBS (local bike shop), and have a go on a road bike, a cross country, and a hybrid. If one really takes your fancy, then have a look around for that type of bike in your price range.
Some good sites to visit are chainreactioncycles.com and wiggle.co.uk
If it were me i'd go xc with some different tyres.

[Paul the 6th]

cheers again jdawg... feel like a complete noob again lol

so, if XC = cross country, is cyclocross the same? That's the only similar sounding category on wiggle & chainreaction

cyclocross is essentially riding road bikes in the mud!! crazy if you ask me!

[Paul the 6th]

this is all very confusing lol. Right, so essentially I'm after a cross country bike but whack some road tyres/semi slicks on, do road riding and then when a bit fitter & confident, put the xc tyres back on and go get injured

Reet, I'll see if I can sort a test ride - is this something local bike shops do or do you have to find a decent shop who's really into it before they let you go for a spin?

[fizzwheel]

Actually a cross bike my suit your needs, if you can stretch to two sets of wheels.

You could have one set with road tyres and another set of wheels with knobblies on and just switch the wheels depending on what your doing.

I was talking to a guy on a Sportive last year that does exactly that. He races cyclcross and then puts a set of road tyred wheels on for when he was doing predominatly road riding.

Its a bit of a faff and it could work out expensive. Probably best IMHO just to buy a bike that suits your needs best.

Having one bike is boring... I've got 3 !!!

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Paul the 6th

is this something local bike shops do or do you have to find a decent shop who's really into it before they let you go for a spin?

Yep most local bike shops will let you do this as long as you show you are serious about parting with cash.

[Paul the 6th]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Yep most local bike shops will let you do this as long as you show you are serious about parting with cash.

no problem, I'll tickle the managers nose with some notes. Maybe even offer to leave a deposit

[fizzwheel]

Just go in and have a look round and have a chat with one of the staff. They should give you lots of advice and let you sit on a few bikes etc etc.

One more thing.. Does your employer do a cycle to work scheme or anything like that. Some employers do if they are a big company and the subsidise the cost of the bike. It can work out cheaper buying your bike that way... it doesnt always work out cheaper it depends on your earnings and tax bracket etc.

Just another option.