hello, directionless novice

windowflogger
windowflogger Posts: 4
edited October 2008 in MTB beginners
Hi, been reading through this site for a while now but never thought to join till now.
Some great info to be had here.

I've been riding bikes since I was small but only recently got into mountain biking. Turns out its an immense stress reliever.
I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for a beginner as to where to go and the age old what bike.

At the moment I've been messing around in the local forests but "air" is a big attraction for me. I love heights and if it wasn't for the money would have kept my old job because of it.
I was wondering if there are any specific groups to look into to get a bit more in depth and focused view and pointers of where to start when pursuing this.

And from this I'm interested in buying a new bike. At the moment I've some old, probably the cheapest from halfords or that from 15 years ago.
Idealy it would be a do anything machine - I've been scowering the web for ideas and asking mtb types here and there trying to build up a picture before i enter a shop next day off.
I've been advised to look at "something like" the marin northside as "its design caters for a lot of areas" but i can't argue with that for obvious reasons.
Any pointers?


Thanks :D

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    by air do you mean jumping?

    where are you based? and welcome by the way.
  • xtreem
    xtreem Posts: 2,965
    Welcome from me too. :D

    About the bike:
    What size jumps are planing of doing, or not?
    Fullsuspension or hardtail?
    How much can you afford for the bike and probably helmet?
    NS Bikes Eccentric Alu custom - 2016
  • windowflogger
    windowflogger Posts: 4
    sheepsteeth wrote:
    by air do you mean jumping?

    where are you based? and welcome by the way.

    To an extent I do, yes. Not exclusively mind.

    I'm in South Staffordshire myself and thanks hi :)
    Xtreem wrote:
    Welcome from me too. :D

    About the bike:
    What size jumps are planing of doing, or not?
    Fullsuspension or hardtail?
    How much can you afford for the bike and probably helmet?

    Hi, from a novice level upwards. Bikewise I'm after something I don't have to worry too much about regardless of what I do - a heavy ask i know.
    looking to spend up to around or up to £600. I already have a solid helmet.

    I'm trying to get as well a picture of somethings to look at when I head down a bike shop
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I'd take a look at the Saracen Zen and Mantra.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    sounds like you could be suitable for a long travel hardtail, so as sonic says the zen or mantra by saracen are aec value for money.

    another worth looking at if you can find one at a good price is a specialized p.allmountain. The specialized is specifically a dirt type bike but designed to be pedalled about too, that said, all 3 are gonna weigh a fair bit so be honest about the type of riding you are gonna do, its hard to find a real allrounder
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    by the way, here is a review of the bike you have ben recommended:

    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... trail-8536
  • xtreem
    xtreem Posts: 2,965
    GT Avalanche Expert 2008.
    NS Bikes Eccentric Alu custom - 2016
  • windowflogger
    windowflogger Posts: 4
    Thanks for the advice and pointers guys.

    I'll set off and try out a few bikes next weekend.
    Got a few brochures sent through and with the help of a little internet reviews really liking the look of the Saracen Zen 1, gets very good reviews and the wallet will be handy but i'll try all suggestions out clearly.

    Also looking around some local groups to get involved with.

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