Getting back into biking

UK2004
UK2004 Posts: 137
edited May 2009 in MTB buying advice
Have had a few yeas away from bikes, used to mix cross country with some mtb trials. Need to buy a new bike, mostly will be doing cross country but want something that can take a bit fo abuse sometimes, really not sure whether to go with normal 100mm xc fork or somthing with a bit longer travel, really like a fast bike but would like abit of forgiveness for occasional steep descents, what woudl you guys advise? I have always read good things about merlin cycles and wandered if their rock lobster titanium frame with xt groupset would be a good start, what fork would you recommend and do you think this is the right kind of bike to be thinking of?

Comments

  • JxL
    JxL Posts: 383
    titanium frame? Its around £800 i think, so yeah it would actually be TOO good of a start :D Honestly, until you race competitively at a rather high level I couldn't really justify a £800 frame to start with.

    BUT...

    If you have the cash, the sure! The frame is great, and also the XT stuff. Forks wize, Fox Float 100 or rockshox reba maybe? quite light but can take the punishment.

    Genesis (Altitude) titanium frames are also sweet.
    Genesis Core 10 / Kinesis Decade Virtue SS

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  • UK2004
    UK2004 Posts: 137
    Sounds liek you would recommend it, so it's strong for the lumps and bumps but quick as well, what kind fo weight would it probably come out to? Also it's a lnog way to merlin so would mail order, do they come up similar in sizing to most mtb's? One other thing, I have never used clipless pedals, are they worth investing in or would DMR V12 pedals be ok?
  • UK2004
    UK2004 Posts: 137
    Anyone got opinions on the clip in pedals as opposed to DMR V12's?
  • rwalworth
    rwalworth Posts: 176
    Depends on how confident you are mate, obviously the spd's have the advantage of allowing you to 'pull' upwards on the climbs. However the v12's have a fair amount of grip and are also pretty light weight, if it was me i'd stick a pair of flats on until I get a good feel for the bike, then try it out with the spd's and see if you like it better.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Yes, is personal preference. I agree with starting on flats too. I think better and cheaper bets than the V12 such as Wellgos.
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  • JxL
    JxL Posts: 383
    I am in a similar position with clipless pedals. Been riding a MTB for two months or so, and feel very comfortable on the bike. All my friends use SPD's and also recommended me to get some. Apparently there are two types though, shimano ones and some others.. (which allow more movement when clipped).

    Anybody could throw some links for us with decent pedals/shoes?
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  • The Spiderman
    The Spiderman Posts: 5,625
    Just get Shimano M520s and Specialized BG shoes.
    Crank Bros fall apart,Shimano 520s are reliable and cheap.
    BG shoes are comfortable and durable.
    2006 Giant XTC
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  • UK2004
    UK2004 Posts: 137
    Have ordered a Rock Lobster Tig Team SL with reba race forks and xt groupset and deus finishing kit, they recommended a 17 as im 5ft 9 with short legs, does this sound right, anyone got a 17 and can comment on how it sizes up, was thinking I would need a 15 but that is the smallest size they do. Looking forward to getting this they said should be ten days build time.

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