wants to start

SUPERSUTT

i need some advise i want to start mtb riding i got my hands on a cheap bike a merlin malt 1 frame with marzocchi Z.5 open bath alloy forks and LX / XTR V brakes plus LX shifters and mechs tioga head set club roost bars . as for the rest its mainly bontrager select wheels , hubs, seat and stem i know its an old bike but what i want to know is it any good as a first bike also is their any where near Chester where i can go off road and learn and meet other riders :oops: ( who wont laught at my old bike ) :oops:

Anonymous

Any bike is fine to get you started, and that ride of yours sounds like a vintage classic

Do you drive? Llandegla's not too far away from Chester, and is a great introduction to trail riding.

Si78

Hi and Welcome!

I go to Delamere Forest. It's pretty easy, but good for practice and getting fitness levels up.

SUPERSUTT

ive heard of Llandegla so whats the rules do i need any head gear . i will get one soon just need to know before i go

Si78

It's not the law, but it's advisable to wear a helmet.

SUPERSUTT

reply to si78 so wich bike shop is best to go to in chester or do you get it online

nicklouse

SUPERSUTT wrote:

reply to si78 so wich bike shop is best to go to in chester or do you get it online

buy a helmet from a shop as a poorly fitting helmet is a worthless helmet.

Si78

Yes, try lots on. Must fit well!

I got mine from Halfords. A Giro fitted me best, but ofcourse every head is different.

Anonymous

SUPERSUTT wrote:

reply to si78 so wich bike shop is best to go to in chester or do you get it online

Halford is fine for getting started, but Chesterhas a great shop called "The Edge Cycleworks".
Unfortunately, it has no connection to U2

SUPERSUTT

i used to ride a motoerbike before i got married and had a kid but all that changed

Si78

yeehaamcgee wrote:

SUPERSUTT wrote:

reply to si78 so wich bike shop is best to go to in chester or do you get it online

Halford is fine for getting started, but Chesterhas a great shop called "The Edge Cycleworks".
Unfortunately, it has no connection to U2

Cheers for the recommendation for 'The Edge', good to know there is a good place to go. Used to be a good bike shop in Frodsham street years ago...No idea if it's still there.

I use halfords for basic bits and pieces, and to be fair to them they are very good at ordering any parts you need in.

Other than that I usually buy on-line.

Wasn't too impressed with the bike factory, or specialized concept store...Found them a bit snooty and cliquey.

GTi-R23

The bike factory and Spesh concept store are run by the same people, they even have a staff door connecting the two shops as they're next door to each other.

The Spesh store does feel like an upmarket boutique, where as the bike factory feels more like a cash 'n' carry, I've been in both and they've seemed friendly enough with me (relative newbie) so I would go there again or recommend to someone else.

Si78

GTi-R23 wrote:

The bike factory and Spesh concept store are run by the same people, they even have a staff door connecting the two shops as they're next door to each other.

The Spesh store does feel like an upmarket boutique, where as the bike factory feels more like a cash 'n' carry, I've been in both and they've seemed friendly enough with me (relative newbie) so I would go there again or recommend to someone else.

Maybe I'd just gone at a bad time lol
Won't write them off just yet then

Anonymous

Well, I haven't personally been in "the edge" for several years, but I've been told that it IS still there.

Si78

yeehaamcgee wrote:

Well, I haven't personally been in "the edge" for several years

Hehehehehehe

Did you used to be a U2 'groupie' lol

SUPERSUTT

ive been in the edge works and they seem freindly enough to me the edge works is now next to the caspein kebab house so its a good place to end a ride hey

SUPERSUTT

i know i have an old hard tail bike to start with but when i go fo a new bike what sort will be best for around chester for Llandegla and delamere . is there much climbing to be done at these places

Si78

I will try the edge when I need a bike shop

Delamere is quite easy, but there are still a few climbs. I sometimes go off the trail and into the forest to make up my own little route. Some good bits to practice on.

Can't comment on Llandegla...Will let you know after saturday!

GTi-R23

Llandegla has a fair bit of climbing depending on which route you choose, but nothing too extreme as long as you have minimal fitness and take your time.

johnnyboy29

Alright mate for cycle shops don't forget us up on the wirral cause we've got a cycle surgery tis posh but they're very helpful. there's a few other shops like birkenhead and k's cycles they're all on the money for knowledge and customer service. There's some good learner riding to be had up here too.
I've ridden llandgela and its brilliant riding my face did go all the shades of red but will definatley go again.
With regards to a helmet its always better to be safe than sorry. I bought mine from the tint after checking me head size. Mine was £50 cheaper i did go to the lbs first but they couldn't beat the price.
Si78
Good luck on Sat 8)
If you ever fancy a ride up here give us a pm.

Si78

johnnyboy29 wrote:

Si78
Good luck on Sat 8)
If you ever fancy a ride up here give us a pm.

Cheers matey
Will PM ya when Ive got some time off. Whats the riding like up in your neck-of-the-woods?

johnnyboy29

Steady like. Some hills, jumps and a little single track but now i've been to the mighty delga it seems a bit sheehite but its still good practice.
I fancy a go round delamere so we shall have to sort something out.
Speak soon matey.

Si78

johnnyboy29 wrote:

Steady like. Some hills, jumps and a little single track but now i've been to the mighty delga it seems a bit sheehite but its still good practice.
I fancy a go round delamere so we shall have to sort something out.
Speak soon matey.

cooooooool, looking forward to it!
My work shutdown is the first 2 weeks of August (I think lol) so hopefully can sort something out then dude, if not earlier!