Relative newb with "exotic" bike - is it any good?

Czenglish
Czenglish Posts: 26
edited July 2009 in MTB beginners
Hi, been lurking here for a while, and have just signed up. I've been riding for about 18 months, and am totally smitten! I'm a Brit expat living in the Czech Republic, and the "default" bike brand here is Author - www.author.cz/en

My wife thought - correctly - that I needed more exercise, and bought me this: http://www.author.cz/en/kola/katalog/&c ... pid=601591 - price was around 300 quid.

This is my exact bike in every regard. I've not changed anything, beyond adding a cycle-computer, some cheap lights - and lots of mud! It's done over 1100km so far without any real problems - only a clicking pedal (just needed some oil) & a stretched brake cable - which I'll replace as soon as I work out how.

My preferred riding is XC, but I do encounter the occaisonal light technical section on local forest trails. It's the first bike I've ridden in nearly 30 years, so I have nothing to compare it with. Just wondered how this compares to the other makes/models I see being discussed here.

Also wondered if there's anything I should look at upgrading.

Thanks for any comments.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Have a read of the parktools link in my sig for How Toos

    spec seems about right for £300 from a low volume brand.

    some things that glare for replacement are pedals and bars.

    and possibly the wheels could go lighter. but I would not go mad as the frame is a bit dated.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I agree on the bars - spend 10- 20 quid on an alloy bar.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • Czenglish
    Czenglish Posts: 26
    Thanks both for fast replies! :D Pedals & bar are what I'm looking at right now. Will prob get some V8 copies (and then maybe go clipless next year) and also a lighter bar - probably a riser, as I've read it can help with the numb hands I often get.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Czenglish

    Have a look at the Shaman Bars
    http://www.shamanracing.com/

    Local and Tested on Human :wink:
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Czenglish
    Czenglish Posts: 26
    :lol: "...and extraterrestials"! http://www.prokoprider.net/index.php?p= ... l&h=17&l=7
    Brilliant, thanks guys.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    I like the feel of the DH bars that i have been running for a while. the 4X ones are a little different but I also like. Not tried the XC ones yet.

    My only issue with Shaman is at times the finish is not quite as good as it could be. But it works.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • supertwisted
    supertwisted Posts: 565
    So what's the riding like in Prague out of interest?
    Less internal organs, same supertwisted great taste.
  • Czenglish
    Czenglish Posts: 26
    Got caught up in other stuff.

    Nicklous

    Thanks for the Shaman tip, website says they have a stockist not far from work, so will get down there and have a look.

    Any tips re grips?

    Supertwisted

    I wouldn't ride actually in Prague - just driving's scary enough! I'm actually living about half an hour out of town. Lucky to be living in a national park, with lots of quiet lanes, forest paths & riverside tracks. Mostly gentle stuff, but very hilly. No trail centres here, but you can find DH if you look hard enough - a mate of mine's into this. Urban riding seems to be very popular.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Grips ODI Lock ons.

    Big hands Rogues
    small hand Ruffians.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Czenglish
    Czenglish Posts: 26
    Great, thanks.
  • Thermo1
    Thermo1 Posts: 75
    Czenglish wrote:
    Thanks both for fast replies! :D Pedals & bar are what I'm looking at right now. Will prob get some V8 copies (and then maybe go clipless next year) and also a lighter bar - probably a riser, as I've read it can help with the numb hands I often get.

    Don't go clipless until you've got some more skills on the platforms e.g. lifting the back wheel.

    Number hands are usually a sign that your position on the bike is out. A riser will push you back a bit which may take some weight off your hands. Some sort of grip with more padding may also help.
  • Czenglish
    Czenglish Posts: 26
    e.g. lifting the back wheel.

    Well I can endo unexpectedly if that counts... :wink: But expect you mean endo turns, bunny hops etc?

    Cheers - yeah, risers could also be a solution. Suspect it may be down to bad posture - most often happens towards the end of long rides when I'm knackered & start slumping. But can also happen seemingly at random.

    Position - Always feel I'd like to have the saddle further back (it's back as far as it can go), so maybe risers could help with this.

    Current grips have to go - cheap foamy crap that came with the bike & are pertty mashed now.

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