Checking in..........

RockyRaccoon

Hello everyone, just thought I'd say hello. I'm taking delivery of a Specialized Hardrock Disc '10 tomorrow (hopefully!!) from Edinburgh Cycles.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 155c002909

Not had a bike for near on 10 years now, but I'm really looking forward to actually going off road on my new bike (and getting fit!)

If all goes to plan, I would like to go to Glentress over the weekend.

I've bought a few bits and bob's (Multitool, Computer, Spare Inner Tube etc), and plan on having a go at changing tyre and repairing chain on my old Giant MTB. Hopefully everything will go ok, but best be prepared I suppose. Any other bits of essential kit I should have on my first outing?

I'll post some pics when I get the bike, and come back and let you know how I got on.

Great forums and site by the way!!

Cheers[/url]

trekhead

Hi Rocky
welcome to the site. Nice looking bike, I`m sure you`ll have loads of fun on (and off) it

RockyRaccoon

trekhead wrote:

Hi Rocky
welcome to the site. Nice looking bike, I`m sure you`ll have loads of fun on (and off) it

Hehe, thanks! Green routes for me at first methinks!!

Stoo61

Booooooooooooooooooo..........




( Welcome )

RockyRaccoon

Stoo61 wrote:

Booooooooooooooooooo..........




( Welcome )

Cheers mate. Obviously I have never been to any these centres before. Are the green trails ludicrously easy?

GHill

Hope you have fun with it.

Some way of carrying water would be a good idea Either a waterbottle or camelbak/other hydration pack.

RockyRaccoon

GHill wrote:

Hope you have fun with it.

Some way of carrying water would be a good idea Either a waterbottle or camelbak/other hydration pack.

Thanks mate, I did look at those Camelbak carriers, but they are pretty pricey. A big bottle of water in the backpack should do the trick. So far I have:

Helmet
Pump
Gel Saddle
Front / Rear lights (will be doing some road riding too).
Computer
Topeak Multi-tool
Spare Inner Tube
Puncture Repair
Gloves

I need to do a bit more research into what I need for maintenance, as I really want to understand how my bike is put together, and in time maintain it myself.

Zeroman_IR

Green routes are pretty easy, you should try the blue to begin with. But don't let anybody rush you into trying something you're not sure about, there's nothing that will put you off the sport quicker than getting totally disheartened that way. Build up gradually and you'll be flying in no time. I'm only MTBing about 4 months (and like you, my first bike in 10 years) and I'm amazed at how I've come on from my first shaky attempts.

Welcome to the sport, and don't make the same mistake I did. Give your credit card to somebody you trust before it's too late, this sport is a moneypit

llamafarmer

Looks like you have all the vital kit there mate. A decent waterproof is a good idea and camelbaks are brilliant if you do decide to invest in one, but as you say, you can do fine without.

Maintenance wise, a good chain lube is essential and maybe some biketape to keep your shiny new toy free of cable rub

RockyRaccoon

llamafarmer wrote:

Looks like you have all the vital kit there mate. A decent waterproof is a good idea and camelbaks are brilliant if you do decide to invest in one, but as you say, you can do fine without.

Maintenance wise, a good chain lube is essential and maybe some biketape to keep your shiny new toy free of cable rub

Thanks for the link mate. With regards to the tape, which specific areas would you use it on? The place I am buying the bike from run beginner maintenance courses. Do you think these are worthwhile, or would a good maintenance manual be as good?

RockyRaccoon

Zeroman_IR wrote:

Green routes are pretty easy, you should try the blue to begin with. But don't let anybody rush you into trying something you're not sure about, there's nothing that will put you off the sport quicker than getting totally disheartened that way. Build up gradually and you'll be flying in no time. I'm only MTBing about 4 months (and like you, my first bike in 10 years) and I'm amazed at how I've come on from my first shaky attempts.

Welcome to the sport, and don't make the same mistake I did. Give your credit card to somebody you trust before it's too late, this sport is a moneypit

Cheers for the encouraging words mate. I know exactly what you mean about the cash! I only decided about a fortnight ago that I wanted to get back in the saddle so to speak. I have an old Giant MTB in the garage, which if I'm honest would probably still be adequate. But no, after a bit of research in finding out what kit I would need, I've spent around £500!! I reckon I have all the basics I need..................for now!!

llamafarmer

RockyRaccoon wrote:

Thanks for the link mate. With regards to the tape, which specific areas would you use it on? The place I am buying the bike from run beginner maintenance courses. Do you think these are worthwhile, or would a good maintenance manual be as good?

The head tube is usually the worst spot, where your rear brake hose and shifter cable rub the frame, but each bike is different, just keep an eye out and you'll probably catch any hidden bits of wear before it gets through the paint.

RockyRaccoon

llamafarmer wrote:

RockyRaccoon wrote:

Thanks for the link mate. With regards to the tape, which specific areas would you use it on? The place I am buying the bike from run beginner maintenance courses. Do you think these are worthwhile, or would a good maintenance manual be as good?

The head tube is usually the worst spot, where your rear brake hose and shifter cable rub the frame, but each bike is different, just keep an eye out and you'll probably catch any hidden bits of wear before it gets through the paint.

Thanks again. I noticed in your Sig you have one of your bikes on a stand. Do you do all maintenance yourself? Do you have any thoughts on beginners maintenance courses?

llamafarmer

RockyRaccoon wrote:

Thanks again. I noticed in your Sig you have one of your bikes on a stand. Do you do all maintenance yourself? Do you have any thoughts on beginners maintenance courses?

I'm gradually learning the maintenance side. I've got an old Dawes that I'm trying to overhaul and use for a winter bike, which means I can dismantle everything on it and see how it all works. You could do the same on your old Giant. The Park Tools website has loads of good how to guides, but I do find it can make things sound more complicated than they actually are.

Mr Wu

I've got a decent hydration pack you can have for a tenner

RockyRaccoon

llamafarmer wrote:

RockyRaccoon wrote:

Thanks again. I noticed in your Sig you have one of your bikes on a stand. Do you do all maintenance yourself? Do you have any thoughts on beginners maintenance courses?

I'm gradually learning the maintenance side. I've got an old Dawes that I'm trying to overhaul and use for a winter bike, which means I can dismantle everything on it and see how it all works. You could do the same on your old Giant. The Park Tools website has loads of good how to guides, but I do find it can make things sound more complicated than they actually are.

Thanks for the advice, I'll check out the website later. Cheers.

RockyRaccoon

Mr Wu wrote:

I've got a decent hydration pack you can have for a tenner

Can you give me more details? Pics? Cheers