Roadie buying a proper MTB- any tips for someone from the da

brh77

Hi- I have been taking my son for bike rides on a couple of local trails, and the brakes have gone on my 10 year old Hardrock, and I want to get a new half decent mtb.

I am 6'3" so was looking at a 29er, but is this all a load of marketing guff, or will I find it smoother and more enjoyable? If I was looking at £750- I was erring towards a Giant Talon 29er. Is this worth it? I saw some quibbles over the fork on the 2011 model, but I think it's different for 2012- is it still a dud?

Do people all use clip in pedals too or are flats a better plan on rough terrain?

Cheers

Ben

Pudseyp

Why a 29er ?? they are relativley new and fairly expensive....as new 2012 range is out you can buy a cracking 2011 model and save hundreds.

This is available in large and XL
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s2p3483
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s2p3421
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s2p2231

Also try the online stores like CRC, Wiggle, Evans, Lesuire Lakes and Wynstanleys

rhialto

brh77 wrote:

Do people all use clip in pedals too or are flats a better plan on rough terrain?

I use both. I miss the additional power transfer of my clips but most of the time, I use my flats. Flats make you learn certain skills properly - you can hide technique problems when riding with clips. For example, you can cheat on your bunny hops using clips, or if you find, as I did, that your feet come off your flats on the upstroke, it may be an indication that your pedalling technique is not correct. Others may have different reasons for choosing one or the other but that's my take.

Stevo_666

29'ers aren't for me and you don't need one just because you're tall: try one and see if you like it though. If £750 is your budget then take a look at the Boradman HT's.

Pedals - up to you.

louthepoo

I had a go on a couple of 29ers when I tried the Merida FLX 26er (I eventually bought) but didn't personally think it was that great compared to the ride of the FLX. But then again I'm a short arse - 5'7" so maybe they're suited for bigger riders. As far as the cost goes I thought the entry level Merida 29er I had a go on was pretty good value for money considering it had some XT components on it - £650!