Got the bug!!

the chasp

Hi, Just looking for advice really, i went mountain biking with my son at Cannock Chase and absolutely loved it. I hired a Hard Tail and seemed to gel with it although on downhill sections i had to grip the seat between my legs to stop the bike being bounced from under me.I want to buy one now and speaking to the few people around me that do it it would seem that they have or will eventually go for a full sus.I also read that full sus can help rergarding fatigue although i do intent and proberbly by default to up my fitness level. So really looking for opinions on wether a full sus to start off on is the right move and what to look out for when purchasing second hand as in what are quality brands to look out for and things that are likely to give you problems?
Many thanks and i look forward to any info and opinions

The Chasp

Greer_

From what I've seen, its easier to learn technique on a hardtail, full suss hides the mistakes! Its the same with clipless pedals. What's your budget? It can quite often decide the style of bike as a £600 hardtail will be far superior to a £600 full suss due to specs.

cooldad

Full sus is fine to start off on. Forget all this rubbish about learning technique the hard way (why suffer) and just have a bit of fun.
He is right about budget though.

the chasp

Thanks for the feedback guys. That horrible word budget! would proberbly be looking at 1k max and second hand. been looking on ebay but feel i need to know more about them. Would it be better to get a bike with quality hubs, crank and chain gear etc or is it best to spend the bulk on the frame? or get aframe and buy the bits to put on it ? Thats it you see i know little about them

the chasp

Just had a look on F A Q just the job. i suppose i should have looked there first! thats begginers for you !!

Greer_

Frames will be mostly the same at that pricepoint and yep, the rest is answered in the FAQs. You'll get a really good hardtail or decent full suss for that price NEW, nevermind looking at second hand.

felix.london

If I had £1K to spend on a new bike I'd buy a HT. If I was gonna spend the same amount on a used bike I'd be looking at a fully.

A bit over budget but I'd be trying to get my hands on something like this...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-Specialized-Stumpjumper-Expert-Carbon-FSR-Medium-/390429712870?pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item5ae76ca1e6

It would fit perfectly in between the Rockhopper and the Session 8)

YeehaaMcgee

the chasp wrote:

although on downhill sections i had to grip the seat between my legs to stop the bike being bounced from under me

Two issues - the first is to be careful about "downhill" - it means a specific type of racing. In much the same way that everyone who skiis down a hill are not taking part in "downhill skiing". Saves people misunderstanding what you're on about.
Second thing is that you should just let the bike move under you. if you fight it, then it's just going to buck you off.

felix.london

And I'll say again "Heavy feet, light hands" ...and don't f.ing grip the seat between your legs!

Briggo

felix.london wrote:

If I had £1K to spend on a new bike I'd buy a HT. If I was gonna spend the same amount on a used bike I'd be looking at a fully.

A bit over budget but I'd be trying to get my hands on something like this...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-Specialized-Stumpjumper-Expert-Carbon-FSR-Medium-/390429712870?pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item5ae76ca1e6

It would fit perfectly in between the Rockhopper and the Session 8)

Thats a bad example, it'll never go for £1k it's just at £1k at the moment (6 days to go). It'll be very over budget.

Plus its in yankyville.

the chasp

once again thanks guys as to me all info is greatfully recieved and taken on board