What bike to get for beginner? Budget isn't a problem.
Jamielam96
Posts: 12
I wondering what type of bike to get to start mountain biking. I'm a keen roadie. Budget isn't a problem, but was really seeing if the a good bike will make a difference. Like would working up to a good bike be better, or just buying the good bike first.
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The advice I was given was get something which you won't want to upgrade instantly. Like you I was a keen roadie and opted for a Trek X-Caliber 9 which I'm really pleased with. I knew I was more likely to ride a nice bike so justified the extra spend.0
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The advice I was given was get something which you won't want to upgrade instantly. Like you I was a keen roadie and opted for a Trek X-Caliber 9 which I'm really pleased with. I knew I was more likely to ride a nice bike so justified the extra spend.
So no need to go through the hardtail route and build skills first? As us roadies aren't renowned for our bike handling haha0 -
More expensive get more specialised towards a particular discipline. I would start with a mid range trail bike like a Giant Trance.
You might decide you're a traditional xc rider who wants lots of non technical miles and a bit of racing. Or you might end up wanting a big enduro bike for smashing out laps at the bike park or even a downhill bike to blast down the nastiest trails.Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=130702350 -
More expensive get more specialised towards a particular discipline. I would start with a mid range trail bike like a Giant Trance.
You might decide you're a traditional xc rider who wants lots of non technical miles and a bit of racing. Or you might end up wanting a big enduro bike for smashing out laps at the bike park or even a downhill bike to blast down the nastiest trails.
What's the difference between trail bikes and enduro bikes?0 -
More expensive get more specialised towards a particular discipline. I would start with a mid range trail bike like a Giant Trance.
You might decide you're a traditional xc rider who wants lots of non technical miles and a bit of racing. Or you might end up wanting a big enduro bike for smashing out laps at the bike park or even a downhill bike to blast down the nastiest trails.
What's the difference between trail bikes and enduro bikes?
Trail bikes are build for going on most trails (Therefor also called All-mountain). Enduro is focused on descending, one could say you "endure" the climbs to get to the top and then have fun on the way down. For a start get a Hardtail or full suspension trailbike (I wouldn't go over 150mm in travel)-Cube Acid 29" 2013
-A new Giant Trance 3 2015!0 -
I would advise against starting with a full suspension bike. It'll teach you bad habits of bombing through and relying on the suspension to sort things and mask poor technique. Better off starting on a hardtail and getting the basics of bike handling and proper technique before moving onto a trail bike. A decent, general purpose hardtail would be the best starting point; something like a Bird Zero perhaps.Current fleet
2015 Transition Scout
2012 Nukeproof Scalp
2016 Genesis Latitude
2012 Transition Double
2012 Transition Trail or Park
2006 Trek SL1000
2017 Fly Proton
???? Create Polo Bike0 -
RockmonkeySC recommends the Giant Trance a lot and there are good reasons why.
It has an efficient rear suspension set-up, so pedals and climbs well; weight is reasonable too which helps
But it's also capable on technical trails and when pointed downhill.
Add to this that it can be had for very good prices especially if you go for a previous model year (check Pauls Cycles) and it's easy to see why it's recommended
As you are a roadie it may well be worth taking a look at the Giant Anthem (or the SX version). Shares the same suspension set up as the Trance, but with less travel and lower weight. It pedals and climbs beautifully and is longer than the Trance so may well suit a roadie. It's surprisingly capable downhill though less so than the Trance. Again Pauls Cycles often have deals0 -
RockmonkeySC recommends the Giant Trance a lot and there are good reasons why.
It has an efficient rear suspension set-up, so pedals and climbs well; weight is reasonable too which helps
But it's also capable on technical trails and when pointed downhill.
Add to this that it can be had for very good prices especially if you go for a previous model year (check Pauls Cycles) and it's easy to see why it's recommended
As you are a roadie it may well be worth taking a look at the Giant Anthem (or the SX version). Shares the same suspension set up as the Trance, but with less travel and lower weight. It pedals and climbs beautifully and is longer than the Trance so may well suit a roadie. It's surprisingly capable downhill though less so than the Trance. Again Pauls Cycles often have deals
So don't look for anything with heaps of travel? I've been looking at the canyon strive, as it says it can climb and descend. However I'm not sure how true that is. Any thoughts?0 -
I would advise against starting with a full suspension bike. It'll teach you bad habits of bombing through and relying on the suspension to sort things and mask poor technique. Better off starting on a hardtail and getting the basics of bike handling and proper technique before moving onto a trail bike. A decent, general purpose hardtail would be the best starting point; something like a Bird Zero perhaps.
Well yes, to a point.
Depends on what FS bike we're talking about.
I don't ride my Anthem (early 89mm travel version) much (any?) differently to my Duster HT. I enjoy both, but the Anthem is certainly faster both uphill and down.
As budget doesn't seem to be an issue to the OP he could always invest in some skills courses too0 -
RockmonkeySC recommends the Giant Trance a lot and there are good reasons why.
It has an efficient rear suspension set-up, so pedals and climbs well; weight is reasonable too which helps
But it's also capable on technical trails and when pointed downhill.
Add to this that it can be had for very good prices especially if you go for a previous model year (check Pauls Cycles) and it's easy to see why it's recommended
As you are a roadie it may well be worth taking a look at the Giant Anthem (or the SX version). Shares the same suspension set up as the Trance, but with less travel and lower weight. It pedals and climbs beautifully and is longer than the Trance so may well suit a roadie. It's surprisingly capable downhill though less so than the Trance. Again Pauls Cycles often have deals
So don't look for anything with heaps of travel? I've been looking at the canyon strive, as it says it can climb and descend. However I'm not sure how true that is. Any thoughts?
I don't know much about the Strive but, yes, I'd avoid anything with 'heaps' of travel as a first MTB
Consider what you're likely to be riding and what you're capable of. Remember also that rear suspension isn't just for 'steamrollering' the trail. The reason my Anthem is quick uphill is because the rear sus keeps the rear wheel in contact with the ground and gives traction.0 -
Americans aren't suited to mountain biking as bigger doesn't mean better!
By that I mean that more suspension travel changes a bike, for the better in some scenarios, for the worse in others, What sort of riding will you start out doing? An Anthem through SX to Trance are good starting points depending on what sort of riding you start at.
As a soft rule of thumb, less travel will climb better, more will descend better, but it is more complex than that as the bike geometry, type of suspension and the behaviour of the suspension units themselves will all change that. You could build a mega slack short travel hardtail and it would climb about as well as water up a mountain, where a Trance would be quite adept.
I have a 100mm FS bike as that suites my riding, it works well at trail centres and doesn't make them too sterile (which more travel can do - it feels faster at the same speed), it will also do the XC role well as it's light and pedals efficiently, it is very similar in concept (not the rear suspension layout) and geometry to the Anthem demonstrating that the right geometry can outweigh many nice shiny parts!Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0 -
Because you will ride an FS better because of it.....Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0
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I would say Big Al had it right with considering what you are riding or where and then you will get better recommendations. If you're not after heaps of travel an Anthem does most things very well and is best of all worlds.0
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Americans aren't suited to mountain biking as bigger doesn't mean better!
By that I mean that more suspension travel changes a bike, for the better in some scenarios, for the worse in others, What sort of riding will you start out doing? An Anthem through SX to Trance are good starting points depending on what sort of riding you start at.
As a soft rule of thumb, less travel will climb better, more will descend better, but it is more complex than that as the bike geometry, type of suspension and the behaviour of the suspension units themselves will all change that. You could build a mega slack short travel hardtail and it would climb about as well as water up a mountain, where a Trance would be quite adept.
I have a 100mm FS bike as that suites my riding, it works well at trail centres and doesn't make them too sterile (which more travel can do - it feels faster at the same speed), it will also do the XC role well as it's light and pedals efficiently, it is very similar in concept (not the rear suspension layout) and geometry to the Anthem demonstrating that the right geometry can outweigh many nice shiny parts!
So the strive with it's adjustable geometry wouldn't help on the climbs or descents?0 -
I wouldn't touch a Canyon Strive with a sh1tty stick. It takes months to arrive and the the shapeshifter frame fails and it has to go back.
There's no reason to learn on a hardtail, it will teach you different techniques, not better ones and you won't need them when on full suspension.
I would suggest something like a Giant Trance, Nukeproof Mega TR (not am), Mondraker Foxy or Specialized Stumpjumper.Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=130702350 -
Specialized
I have the Camber and love it
29" which I'm really liking, good for long XC rides, climbs well and now I'm getting the hang of it good for pretty much everything!
I thought that 29ers may die a death with the invent of 27.5 and originally regretted buying mine but now I've used it more I love it.0 -
I would advise against starting with a full suspension bike. It'll teach you bad habits of bombing through and relying on the suspension to sort things and mask poor technique. Better off starting on a hardtail and getting the basics of bike handling and proper technique before moving onto a trail bike. A decent, general purpose hardtail would be the best starting point; something like a Bird Zero perhaps.
bollox0 -
I wondering what type of bike to get to start mountain biking. I'm a keen roadie. Budget isn't a problem, but was really seeing if the a good bike will make a difference. Like would working up to a good bike be better, or just buying the good bike first.
all depends on what you want to ride - consider a transition scout0 -
Keeping heels down is important with SPD's as well. Improves your position on the bike, feel for the rear wheel, ability to react with body position movement quickly, position stability over rough ground and your ability to weight pedals correctly when cornering.
Whether using SPD's or flats dripping your heels is probably the most critical thing for good riding technique.
Check out downhill racers, nearly all pro racers use SPD's these days, you won't see one of them without their heels dropped.
Although I don't think flats improve technique just like I don't think hardtails improve technique.Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=130702350 -
Horses for courses an Anthem or similar would be ideal as many riders move to a full sus. Best bet is to try a couple of demo bikes on the same loop full sus and hardtail see how you feel on them.0
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I wondering what type of bike to get to start mountain biking. I'm a keen roadie. Budget isn't a problem, but was really seeing if the a good bike will make a difference. Like would working up to a good bike be better, or just buying the good bike first.
all depends on what you want to ride - consider a transition scout
The Scout is brilliant but needs to be pushed hard before it works properly. Giant Trance might be a bit more beginner friendly and definitely better value.Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=130702350 -
I wondering what type of bike to get to start mountain biking. I'm a keen roadie. Budget isn't a problem, but was really seeing if the a good bike will make a difference. Like would working up to a good bike be better, or just buying the good bike first.
all depends on what you want to ride - consider a transition scout
The Scout is brilliant but needs to be pushed hard before it works properly. Giant Trance might be a bit more beginner friendly and definitely better value.
thats probably just you0 -
If money no issue, then go for a Cannondale with the Lefty fork. You wont be disappointedWaterloo - White City
Cannondale Quick Carbon 1 2016
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 26" (Lefty)0 -
Which one?If money no issue, then go for a Cannondale with the Lefty fork. You wont be disappointed0 -
To an obvious Cannondale fanboy, any.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
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Parktools0 -
Which one?If money no issue, then go for a Cannondale with the Lefty fork. You wont be disappointed
As ever, depends on the sort of bike. Personally I'd have the FSI hardtail. Had a couple of the full sus XC bikes which we great, but I fancy a no nonsense HT.
Fan boy? AbsolutelyWaterloo - White City
Cannondale Quick Carbon 1 2016
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 26" (Lefty)0
