Mountain Biking

[JFjeld]

Does anyone else on this forum bike? In February, I purchased a 2013 Trek Marlin with 29" wheels and disc brakes. It'd been over 10 years since I had a bike and I'm really enthusiastic about the opportunity to get some good exercise, while enjoying the trails and beauty of Colorado in yet another different way. Sunday and Monday were my first experiences actually biking in the mountains and I absolutely love it. Much better than the bike paths around my house, lol.

I'll post some pics that I took at Rabbit Mountain outside of Lyons below.

[JFjeld]

I made a trip to Rabbit Mountain outside of Lyons on Sunday. This is a nice area in the foothills with several different trails, some nice obstacles, and great scenery.

http://www.bouldercounty.org/os/parks/pages/rabbitmtn.aspx

Sunday was spent doing the 'Little Thompson Overlook Trail'. The trail is listed as 1 mile but it starts about a 1/2 mile from the parking lot. We got about 3.5 miles in that day on the trails:

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/057F0453-30F7-4717-96FE-A7247EFB29D6_zpsvqszlhvi.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/057F0453-30F7-4717-96FE-A7247EFB29D6_zpsvqszlhvi.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/AD58EDF6-6FEF-424E-9F4F-A09C8E1258FE_zps84qcrjcw.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/AD58EDF6-6FEF-424E-9F4F-A09C8E1258FE_zps84qcrjcw.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/056DF4A1-F3A6-4074-AD59-EA2695431054_zpszcomnxhw.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/056DF4A1-F3A6-4074-AD59-EA2695431054_zpszcomnxhw.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/A8C0539E-E6FA-436A-91AA-8F58B2F32145_zps977ej0ak.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/A8C0539E-E6FA-436A-91AA-8F58B2F32145_zps977ej0ak.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/102287A7-79F9-49AE-9731-5B9002253831_zpsny9lssj6.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/102287A7-79F9-49AE-9731-5B9002253831_zpsny9lssj6.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/DFB6C1E1-4C66-4898-AC0B-CABFA458701E_zpsyvdjpofn.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/DFB6C1E1-4C66-4898-AC0B-CABFA458701E_zpsyvdjpofn.jpg.html)

[JFjeld]

Yesterday, I went back after work since I'm only about 15 minutes away. This time we did the Eagle Wind Trail which is a loop, and gave us a pretty solid workout at 4.5 miles. There were a lot more rock formations and some small slab rock, and much greater views.

Had a little company on the trail. This is the first thing I encountered and I almost ran him over. He lunged at me, but I was already past him. Needless to say, I had to take pictures of my first encounter with Colorado's finest:

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/F74E24DF-BDC0-42CF-B2F8-21585C1E2A8D_zpsnuuyq79p.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/F74E24DF-BDC0-42CF-B2F8-21585C1E2A8D_zpsnuuyq79p.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/17F26F25-C523-4AEC-A580-45A026D9F286_zpsl1apmuuk.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/17F26F25-C523-4AEC-A580-45A026D9F286_zpsl1apmuuk.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/99E12833-517B-406C-8F9F-4CD23EE2B40A_zpswtxg5glo.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/99E12833-517B-406C-8F9F-4CD23EE2B40A_zpswtxg5glo.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/40E99BDE-7D0E-4855-A8E9-F539183C775A_zpspzdb7mzy.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/40E99BDE-7D0E-4855-A8E9-F539183C775A_zpspzdb7mzy.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/F33D15F1-84DE-46D9-83AF-1BB224070D66_zpsbkjxgxww.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/F33D15F1-84DE-46D9-83AF-1BB224070D66_zpsbkjxgxww.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/D38565A0-12B2-4814-AD48-A277715427CA_zpsgwxi4f1z.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/D38565A0-12B2-4814-AD48-A277715427CA_zpsgwxi4f1z.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/1C2CAC65-6974-4CC3-AA5E-280BF35B981F_zpsfo3fvq37.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/1C2CAC65-6974-4CC3-AA5E-280BF35B981F_zpsfo3fvq37.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/B7C9AAC4-8BFC-4D3A-B836-F13C9A252FE1_zpsqcgsbsgv.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/B7C9AAC4-8BFC-4D3A-B836-F13C9A252FE1_zpsqcgsbsgv.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/476A0487-C218-4437-9BB7-0D01E2A97220_zpskxuikgzg.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rabbit_Mountain/476A0487-C218-4437-9BB7-0D01E2A97220_zpskxuikgzg.jpg.html)

[Stu]

Sweet! looks like fun! I used to do some mountain biking but havent for a few years. Those pics are some good inspiration!

[Jackie]

Thanks for the pics! This state is just so dang beautiful whether you are on foot, 2-wheels, 3-wheels or 4 wheels. My God, we are lucky to live here!

[Max]

I've got a 29er mountain bike too, and have also hit Rabbit Mountain before. I usually go to Marshall Mesa, but I've been to all the trails around Boulder. Let us know if you want to plan a ride someday.

[dscowell]

Sweet! How far are the trails from your house?

[jayson44]

glad to see you're having fun! I've been a MTBer for almost 11 years now. can't say there are too many things in this world more fun that riding the trails on 2 wheels!

I do have to say, though...GET A HELMET! :D

I've seen seasoned riders topple over in the parking lot and nail their heads on stuff accidentally. helmets are crucial. and don't worry, NOBODY looks good in them. so just find a comfy one and go with it. :)

J.

[JFjeld]

Rabbit Mountain is about 30 minutes from my house, but I work in Longmont so I can be there in 15-20. I joined the Boulder Mountain Bikers meetup group and am planning to hit Flatirons Vista today after work as well. Max, I'd definitely be interested in riding and will get ahold of you.

As far as the helmet goes; logic tells me yes, but I really hate them. I do wear one when skiing, but that's mostly to keep my head warm. And I probably shouldn't advertise this, but in the 10 years I rode motorcycles, 4 different bikes, I never once wore a helmet, even on the Interstate. It messed with my peripheral vision, I could never hear very well, and it made me claustrophobic. And I loved the wind in my face.

Good advice, sure, but likely to go unheeded.

[06HokieTJ]

Another MTB'r here. HELMET! (Glad I wasn't the first to say that).

[Funrover]

Love to bike, I go often!! I don't hit that area up that much. There is a ton of fun trails and routes to ride. You may want to head over to www.singletracks.com for the trailhead section. www.mtbr.com had a fun forum, the CO front range has guys that meet up on Thursdays.

[ColoJeeper]

I'm a huge advocate for a helmet. Was in a crash last fall on my road bike, and though I didn't realize it at the time, I smacked my head a good one. I had no pain and was extremely surprised to find the big dent in my helmet later when I was taking off my gear.

Make a living with my head, so the risk is far to great not to wear a helmet.

[Max]

Get a helmet :)

I've crashed a few times and broken 2 helmets. That means I've saved myself from 2 possible concussions, gashes in my head, or worse.

Go into your local bike shop and try lots of them on. Get the lightest one that fits you comfortably. Don't worry about the cost. Get one with lots of big vents.

I was given an older version of this helmet: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr/helmets/road-helmets/sworks-prevail-team and it is the best helmet I've ever owned.

[JFjeld]

Another MTB'r here. HELMET! (Glad I wasn't the first to say that).
I now recall your episode of 'House Hunters' featured your bike collection.

[Jim]

Regarding the helmet thoughts...

http://i.imgur.com/FHLSK4s.gif

[94ToyBear]

Big snake....that being said id like to join you sometime...I also got a 29er disk breaks about a year ago...I bike to work 2-3 times a week and would like to get out on the trails.....pavement is so boring no snakes on that path.

[foxtrot]

I just bought a 2013 trek fuel ex5 a month ago. Went to moab for its first outing, I'll post some pictures when I get home from work tonight. It was purely amazing. We did the magnificent 7 and the whole enchilada

[xaza]

All of you guys cheat and have gears. I haven't done much riding in last ten years but when I did it was a 20" BMX with the front brakes slightly engaged all the time. Mtn bike big tires put me too far off the ground to be comfortable. God made me short for a reason! Have been needing to get out and ride but am more into dirt jumps or flat land freestyle. If I were to get back into it though I would love to have a trials bike.

[jayson44]

no cheat here...I've been riding SS for about 7 years now. granted, we just moved from TX and it's a lot harder to ride SS here...but oh well! it's my only MTB at the moment, so I keep chugging. :)

J.

[06HokieTJ]

I now recall your episode of 'House Hunters' featured your bike collection.
I know not what you speak of... (I've cleaned up since this)https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10001572_10102482028347153_6396307052367671267_n.j pg

[06HokieTJ]

Sooo.... FR4x4 MTB ride soon?

[JFjeld]

MTB'd a 9-mile loop outside of Boulder last night that included FlatIrons Vista, Doudy Draw, Spring Brook Loop, and Prairie Vista:

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/B305F24D-85AE-4FCA-A369-CC1BAE060F40_zpsr0pptxih.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/B305F24D-85AE-4FCA-A369-CC1BAE060F40_zpsr0pptxih.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/4F852D57-488C-4858-83C7-017A918D698E_zpsekdocmhe.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/4F852D57-488C-4858-83C7-017A918D698E_zpsekdocmhe.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/20E64916-3D11-4075-A04C-9B04BFC5C8C5_zps8zyufvxz.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/20E64916-3D11-4075-A04C-9B04BFC5C8C5_zps8zyufvxz.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/EBDE16BC-D1DC-4752-BAA2-8A6AA2E72654_zpsx2r3xbmo.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/EBDE16BC-D1DC-4752-BAA2-8A6AA2E72654_zpsx2r3xbmo.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/52845B9F-8808-45E1-942E-D1B0D1237EED_zpshusuttal.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/52845B9F-8808-45E1-942E-D1B0D1237EED_zpshusuttal.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/D9C8624F-25C2-42A9-AFAF-60DC855E63BB_zpskphjxvbe.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/D9C8624F-25C2-42A9-AFAF-60DC855E63BB_zpskphjxvbe.jpg.html)

[JFjeld]

Sooo.... FR4x4 MTB ride soon?
Sure... Let's do it. In addition to regular rides, I have a goal of biking up around the Moffat Tunnel around Rollins Pass. I think I found a road/trail that we could take to the other side and check out the old railroad trestles. That's high on my list.

Oh, and for those concerned about my helmet-situation... I caved to peer pressure and bought one today. A lot of concerned folks on this forum. AND the folks I rode with yesterday. AND the random strangers on the trail that I passed. Jeez, lol.

[06HokieTJ]

MTB'd a 9-mile loop outside of Boulder last night that included FlatIrons Vista, Doudy Draw, Spring Brook Loop, and Prairie Vista: Is that from the trailhead on the west side of 93 between Boulder and Arvada?

[06HokieTJ]

Oh, and for those concerned about my helmet-situation... I caved to peer pressure and bought one today. A lot of concerned folks on this forum. AND the folks I rode with yesterday. AND the random strangers on the trail that I passed. Jeez, lol. Ha. I've gotten quite a few "HELMET" calls when I strap my helmet to my pack during long climbs... Just remind yourself that it's for your own good :thumb:

[glacierpaul]

bain injurys no guud!! But I hear you on the reasons not to wear. I do make my kids wear theirs for sure, and then they immediately ask me "Where is your helmet Daddy?" My boy and I both have MTB style bikes, but we live in the hills. My goal is for us to do our trail systems up here at some point.
Way to go get after it guys!

[Funrover]

I know not what you speak of... (I've cleaned up since this)

Looks great to me, I need to come visit you!! Sweet old Scott in the corner. I love all of the FS rigs!

[Max]

Is that from the trailhead on the west side of 93 between Boulder and Arvada?

Yes, all those trails are on the west side of 93.

[Max]

MTB'd a 9-mile loop outside of Boulder last night that included FlatIrons Vista, Doudy Draw, Spring Brook Loop, and Prairie Vista:http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/D9C8624F-25C2-42A9-AFAF-60DC855E63BB_zpskphjxvbe.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/FlatIrons_Vista/D9C8624F-25C2-42A9-AFAF-60DC855E63BB_zpskphjxvbe.jpg.html)

Where is this? I've ridden those trails a lot and I don't know this creek crossing. Is this something the September flood washed away? Is it Dowdy Draw right after the steep hill?

[JFjeld]

Where is this? I've ridden those trails a lot and I don't know this creek crossing. Is this something the September flood washed away? Is it Dowdy Draw right after the steep hill?
Yes, that's part of Doudy Draw at the bottom of the steep hill. Apparently, it got washed out. That water was COLD and we crossed it on the way in and out.

A buddy and I plan to hit this trail and also Betasso Preserve 2 of the 3 days this extended weekend. Send me a PM if interested in meeting us.

[Funrover]

Sure... Let's do it. In addition to regular rides, I have a goal of biking up around the Moffat Tunnel around Rollins Pass. I think I found a road/trail that we could take to the other side and check out the old railroad trestles. That's high on my list.

Oh, and for those concerned about my helmet-situation... I caved to peer pressure and bought one today. A lot of concerned folks on this forum. AND the folks I rode with yesterday. AND the random strangers on the trail that I passed. Jeez, lol.
Would love to be there for that one. I want to do the ride from Eldora to Winter Park!

[Tom]

Would love to be there for that one. I want to do the ride from Eldora to Winter Park!
I xc skied that one winter. Awesome route

[06HokieTJ]

If you're bored (and want to see me geek out on bikes), check out the two 650b/27.5 conversions that I've done this year:

http://forums.mtbr.com/27-5-650b/2013-trek-remedy-9-9-17-5-27-5-conversion-908714.html

http://forums.mtbr.com/27-5-650b/2013-santa-cruz-juli-3-3-juliana-superlight-xs-650b-27-5-conversion-911119.html (http://forums.mtbr.com/27-5-650b/2013-santa-cruz-juli-3-3-juliana-superlight-xs-650b-27-5-conversion-911119.html)


Looks great to me, I need to come visit you!! Sweet old Scott in the corner. I love all of the FS rigs!
The Scott was my beer bike in DT Denver (I converted it to a cruiser... Actually, it's the bike they showed me riding in the House Hunters Episode). I've slowly whittled down my inventory. Sold one of those bikes today (the blue/gray bike laying down in the foreground). The silver Giant on the left is sold too, just being stored here.

[foxtrot]

If anyone ever wants to come up here to Wyoming and ride curt gowdy state park, I'll go with them. Some really great mountain biking out there

[06HokieTJ]

I had hoped to ride there Monday... Brought the bike to Cheyenne with us, but got turned around by the dark thunderclouds and rain to the west.

Really want to try it though... The 19mile IMBA Gowdy Epic route sounds fun.

Rode White Ranch last night and had a blast.

[foxtrot]

Haven't tried the full 19 mile loop yet. It basically connects all the trails out there together. It looks pretty intense lol

[06HokieTJ]

It looks pretty intense lol That's why I wanna ride it! :thumb:

[curt86iroc]

i used to live in boulder, so i've hit all the main trails around boulder, lyons etc... now that im in golden, i do most of my riding here (i can ride out of my driveway and be on the trails in 30s...yes im spoiled).

if you ever want to explore down here let me know! there are some classic loops (north table, centennial cone, apex, south table...)...

PS. rabbit mountain used to be called rattlesnake mountain...and it was called that for a reason :) next time you're in that area, turn left towards lyons and ride picture rock instead!

[Funrover]

i used to live in boulder, so i've hit all the main trails around boulder, lyons etc... now that im in golden, i do most of my riding here (i can ride out of my driveway and be on the trails in 30s...yes im spoiled).

if you ever want to explore down here let me know! there are some classic loops (north table, centennial cone, apex, south table...)...

PS. rabbit mountain used to be called rattlesnake mountain...and it was called that for a reason :) next time you're in that area, turn left towards lyons and ride picture rock instead!


You should do the Morrison monster, Golden would add a little, but not much.

PS- If you are feeling spunky tie Hall Ranch into Picture Rock... FUN!!

[Jed]

I'm in for a FR mountain bike trip!.

[94ToyBear]

I'm in for a FR mountain bike trip!.

Same !

[JFjeld]

Yes, let's do it. I've been to a few places around Boulder and Lyons but don't purport to be an expert on this and am a beginner MTBer. To get the ball rolling, what are folks' preferences:


Location

Boulder-area?
Lyons-area?
Golden-area?


Timeframe

Weekday evening?
Weekend morning?
Weekend evening?


My preference would be Boulder-area or Lyons-area on a weekend morning, either Saturday or Sunday. I'm certainly open to suggestions and can be flexible.

[94ToyBear]

Im new to mountain biking as far as mountains and a consistent dirt trail. Sundays works better for me and off for summer early mornings work during the weekdays

[curt86iroc]

im down for a group ride! anywhere is good with me, and im usually free weekends or weeknights after 5:30.

[JFjeld]

Any other interest in a FR MTB ride? See my post #42 and give me your input.

[Max]

I'm only available after 6pm on weekdays.

[Jed]

Me and Funrover will be at 3 sisters tomorow(6/11/14) around 6:00-6:30.

[94ToyBear]

Wish I could...Daddy duty calls

[JFjeld]

Looking for tire psi recommendations. I understand this is subjective, just like vehicle wheeling pressure. Specs: 195 pounds, tires are Bontrager 29x2.10 (tubed), and single track dirt with gravel and rocks. Running 35 psi. Is this reasonable?

[xaza]

wow that is a thought, have never put a gauge on my bike tires. I fill em until when I pogo it I don't bottom out on rim.

[jayson44]

35 seems high to me. if you let a little bit out at a time until you find a good place where the tires grip better, but don't get squirrelly from too little air, that's the best. for me, I run 26-28lbs in mine. I have 29x2.4s running tubeless and I weigh right around 210.

J.

[JFjeld]

I've been riding all summer without ever gauging them; I just went with a firm pressure, but now wonder if its optimal for my riding? Front shock with hardtail rear. Hitting Betasso after work tomorrow; maybe I'll let a little air out. Since going clipless, I'm just being overly analytical and want to make sure no unexpected behavior, lol.

[curt86iroc]

depends on your riding style. i run 40psi in the rear and 30-32 in the front. i tend to throw the bike into a corner, and i need a little more grip in the front (too stiff and the bike slides out). 26 x 2.1 forte pisgah on 2007 giant anthem 1 full suspension

[jayson44]

x2 on preference & style. I forgot to mention that I'm on a hardtail SS w/front suspension. start where you're at, and let a little bit out. then try it. if you like it, let a little more out and try it. keep doing that until you don't like the feeling, then put some air back in them.

J.

[06HokieTJ]

I'm 185-190# out of the shower and run 32-35psi tubed and 28-30psi tubeless for my rear tires. Any less and I pinch flat/ding my rims. I must be hard on rear wheels or really heavy riding... As I have friends running the low to mid 20's.

[06HokieTJ]

BTW: out here, volume is your friend. I'm running 2.3/2.2's FR/rr on my XC bike and 2.4/2.35 on my AM bike.

[jayson44]

yeah, I ran in the 20s when we lived in Nebraska, but that's because it's flat and there are no rocks. and yeah, I run the largest volume tire I can, tubeless. helps a lot.

J.

[JFjeld]

I appreciate the input; thanks guys. And we still need to organize our FR4x4 MTB bike ride. A ride I've been wanting to do is to check out the trestles around Rollins Pass. Was thinking about driving the Jeep up Rollins past East to Yankee Doodle Lake and from there it looks like there's a patch to go up and around a road to get on the north side of Moffat Tunnel. From there we could check out the trestles onto the other side of Rollins Pass. I've got it mapped below.


Is this doable?
Is anyone else interested?


http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/Rollins_Pass_Bike_zps1bf9fec1.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/Rollins_Pass_Bike_zps1bf9fec1.jpg.html)

[jayson44]

I think there's a way to get around the tunnel at the actual tunnel, from what I've heard. it's doable, yes, but at over 11k feet, it won't be easy on the lungs. :)

J.

[JFjeld]

I think there's a way to get around the tunnel at the actual tunnel, from what I've heard. it's doable, yes, but at over 11k feet, it won't be easy on the lungs. :)
J.
If we could carry over right at the tunnel, that's even better. And yes, I'm sure its a workout but those views and trestles are worth it IMO. I'm thinking last weekend in August or 1st weekend in September.

[redneck23ms]

anybody have some reccomendations on a good used bike to look for. i am a cheap bastid sonot wanting to spend too much on a bike. i'm 6' 165-170

[foxtrot]

What's your budget and what kind of riding do you like?

[redneck23ms]

budget is as cheap as possible and honestly probably won't do any serious riding. just some easy trails and bike paths.

[JFjeld]

'Cheap budget' is still subjective. You can spend anywhere from $200-8500 for a mountain bike. I bought what I consider a more entry-level bike that will handle the trails and paid $500 for mine; on sale from $650. Once I get adept at the trails, and if I continue to ride with the same enthusiasm I have now, I'll look at upgrading to a full suspension bike.

I would suggest visiting a local bike shop, explain your needs and your budget, and they'll give you some solid recommendations. Just understand that your expectations may far exceed your budget, lol. They may also have some leads on used bikes. And, once you know what you're looking for, you can always check out Craigslist.

[curt86iroc]

craigslist is always a wealth of gear, especially around boulder. People are always getting rid of 2 or 3 year old bikes to upgrade to the latest and greatest! still, for a solid used bike you're looking at around $500.

[JFjeld]

Planning to make the jump to a full-suspension MTB. Based on research and price point, I have it narrowed down to a 2014 Kona Precept or a 2015 Giant Stance 27.5 2. Had a chance to test drive both of these at Full Cycle in Boulder on Saturday and getting ready to purchase. Does anyone have experience with either and/or have input on the components?


2014 Kona Precept - http://2014.konaworld.com/precept.cfm
2015 Giant Stance 27.5 2 - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/stance.27.5.2/18767/76215/


Both have 27.5" tires, hydraulic brakes, and are reasonably similar.

[curt86iroc]

Planning to make the jump to a full-suspension MTB. Based on research and price point, I have it narrowed down to a 2014 Kona Precept or a 2015 Giant Stance 27.5 2. Had a chance to test drive both of these at Full Cycle in Boulder on Saturday and getting ready to purchase. Does anyone have experience with either and/or have input on the components?


2014 Kona Precept - http://2014.konaworld.com/precept.cfm
2015 Giant Stance 27.5 2 - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/stance.27.5.2/18767/76215/


Both have 27.5" tires, hydraulic brakes, and are reasonably similar.

im still riding my 2007 giant anthem 1 and have had only minor issues and complaints over the years (spare parts are hard to find and are $$$). keep in mind, the more entry level full suspension bikes are going to have entry level components. based on how much/often you ride, this may or may not matter.

im still a fan of searching craigslist. you can find a 2-3 year old bike for the same price with much better components :D

[jayson44]

the Giant has slightly better components where it counts most. the fork, brakes, rear shock are all nicer. however, the Kona has a better wheelset and derailleurs. to me, the derailleurs are something that are easy to swap out for better, while the fork and brakes aren't. so I'd say, if it's a toss-up in price, the Giant wins.

but really, go with whatever one feels better on the trail to you.

J.

[06HokieTJ]

Six one, half dozen the other.

I will say, in that price range you can buy a very well spec'd used bike. Mountain bikes depreciate fairly quickly. Craigslist is a good source for MTB's.

[JFjeld]

Thanks for the input. I considered buying a used bike and had offers from friends selling FS bikes, but when it comes down to it, I just prefer new. I worry about the wear and tear, how it was treated, and to my un-discerning eye, I wouldn't recognize worn out or mis-used components. I figured as long as the geometry and frame were a good fit, components can be swapped in the future if I want to upgrade.

I ended up purchasing the Giant Stance 27.5 2 last night in Boulder. While they were prepping, I had them convert to tubeless tires, though I'll still carry a spare tube to be safe. Got my clipless pedals and pump swapped over, and I'm really happy with it so far. Can't wait to get some rocks and dirt underneath:

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Biking/EDF2C08C-A78E-439C-84E0-D9AC36C115D6_zpsqrlzqyoy.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Biking/EDF2C08C-A78E-439C-84E0-D9AC36C115D6_zpsqrlzqyoy.jpg.html)

I cleaned up my 2013 Marlin hardtail last night, posted on Craigslist, and already have someone coming to check out the old bike tonight.

[06HokieTJ]

Good call on tubeless. And I carry a spare tube even when running tubeless. On longer or remote rides, I'll carry a 2nd spare tube. Double flats can happen! (And it sucks to hike out. Don't ask me how I know. :tisktisk:)

[jayson44]

nice! congrats on the new whip. you'll love the tubeless setup too.

J.

[foxtrot]

Nice bike, I always carry 3 tubes with me, I've had back to back flats on rides before and I always like to be safe. I picked up a new bike over the winter. It is a 2013 specialized enduro expert carbon. Got a heck of a deal on it from a friend. Here's all the stuff it has

]Mavic cross max wheels. SRAM XX shifter and derailleur and cassette. Thomson x4 elite stem. Answer carbon pro taper 780mm bars. SRAM XO carbon cranks. Race face narrow wide chain 32t. Xfusion vengeance hlr 170mm fork. Specialized enduro carbon frame (11ix carbon lay up sworks level frame) cane creek double barrel air with climb switch shock. Command post internal routed dropper post. Specialized henge expert titanium railed saddle. Butcher dh front tire ground control rear tire, hope race m4 brakes

[jayson44]

nice! I just picked up my new wheelset. I've never paid good money for a wheelset before, so I'm excited to try some quality hand-built wheels. I mounted my tires last night, but the rear isn't sealing...I think the Stans tape isn't tight enough. so I'll have to take it all off and try again.

J.

[Max]

Nice, I run my mountain bike tubeless as well and I usually carry 7 tubes with me. One, it's a lucky number, and two, you could potentially get 7 flats out there. You wouldn't want to WALK back, right?

[06HokieTJ]

If anyone here is looking for a solid group of guys to MTB with:

I highly recommend DenverBOMB! I ride with these guys every Thursday during the summer.

http://denverbomb.com/

Full disclosure: BOMB = Believers On Mtn Bikes. I'm down with Jesus and MTB'ing, so it's a wonderful fit for me.

[JFjeld]

I'm planning a ride of FlatIrons Vista on Saturday (04/25) at 10:00AM. Its south of Boulder on Hwy 93. Plan on riding FlatIrons Vista North to a portion of Doudy Draw, and then take the South and North Loops of Spring Brook. Then FlatIrons Vista South back to the car. Its a fun ride of maybe 7-9 miles and not too overly strenuous. Some good views as well.

https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/flatirons-vista-trailhead

Let me know if anyone is interested.