Rob's Mountain Bike opinions

Hi Ya'll,

I've been riding mountain bikes pretty hardcore for 5 years now. Riding with my nephew and friends. I ride the Chattanooga Riverwalk, 12 miles one way, on my hardtail Gary Fisher. The riding area is cement and a full suspension is not really necessary. STT allowed my to ride the track on my Gary Fisher at Talladega GP. I have ridden my full suspension GT RTS-3 on pavement and it is overkill.

There are hundreds of dirt trails around here and I have ridden the GT over most of them. I have also ridden the Gary Fisher on trails. It is a little easier to pedal up hills but a full suspension is way more comfortable. This GT is older, but I have upgraded every part on it and have enjoyed it emensly. Just got a Haro R5 from a friend and have been riding it now.

I also built a BMX style mountain bike and have ridden it on our local BMX track. This is a lot harder than it looks.

I am 45 and have found riding mountain bikes a great way to relieve stress and get exercise. Riding with my buddies is just like being a kid. We have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and go swimming a lot of the times afterwards. We rode mountain bikes down Pikes Peak last summer, very high speeds, hard to believe they allow this, very fun. I also have changed my brake levers to motorcycle style. I use both front and back brakes as needed, like when going slowly downhill. Mostly rear brakes to scrub off speed going downhill fast, just don't slide (lockup) your tires, this causes unnessary damage to the trail and erosion.

If your still reading this, I recommend wearing a helmet, gloves, and after you ride awhile, clip in pedals. You will eventually need Tampon Pants, those tight spandex shorts with the chamois in them. Thay make all the difference in the world as far as comfort. You will think you look goofy but, after a while you won't care. I also suggest you talk to your local bicycle shop. They are very friendly and helpful. If not, try another shop. Research online and talk to the bike shop people. There are many different styles and options but a good full suspension is around $1000 to $1500. A hardtail should be around $800. I know bicycles and have bought all of mine used. I paid $600 for my Haro R5. Got it from a friend who paid $1200 for it new 2 years prior. Some shops also have bikes to loan out and test drive. When I am asked, I send people to Trailhead Bicycle Shop here in Cleveland.

Now get outside and ride. Your ass will hurt. It is hard, you get very hot and sometimes dirty, but it is worth it when your done for the day. There are times on some of the climbs around here that it is all you can do to pedal. You can't worry about things while doing this, just like riding on a racetrack. You have to focus and not think about anything else. Riding a bicycle on the street is not for me. However, there are a lot of folks around here doing it.

You can get hurt if your not careful, just like a motorcycle. There are inherent risks. It is very rewarding. I am not an expert, just trying to be helpful to those interested in riding.

I will sell the GT for $350 or the Gary Fisher for $300. They are both medium sized (I am 6 foot tall) and should last a lifetime if taken care of properly. E-mail me at robracr@att.net for pictures.

Rob

 

Hey Chris,

We ride Harrison Bay for fun. Booker T. is our normal "hard" ride. We ride randomly because of our schedules so, if you want to send me your phone number (use my email please) I will call and let you know when we go riding.

Rob[/img]