Congrats on the job Hippie, must've missed that post :oops: You must've been stoked considering this is your #1 passion.

The weather is coming good here (I don't really ride in the rain), actually has been coming good for a while. Just too f@#ing hard getting out of bed. I called Dad and lined up a ride with him to give me some motivation so I've been twice this week :yipi:

Also, Dad went in the cape to cape mountain bike race. He has had the bike for a while but this is the first time he used it like this. He was totally amped about it during and after the race. Out of 725 registrations he came 439th (not all finished). In the masters (over 45) he came 223rd (out of 361). There were only 14 in the master 3 (over 60's) I think he came 8th or 9th at the end of race.

So I'm thinking my next birthday pressy is gonna be a mountain bike 'cause he keeps sayin' I would love it and we should go together next year :party:

Any recommendations for offroad bikes? do's, don'ts?

Depends on what you mean by "offroad". Are you gonna do extreme downhill true mountain runs? Or do you want something you can take on grass but mostly will run on smooth trails? In my case, offroad means light flat trails, but mostly paved bike paths. I'm a heavy guy, so I wanted a frame that will withstand the weight plus be able to do the occasional thing like go down shallow stairs and off curbs.

If you plan to do a lot of flat/smooth trail riding, I recommend something where you are sitting more upright (handlebars are a bit higher) or you'll get a crick in your neck.

Go to several shops and hunt around. Ask questions and see which place truly seems like they give a crap. Some will say anything other than what they sell is crap, while a good shop will give you good advice. Tell them what you want and how you plan to use it.

Test drive several bikes and see which feels most comfortable - on the terrain you plan to ride if possible.

Other things:

- Disc brakes: I like them. They are more expensive, but worth it IMO. They don't get gummed up with leaves and crap nearly as much and they feel more linear. If you do get them, make sure they're both on front and back.

- Shocks: Me, I'm old school. My first Trek never had any shocks and it lasted many years. I figure they were just another failure point, but all bikes have them now. Some have them only in front, some both front and back. Make sure the front shocks are BOTH adjustable (a Specialized bike I looked at could only adjust one of the forks). I opted for no rear shocks, but my seat has springs so it's fine for me. Again, I run mostly on smooth surfaces, so it works for me. And for those times where I run on rougher stuff, I just stand on the pedals and let my legs act like shocks.

- Shifters: Decide between grip or thumb. I personally like the thumb-style. Try both on your test drive and see which one suits you. Some shops will swap the shifters out for the kind you like if the bike model you're looking at has the wrong kind stock.

I ended up with a Trek 3700 disc model. Had all the features I wanted, and decent price. It's an entry level bike, but my old Trek was too and it lasted well over 10 years (closer to 15 actually).

panda, this is arguably the best forum for Aus MTB, http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/forum.php where members post up everything so you'll be able to see what's working for them, organise rides in local groups etc. They have a good classified section also...I bought both my 24" BMX & dirtjumper from members

Edit; You ride so my only tip would be to approach a dually (if you go that way) with respect, you'll be able to ride downhill (short X country sections included) a lot faster because the dual shocks will dampen the feedback through the bike & your true speed will only become apparent when you need to brake hard & maneuver around something. The rest you'll work out

Hippie; nice ride!

Thanks PBO I'll check out the forum. I'm definitely thinking a dually 'cause 200 odd kilometers on tracks and dirt roads my butt will be sore enough from pushing pedals:whip:

I don't know the names of the frames, Brian, but I was thinking some sort of crosscountry/endurance style. Not keen on a downhill frame as they tend to be heavier. Thumb changers are the way to go IMO. I didn't know some shocks are adjustable, sounds fun to play with. Also, I hadn't considered discs benfits like that.

Thanks for the replies. It'll be some time before I end up with a bike but I'll keep on the lookout now.:intello:


Edit: On the forum you linked, PBO, i found some vids of the race - http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/show...31#post2461431

Yep, I saw those - looked like a fun race!

If you're planning on pushing out 200k days you'll need a good frame & geometry is the bigger issue here. If you look at the geometry of a generic DH bike versus a generic XC bike you'll notice some major angle changes

Even with XC bikes you'll see some decent variation. It could be worth trying a few differnet frames to find the configuration that works best for you

200km a day!?:eyes: No, no, that's the overall race. It'll be about 60km a day for 4 days. I think 220-230km is more accurate.

The level i'm riding at the moment it will feel like 200km a day though:lol:

You fit guys, sheesh. I get winded taking a shower:yes:

Winded!? Really? I might have thought 'out of breathe' when linc gives a g..ood shower but winded! wow.

I'll eat my words...happily:intello:


http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/pict...&pictureid=926

Good choice IMO. People say all the high-end bikes are made in the same factory, but I feel you get more for your money with Trek.

I thought I was going to end up with a 'giant anthem' because I've been told they are value for money. The frame on this is a 'Gary Fisher', high end? yes, made in same factory? not likely but I did find a sticker on the frame 'Made in Taiwan':oh:

I have had more than one bike shop tell me the frames for the Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc were made in the same factory with a different label. Not sure how accurate that is, but it does make sense, especially for the more basic aluminum frames.

The only Trek's made in the USA are. the Trek OCLV carbon fiber models. All other Treks are made in either Taiwan or china. With the better ones being made in Taiwan. The lower end Cf bikes are made in Taiwan. Gaint is the largest Bicycle manufacturer in the world. They make bikes for a lot of the major company's.

Turkey 100
 

I did my first Century on thanksgiving Day. I rode 101 Miles, in a time of 5 1/2 hours, with a average speed of 18.5 MPH, & a Max speed of 35,2. I burned 3051 calories.

Christmas 100
 

I did another 100 mile ride today. My time was 5 1/2 hrs. I averaged 17.9 mph, & i burned 3450 calories. My max heart rate was 172 Bpm.