Who can help me out

[biggiy6]

I am thinking about taking up mountain biking since we have plenty of good trails that haven't been touched by the horses at the farm.

One problem though. I know nothing about it. If someone can help me out and give me an idea of what a good bike that won't kill me would cost and what else I need besides the bike and helmet I would appreciate it.

[scopEDog]

Ahh you've come to the right place :) First things i should ask are:

1) Whats your experience level on a bike?
2) What is your budget?

I guess we can start with that

[biggiy6]

Ahh you've come to the right place :) First things i should ask are:

1) Whats your experience level on a bike?
2) What is your budget?

I guess we can start with that
1) I know how to make the bike move and I know to how to make it stop:D Actually I am pretty good with bikes, I used to ride mine everywhere and I made a few attempts at mountain biking on this bike I had that came from wally world but the attempts ended up with me in the river and me saying hi to the tree.
2) I plan on being flexible but I don't think I need a bike with more bling than a hummer in L.A. so I guess my budget is what I want to spend.

[scopEDog]

Hmm...ok are you an aggressive rider? Are you looking more for cross country, or more of a downhiller/freerider? Would $1000 bucks be out of the question?

So lets assume your an average rider doing a bit of XC and doesn't want the expense of full suspension. I would go with something like a rockhopper from specialized (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9339). Its got a decent component set for the price and carries the famous rockhopper name(can't go wrong with a specialized). I'm sure you can find deals that would keep it under 500 bucks and a great bike to start off with and advance into intermediate.

[biggiy6]

$1000 bucks is out of the question since I am limited on funds.

The trails I plan on riding on are in the woods and they are mostly mud and grass, a few rotting logs here and there but for the most part the trails go uphill, downhill, they hug the sides where the creeks are below and then there are some really tight fitting trails.

I like the look of that bike especially the yellow. I found a dealer that is really close to me so I am gonna have to stop by there sometime and take a look.

Are there any special types of shoes you should wear when biking? What about shorts and shirts?

[Delirious]

I have a GT i bought a few years ago, came with disc brakes, hardtail, i love it though i never have time to ride.

[scopEDog]

$1000 bucks is out of the question since I am limited on funds.

The trails I plan on riding on are in the woods and they are mostly mud and grass, a few rotting logs here and there but for the most part the trails go uphill, downhill, they hug the sides where the creeks are below and then there are some really tight fitting trails.

I like the look of that bike especially the yellow. I found a dealer that is really close to me so I am gonna have to stop by there sometime and take a look.

Are there any special types of shoes you should wear when biking? What about shorts and shirts?
Clothing is up to you really. They do make specific clothing for mtb but it can be pricey. Just shorts and a t-shirt is fine. Of course you need a helmet, and i would recommend gloves for comfort. Same with shoes, any rugged shoe/sneaker will do to start out, specific shoes come later if/when you use spd pedals and "clip" into your pedal.

Let us know how it goes :)

[biggiy6]

Clothing is up to you really. They do make specific clothing for mtb but it can be pricey. Just shorts and a t-shirt is fine. Of course you need a helmet, and i would recommend gloves for comfort. Same with shoes, any rugged shoe/sneaker will do to start out, specific shoes come later if/when you use spd pedals and "clip" into your pedal.

Let us know how it goes :)
I will be taking pictures of the bike and all my stuff when I get it. I will make sure to snap some pictures of the trails too.

[Pug]

If you're hitting up a bike shop - ask to see last year's or even the year before's models. I saved a good 60% on list price this way before. :nods:
Otherwise, check out the 2nd-hand deals round your way and if you don't recognise the major brand/models, hit up MTBR.com (http://www.mtbr.com/). A wealth of info at your fingertips. :)

[jaguarking11]

Well I have always loved bianchi bikes but never owned one but I have riden a fiew vintage and modern road bikes and those things fly.

http://www.bianchiusa.com/

Thats the site3 but be warned their bikes are expensive. That one looks sick http://www.bianchiusa.com/565.html but at almost 3 grand it would cost a kidney.

[Duffman]

Jamis is some of the best bang for your buck out there.

My first real bike was a durango SX from them, The components are good and the frame is well made. For about 650 or 700 (cant remember).

Im now saving for a santa cruz or a ellsworth frame and spec it out real nice.