Advice needed on mountain bikes

[DEATH_INC.]

Didn't see it in the above posts, but I reckon double walled rims are a must if you're gonna 'use' it. That's what i kill first.... And v brakes are sweet, just chuck good pads in 'em. They aren't all the same

[neels]

For your budget you'll have to be getting an awesomely good deal to get anything decent new, so something second hand is probably a better bet. From my limited experience...

If you're 6'2" you're looking at a large (around 21") frame
V brakes are ok unless you plan on getting dirty, then your pads are eating your rims
Good cable discs are as good as if not better than cheap hydraulics
8 speed parts are cheaper than 9 speed parts if you buy a bike needing some work
Find someone that knows there way around a bike to go shopping with you.

I have bought a couple of cheap 'project' bikes in the past, something that costs about $100 to buy off trademe is usually going to cost at least twice that to make into a presentable bike, but it's still cheaper than buying a bike in good going order because people are wary of stuff that needs work.

[avgas]

I have bought a couple of cheap 'project' bikes in the past, something that costs about $100 to buy off trademe is usually going to cost at least twice that to make into a presentable bike, but it's still cheaper than buying a bike in good going order because people are wary of stuff that needs work.

I just did this recently.
My total bill thus far has been $125.
I was going stir crazy as I needed some pedaling.
Bike cost $80 I think. Most of the stuff needed doing was modding and cleaning. But I have changed the pedals to platforms (Until I can find some cheap triple traps), put new grips on it, and some second hand tyres.
Its funny though as all the gear I took off it I sold for $20 (indicators, lights etc).

I remember back in the days an STX RC selector used to cost me $250........and yet now I have a working bike for just over $100.

[avgas]

If the OP want me to make another Frankenstein bike for him let me know.
I quite enjoyed it.

[Hiflyer]

If the OP want me to make another Frankenstein bike for him let me know.
I quite enjoyed it.

Hmmm very tempting haha where in NZ are ya? EDIT - Oh auckland City ay, I'm in Epsom maself

depending on what comes up in the stores and on Trademe I might just buy one straight off the bat, if not I'll keep this as an idea!

[Hiflyer]

- When you get front suspension ALWAYS get "lock outs" as this makes road riding better.

I assume that's the way you change the suspension travel?

Gotta love google....

[neels]

I assume that's the way you change the suspension travel?

So you can lock the suspension. Useful on a full suspension bike on the road, but got it on the front of all my mountainbikes and never used it on any of them, if you're bouncing that much when you're pedalling on the road I'd say you're doing it wrong.

[Latte]

So you can lock the suspension. Useful on a full suspension bike on the road, but got it on the front of all my mountainbikes and never used it on any of them, if you're bouncing that much when you're pedalling on the road I'd say you're doing it wrong.

After a couple of runs forgetting to take the pop loc off I decided i'd rather struggle up the hills, than crap myself down them.... ripped the lever off - sorted. Actually made me a better climber as I had to focus on technique (not that I was ever good at climbing).

[marty]

for a weekend warrier lockout front suspension is a waste of time. you shoudn't be climbing over the front wheel anyway. balance your weight between front and rear to stop the front from lifting on steep climbs. it shouldn't bounce. on fast short climbs there is little to be gained from locking out for the 5-10 seconds of climb unless you are trying to qualify for the worlds.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-352963703.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-352048492.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-351564829.htm

the Kona is bit more specialised and they tend to be a little heavier, but they are also fantasticly strong commuter and skate-park bikes - my 6'5" 105kg son hasn't broken his one yet and he rides vert ramp on it! (his is single speed, not 8 speed though)

[Hiflyer]

for a weekend warrier lockout front suspension is a waste of time. you shoudn't be climbing over the front wheel anyway. balance your weight between front and rear to stop the front from lifting on steep climbs. it shouldn't bounce. on fast short climbs there is little to be gained from locking out for the 5-10 seconds of climb unless you are trying to qualify for the worlds.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-352963703.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-352048492.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-351564829.htm

the Kona is bit more specialised and they tend to be a little heavier, but they are also fantasticly strong commuter and skate-park bikes - my 6'5" 105kg son hasn't broken his one yet and he rides vert ramp on it! (his is single speed, not 8 speed though)

Those last two are out of my price range at the mo unfortunately. In regards to the Kona though, would that really be appropriate for a commute??

What about these?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=352277271

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=352962135

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=353240294

[Hiflyer]

Couple of people told me to make sure I don;t buy a commuter bike, like this one,

But I like the sound of this one, even tough it only has rim brakes

should I be wary?

[Latte]

Couple of people told me to make sure I don;t buy a commuter bike, like this one,

But I like the sound of this one, even tough it only has rim brakes

should I be wary?

I'd avoid , the frame being no name is one thing, but the componentry being no name is asking for trouble..... (it's the components that have all the moving parts). Strictly as a commuter the frame might be ok, but the wheels/drivetrain etc won't last - and chances are when you take it to the bike shop they'll be throwaway items. The other 2 bikes have name brand components and are known brands, so should be ok.

[Hiflyer]

I'd avoid , the frame being no name is one thing, but the componentry being no name is asking for trouble..... (it's the components that have all the moving parts). Strictly as a commuter the frame might be ok, but the wheels/drivetrain etc won't last - and chances are when you take it to the bike shop they'll be throwaway items. The other 2 bikes have name brand components and are known brands, so should be ok.

Fair enough, I thought Malvern was quite big in Aus, sys they've been in business since 1902

http://www.malvernstar.com.au/about/

[Latte]

Fair enough, I thought Malvern was quite big in Aus, sys they've been in business since 1902

http://www.malvernstar.com.au/about/

I'd heard of malvern star but not malvern (assumed it was a copy of sorts - my bad for not reading). The componentry is definitely suspect though.... shimano make good componentry (although in this case I haven't heard of them doing 7 spd stuff for a looong time) - but the rest is very budget. If you're gonna use it to go get the bread from the dairy, or do a short commute might be fine.... but wouldn't be up for any off road work and I'd say you'd be replacing stuff within a short time period.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Those last two are out of my price range at the mo unfortunately. In regards to the Kona though, would that really be appropriate for a commute??

What about these?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=352277271

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=352962135

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=353240294

my pick of those is the Giant XTC, all other things being equal. for the money you're spending it is all about compromise. Why i picked the Giant: Giant are a decent "Budget" brand (and in fact make some damn good bikes). it has components I have heard of. It looks OK condition wise. Its 27 speed. Its got disc brakes

Never ever buy a bike (or motorbike) without looking at it and test riding it. Note too that guy has zero feedback.

You want to assess its condition, whether it needs any of the consumable parts replaced, what the tyres are like, whether the forks go up and down, whether it shifts gears properly, and whether there are clunks and squeaks or rattles. Plus whether you like the seat, bars pegs etc.

use flat pedals (not too aggressive) because you dont want to have to buy shoes and cleats as well. Plus they are a bitch to set up, and if you do it wrong you are asking for hip, knee and ankle problems. Its worth getting a bike fit from a LBS: cost you some money but worth it in the long term.

Buy yourself a decent set of bike shorts. Wear other shorts over them if you must. Your arse will thank me.... www.groundeffect.co.nz locals, made in NZ, really decent kit and it lasts. Yes a pair of bike shorts costs $100: just suck it up.


dont be concerned about whether it shifts into or pedals well in gear combos you will never use (cross chaining): smallest on the front and smallest on the back, and biggest on the front and biggest on the back. That one in particular strains the crap out of your chain and derailleur. And if your chain is too short and you fuck it up, it has potential to rip the fucker right off the frame (bitter experience talking.....).

things that are consumable items on a pushbike: tyres. brake pads. cables. rear clusters, chains. front chainrings (though you will get two clusters and two chains to one set of chainrings generally)

If your budget stretches to it, and it fits:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycl...-353585284.htm

all it would need is a set of mudguards (you need them on a commuter bike, trust me) and maybe an upgrade to discs, and that is a capable bike. Surly are cool, too.