new member here

djbike · January 27th, 2006, 06:11 PM

I thought I would admit that I'm a new member here.

I live in North Texas. I've been a road biker for about 23 years. I've done a small amount of easy mountain biking but I don't even consider myself a beginner at that. I've never raced in any organized manner.

I'm about to dig out my magtrainer and start getting ready for this season.

How many bikers are on this forum and what is the average experience level.

abccbsnbcfox · January 27th, 2006, 10:15 PM

Sorry for the stupid question (I'm a relatively new mountain biker)....

I've been riding my mountain bike for about 5 years now mostly on relatively groomed trails and paths. I'm looking to purchase a new bike this spring, and all my friends are telling me I need rear suspension. Maybe I'm just old fashioned and fond of the days of my youth when I would spend all day on my "Huffy" and do really cool skids or let someone ride on the back of my banana seat, but is rear suspension really necessary for someone who just rides on trails and paths without sudden bumps, roots, etc?

If I was doing serious riding downhill I would definitely want rear suspension, but for a recreational rider is a quality rear supsesnion just overkill (and something else that can be broken and require $$ to be fixed)?

Any input would be appreciated.

neger · January 28th, 2006, 06:25 AM

I think you are right. Rear suspension is really cool but you don't necessarily need it when you drive on offroad paths. It would provide better grip because your wheels follow the surface you are driving on better.

**Liquid30** · January 28th, 2006, 02:38 PM

now that rear suspsension has evolved so much in the last 5 years. It has become increasingly more affordable to purchase a full suspension bike. Also the designs of many bikes have made them more efficient pedalers. I bought a hard tail for my first bike, then I moved to full suspension. The suspension allows you to sit on the bike producing more efficient power, and it also keeps the tire down. If you are bouncing around, you can not pedal. If you are not pedalling, then you are not propeling yourself forward. There is also a price issue with full suspension. If you are not going to spend at least 800 on the bike stick with the hard tail. If you can get into this price range you can get a nice reliable full suspension bike.

**wol000** · March 2nd, 2006, 12:29 PM

i got into biking myself about two years ago & i spent a lot of money on bike, it wasnt a full suspension bike, but nice all the same. i'm no expert, far from it, but i recommend that anyone getting into it should spend the money & buy something half decent, if you look after your bike u'll have it for ever.

**Brock Samson** · March 3rd, 2006, 11:01 AM

I consider Liquid the authority on mountain bikes and his advice has always been on the money. If you are just looking for a recreational bike, a full suspension bike may not be affordable so stay in your projected budget and get the most bang for your buck.