I'm a middle aged "has-been" who is no longer able to run for exercise anymore (back operation, ankles are shot, etc, etc). I still lift weights with my two teenaged boys, but am not getting enough cardio. I would like to do some trail riding and a bit of down hill riding. Any recommendations?
2007-07-06 05:45:23 · 14 answers · asked by Michael L 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
The first thing I would do in your shoes would be to consult your physician and see if cycling is suitable for you. You don't want to further injure your back or any other parts of your body. Ask him what kind of posture he recommends-- If he thinks your back can take it, you can get a road bike. If he thinks you need to sit more upright, then you want something like a hybrid bike with relaxed geometry.
After you find that out, go to a bike shop where they can sell you a bike with the proper frame size, which can be custom-fitted to you to avoid the postures your physician wanted you to avoid. You can't really do that with a Walmart bike because they only come in one frame size.
Stay healthy, and good luck!
2007-07-06 06:19:51 · answer #1 · answered by thddspc 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
1. I am a former road and track racer who has in recent years taken up cross country mountain biking. These days I prefer mountain biking to riding on the road for a few reasons: a. Even though you may more often have minor falls when mountain biking (due to the more technical terrain etc), at least you are not likely to be hit by a car, bus or truck - which can of course result in much more severe injuries. b. Generally speaking, mountain biking can take you to more scenic places. However, I have noticed two slight disadvantages of mountain biking: a. You seem to be very much affected by a lack of fitness - I really feel it if I am climbing up a steep uphill on my mountain bike. b. In the past couple of years my mountain bike has needed more frequent maintenance than my road bikes ever did. The chain and rear cluster seem to wear out a lot quicker than it does on a road bike. 2. Basically, the more you pay, the better your bike will be. So how much you spend should be determined by your own financial situation. At the very least, I would suggest getting a bike with all alloy components. Rear suspension can be good, but remember that it will add weight to your bike and that you will generally have to spend a lot more money to get a "dual suspension" bike that is as light as a "hard-tail".
2016-05-19 22:38:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you would need a strong bike. I don't know how much you weight, but if you do weights, I doubt you will be light as a feather.
The most important thing you should look in a bike is fit, if you get the best bike in the world but it's too big/small for you, it will hurt you and you will not ride it.
If you want to do a bit of down hill riding, look into a full suspension. If it's only for trails, you could go for a hardtail, but it depends on the type of terrain.
Also, it depends on your budget. There are USD 300 full suspension bikes and also up to 7,000 or more bikes. But, to be honest, I think that any FS bike less than 1,000 will not last, at least a new bike.
Specialized, Cannondale, makes good bikes, but I think that Santa Cruz Heckler offers a complete bike for 1,800 or so and it's a very good frame, versatile and will probably last you a while.
http://www.santacruzbikes.com/heckler.5/index.php?builder=1
Specialized has the Enduro, which is also pretty sweet, but I think the budget is above that.
Cannonale, look at the Prophet, which I think would be good for what you're looking for.
If you have a bit more money, look at Yeti 575, Titus Moto Lite or El Guapo, Santa Cruz Nomad or Blur LR, Turner 5 Spot or RFX, Banshee Pyre, as well as others, but probably budget wise you should look at spending 2500 or more.
Don't consider Wallmart specials, since they will probably last about 3 or 4 ridings before something comes out of place. They will weight a lot but won't offer any good performance.
Go to a bike shop and see which bikes they have there.
2007-07-07 02:30:36 · answer #3 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a new cycler and 46 years old. I wanted a low-maintenace bike, with very good quality compononts. I went to my local bike shop and tried several bikes before selecting a FELT Q-620 mountain bike, about $500. I ride it nearly every day, on dirt and pavement, even with the knobby tires. The disc brakes are the best! I have a lot of confidence in the stopping power, so that helps me be more comfortable with speeding down hills. Really, the main thing is to get the right size, but I like my FELT so much, I thought I'd share that with you.
2007-07-06 09:30:36 · answer #4 · answered by Lisa H 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Seriously, DO NOT listen to these guys telling you to get a bike from Wal-Mart or any other department store for that matter. Bikes from large department store/national retailers are poorly made and very heavy. Plus, you won't be "fit" to a proper bike. These factors can, and will, hurt your ankles and back even more (especially your back). An improperly made, too heavy bike that doesn't fit you is just asking for further injury. I would suggest going to a little mom and pop local bike store, and having them "fit" you to a bike that suits your needs. You can get a very decent entry level bike for around $300. I would suggest Giant, Trek or Specialized. All have great entry level bikes.
2007-07-06 06:47:04 · answer #5 · answered by natedawg77 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
ahhh a combo of trail and downhill. the best thing money can buy would be the Specialized Enduro SL. its over $7000 for the carbon version, but you can get the Pro (Al frame) for $4400. this bike classifies as "all mountain".
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=07EnduroSL
2007-07-06 13:21:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your local bike shop and tell them what you want on the bike like how many gears or disk brakes? then tell them your price range and they will usually hook you up with a good deal
PS: alway test drive you bike before you buy it
2007-07-09 20:20:28 · answer #7 · answered by dirtbomb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a big difference in Walmart bikes and bike shop bikes. Walmart bikes will last you a year or two..a good bike shop bike will last you 10-20 years or more with maintainence. I like Specialized myself...
2007-07-06 05:55:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
You want the best mountain bike- Get a Yeti 575. I love mine. Worth every penny.
2007-07-06 06:19:00 · answer #9 · answered by Kirby 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The best mountain bike to get is the one you can BARELY afford.
2007-07-06 19:31:39 · answer #10 · answered by Rusty Sanchez 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋