|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Test riding mountain bike ?
I am thinking of purchasing a mountain bike. While I know my way
around road bikes, I am fairly ignorant about mountain bikes. I will visit the LBS this weekend for some exploratory shopping. One thing I'm uncertain about is how to testride mountain bikes. What should I watch out for when riding around the parking lot ? (I am fairly certain that they won't let me take the bike on a trail.) Are there significant differences between mountain bikes and road bikes with regards to bike fit ? Thanks for all the advice you may have. Bengt-Olaf. |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Bengt-Olaf Schneider wrote:
I am thinking of purchasing a mountain bike. While I know my way around road bikes, I am fairly ignorant about mountain bikes. I will visit the LBS this weekend for some exploratory shopping. One thing I'm uncertain about is how to testride mountain bikes. What should I watch out for when riding around the parking lot ? (I am fairly certain that they won't let me take the bike on a trail.) Are there significant differences between mountain bikes and road bikes with regards to bike fit ? Thanks for all the advice you may have. I'm no expert, but I'd say the fact that you're an experienced roadie will help you. The saddle height/position is basically the same, which then leads to proper reach -- all of which generally translate into "comfort" on the bike. Does it feel right? Or /almost/ right? Also, I have found bikes in shops to be in widely varying states of "tune-ness", and that can really affect one's impression of the model. If the shifting or braking is not set up right, it's hard to like the ride! Suspension set-up is vital, of course, so have the shop check/adjust things for your weight before test riding. Finally, the level of components, quality of the wheels (hubs, rims, tires), and even paint job are all important, so use those to fine-tune your choices as decision-time gets closer. Buy something that excites you! Bill "now I'm jealous, dammit" S. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
"Bill Sornson" wrote in message ...
Bengt-Olaf Schneider wrote: I am thinking of purchasing a mountain bike. While I know my way around road bikes, I am fairly ignorant about mountain bikes. I will visit the LBS this weekend for some exploratory shopping. One thing I'm uncertain about is how to testride mountain bikes. What should I watch out for when riding around the parking lot ? (I am fairly certain that they won't let me take the bike on a trail.) Are there significant differences between mountain bikes and road bikes with regards to bike fit ? Thanks for all the advice you may have. I'm no expert, but I'd say the fact that you're an experienced roadie will help you. The saddle height/position is basically the same, which then leads to proper reach -- all of which generally translate into "comfort" on the bike. Does it feel right? Or /almost/ right? Also, I have found bikes in shops to be in widely varying states of "tune-ness", and that can really affect one's impression of the model. If the shifting or braking is not set up right, it's hard to like the ride! Suspension set-up is vital, of course, so have the shop check/adjust things for your weight before test riding. Finally, the level of components, quality of the wheels (hubs, rims, tires), and even paint job are all important, so use those to fine-tune your choices as decision-time gets closer. Buy something that excites you! Bill "now I'm jealous, dammit" S. My particular concern was how to tell the differences between different suspensions, when all I have is 2 potholes and a curb. Thanks for the encouragement. If I wasn't excited about this, I wouldn't even think to spend that much money. (And why would you be jealous of me, apparently you already have a mtn bike ... but I'll have a newer one soon :-P ) Bengt-Olaf. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
I'm no expert either, but one thing I have learned through experience,
is suitability. When I moved to South Carolina from South California, it didn't take me long to realize that my MTB, which was perfectly adequate for one coast, was horribly inadequate for the other. In addition to scoping out bikes, I would recommend you also scope out the trails you intend to ride! - - "May you have the wind at your back. And a really low gear for the hills!" Chris Zacho ~ "Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman" Chris'Z Corner http://www.geocities.com/czcorner |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
if you wanted maximum braking, where would you sit? | wle | Techniques | 133 | November 18th 15 02:10 AM |
Test Riding A New Bike | Albert Dixon | Australia | 8 | July 27th 04 12:00 PM |
Comfort Bike ???? | Mattearoadie | Techniques | 7 | May 25th 04 01:06 AM |
Biker Killed by Mountain Lion | Dennis | Recumbent Biking | 228 | March 27th 04 01:39 PM |
Bike facility funding, was: Cincy - $350M to fix I-75 | The Danimal | Social Issues | 11 | December 27th 03 01:55 PM |