Another newbie...

[Imagonnabike]

Hi everyone,

I too am new to the bike riding in San Antonio and do not know how to get started. I would love to go on the group rides. I do not know how to get started with equipment. There seems to be so much. Does anyone know what order I should focus on?
First the bike obviously.. how do I know what to buy? Do not have a lot of cash but need bike, helmet, and water.. I see there are hybrids, mountain... what to do?

I appreciate any help so I dont break the bank. Acutally the bank is easy to break so go easy on the budget please.

[Robert G.]

On this board (and really anywhere) I would recommend first a Mountain Bike. If you are looking to get a Full suspension, I would expect to spend 1000-1200 and up for something decent (new) with nicer stuff above 2000. You do get what you pay for. You can do pretty well picking up something used from someone here from time to time. Some shops will rent you a bike. Try some out.

[Charlie]

Hello Ima!

Whats your height & budget? Some of us are craigslist & ebay trollers & can act as a bike deal search engine for you. You'd be amazed how the mojo network can work for you

[Imagonnabike]

Thank you both, I am 5 ft and was thinking off Craigslist for a few hundred. I dont know I went to Precission (?) and almost bought a bike. I walked away before spending 900. He talked about different lines, bottom of the line, middle of the line, best of the line.

Dont start with the bottom, really should go to the top, the middle well.... So there I am totally confused. I was thinking the middle....

Suspension? No suspension?

I do not know how to know if I will make the right choice.....

[weekendrider09]

Thank you both, I am 5 ft and was thinking off Craigslist for a few hundred. I dont know I went to Precission (?) and almost bought a bike. I walked away before spending 900. He talked about different lines, bottom of the line, middle of the line, best of the line.

Dont start with the bottom, really should go to the top, the middle well.... So there I am totally confused. I was thinking the middle....

Suspension? No suspension?

I do not know how to know if I will make the right choice.....

I would go to your LBS (local bike shop) and ride several different types and find one that you like.

I'm in the process of putting my Myka HT (Candy apple red) 15" for sale after this weekend. It has been upgraded to 24 speed (was 21 speed). I had the bike for less than a year. I'm 5'2".

I'm getting a new bike the Myka HT Elite. It is a present from my honey. The new bike should be in next week.

If interest call (two 1 zero)5 six 2-0 4 hundred (husband's phone)
San Antonio area off I-10 and Wurzbach area.

[MyHavoc]

Hi newbie! About your subject of purchasing a mountain bike I would make a list of priorities. The way I have done it in the past is in this manor:

1 - Available funds / try and find a bike with a frame that will more than handle the type of ridding you will do, or possibly might do and will accept upgrades. Remember that '09 models are still available
2 - Type of riding / this is where a front suspension or full suspension bike will be a big decision
3 - Overall looks / find a bike you will be happy with as you will be looking at it everytime you ride find a bike

[martita]

For free you can go to the bookstore and see if there are any beginning mtb books and take notes on what is there. 9 years ago I read in a book you needed to spend $500on your entry level bike as anything less would fall apart on the trails. If you buy second hand from anyone, have the bike checked over by someone who knows. Ride as many second hand bikes as you can. Shop at every bike shop in town. I learned lots about biking that way, esp. when the shop would mount the bike so I could try it out in the shop and they could all look at my fit. Try lots of different bikes and let the salesperson tinker with the fit. Take notes on everything. Your fit on the bike is the most important item. Then learn from a girl who will tell you how to be safe. Good luck!
marti