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Need some help and advice... Any and all welcome.

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Hairic

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Ok let me first start of by introducing my self, My name is Eric, I had long hair in highschool and thats where I got the nickname Hairic, Any ways, Im 25 married and have 3 kids, I live in ks, Flat, Wich brings me to my issues. I have been looking at getting into biking for a while, I like the dirt thats where my comfort zone is, But kansas is pretty flat and boring, still I want to make a Go of it, any way Im looking at getting a bike want to be an off road style trail or mountain bike, But Im fresh and dont know what would be better, Im about 62 200lbs atm, over weight atm also should be around 170-180 so thats my goal weight, Any ways I want to know what would be better hard tail or full sus... I will prob ride to work every day, Urban but then will prob take to trails later, Dont really want two bikes, theres not alot of rocks on the trails around here so dont know whats better to get, Looking to spend 1000-1500 on first bike, Did the newb guide thing and here it is any help would be nice thanks. What region of the country do I live in? Kansas, flat as hell.Where do I plan to ride my new bike? Any where i can, Urban as well as some trails.
Are there any YouTube videos of the trails I plan to ride? Might be youtube vids of cows...
How much time do I plan on devoting to this hobby? As much as possible, need to get in shape and get my youth back.
What is my previous cycling experience? Rode bikes to get around and as hobbie when i was younger, Raced dirtbikes through highschool, love the dirt.
Have I participated in other hobbies, sports or activities that may give me relevant skills? Dirt bikes,
What are my mechanical abilities? Im a mechanic so i say pretty good,
Do I currently own a bike? No they where stolen by a non english speaking person,
Do I currently own a helmet, gloves, padded shorts, proper shoes, Cyclocomputer, Finish line bike wash, Finishline brush kit, shop rags, chain lube, chain stay protector (I like Shelter), Gloves, good socks, solid tire pressure gauge, floor tire pump, on trail tire pump or cartridges, shock pump, good three way hex, mufti tool, spare bottles, cages, backpack to put all your gear in? Umm.... Thats a negative
Why do I want to buy a new bike? Somthing new to stay active, video games are destroying america.
How much research have I already done and do I have an idea of what I want? done some, yes and no on the idea.
Do I have friends who are into the hobby? What's their mechanical and riding experience? None
What kind of bikes do my riding buddies ride? They sit on the couch and eat chips...
What kind of bikes do I see on the trails I plan to ride? (Full suspension, hardtail, rigid, single speed, geared) Thats a good question
Can I really afford this hobby? Are my credit cards paid off? Do I have savings in the bank and money to burn? yes
How much money do I want to spend on this hobby over the next year? 1500
What am I trying to accomplish by participating in this hobby? get active and in shape have fun with life and stop living in the house.
How do I expect my life to be different a year from the day my new bike arrives? Plan to be in better shape, happier all around, hope to inspire more in my area to ride and hope they may build a mountain near me so i can ride that to...
 
#2 ·
I'd start by visiting your local bike shop and talk to them. See what they suggest and demo a few bikes. Once you try a few bikes you'll have a pretty good idea what fits you.

They can give you the necessary tools and also will show you some basic maintenance that you will need to do.

I think you may also want to look into a cyclocross bike. I know that's pretty big in your area.
 
#4 ·
I think you are looking for the wrong types of bikes personally.

First off if you plan on riding mostly road but some dirt later on, and your area is flat and boring, I have to ask why you would want full suspension let alone any suspension.

For the type of riding you are describing, I would personally look more along the lines of a single speed monster cross bike. I see no need for suspension or gears.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
let me tell you a little more about my self, Im kind of an adrenalin junky, I see somthing that looks like a jump... I jump it, I do agressive inline skating, and skateboarding, I want to get into the more extreme side of things, I want to jump I want to go fast, I want to maybe get hurt... not so much on the last one, Im not a big fan of flat ground, there are local trails pretty decent but not a mountain, Also I go to colorado alot where I will also be riding but thats once or twice a year.
 
#6 ·
I would still look at a rigid and then rent a bike when you go to Colorado.
If you are afraid a monster cross won't hold up then a full rigid single speed 29er w/ Road tires (such as the big apples).

Then you could rent a bike when you go to Colorado if you feel you need gears and suspension.

But if you have to have suspension and gears on your bike, then I would go with a Hard Tail 29er (29er is a personal preference) You can get a pretty nice one for $1500.

I have both a hard tail and full suspension and live in the mountains.
The hard tail makes me smile just as big as the full suspension.
 
#9 ·
It really comes down more to personal preference on the whole 29er vs 26er debate but I personally just like a 29" wheel bike.

Over all, they do roll over stuff better and offer more comfort while 26ers seem to be a little more nimble.

Here is an article that may help
Ending The Debate: 29er vs. 26" Mountain Bike | Bike198
 
#19 ·
Hairic said:
Live in grant county not really sure about the gyp hills, we have alot of sand hills around here i know that. Originally from hays ks, but this part is alot flatter than the rest of ks
Click to expand...
Ooof.... You are southwest and flat. Not much out there. A couple of thoughts:

1. You're going to be riding a lot of gravel. A cyclocross bike will serve you well out there. You won't be able to huck off stuff with it, but you'll get a lot farther, faster with a CX bike than a mountain bike.

2. A hardtail trials (not trails) or dirt jump bike would be a good choice for jumping off stuff as you described. It wouldn't be great for trails (not trials) nor would it be great for riding gravel roads. But it would be good for what you've described.

3. A 26" hardtail would be better to huck off of stuff and ride trails for your CO trips. It would be adequate for commuting but it wouldn't be the best choice.

4. A 29" hardtail would be better for commuting and riding trails in CO. It wouldn't be great for hucking off stuff but it would adequate.

If you have the means, I'd suggest two bikes: A XC bike for riding gravel/commuting and a 26" hardtail for hucking off stuff and mountain bike trips to CO.
 
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