REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Went on my first trail today...

879 Views 11 Replies 11 Participants Last post by ridetheridge, Jun 28, 2009

T.Austin

Discussion Starter · Jun 27, 2009 (Edited)

So I bought this bike yesterday...

Was such a good buy at only £359.99 instead of £449.99 as it had 20% off.

So my friend and I went up to the top of Lyme Park which took up so much of my energy, the hills are killer!

But my god was it worth it on the way back down, I almost bailed going over a bump as my back end swung out so I just nudged on the rear brake which didn't really help as it just made me go into a full speed skid. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so glad with my purchase, just need to buy some glasses for riding in as I got mud in both of my eyes and was riding blind for about 20metres (Scary Stuff).

Also going to invest in a camelbak so I can keep myself hydrated, this was my main problem as I had to stop a few times to take on water. Going out on it again tomorrow I think, but to a different trail this time. :thumbsup:

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1 - 12 of 12 Posts

mrmercedes22

· #2 · Jun 27, 2009

Your addicted now aren't you? I am too....I just went out for the first time yesterday also on my new Rockhopper and it was awesome! Definitely invest in a camelbak. I bought the Mule NV but if I had to by another one it would have to be the hogg. The mule is just a little to tight on space. I could only fit a few snacks, keys wallet and Iphone. Im sure I could of fit more but it was just a test run.

Cheers,
Scott

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ken72

· #3 · Jun 27, 2009

congrats! I havent been on the trails for a long time. It was always exciting. I remember wakeing up at the crack of dawn becuase I couldnt sleep with the anticipation of going out. Packing a snack, tools, and a camel pak full of ice water, prepared for a 4 hour ride.

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nc_pinz

· #4 · Jun 27, 2009

A camelbak is fantastic for keeping hydrated. I'm now done with bottles except for running. Have fun on your ride tomorrow.

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KevinB

· #5 · Jun 27, 2009

T.Austin said:
I almost bailed going over a bump as my back end swung out so I just nudged on the rear brake which didn't really help as it just made me go into a full speed skid.

You'll want to practice using the front brake as it's far more powerful than the rear. If you need to scrub off a bit of speed, you should try to do so before entering a corner or hitting a bump, or a loose patch, etc. When going over bumps (and in certain other situations too), you'll want to lay off the front brake. If you happen to be using it when hitting the bump, that brief period of time while the wheel is airborne will often lock it up leading to less than desirable consequences when the wheel touches down again.

Glad you're having fun!

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Hopping_Rocks

· #6 · Jun 27, 2009

KevinB said:
You'll want to practice using the front brake as it's far more powerful than the rear. If you need to scrub off a bit of speed, you should try to do so before entering a corner or hitting a bump, or a loose patch, etc. When going over bumps (and in certain other situations too), you'll want to lay off the front brake. If you happen to be using it when hitting the bump, that brief period of time while the wheel is airborne will often lock it up leading to less than desirable consequences when the wheel touches down again.

Glad you're having fun!

That's a good tip, but also sometimes it is advantageous to take more speed into a difficult section, like rock gardens or lots of roots one after the other. You'll learn when to brake before certain areas and when not to brake. It all becomes second nature after awhile. Enjoy your new bike!

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andy85

· #7 · Jun 28, 2009

nice and pretty light big huh?

might wanna think about upgrading the pedals since you're riding in places that has mud!!!

enjoy ur new bike and let it rippppp!!! hehhee

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Huck Pitueee

· #8 · Jun 28, 2009

Nice bike to get started with.I started mountain biking over 20 years ago and still rember the sound of knobbies on the ground.The more you ride the better you get.The better you get the more fun you have.

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Dremer03

· #9 · Jun 28, 2009

Nice bike...front brake cable is on the wrong side of the fork. It should have been mounted on the inside to avoid being snagged by trees.

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Nubster

· #10 · Jun 28, 2009

Welcome to the pain errr...I mean fun.

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T.Austin

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jun 28, 2009

Not had the chance to go on a ride today, weather has been terrible.

Hopefully it will change for tomorrow though.

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ridetheridge

· #12 · Jun 28, 2009

Congrats on the new bike ! Mtn biking is a heck of a lot of fun. I personally think it's also one of the best aerobic/anaerobic exercises around.

The camel bak is a good idea (especially one that has a small backpack so you can carry extra items).. be sure to always wear that helmet

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