Beginner

[olearycm]

I've never been mountain biking, but am very interested in checking it out. Any suggestions on how I can do this without breaking the bank? I'd love to know...thanks!

[Ben-O]

You mean for bike suggestions for first time riders?

In general, I'd look for a used hard tail. What's your price range?

[bdee]

Does anyone know of a shop that allows extended demo rides for beginners? Or does anyone know of an event that would provide the opportunity to try out riding without an investment? Olearycm's post raises some good questions.

Anyway back to the topic of this thread:

If you have friends that ride already try to borrow a bike and tag along on a ride. This is the cheapest way to go, but make sure the ride is relatively easy and your friends don't discourage you from ever riding again (this happens a lot).

As far as trying it out on the cheap I'd say buy a decent used bike. Someone on this board should be able to point you toward a reputable shop that sells good used bikes (I know there's one in the greater Boston area, I just can't remember the name). The web is a good source for cheap used bikes but if you're not comfortable with assembling a bike etc, a shop is the way to go.

[Geoff G.]

I can reccomend this gentily pre-enjoyed bike, you can give it a good test-ride if you want

http://www.nemba.org/yabbse/index.php?board=24;action=display;threadid=5864

[AA]

I'd have to agree with bdee. If you know anyone who has a bike laying around you can borrow would be a good way to see if mt biking is something you would like. I wouldnt reccomend buying the bike 1st

Another thing to consider is going to a NEMBA event that has marked loops. You can start with the beginner loop (the routes have arrows so you can go at your own pace or join in on a led ride). I think it is probably a big obstacle to beggining riders that they dont know any trails.

It would be great if a local shop or even NEMBA could provide 1 or 2 loaner bikes for each event. That way a true beginner could get hooked on mountain biking.

[Coolriding]

Try the Bikeway Source (LBS) in Bedford, Mass. The rent and demo all kinds of bikes.

http://www.bikewaysource.com/

-BF

[Geoff G.]

if they have a demo booth at the event that's even better, I even enjoy having a loop marked out for me, no looking at maps, just smooth sailing

[Quo Fan]

Marked routes are the best. That way you can ride at your own pace. Going with a group is good too, that way you can learn some skills. Don't be intimidated by others being better than you, there will always be someone better than you are. Most mountain bikers are willing to teach new skills to anyone that will listen.

I started MTB on a bike i bought at Toys r us. Sneekers, helmet, water bottle.
That was all it took to check it out. Many who attend Skills Clinic arrive simillary equiped. If MTB is an activity you will enjoy then you will relize it even riding a toy.
Be ready to use new muscles, bruise, and fall.
If you don't break that cheap bike within a year, then you dont need anything more.

If you are confident that biking is something you enjoy anyway, then spend about $500-$800 on a good bike shop bike. Tell the shop what you want it for and they should steer you straight..

Good Luck

bill

[olearycm]

Wow, you guys have been super helpful! Going to a "led" ride on a friend's bike seems like the best route, and I'll be sure to take it all with a grain of salt, then go from there. Next question....are there any organized rides coming up in the Cape area?

[Ben-O]

Wow, you guys have been super helpful! Going to a "led" ride on a friend's bike seems like the best route, and I'll be sure to take it all with a grain of salt, then go from there. Next question....are there any organized rides coming up in the Cape area?


I'm sure there will be some after everyone knows the effects of this latest snow storm. Keep an eye on the Rides section of the forum and subscribe to the NEMBA mailing list:

http://www.vdfnet.com/EmailLists/NEMBAchatlist.asp

Many parks open up in April, but there are plenty that are open year-round. With a wide range of abilities. Groups rides are a blast! Have fun!

[TrailBate]

If you get out there before the summer, just keep in mind that the riding is a lot easier when the trails are bare and dry. So don't get discouraged on snowy/icy/muddy trails!

[flyinelvis]

Another spot to look at are the ski areas, once this ^%)%* snow melts! Gunstock rents hard tails and offers easy cross country trails and beginner trails from the top. The rates are cheap, riding is great, and the scenery will give you a nice buzz as well. My 2 cents... ;D

[Slider]

Dunno if I would want to get my first ride under my belt at Otis. It is pretty rock-free, which is cool, but the repeated climbs might be a turn-off. Trail of Tears, as the name implies, ain't much better.

Wompy is a great place to start. Not sure where on the Cape you live, but it might be worth the drive. There are regular NEMBA rides there, too, I believe.

Slider

[truckboy]

I'd check with the local bike shops. Some of the bigger ones, especially in Boston, rent hardtails for about 30 bucks a day.

Just don't get a Huffy.

I will most likely be going to Otis the same weekend as Mothers' day. If so I have a 16" Kona hardtail you could borrow. How tall are you?

[slapheadmofo]

A great thing about mountain biking is that there's so many different ways you can enjoy it. What sort of riding do you see yourself doing, how much are you looking to spend (if you can't borrow)? Are you a retiree looking to get out for some fresh air or an xc-skier looking for a good way to stay in shape in the offseason? Are you familiar with bikes in general?

Not to be nosy :-[ but knowing that sort of stuff would help everyone give you the best advice so you can get out on the trails and have a good time.

[truckboy]

If you're even the least bit of an adrenaline junkie you'll love mountain biking. Heck, even if you're timid about athletics and just want to enjoy a romp in the woods at a faster pace than walking, you'll enjoy mountain biking.

[olearycm]

That's all I wanted to hear! Thanks!

[juiceguy03]

I'm sure you'll find plenty of people on this site willing to take you out ( riding ).

Warning; this sport is highly addictive.