Is my new mtb appropriate?

[boyscout]

hi,

I'm embarrased to reveal that I didn't have a good budget for my first mtb, and decided on the 2007 Scott Reflex 50

Then I replaced the factory stem with 'n adjustable pivot angle (up to 40mm). I like the bars high for local road commutes, low for intense trail riding.

Is ths bike appropiate for "Fells" type riding (rocky, technical, tough)
I took this out to the Fells today. It did pretty well but corner handling was tough, but that is me...not the bike. Only one crash on too much speed on a decline.

feedback??

boyscout

[heckler]

There is nothing to be embarrassed about getting into a new sport at whatever level you can! I started riding in the Fells some 19 years ago on my road bike. Didn't have a mtb. Now THAT was inappropriate (even though there were way fewer rocks then...). People ride every kind of bike you can imagine from $150 beaters from K-mark to 45 lb downhill machines. They all work. Some are more appropriate than others.

The reflex 50 looks (on the web) like it would be kind of heavy but functional. You said cornering was tough- that is the fork. Might be you as well, but the fork makes a huge difference. You can learn to deal with how it handles as you get more used to the bike. The components will hold up until they don't! The frame should hold up to the abuse. Sort of depends on how hard youw ant to beat on it. I suspect you are not planning to drop off of bike rocks and such.

You have made your choice. Enjoy it. If you really like riding in the Fells you may someday decide you want to toss more money into a different bike but until then learn the park, learn the skills and have a blast! Do expect to be adjusting things. That is one thing a much more expensive bike gets you: reliability. The wheels may not stay as round, the gears may need to be adjusted. Learn to deal with those things and carry some basic tools (mini tool set w/ allens, spoke wrench, tube, patch kit, pump) and you will have a blast!

Welcome to the game!

[Slider]

Heckler has it right. Back in the day, we all rode bikes that would be considered pretty bad by today's standards. We still had a lot of fun. In fact, riding a bike that might not quite be up to the job means that you'll learn both better handling skills and better wrenching skills.

Ride and have fun, and save up for your next set of wheels in the meanwhile.

Slider

[splat]

DOn't be embarassed , Enjoy it ! Its your Bike! Have fun with it learn . this will help you learn , and Will actually in the long run help you to understand the what the different type of Bikes do, and what part you enjpy the most .

we all had to start some where. and as you break Parts ( oh and you will, and that is not saying because of the bike , we all still break them ! it is part of Mt Biking ) Upgrade .


and in the mean time ! Have fun!!!

[bikdav]

Don't be embarassed at all. You should have seen my first mountain bike. It was a used Sears Dynasty from the middle 1980s. After fixing it up somewhat, I went out and had a blast.

[MtnBkr]

Dn't me embarrased man! Thats nice. I definitley see some potential in that bike with parts and such. Im Sure you make that thing even better!...

[gunslinger91]

Any mouintain bike is appropriate, fancy comes later.

[boyscout]

Thanks guys.

The support is great. I'm ready to get back out there. I don't mind wrenching at all. I used to build BMX bikes in the 80 (and freestyle). Had a little grease shop in a shed.

I'm learning the pickiness of the derailleurs. My front one seems to need more tightening after each long ride - or I can feel/hear it scraping the chain when switching up to larger sprockets. Is that going to keep losening because 'it's life' or because its not a great Shimano part?

(is this becoming tech talk).

I planned on spending less on some Raleigh Mohave, but with I left the store with my Scott Reflex (a brand I wasn't aware of) I was all excited (and broke). I was like a kid with a new pair of sneakers. I could run so much faster!

boyscout
(anyone else going to NEMBA this Sat? I'm planning on going to get a feel for the org. and learn a lot)

[wannabee]

Come on down to Wompatuck. Check out the demos. Not everyone has the newest ride in town. At Wompatuck, we're into basics......hard tails, front shocks, no shocks, 10 speeds, single speeds, thumb shifters, downtubes (that's dating me), and full blown full suspensions down hill cruisers.
Bring your ride. Marked trails for all abililties.

[bikdav]

Don't be afraid of doing some tech talk. That is one way to gain even more experience. BTW, Wompatuk 2006 was nothing less than fantastic. Sounds to me like Wompatuk 2007 is going to be even bigger. Try not to miss this one.

[SteveC]

Boy Scout
I think you'll find plenty of tech help at Nembafest! Seeya there!
Steve Cobble

[Aging Wannabee]

I'm learning the pickiness of the derailleurs. My front one seems to need more tightening after each long ride - or I can feel/hear it scraping the chain when switching up to larger sprockets. Is that going to keep losening because 'it's life' or because its not a great Shimano part?


Could be it was never adjusted correctly in the first place. I think it's a bit too early to blame it on cable-stretch, but that is something that happens on a new bike. You will notice it more on the back der. A good LBS (local bike store) will adjust for free 30 days after purchase.

Did you make it to the 'Fest? Hope so. I bet it was overwhelming, but there were lots of people on lots of different kinds of bikes, not just high end fullies.