question about vietnam/bike

[metalheadas73]

i was wondering, to go off of some of the smaller jumps do i need a really good bike?

also are there maps of vietnam? i live right down the street but i dont know my way around it

[strangeland2]

Youd be better off telling us what kind of bike you have or what kind of bike you think is really good.

[dirtrider2]

Here's your map:

http://www.bikerag.com/mountain%20bike%20trail%20reviews.htm

As for a bike, there's lots of answers to that question. Without more information, the only answer I can say is that it depends. It depends on what drops you're talkin' about, how smooth of a rider you are, and what bike you currently have, of course.

Since you're asking the question, I can only infer that you're kinda new to riding (or at least dropping/jumping). So, I'd say start small and build up confidence from there. Don't rush into jumping off a biggie because finding out that you, your bike, or both aren't ready yet can be very painful!

Lastly, I strongly recommend that you hitch on to a crew of riders that'd be patient (and smart) enough to let you progress at you own rate while providing you with helpful advice along the way.

Our crew welcomes beginners and we know the tech features of 'nam pretty well (we built 'em). You're welcome to come along sometime. Check the ride boards.

Dave

[fitchmunk]

If you're on anything from a department store like Walmart or Dick's Sporting Goods, don't do it. Your bike will blow apart with the first 5-footer you drop. Also, you want a bike that's rated at least "All-Mountain". You could get away with a cross country class bike for some of the smaller stuff, but you'd have to be REALLY graceful. I'd recommend at least 5 inches of travel front and rear, but 6" is pretty ideal for all-mountain type riding. If you don't already have one, look at bikes similar to the Specialized Enduro, Giant Reign, Iron Horse 6point6 and Kona Coiler for examples of a good all-mountain bike that can take all but the biggest stuff at Vietnam and still be able to climb the powerline road, too.