Updated: got a 26" full susp. instead of 29"

[snowxr]

Hey guys,
I'm going to get myself a bike, but haven't ridden in almost ten years. I might do a little trail riding, but mostly will be riding streets and dirt roads with my son. I'm 5'8" and have minor back issues, so I'm looking for a fairly smooth ride. Am I better off with a 26" full suspension mtn. bike, or would a 29" hardtail be a good choice?

I'm not looking for advice on specific models or brands, just overall ride quality and fit for my size.

Thanks

 

[Pablo]

If ur riding will be mostly limited to what u said then go hard tail 29er. The full suspension 26 is what I ride and I always ride trail/MTb track stuff and I would be fine switching back to a hard tail and would rather it be a 29er. Even a hard tail 26 would be fine and cost a bit less.

 

[snowxr]

I was leaning toward the 29 hardtail, but today I picked up a Mongoose Xr comp. At first glance I though "Nah, it's a $99 walmart bike". But then I took a better look, and realised it's a $380 walmart bike with aluminum frame AND swingarm, dual disk brakes, carbon handlebars, Shimano sram x4 shifters and derailer, etc. Pretty nice for a cheapish bike. The guy had even upgraded a couple things already, too. So, I'm on two wheels again, and working on tuning it up. Just need some new grips and a chain. Tires are on my shopping list. I'd like something that won't wear out in a week on pavement, but still work well for light trail use. Any suggestions?

 

[snowxr]

First issues fixed today. The previous owner snapped the derailer hanger, and had no clue how to fix it. Fortunately, I knew what to do. After spending an hour on the mill, I have a nice new replacement.

Since the chain was bent during the derailer dislocation, I stopped in at the local bike shop for a new chain. After a little tune-up the bike is working pretty well. Now the little plastic disk behind the cassette is a little loose, and makes an annoying sound. What do I do about it, if anything?

As for tires, I'm thinking about Kenda K-Rad tires. Anyone know how they hold up on pavement? The local bike shop doesn't stock much. Mostly high end gear, and $60+ tires.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Loose the plastic guard.

 

[Sospikey]

Loose the plastic guard.

x 2.
For future reference: derailleurhanger.com will fix hangers for you!

 

[snowxr]

Ditched the plastic guard, much better now. It doesn't make that annoying "Q....Q....Q" sound anymore, lol.

Hopefully I won't need any more replacement hangers. The one I made should be a LOT stronger than the original.

Next up,some ODI Rogue grips. Gotta have that familiar feel.

 

[SuperJETT]

www.chainlove.com for tires. You can get some for $15/ea, brands like WTB, Maxxis, etc. You can search on www.dealspoon.com for the last time something was on there, what it's price was, and go to www.departmentofgoods.com to see how much inventory they have in what you're looking for. Once you know that, setup a deal alert on dealspoon and be ready to buy once it pops up on chainlove.

 

[snowxr]

Nice tip.......and now I'm addicted to Chainlove.com

 

[snowxr]

Got a nice 10mi. ride in today. Went out for a paved trail ride at a local park with my brother (and his carbon framed french le tour snob bike). The trailhead parking is at the top of a hill, so I thought "great, an easy downhill start". Think again, dude. He starts down the long downhill grade, and coasts the whole way while I pedal HARD to keep up with my fat MTB tires. At least I got to laugh at him for slowing down and pointing out a small bump to watch out for. To which I replied "what bump?". Poor guy with his skinny tires and tiny seat. No wonder he needs padded spandex shorts.

 

[SuperJETT]

Once you start doing long rides, you'll see the benefits of padded shorts. I wear baggy padded shorts, they look like normal shorts but are super durable with a padded liner and zippered pockets.

If you're doing paved paths, bump your air pressure up to max for your tires, probably ~60psi probably. Max sure your wheel bearings are adjusted right, repack them if needed and adjust so they have almost no side-side play and spin freely.

 

[scottie mac]

SuperJETT,


Got a link for the padded baggy shorts? Just picked up a new Cannondale road bike, but I am not into the spandex at all, lol. Everytime I see some middle aged guy rocking the spandex I think puke in my mouth a bit.

Scottie

 

[SuperJETT]

Jett (it's a brand), Nema, Fox, all kinds of brands. www.jensonusa.com under Apparel or Amazon or chainlove or...

I have a pair of these I got for $40 http://www.amazon.com/Nema-Crown-Je...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1313146077&sr=1-2 and a pair of Fox Racing Rangers http://www.dealspoon.com/fox-racing-ranger-bike-short-mens_6924/?t=0653df5f63191bf33b980cfbf3405458

Jenson:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/sub/...&sort=Default&show=25&pricemin=0&pricemax=300

 

[snowxr]

I picked up a set of Holy Roller 2.4's off chainlove. Got them mounted in about 15min and they sure roll a lot easier than the knobbies did.

 

[sxi steve]

snowxr, nice bike. Should work out fine.

 

[sxi steve]

SuperJETT,


Got a link for the padded baggy shorts? Just picked up a new Cannondale road bike, but I am not into the spandex at all, lol. Everytime I see some middle aged guy rocking the spandex I think puke in my mouth a bit.

Scottie

...And I find that they think that they own the road. Numerous times, on my way to work 2 middle aged, fat dudes in spandex, hogging the road. Gotta slow down to there speed then pass um. Geeeez, side of the road please. ....Sorry..., Rant over.

 

[snowxr]

Picked up a used tag along bike/trailer and reworked it for my 4yr old son to go on longer rides with me. He loves it, and we've put a lot of miles on it already. Tonight we rode into town to have dinner, and enjoyed a nice sunset along the lake on our way home. A good time was had by all.

 

[snowxr]

I've kept thinking that as things began to wear on this bike, then I would upgrade them. I already have a Cane Creek headset, Bontrager gel seat, and new tires, so it's not going too bad. Today I decided that my bottom bracket had a little play, and I took it all apart thinking I'd upgrade. It turns out that it just needed a good cleaning, and proper reassembly. Situation averted! I also discovered that my frame has a nice little access plug for adding grease to the BB. I guess I can now allocate funds toward a new air shock.

 

[snowxr]

I've decided that I don't really like my Bontrager gel saddle. My brother has suggested that I get a much more narrow saddle, on the premise that my hips will retain better alignment and relieve much of my discomfort. Any thoughts/suggestions?

 

[SuperJETT]

Yes.

I use a WTB Rocket V, can't remember which specific one though.