New MTB! Thoughts?

[jhawk]

Hi guys,

Picked up a new (to me) MTB today, haven't had the chance to give it a proper check-over yet. It isn't going to be doing anything other than being thrashed round the trails around here. It was $40, I'll take it! It's going bar-ends, and grip shifters.

Might need a new saddle, since the 'stock' one is torn up. That, and either a new bottle cage or two, or just bend the current one back in and get another - although I can't see the brazeons for it...

Here's a picture!

 

[surfdude]

looks good . hope you have fun on it

 

[jhawk]

I plan to! I managed to get out for a quick ride to the shops. It feels SO different to my tourer. Quick, too! Haven't gotten used to the shifters yet, though.

 

[Portland2000]

Can't go wrong for that money really.

 

[jhawk]

Can't go wrong for that money really.

Very true!

Found out that the inner tubes need aligning - as the pump valve comes out at an angle. Other than that, she rides very well!

 

[Psycolist]

I think that converts to about £27 . As you rightly say, thrash it around for a couple of months and if you then have to throw it away, you've not lost a fortune. Its been a month or so now, how are you getting on ?
P.S. I hate twist grip shifters

 

[jhawk]

I think that converts to about £27 . As you rightly say, thrash it around for a couple of months and if you then have to throw it away, you've not lost a fortune. Its been a month or so now, how are you getting on ?
P.S. I hate twist grip shifters

Hi mate,

Cheers for the reply and follow. I'm getting along just fine, actually. No punctures as of yet, and I've taken it to the National Park which is just up the road from me and ridden around the trails there. Amazing day out - I'm waiting for the article to be published online so that I can share that day with you lot, since I can't do it right now due to publication rights and that sort.

I'm not liking the shifters on it, but I have no desire to change anything about it at the moment. It isn't going to be my principle bike and it works just great how it is. Had a few small issues with the chain coming off and such, but other than that, she's stellar. A good purchase for what I got it for. Very pleased.

 

[Psycolist]

Sometimes its just the pleasure of riding that's enough. I wish I could get that mentality. I spend far too much time and money on 'experimenting' I love to try out different gear ratios, tyres, handlebars, chain sets, grips, saddles. I think I have the perfect ride then something inside tells me to try something different. It usually ends up a worse option than what I had, but I still feel the need to try. I buy and sell all these parts and accessories on E Bay, sometimes I lose out, sometimes I make a little. I have a workshop dedicated to my three self built bikes. I've got a hybrid/road bike, an off roader and a utility bike for times when a 'workhorse' is required. I bet you get more enjoyment from the actual riding for a fraction of the outlay. But I get as much pleasure from the work in building and switching things around, than I do from the riding. If I get a chance, I will send you some pics of my rides. Its my daughters 30th on Saturday so its a busy family weekend, it might have to be next week. I'm Nick by the way.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Good one, glad you're enjoying it. Twist grips are a bit of an acquired taste, I dont mind them on a town bike but prefer rapid fires on MTBs.
I got a similar beaten and seized up old Trek 800 that had spent years in somebodies shed, recently for local trails and fell paths. All in it has cost me ~£70 including the bike & kitting it with new cables, chain, bar ends, grips and pedals. It rides and shifts absolutely beautifully.

there are some great bargains to be had for a bit of fettling.

 

[jhawk]

Sometimes its just the pleasure of riding that's enough. I wish I could get that mentality. I spend far too much time and money on 'experimenting' I love to try out different gear ratios, tyres, handlebars, chain sets, grips, saddles. I think I have the perfect ride then something inside tells me to try something different. It usually ends up a worse option than what I had, but I still feel the need to try. I buy and sell all these parts and accessories on E Bay, sometimes I lose out, sometimes I make a little. I have a workshop dedicated to my three self built bikes. I've got a hybrid/road bike, an off roader and a utility bike for times when a 'workhorse' is required. I bet you get more enjoyment from the actual riding for a fraction of the outlay. But I get as much pleasure from the work in building and switching things around, than I do from the riding. If I get a chance, I will send you some pics of my rides. Its my daughters 30th on Saturday so its a busy family weekend, it might have to be next week. I'm Nick by the way.

Good to meet you, Nick. I'm Jack.

I've just recently discovered Ebay, and being a freelance writer, a lot of the money I make I use to buy stuff online! It's addictive, and Performance Bike in the US (I live in Canada), has a 70% off sale right now... I've just been paid for that article I was talking about -- I'm off to go browse, I need a new helmet, gloves, and... and... let's just stop there, shall we?

Anyway, I've got two bikes - my touring bike (here's a picture from today of her, fully loaded (all bar a few things). I hope to ride across Canada with it next year.

And my MTB, which is my get-around, and thrash-around bike, pictured in the OP.

Cheers!

 

[xzenonuk]

looks no bad and for that money its awesome