Thinking of getting into MTB

[2pies]

I'd like to do some more leisurely riding at the weekend, but as I ride over 100 miles a week commuting its difficult to get excited about getting back on the roads. Club road riding would be too exhausting anyway. I figured MTB riding is the ideal alternative - change of riding style, scenic, more sociable.

I googled around a bit but there's so much information its difficult to know where to start. Any advice? I live in South West London so driving to the Surrey Hills area, where I'd imagine there's lot going on, wouldn't be a problem on a Saturday or Sunday.

The other question I have is about the bike. Currently I only have a CycloCross bike as it seemed the best blend of speed and robustness for commuting. Would this be able to withstand a light/introductory level ride or would it quickly fall apart? I'm reluctant to spend the money on a new bike before riding a few times and prob. can't afford it for several months anyway.

Thanks for any input.

 

[abo]

Get out to somewhere that hires bikes and give it a try that way? Then you can see if it is for you without committing.

 

[aberal]

A cyclo-cross bike is an off road bike. It's designed for racing over a tough route over grass/gravel/mud. So, no it won't fall apart. And (dare I say this?) there are no hills in Surrey. Not real hills anyway.

Seriously though, living in London - unless you can get regular access to some really good off road terrain a full suspension MTB might not be worth the expense. So bung on bung some knobblies onto your cyclo-cross, if you don't have them already, and give it a go.

 

[Evil Rabbit]

I live SW London as well... and have a CX bike, which I commute on - wait a minute, do I have dual personality ! ;-)

Seriously, if you do that much road riding I would want to get well off road. There are lots of nice hills and woodlands to cycle around down in Surrey, Berks or Sussex (woods being more important that hills). Personally, I would not use my CX bike, they are rubbish compared to MTBs when the going gets really difficult - which is what you want. I find it especially fun in thick woodland, the challenge is the technical aspect of getting through, not the distance you can do. Think of yourself as a cross between Robin Hood and Danny Macaskill. :-)

Some of the best weekend rides I do are no more than 5-10 miles, but they are darn difficult and great fun.

Hardtail MTBs are probably the most common type of bike bought, so S/H prices are low; I would search out one sort it out, try it for a while and if you like it, sell the bike (would prob loose nothing) and get a good one.

 

[2pies]

Thanks. Its more about riding with other people, seems more fun. I've looked online and have only found fairly serious clubs that do 3-5 hr rides starting at 8:30am. Looking for something more casual than that.

 

[Norm]

Driving to somewhere to ride your bike? That seems strange to me.

Cycle on the road to get fit, but get fit to ride off road.

I'd start off riding solo or with a small group, to get the measure of it. Riding hard off road is a very different form of exercise, short bursts of very high intensity, then a stop to chat or assess the next route.

There are off-road centres (Swinley Forest near Bracknell) which would prove a test for a CX bike, but trail riding (bridle paths, BOATs) should be fine. Light trails (there are lots of them on the heathland around the Dorking, for instance) are not too disimilar to road riding for intensity and your CX bike will gobble them up as well, if not better than, anything with suspenders.

 

[Sittingduck]

I got an MTB a few months ago, for much the same reason. I have managed to use it all of 7 times since! Nothing resembling proper mountain biking... round the Tamsin trail in Richmond Park and through the tracks on Wimbledon Common, are my usual places. I have done a fair amount of road miles during Spring/Summer but plan to use the MTB a lot more when the weather turns worse and getting out on the road bike is less appealing.

 

[2pies]

Good stuff. Yes, Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common are quite nice but I'm keen to actually participate in group rides but don't know where to start. The clubs I've seen are likely for experienced riders and those looking for the fitness aspect of it. Since I've started commuting, only a 3-4 months ago I'm fitter that I've been in years so I'm looking to get into MTB riding for more of hobby and meeting other people. None of my friends are into cycling in any capacity so it would be nice to go on some gentle off-road rides at the weekend with a club and get to know other riders. I suppose LBS is a good place to ask but, Pearsons, where I bought my Tricross is much more focused on road riding. Perhaps I'll give a LBS in Dorking a call and ask their opinion.

 

[Norm]

Before taking the leap (I think you are in Sutton, 2pies), head a bit south. You could probably plan a decent off road route from Burgh Heath to Epsom Common or pick up some trails to take you down to the common south of Effingham.

The mix of back routes and trails will be ideal for the Tricross and you can see what you think of the off-road stuff.

 

[2pies]

Before taking the leap (I think you are in Sutton, 2pies), head a bit south. You could probably plan a decent off road route from Burgh Heath to Epsom Common or pick up some trails to take you down to the common south of Effingham.

The mix of back routes and trails will be ideal for the Tricross and you can see what you think of the off-road stuff.

Hi Norm. Yes, between Sutton and Kingston.

As I said, finding some trails isn't really the question though there is certainly some useful information from others and your good self.

What I really want to find is other people to ride with, thats the main reason I'm attracted to MTB.

Edit: I'll think I'll post in the Rides section here as well.

Thanks for your suggestions of trails and confirming that my Tricross is up to it.

Perhaps I'll pay for a ride like this and take it from there:

http://www.astoundin...ingletrack.php#

 

[Globalti]

Move to Lancashire:

 

[2pies]

Move to Lancashire:

I'm sure its lovely. I went up to the Peak District a few months ago to visit some friends and went for a very nice walk but couldn't stop thinking about how much better it would have been to cycle all day around there

 

[Sittingduck]

2Pies

There is a club called Clarencourt CC. They do a midweek evening MTB ride, down Dorking way - I think! The social nights are held in Worcester Park, at the sports ground place, next to the station...

Site looks ok, from what I have seen.

 

[2pies]

2Pies

There is a club called Clarencourt CC. They do a midweek evening MTB ride, down Dorking way - I think! The social nights are held in Worcester Park, at the sports ground place, next to the station...

Site looks ok, from what I have seen.

Good find, thanks fella.