Advice for Mid-Level Bike

"Radley" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Sucky part is I'm a short 5'4" and have a 28" inseam. Please no jokes

about

Quoted message said:

kiddie bikes HEH HEH ;D

I'm a tad shorter than you and I've never had problems finding the right
bike in adult size.

- CA-G

Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!

"Carla A-G" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Radley" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Sucky part is I'm a short 5'4" and have a 28" inseam. Please no jokes

about

Quoted message said:

kiddie bikes HEH HEH ;D

I'm a tad shorter than you and I've never had problems finding the right
bike in adult size.

You may be shorter but you probably have more standover height as you don't
have dangling bits that can be crushed ;] Been there, done that.....
ouch!!!!!

In article <[email hidden]>,

Radley said:

I'm new to this group and am seeking advice on whether to buy a complete
bike or buy it part by part. I've been heavy trail riding for about two
years on my cheap Diamondback Bike. I live in Germany and there's plenty of
hills, dirt paths, and rocky paths to bike on. The grades of the foot hills
range from steep to progressive climbs. What I feel is that I need a
lighter bike and a good transmission. I hate it when I am pedalling up a
steep ass hill and try to switch gears and WHAM the gears slip or when I'm
standing I hit my nards real real hard on the dang top bar. I have no idea
what type of shimano gears it has, but it's got some cheap GRIPShifter.
Now, I am in a dilema whether to buy a hard tail or a full suspension. I'd
like to try out some races around the area, but I know I'll get no where
with my heavy Diamond back. Any advice from seasoned bikers will be a great
help. I never though I'd fall in love with Mountain biking, but after
riding for 2 years, I think it's time to cough up the money for a bike
that's around $1,000.

Sucky part is I'm a short 5'4" and have a 28" inseam. Please no jokes about
kiddie bikes HEH HEH ;D

My 15" Specialized Rockhopper would fit you fine. If you're looking at
$1000, you can either get a good quality hardtail or a low-end full
suspension. IMHO, if going up is your sticking point, look for a
hardtail, and if going down is your thing, look for full suspension.
Since you're looking for lightness, you should be leaning toward a
hardtail. I'd suggest you look for a complete bike, as you get more bike
for the money than if you buy components separately.

Van
--
Van Bagnol / v b a g n o l at earthlink dot net / c r l at bagnol dot com
....enjoys - Theatre / Windsurfing / Skydiving / Mountain Biking
....feels - "Parang lumalakad ako sa loob ng paniginip"
....thinks - "An Error is Not a Mistake ... Unless You Refuse to Correct It"

jack says:

Quoted message said:

You may be shorter but you probably have more standover height as you don't
have dangling bits that can be crushed ;]

The female "parts" may not dangle, but they do object to being crushed, if the
look on my wife's face was anything to go by. Standover is good. ;-)

Steve

"Van Bagnol" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

Radley said:

I'm new to this group and am seeking advice on whether to buy a complete
bike or buy it part by part. I've been heavy trail riding for about two
years on my cheap Diamondback Bike. I live in Germany and there's

plenty of

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

hills, dirt paths, and rocky paths to bike on. The grades of the foot

hills

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

range from steep to progressive climbs. What I feel is that I need a
lighter bike and a good transmission. I hate it when I am pedalling up

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

steep ass hill and try to switch gears and WHAM the gears slip or when

I'm

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

standing I hit my nards real real hard on the dang top bar. I have no

idea

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

what type of shimano gears it has, but it's got some cheap GRIPShifter.
Now, I am in a dilema whether to buy a hard tail or a full suspension.

I'd

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

like to try out some races around the area, but I know I'll get no where
with my heavy Diamond back. Any advice from seasoned bikers will be a

great

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

help. I never though I'd fall in love with Mountain biking, but after
riding for 2 years, I think it's time to cough up the money for a bike
that's around $1,000.

Sucky part is I'm a short 5'4" and have a 28" inseam. Please no jokes

about

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

kiddie bikes HEH HEH ;D

My 15" Specialized Rockhopper would fit you fine. If you're looking at
$1000, you can either get a good quality hardtail or a low-end full
suspension. IMHO, if going up is your sticking point, look for a
hardtail, and if going down is your thing, look for full suspension.
Since you're looking for lightness, you should be leaning toward a
hardtail. I'd suggest you look for a complete bike, as you get more bike
for the money than if you buy components separately.

Van
--

Yup - you cannot build a decent FS for anywhere near $1000, but you can get
last year's LX/XT/Manitou job, with a respectable name on the downtube, for
about $11-1200 every new season.

Chris

Stephen Baker said:

The female "parts" may not dangle, but they do object to being crushed, if the
look on my wife's face was anything to go by.

Man, I hope we're still talking about bicycling here. ;-)

--
-BB-
To reply to me, drop the attitude (from my e-mail address, at least)

Radley said:

I live in Germany and there's plenty of
hills, dirt paths, and rocky paths to bike on.

Huh. Most of us are in the US or UK; would the selection be the same?

Quoted message said:

What I feel is that I need a lighter bike and a good transmission.

Then you've probably answered your question about upgrading vs buying.
You'd have to swap so much out to make it lighter, that you'd be better
off buying a new bike. Bike parts are pricey, especially if you don't
install them yourself.

Quoted message said:

I hate it when I am pedalling up a
steep ass hill and try to switch gears and WHAM the gears slip or when I'm
standing I hit my nards real real hard on the dang top bar.

You shouldn't be trying to change gears when you're pedalling up a steep-
ass hill. Even a better bike isn't going to fare well when you do that. Be
in the right gear before you start.

Quoted message said:

Now, I am in a dilema whether to buy a hard tail or a full suspension.

Full-sus is good in rocks, heavily-rooted areas, big drops - anywhere that
you'll be getting the life jostled out of you on a hardtail. You'll
compromise weight & component quality at any given cost vs a hardtail.
If you're not getting the life jostled out of you very often, a hardtail
is often a better value. But full-sus apparently has some additional
glitz, as it seems to be the preferable bike to ride on fireroads and
bunny trails.

Quoted message said:

I never though I'd fall in love with Mountain biking, but after
riding for 2 years, I think it's time to cough up the money for a bike
that's around $1,000.

Yeah, that's usually when it happens.

--
-BB-
To reply to me, drop the attitude (from my e-mail address, at least)

BB says:

Quoted message said:

Man, I hope we're still talking about bicycling here. ;-)

Yes. One of those "foot slipped off pedal while standing" moments. Painful to
watch, painfull to hear, and I'm told VERY painful to experience ;-(

Steve

"Radley" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hello,

I'm new to this group and am seeking advice on whether to buy a complete
bike or buy it part by part. I've been heavy trail riding for about two
years on my cheap Diamondback Bike. I live in Germany and there's plenty

of

Quoted message said:

hills, dirt paths, and rocky paths to bike on. The grades of the foot

hills

Quoted message said:

range from steep to progressive climbs. What I feel is that I need a
lighter bike and a good transmission. I hate it when I am pedalling up a
steep ass hill and try to switch gears and WHAM the gears slip or when I'm
standing I hit my nards real real hard on the dang top bar. I have no

idea

Quoted message said:

what type of shimano gears it has, but it's got some cheap GRIPShifter.
Now, I am in a dilema whether to buy a hard tail or a full suspension.

I'd

Quoted message said:

like to try out some races around the area, but I know I'll get no where
with my heavy Diamond back. Any advice from seasoned bikers will be a

great

Quoted message said:

help. I never though I'd fall in love with Mountain biking, but after
riding for 2 years, I think it's time to cough up the money for a bike
that's around $1,000.

Sucky part is I'm a short 5'4" and have a 28" inseam. Please no jokes

about

Quoted message said:

kiddie bikes HEH HEH ;D

I'm open to any pointers!

--
Radley

I'm 5'7" with a 27 inch inseam. I've had a 15 inch Specialized RockHopper
that works and a Santa Cruz Superlight 17inch that fits me better. I
started to go with a smaller frame Superlight, but after checking
newsgroups, I found that the 17 inch worked. 18 months later, I'm still
happy with my choice. The longer cockpit fits. Before I made a purchase, I
rented one for 3 hours and went for a ride. Fit is everything. Do your
homework, visit bike shops, check websites...keep posting your
questions...and ride it before you buy. I think that Colorado Cyclist and
Speedgoat have sizing information.

Now when I ride my 15 inch Rockhopper, I realize that it was too small.

I will never get another hard tail. I had an equipment problem and had to
ride my hardtail the other day. I couldn't wait to get back on my full
suspension. The full suspension soaks up the jolts and makes for a great
ride.

In summary, frame size is the key. Full Suspension is a plus, an expensive
plus.

"BB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Wed, 26 May 2004 21:47:40 +0200, Radley wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I never though I'd fall in love with Mountain biking, but after
riding for 2 years, I think it's time to cough up the money for a bike
that's around $1,000.

Yeah, that's usually when it happens.

I consider it more an obsession.

Thanks for the advice and thanks for the laughs on the sub-thread! ;D
I'm going home ot the states this summer for a couple months, so I'll look
for a bike there and go to a shop. NOw atleast I know I'll get a full bike.
Hard-tail may be my choice because I have a lot of uphill. Are there any FS
Bikes that don't compromise power while going up hill? I can go a little
above my budget ;D Thanks again.
--
Radley
www.radramirez.com

"BB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Radley said:

I live in Germany and there's plenty of
hills, dirt paths, and rocky paths to bike on.

snip>

Quoted message said:

I hate it when I am pedalling up a
steep ass hill and try to switch gears and WHAM the gears slip or when

I'm

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

standing I hit my nards real real hard on the dang top bar.

You shouldn't be trying to change gears when you're pedalling up a steep-
ass hill. Even a better bike isn't going to fare well when you do that. Be
in the right gear before you start.

If only life was that easy, a nice unvarying gradient from base to the
pass!!
Most hills I ride on go steep then slacken then even steeper then drop and
continue up.
I'm constantly changing the lower gears and its real busy when climbing with
overnight camping gear.

"Radley" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hello,

I'm new to this group and am seeking advice on whether to buy a complete
bike or buy it part by part.

Snip...

Quoted message said:

riding for 2 years, I think it's time to cough up the money for a bike
that's around $1,000.

Sucky part is I'm a short 5'4" and have a 28" inseam. Please no jokes

about

Quoted message said:

kiddie bikes HEH HEH ;D

I'm open to any pointers!
--
Radley

You want a nice small frame you say...
http://www.ishop.co.uk/ishop/399/shopscr620.html - scroll right down to the
bottom. Please somebody buy it before I buy it and build it up as the
lightest play bike ever...

Steve.

Steve.

"spademan o---[) *"
<[email hidden]> wrote in
message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Radley" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hello,

I'm new to this group and am seeking advice on whether to buy a complete
bike or buy it part by part.

Snip...

Quoted message said:

riding for 2 years, I think it's time to cough up the money for a bike
that's around $1,000.

Sucky part is I'm a short 5'4" and have a 28" inseam. Please no jokes

about

Quoted message said:

kiddie bikes HEH HEH ;D

I'm open to any pointers!
--
Radley

You want a nice small frame you say...
http://www.ishop.co.uk/ishop/399/shopscr620.html - scroll right down to

the

Quoted message said:

bottom. Please somebody buy it before I buy it and build it up as the
lightest play bike ever...

Steve.

Steve.

Aw man man Steve Steve! If that had the right dia. head tube and I had 500
squid tucked away, it'd be MINE! Reckon I could build it up tall like the
BASE, but actually be able to carry it!

',;~}~

Shaun aRe

"Shaun Rimmer" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Aw man man Steve Steve! If that had the right dia. head tube and I had

500

Quoted message said:

squid tucked away, it'd be MINE! Reckon I could build it up tall like the
BASE, but actually be able to carry it!

',;~}~

Shaun aRe

Yep its THAT nice. By the way lakes ride now planned for Sunday 13th, answer
your e-mail Shaun!

Steve.

taywood said:

Quoted message said:

You shouldn't be trying to change gears when you're pedalling up a steep-
ass hill. Even a better bike isn't going to fare well when you do that. Be
in the right gear before you start.

If only life was that easy, a nice unvarying gradient from base to the pass!!
Most hills I ride on go steep then slacken then even steeper then drop and
continue up.
I'm constantly changing the lower gears and its real busy when climbing with
overnight camping gear.

Sure, there are many like that where I live as well - single hills that
are over 1000 feet. It would be quite possible to make a trail in one
continuous gradient that is so steep that you can't shift, but it'd be
impossible to climb! So there are steep sections that lead to ridges where
the climb slackens.

He was talking about the "steep ass" stuff; shifting when the climb
slackens isn't much of an issue.

--
-BB-
To reply to me, drop the attitude (from my e-mail address, at least)

"Radley" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hello,

I'm new to this group and am seeking advice on whether to buy a complete
bike or buy it part by part. I've been heavy trail riding for about two
years on my cheap Diamondback Bike. I live in Germany and there's plenty

of

Quoted message said:

hills, dirt paths, and rocky paths to bike on. The grades of the foot

hills

Quoted message said:

range from steep to progressive climbs. What I feel is that I need a
lighter bike and a good transmission. I hate it when I am pedalling up a
steep ass hill and try to switch gears and WHAM the gears slip or when I'm
standing I hit my nards real real hard on the dang top bar. I have no

idea

Quoted message said:

what type of shimano gears it has, but it's got some cheap GRIPShifter.
Now, I am in a dilema whether to buy a hard tail or a full suspension.

I'd

Quoted message said:

like to try out some races around the area, but I know I'll get no where
with my heavy Diamond back. Any advice from seasoned bikers will be a

great

Quoted message said:

help. I never though I'd fall in love with Mountain biking, but after
riding for 2 years, I think it's time to cough up the money for a bike
that's around $1,000.

Sucky part is I'm a short 5'4" and have a 28" inseam. Please no jokes

about

Quoted message said:

kiddie bikes HEH HEH ;D

I'm open to any pointers!

--
Radley

Question for the newsgroup - is KHS still around, they used to make great
Chromoly bike frames. My old KHS Comp is lighter than my much newer Kona
Explosif , my son is riding and enjoying the KHS. It was a reasonably priced
bike.

Sniffinvinyl
----------------
Remain sane, cycle your brains out . . .

"SniffinVinyl" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Question for the newsgroup - is KHS still around, they used to make great
Chromoly bike frames. My old KHS Comp is lighter than my much newer Kona
Explosif , my son is riding and enjoying the KHS. It was a reasonably

priced

Quoted message said:

bike.

They are still around:

http://www.khsbicycles.com/

I used to ride one many years ago. I beat the living hell out of it when I
rode it until it finally decided to give up its ghost...

- CA-G

Can-Am Girls Kick Ass!

"BB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

taywood said:

Quoted message said:

You shouldn't be trying to change gears when you're pedalling up a

steep-

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

ass hill. Even a better bike isn't going to fare well when you do that.

Be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

in the right gear before you start.

If only life was that easy, a nice unvarying gradient from base to the

pass!!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Most hills I ride on go steep then slacken then even steeper then drop

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

continue up.
I'm constantly changing the lower gears and its real busy when climbing

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

overnight camping gear.

Sure, there are many like that where I live as well - single hills that
are over 1000 feet. It would be quite possible to make a trail in one
continuous gradient that is so steep that you can't shift, but it'd be
impossible to climb! So there are steep sections that lead to ridges where
the climb slackens.

He was talking about the "steep ass" stuff; shifting when the climb
slackens isn't much of an issue.

Yep. I was trying to say I cant pick the 'right' gear at the start of the
climb and
expect to stay in it when the gradient steepens.
We all experience that scary feeling when you sense the front wheel wants to
lift, you need to change down once again, there may not be a gear there to
change down to but you try.
I was told once that in this desperate situation I should hold the shifter
down
and ease back off the pedal for a fraction of a second to give the chain
chance
to jump without pressure.
Sometimes it works for me but usually I get that Wham that the OP described
and continue up pushing/dragging the bike.