Newbie looking for a ride

[ridefreecitizens]

Hey guys,

I'm 25, 178cm and 70kgs and just getting back into riding so I'm looking for a new bike.

Just need some recomendations as to what to look out for, I would like a bike thats tough enough for intermediate DH but not too heavy as I do a bit of all mountain stuff.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I'm looking to spend about 2k

Cheers,

Drew

[4xboy]

have you looked at a 4x bike

[ridefreecitizens]

No I haven't, can you explain to me how a 4X is setup?

[4xboy]

it is a lot like a dirt jump bike but has dual suspention at some down hill races some pros ride on 4x bikes and there are great all round bikes what more do you want

[Sethius]

youve also got the all mountain brodie pariah to consider ( the colour is smick ;) )

or the giant reign series as most people will vote for

or if your keen for secondhand definately a speshie enduro SX trial

theres plenty out there mate, good luck :)

[Steve Angel]

Kona Stinky is a good freeride bike for an intermediate sort of level imo. There are plenty of great deals in the trading area, even if you havn't got access you can still view the ads, and if anything in there takes your fancy you can pm the vendor. I'm sure you've come to the right place and will pick up a good deal. Good luck with the hunt for a bike that suits.

[ridefreecitizens]

Thanks guys,
There's a nice 2004 Stinky on evilbay atm, I'm just a bit concerned it might be too restrictive for uphill climbs. Thoughts?

[ben_rides_a_bike]

yer get a kona stinky they are pretty good for what you want to do

[Nathan_]

Thanks guys,
There's a nice 2004 Stinky on evilbay atm, I'm just a bit concerned it might be too restrictive for uphill climbs. Thoughts?

i too have a stinky and im getting sick of pushing it up hills!

im also 25, 70kgs and an intermediate rider!

Its a good bike, i kill my mates going down the mountain, but there XC hardtails leave me for dead while climbing..

Perhaps look @ one without triple clamp forks (i have triples)

But other then the weight, think its a top bike!

[nmobbs]

Hey mate

As a rider who has done a bit of everything (cross country, enduro races, all mountain, thredbo downhill) I thought i might shed some light on your quest.

1. There is no one bike that can do everything very well. This is not just a weight issue either - its about geometry, set-up, the toughness of parts on the bike. Even if you can pedal a 18kg freeride bike up hills, it will feel sluggish on a lot of "all mountain" trails because it takes much more effort to keep the bike moving when things flatten out even just a tad.

2. Think about what riding you are doing MOST of the time. I have dreams of owning a DH bike but the reality is all mountain riding is what i spend 75% of my time doing so i want THAT riding to deliver the goods in terms of bang for my buck.

3. Most riders agree- if you are looking for a great all round performer that is just plain good fun then select a 6 inch, well specced all mountain bike. It wont win XC or downhill races but does everything in between. And then focus on riding the thing and getting your skills up. 6 inch bikes are tough and forgiving enough to allow you to push your riding and develop your skills.
Aim for intermediate geometry (eg. head angle 67), good suspension and brakes and an overall weight between 14-16kg.

Hope that helps.

[kemmis]

Try a second hand giant Reign.

[Steve Angel]

i too have a stinky and im getting sick of pushing it up hills!

im also 25, 70kgs and an intermediate rider!

Its a good bike, i kill my mates going down the mountain, but there XC hardtails leave me for dead while climbing..

Perhaps look @ one without triple clamp forks (i have triples)

But other then the weight, think its a top bike!

2008 Stinky range has single crown forks and two chainrings making it freeride specific.

[Nathan_]

2008 Stinky range has single crown forks and two chainrings making it freeride specific.

ok, we get you are flogging an 08 stinky ;)

my 05 and think all stinky's have the 2 chain rings (granny) but doesn't mean its any easier peddling up steep climbs! Not to say i absolutely love the bike, just something i wished i had known before purchasing one :)

[chrisjack4]

mate,reign or reign x is a great do it all bike reign if you lean towards xc etc 27spd 6in travel or reign x if your more freeride dh 18spd 6.7in travel both are light excellent bikes.enjoy

[ridefreecitizens]

Hey Guys, thanks for all the advice, I ended up getting a Kona Dawg and I am stoked! :)

[turbo]

i just picked up my 06 giant faith for my first bike in 10 years and we dont even have any hills around here oops lol

[=.Wilso.=Downhills!]

maybe the yeti asx

that is an ok all mountain bike

[tmorr150]

HEY GUYS
Y IS EVERYONE BAGGING THE STINKY???
i just bought an 08 stinky and I LOVE IT
i use mine 4 dh freeride and general riding around.
IM 14 and im riding a medium and i find they are fine 4 everything as long as you have the fitness.
I did a 32km bike ride on the tablelands QLD last weekend and it was fine.
They are only 2-4kg's heavier than a conventional mountain bike