What's with the massive mountain bikes??

[tosh]

The gearbox has just gone on our 2nd car.
We can no longer select 1st. I only live 1 mile from work so have decided it's silly running 2 cars so I've decided to cycle it.
I needed to buy some lights, went online but none of the local shops actually carried the stock they were listing online - that is so infuriating!!
Eventually found a cheap one reduced from £24 to £8  at 'J E James Cycles'. Off we popped.
Now it's a fair few years since I've been in a bike shop, I was thoroughly expecting myself to walk out with a shiny new bike to go with the shiny new light!

How big does a bicycle really need to be. Apart from the outrageous prices every one was massive to the point of looking ridiculous.
They didn't stock one normal sized bike, instead everything was oversized frame, oversized wheels, front suspension, disc brakes... WTF

Even if I had money to burn I can honestly say I didn't like any of them. I came away feeling pretty smug that I still have my "simple" GT's

 

[Top-Gear-24]

Yep, 29 inch wheels are more and more the standard these days, I still ride my 26 inch Merida but it seems that these bikes are a dying breed, most bikes that are sold these days are 29'ers, or 27.5'ers.  I fear it might even get hard to find new tyres for a 26 inch bike in the future (I hope I'm wrong, because I really like my current bike  ).

I do like front suspension (and even rear suspension on the one I use to ride the mountainbike trails over here), same goes for disc brakes, nice to have on a real mountainbike, overkill on everything else ...

[Higgins617]

Unfortunately it is getting pretty darn hard to get a simple hardtail, with 26 inch wheels and decent components. The industry is pushing the larger wheel sizes as being worlds above 26ers, maybe they're right but it is an idea I don't share.

GTs are nice rides, I think you'll get a lot more for your money if you show that bike some love rather than try to find a new one. All of my bikes have been bought used, and I've been able to own and ride some equipment that I would otherwise never be able to touch. So I think you'll enjoy keeping your bike.

Just remember, new doesn't always mean improved.

[tosh]

I love my GT's

GT Tequesta
GT Karakoram

Both hardtails too.

I had a go on friends brand new halfords VooDoo MTB, ofcourse it was smoooth, but with the front suspension I seriously kept thinking it had a puncture  . As for the brakes!!.......keen!!
His is the new breed of massive MTB, getting back on mine felt like I was actually getting back on a bike

I'll stick with what I have. The lads at work don't half take the mick out of my Brooks 66 saddle though!! - lol

[Higgins617]

Brooks are the saddle to have around here, used B-17s are fetching 100 bucks no problem. The Karakorams were high end bikes when they came out, you have two great options for commuter rigs there man

I personally have fully rigid, front suspension, and full suspension rides. I can say that it really is a matter of choosing the right tool for the job. Sure my 1999 Voodoo with 68mm of front suspension is still a wonderful bike that can hold its own on the trails, but it simply cannot tackle obstacles with the same aggression, speed, and confidence as my Giant Trance with 100mm of travel front and rear.

But for what you're doing you're right. All suspension is good for on paved or flat surfaces is sapping power.

[tosh]

Brooks are the saddle to have around here, used B-17s are fetching 100 bucks no problem. The Karakorams were high end bikes when they came out, you have two great options for commuter rigs there man

 But for what you're doing you're right. All suspension is good for on paved or flat surfaces is sapping power.

Funnily enough, that's exactly what it felt like, I felt as though the bikes suspension was soaking up my energy rather than delivering it to the back wheel - really has put me off ever wanting a suspension bike.

[Higgins617]

Well, if you intend on hitting the trails, I would definitely tell you to give it another shot to show you what it's good for. Off road it really is worth it, especially when you try to stay seated which keeps the bobbing down. But if you don't plan on seeing and time on the trails I think you'll be better served without it.

Though my commuter has a 100mm suspension fork and fat tires, but that's just because I have a tendency to jump off things

[Top-Gear-24]

Brooks are the saddle to have around here, used B-17s are fetching 100 bucks no problem. The Karakorams were high end bikes when they came out, you have two great options for commuter rigs there man

 But for what you're doing you're right. All suspension is good for on paved or flat surfaces is sapping power.

Funnily enough, that's exactly what it felt like, I felt as though the bikes suspension was soaking up my energy rather than delivering it to the back wheel - really has put me off ever wanting a suspension bike.

That was/is the case on the older (or the current "cheaper") full suspension bikes, but on a quality full suspension bike you don't feel the suspension while riding a normal pace on a paved or flat surface.  And even if you wanted to stand up and do a sprint you could still lock the front and rear suspension with a remote lockout mounted on the steer. 

But in all fairness, I can count the times I used my remote lockout during the last 10 years on one hand, because the suspension will only work when it needs to.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Old school MTB make good all rounders, newer once really are getting ever more specialized to the point where there fairly hopeless on tarmac (slow and very energy inefficient IMO). Hybrids can be a happy compromise, but shop around for one that is closely tailored to your needs, or do what I would do in your shoes and just turn your existing bicycles into your personal dream machines for the fraction of the cost of a new one

Sent from the astropathic choir.

[Higgins617]

or do what I would do in your shoes and just turn your existing bicycles into your personal dream machines for the fraction of the cost of a new one

Sent from the astropathic choir.

This, definitely your best option. And if anything were to require replacement, you're still under the cost of a new one. My Mavic rims on XT hubs with brand new continental race king tires cost me 90 all together. Those tires alone would cost more than that new.

[RimfireNZ]

I'm not sure why they make so many big bikes now, but I have a Merida (29" frame and wheels). I'm a big guy (in some dimensions more than I like) at 5'11" and 220lb, so having a big bike is nice to go with it. It is pretty ridiculous looking up against my brothers mountain bike though. Still fits in the back of the 4x4 though so not an issue.

You don't like front suspension, but that isn't an issue as they pretty much all have a lock switch now.

Disc brakes... so worth it. After they bed in (they feel a bit crap to start with) you end up with immense stopping power.

Mine was $500NZ, so probably about 250 quid. For a new bike that seems like a good deal.

[Whoey]

Some years back I needed something to get around town, and some exercise. This was before I got my drivers license and we got the car. I went to the local sports gear store, (Decathlon) and bought the low end range bike for 99euros. Simple as possible. I spent another 50 euros swapping out some of the garbage it came with (battery powered lights to fixed reflectors being the main item) I don't really see the point of loading a bike up with accessories you have to pull off every time you lock it up somewhere, not to mention the need for batteries, and a large rucksack to carry it all in. I primarily used it to goto my Spanish classes in the center of town, something long since ended.

It served well for a few years, but pretty much as become a dust collector in the storage room these days. I was tempted to pop it out and see if the tires will hold air the other day. Factor in that in summer here it's not really the kind of weather you want to be out on a bike in. Overheated and dehydrated in no time! Right now is kind of the ideal temperature and weather (ok not today since it's raining) to be out and about on it.

[hiraethus]

I only live 1 mile from work so have decided it's silly running 2 cars so I've decided to cycle it.

A mile?  I wouldn't bother getting my bike out of the shed for that - walk, it'll do you more good and cost you less.

As for the whole big bike thing - they're ALL good.  Big wheels, small wheels, squishy, rigid, SS, 30 speeds, whatever.  They're all awesome.

[Zed]

When folk at work see my cannondale jekyll or my hardtail they say there big but i do run my saddle at a correct height that looks high to non cyclists,these bikes to look chunkier than bikes i started on back in 89,that was a kona explosive,ive mainly stuck with konas and sloping top tube bikes,my jekyll is pretty big as a medium frame but then it does have suspension, i have slowly evolved with mtb's but still love the look of simple older bikes,ive got a old gt zaskar frame in my shed but still some vital parts.

[tosh]

I only live 1 mile from work so have decided it's silly running 2 cars so I've decided to cycle it.

A mile?  I wouldn't bother getting my bike out of the shed for that - walk, it'll do you more good and cost you less.

As for the whole big bike thing - they're ALL good.  Big wheels, small wheels, squishy, rigid, SS, 30 speeds, whatever.  They're all awesome.

I did use to walk it originally when I first started work there 20min to get there 25min to get home (All up hill!!)
But I just want to get home and see my son so I'd rather not waste time walking  managed 6min last week - hoping to get it down to 5!!

When folk at work see my cannondale jekyll or my hardtail they say there big but i do run my saddle at a correct height that looks high to non cyclists,these bikes to look chunkier than bikes i started on back in 89,that was a kona explosive,ive mainly stuck with konas and sloping top tube bikes,my jekyll is pretty big as a medium frame but then it does have suspension, i have slowly evolved with mtb's but still love the look of simple older bikes,ive got a old gt zaskar frame in my shed but still some vital parts.

I always wanted the Zaskar 

But yesterday at the bike shop I did see something.....
A Racing bike but with chunky fattish wheels. I bet I could get that home in 4!!

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

That was probably a cyclocross bicycle mate

Sent from the astropathic choir.

[dks]

I did put front suspencion on my 30? year old Diamondback mountain  bike and even though it did lose some of the directnes of the steering it is more comfortable over rough ground or when getting off pavements.

The bike shop discouraged me from getting a bike with rear suspension as they are supposed to slow you down/make it harder to cycle uphill.
We are talking cheap, Giant brand bikes here.

[Zed]

 yeah i had a giant atx970 that was a nice bike for freeriding but was hard work on climbs,the cannondale jekyll is my 4th full bouncer and it climbs almost as well as my hardtail,with full suspension you need to spend the pennies,i will change the headshok eventually but need a headset adapter,the zaskar is going to be built up as a hans rey replica but need lots of part
As for suspension though i still sometimes use my road bike off road to some folks surprise .

[tosh]

I think I want a cyclo cross
Although I do ride the MTB's I almost always stay on the track, path call it what you will. If I go through the woods I go on the paths.
Although if that were the case I'd take an MTB but I like the idea behind those cyclocross bikes - I bet you can really  "pull" them uphill with those drop bars fitted.

Does anyone have any experience riding the cyclocross style bike?

[hiraethus]

I've had a couple.  They're great for all sorts of 'real world' riding.  Fast enough on the road, robust enough off road.  Loads of different tyres available from slicks to knobblies and lots of hand positions on drop bars.  They're (obviously) not as capable off road as a full-on MTB but great fun on milder tracks (I've ridden my old one round the red loops at Cannock a few times - you get some odd looks from the MTBers ).

You can get some models with rack and mudguard mounts so they make good touring and winter bikes too.  I'd look at one with disc brakes and clearance for 40mm tyres as a minimum to start with, and see if you can get a test ride on a couple of different models.  Typically they come with double chainsets so you might find that the bottom gear is a bit high, but I'm sure you could get a triple if you wanted.

[GEARHEAD_ENG]

I live about 2.5 miles from work and have both a road and full suspension 29er mtb. It's definitely harder to crank those 2.4" (61mm) knobbies over the 23mm slicks on the road bike. A cycle cross would be perfect if you get caught in the rain or mild snow. I hate changing cloths when I ride to work so most of the time I pick the road bike since I hardly break a sweat.

Also, I'm 6'6" so those huge 29ers look about right under me.

[tosh]

I live about 2.5 miles from work and have both a road and full suspension 29er mtb. It's definitely harder to crank those 2.4" (61mm) knobbies over the 23mm slicks on the road bike. A cycle cross would be perfect if you get caught in the rain or mild snow. I hate changing cloths when I ride to work so most of the time I pick the road bike since I hardly break a sweat.

Also, I'm 6'6" so those huge 29ers look about right under me.

I've just been doing some research.....
It seems they are way out of my reach. But I love the concept.
I've just been to Halfords and checked out the Boardman CX cyclocross 

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike-2014

I think it's definitely the way I'll go....but not just yet 
Anyway, I've just bought a pair of urban tyres 26x1.5 to replace the knobbly's. Hopefully I'll get them on over the next few nights.

[GEARHEAD_ENG]

I live about 2.5 miles from work and have both a road and full suspension 29er mtb. It's definitely harder to crank those 2.4" (61mm) knobbies over the 23mm slicks on the road bike. A cycle cross would be perfect if you get caught in the rain or mild snow. I hate changing cloths when I ride to work so most of the time I pick the road bike since I hardly break a sweat.

Also, I'm 6'6" so those huge 29ers look about right under me.

I've just been doing some research.....
It seems they are way out of my reach. But I love the concept.
I've just been to Halfords and checked out the Boardman CX cyclocross 

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike-2014

I think it's definitely the way I'll go....but not just yet 
Anyway, I've just bought a pair of urban tyres 26x1.5 to replace the knobbly's. Hopefully I'll get them on over the next few nights.

Narrower tires will make a huge difference.

We have an online bike store in the US called bikesdirect. Much cheaper than anything local and the frames/parts spec are very similar to the big name brands. I don't believe they ship outside of the States but there might be something similar on your side of the pond.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx3.htm

[Zed]

I raced cyclocross in the late 80's  and still use the jump off and cary technique,ive always dreamt of a ti x bike,that boardman is well specced sweet ,i want one 

[tosh]

I raced cyclocross in the late 80's  and still use the jump off and cary technique,ive always dreamt of a ti x bike,that boardman is well specced sweet ,i want one 

Get yourself off to Halfords and check it out, its   
The reviews are quite good as it's classed as a budget bike 
Problem seems to be the brakes, most keep mentioning something called BB7's??

[Zed]

I raced cyclocross in the late 80's  and still use the jump off and cary technique,ive always dreamt of a ti x bike,that boardman is well specced sweet ,i want one 

Get yourself off to Halfords and check it out, its   
The reviews are quite good as it's classed as a budget bike 
Problem seems to be the brakes, most keep mentioning something called BB7's??

 

Those brakes are serviceable and you could upgrade in the future,i was in there a few weeks back as needed a new helmet after i got hit by that car,i didnt look at the bikes as ive no room in my sheds 


Check gumtree as there is a few on there including a 50cm one i would be all over

[tosh]

I raced cyclocross in the late 80's  and still use the jump off and cary technique,ive always dreamt of a ti x bike,that boardman is well specced sweet ,i want one 

Get yourself off to Halfords and check it out, its   
The reviews are quite good as it's classed as a budget bike 
Problem seems to be the brakes, most keep mentioning something called BB7's??

 

Those brakes are serviceable and you could upgrade in the future,i was in there a few weeks back as needed a new helmet after i got hit by that car,i didnt look at the bikes as ive no room in my sheds 

Shed!! 
You can't put that in a SHED!!
It's almost a work of art ....and the best place for art is on the wall!!
Ditch the mirror and hang that instead

The view will be much nicer   

[Zed]

Lol  ive got away with my jekyll in the dinning room for 3 days  there is tones of cyclox bikes on gumtree,there is a nice cannondale close by 

[tosh]

Lol  ive got away with my jekyll in the dinning room for 3 days  there is tones of cyclox bikes on gumtree,there is a nice cannondale close by 

I'm not listening, I'm not!! 
I've got bills to pay 

[Zed]

Just dont eat for a month tosh