Any Mountain Bikers on Here?

[JPH63]

I have a top rack for mine, and it can be a pain to deal with. I'm fairly short though (5'7" ish), so YMMV. After a ride, I usually just throw the bike in the back unless I'm hauling people or the bike is insanely muddy. Definitely wouldn't be practical with a lift.

I'm also about 5' 7" so putting a muddy bicycle on the roof would be fun. I will probably get a tarp to spread over the back for my dirty toys and snowy cross-country skis.

I have a cheap bike rack I used on my Elantra wagon that may fit, but with the wheels on, the bike will be high. I also have a 3-bike trunk mount that might be made fit on the tailgate.

I need to figure out a solution to accommodate having my travel trailer, canoe and bike all with me at the same time, or combinations thereof. Not usually any people with me, just occasionally the wife (she hates the outdoors).

 

[Geolander]

Since I rode to work today, my bike (excuse the crappy cellphone pic):

After the upgrades I just finished, the only remaining stock parts are the frame and seatpost. Oh, and one little piece of cable jacketing - I underestimated how much I needed by about 8 inches.

I'm also about 5' 7" so putting a muddy bicycle on the roof would be fun. I will probably get a tarp to spread over the back for my dirty toys and snowy cross-country skis.

I need to figure out a solution to accommodate having my travel trailer, canoe and bike all with me at the same time, or combinations thereof. Not usually any people with me, just occasionally the wife (she hates the outdoors).

My technique for getting bikes on the roof is to stand the bike on its rear wheel while climbing up on the running board (or rear seat) and rear tire. Then I can lift it up onto the roof. It's still a bit tricky, and I always feel a bit nervous doing it on shaky legs after a hard ride, which is why I usually just throw the bike in the back then.

Some people have made interior mounts, though they require removing the front wheel and cutting a slit in your carpet. You can usually fit a bike upright without the front wheel unless it's really large (not sure about a 29'er), so all you do is attach a fork mount to the floor and clamp onto that. As long as you're only using the front seats, it should work. If you're only transporting one bike, you could probably keep one of the split seats up for one extra seat in the back.

 

[jaybird93000]

Dad bought it the day they came out for the disgusting sticker price, along with matching duffle bag, shoes, and helmet... Gary Fisher Subaru Cycling Team Edition, with Manitou suspension components.

 

[KidVermicious]

You can usually fit a bike upright without the front wheel unless it's really large (not sure about a 29'er), so all you do is attach a fork mount to the floor and clamp onto that.

That's a big negative. I can fit my 29er sideways, but not upright. Not in the 4Runner and not in the Explorer. I think you need a van for that sort of thing.

 

[JohnnyT]

I know you guys are mountain bikers predominantly, but do any of you have any experience or knowledge of the Marin Muirwoods 29er ??

Rode one this past weekend at a local REI and liked it alot. It can probably do some fire road type off-roading but nothing more aggressive (which is fine with me). Its predominantly a road (urban) bike at a reasonable $700-ish price.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[jaybird93000]

I know you guys are mountain bikers predominantly, but do any of you have any experience or knowledge of the Marin Muirwoods 29er ??

Rode one this past weekend at a local REI and liked it alot. It can probably do some fire road type off-roading but nothing more aggressive (which is fine with me). Its predominantly a road (urban) bike at a reasonable $700-ish price.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

What do you need it for? light off-roading/all-purpose, or are u just looking for a reasonable mountain bike? It is a good crossover, but like you said, it is more for all around stuff, and wouldn't do well on most of the trails you'll find specific for terrain riding.

 

[Geolander]

I know you guys are mountain bikers predominantly, but do any of you have any experience or knowledge of the Marin Muirwoods 29er ??

Rode one this past weekend at a local REI and liked it alot. It can probably do some fire road type off-roading but nothing more aggressive (which is fine with me). Its predominantly a road (urban) bike at a reasonable $700-ish price.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Haven't ridden it, but the components look decent. Disc brakes are a bit gimmicky on a commuter bike unless you're planning on carrying heavy loads or have a lot of steep hills along your route.

Just be aware that it's a cruising bike - stopping and starting a lot with 29" tires can get tiring. I definitely wouldn't take it on anything rougher than a dirt bike path - fire roads would be iffy, at least the ones I ride, due to the skinny tires.

 

[JohnnyT]

What do you need it for? light off-roading/all-purpose, or are u just looking for a reasonable mountain bike? It is a good crossover, but like you said, it is more for all around stuff, and wouldn't do well on most of the trails you'll find specific for terrain riding.

As much as I'd like to say I'd take it off-road often, I really wouldn't given my lifestyle and where I live. Being honest with yourself is important when buying these kinds of things. I'm in my 40's and have never been mountain biking before so if I do, it will be light.

Just looking for mostly a tough bike that will last and can handle some light off-roading if I have the opportunity.

I was also looking at the Novara Forza at REI but the salesman said I'd have better luck with the Marin in the case of light off-roading.

Thanks for the responses so far.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

And here are mine

I have had more than a few mountain bikes since 2001 , but right now I only have 3 in the house. In order of appearance

2011 Specialized Stumpjumper Elite (built up with better parts)
2007 Specialized Demo 7 I (for lift serviced bike trails, Killington, Diablo,Mt Snow)
2004 Specialized Stumpjumper Anniversary Edition (spare ride, retired last Spring) Actually selling this last one . Just don't use it anymore, shame to keep it hanging on the basement wall.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Heres my baby. Im from WY which is where I got into mountain biking about 5 years ago.

Ironhorse had issues within their company and I believe they were bought out by Cannondale a few years ago. I could be wrong on that. But you dont see a ton of Ironhorse bikes around. Which is odd cause they had an awesome line up. Not too long ago Sam Hill was killing everyone downhill on his Ironhorse Sunday. The MKIII, 6 Point and 7 Point were all awesome bikes.

Mine is a Warrior with the suspension changed out to give me around 5.5" travel. Its a bit heavy for an AM bike, but it gets the job done.

Fox rear shock. Manitou front fork. Shimano XT cassette. Sram x9 front and rear shifters. Formula Oro front and rear brakes. Syncros bar and stem. WTB wheels

 

[runnerchic]

Trek ...

Heres mine!

 

[SJC]

Yellow fit s3.5 21" was mine then it got stolen.

Blue Take ivy3 was my old frame before I got the s3.

Soon ill be getting another fit frame and trading it for the Take, my friend who rides it now is too short for the long frame.

I know its not Mtn bikes but I ride trails also

Then I have my old S3. Very rare. Sold it too buy that Take frame.. Wish I never did.

 

[Mijfwb23]

I am riding a Trek Fuel EX 9.8 , love this bike.
Since buying it I have upgraded the shifter pods, front/rear derailers to XTR and new XT Trail pedals. Also running tubeless now.

The day she came home

A few upgrades

 

[franster]

I ride bikes!! :hello:
Ive got a Kona Operator FR and a Kona Shonky. I do a lot of downhill/freeride and dirt jumps!

 

[Mtn.Rush]

new addition, Niner Air 9 Carbon

 

[Gerdo]

Two weeks ago I rode in Fruita and Moab. One day we rode Hurrah Pass, up Jacobs Ladder, Amassa Back.

This is Jacobs Ladder

You don't actually ride it, You shoulder your bike

This is a view from the top

 

[Aquabear]

Just got back into riding last year. Have a Novara Ponderosa from REI. A great starter up AGAIN bike! See you on the trails of LI! Pics to follow..........

 

[Bay33saw]

I've been wanting to get into MTB but have not got a clue as to buy I'd like a full suspension bike like a trance 1 or something like that?

 

[KidVermicious]

I've been wanting to get into MTB but have not got a clue as to buy I'd like a full suspension bike like a trance 1 or something like that?

Not sure I understood the question, but if you're asking for bike advice, I'd go cheap. Get fitted at your local bike shop so you know what size frame you're looking for, then start cruising the classifieds. Don't spend more than 3-400 bucks. Ride that, figure out what styles of biking you like best (touring, downhill, crosscountry, freestyle, etc), that way you'll have a much better idea what you're looking at when you're ready to upgrade.

The classified ads are full of listings by people who dropped a grand on a bike before they knew what they wanted...

 

[Gerdo]

If you don't have $2000+ to spend, don't buy a full suspension. Cheap FS are just that, cheap. With less money, but a hardtail (no rear suspension, w/front suspension).

Get fitted. The right size bike makes a huge difference.
IF you know what you are looking for, and at, used can be a good way to get more bike for less.