Mountain bike? Suggestions please.

[Ldub]

Like...totally go natural...

Bamboo, hemp & used cow parts is where it's at man...

[ZEUS]

RAWHIDE!!! YEEHAW!

[Hotsauce]

Hotsauce,
Not to T.J. too much here, but what is that Bionx thing? That rear hub looks huge. Is it internally geared?

www.bionx.ca

The rear houses a 350watt electric motor. That 'thing' on the frame is a LiMn battery pack. The controller is torque sensitive, and it also has regenerative braking.

John C.

[MSHardeman]

John, that's pretty freakin' cool. From what I read (quickly) it doesn't look like the motor propels you on it's own, but just adds a little push to the effort that you put in. I know I've needed a "little help" many times trying to get up a steep hill.

OK, back to Dumke's question.....have you made a decision yet?

[JHarris1385]

Good thread I am in the same boat almost. Going to purchase two mnt. bikes in the next week or so.

[Triathlete]

Dub, that bike was built by Calfee for the interbike show (like the detroit auto show...for bikes). They actually build custom road and mtn bikes out of bamboo (along with some really nice carbon frames). Bamboo has a tensile strength greater than still and rides really nice. But they are not cheap!

[Dumke]

OK sorry for the delay I just got my MRI done. Thank you all for info you have provided for thus far and insight of things I need look into. OK I thought I made sense in my first post but guess not so here goes. When I said no "ten speed" I meant no little tires like lance armstrongtires as I dont think they will hold up to my +285 frame. I will be mostly be road riding on paved rodes. I would say about 50 yards or so is gravel and then another 30 yards is plain dirt/sand (meaning comming into and out of my driveway). I would like something that changes gears because if I go far enough from my house it will be up and down hill instead of the riding around the nieghborhood. I would like to some day get into off road riding (down hill whathave you because firgure like in bobsleding I win with weight, and no it wont be cheating lol.) To me that looks the most fun because of speed and just not stop going, but I need in shape first before I branch out on what kind of riding I will wind up doing. I hate stationary bikes and I hate ruinning because its boring and its same constant so this was my next option. When I mentioned the seat "as a joke" being bigger I dont know how it will feel on my fat tushy or be comfey but like Billy said will go try some out. Now for the ever importanty price range. I know you get what you pay for with anything but was looking for ideas as in my previous post I am going to check craigslist for a "used" bike for now. I will purchase something snazzier down the road ( no pun intended )when I find out what type of riding I want to do in the long run. I hope this make sense and you all have given me a few ideas I will look into thanks..



As for my previous ride i frew out of ..

Sorry everyone else postedthier rides so figured I wouldl too thanks again guys.

[Triathlete]

If you intend on road riding with just a bit of gravel...a cyclocross bike might be right up your alley. However, if you plan on eventually rather sooner or later do mostly off road get the best mtn bike you can afford and throw some slicks on it for the road and then put the knobbier tires back on for the dirt. And by the way those skinny tires will hold up to your weight and then some. In triathlon they have a catagory for the big guys and gals...clysedale/atheana.
Main thing like I said above, make sure the bike fits correctly. If it doesn't you'll never get comfortable and eventually it will end up collecting dust or you will be looking for another bike. Most decent bike shops should be able to figure out what size bike you will need.
And the bike I was on...just a rental!

[Rubicool]

Ellsworth....great bike!

[PalmBeachVX]

I can recommend the Merlin brand. I have the elevated chainstay model with a combination XT/XTR gruppo. Changed over to Speedplay titanium lollipops, then to regular cage pedals and the firmest elastomer. Put on some Michelin Redlines and dialed those original (read old ) Judy Rockshox up tight...and it made for a great city bike.