Mt Bike Training

[Rod Overstreet]

For several years, I was big into mt bikes and got into pretty good shape, but gradually lost interest, and stopped riding. Just recently I caught the bug to start pedaling again, so I found a killer deal on a new GT Marathon and took the plunge. A buddy of mine is prepping the bike this weekend, and we hope to go out as soon as the weather allows.

Just wondering what sort of physical training you guys are doing to stay in shape, and if there are any other mt. bike / GG riders here on the forum?

 

[lankydoug]

For several years, I was big into mt bikes and got into pretty good shape, but gradually lost interest, and stopped riding. Just recently I caught the bug to start pedaling again, so I found a killer deal on a new GT Marathon and took the plunge. A buddy of mine is prepping the bike this weekend, and we hope to go out as soon as the weather allows.

Just wondering what sort of physical training you guys are doing to stay in shape, and if there are any other mt. bike / GG riders here on the forum?

Don't you have to pedal those things?

 

[Rod Overstreet]

Don't you have to pedal those things?

Here in KY...what goes up...most come down so yes, you pedal...but only half the time

 

[twowheels]

For several years, I was big into mt bikes and got into pretty good shape, but gradually lost interest, and stopped riding. Just recently I caught the bug to start pedaling again, so I found a killer deal on a new GT Marathon and took the plunge. A buddy of mine is prepping the bike this weekend, and we hope to go out as soon as the weather allows.

Just wondering what sort of physical training you guys are doing to stay in shape, and if there are any other mt. bike / GG riders here on the forum?

I usually throw my mountain bike in for any winter travel to the warmer climates, but I'd rather dirt bike than mountain bike any day. Still, during the week in the summer I try to spin at least once - MTB trails are much more accessible in the after work hours.

 

[roostafish]

I pedal too. I ride 26 miles round trip to work every day. When the weather is better we do wednesday mt. Bike rides after work at a local hot spot. It has required that I purchase really good lighting. Originally I got a mt. bike so I could ride during the fire season, but it's become a new passion. Riding bikes have opened up new trails, new challenges, and consistent mid week riding, plus a healthy dose of humility!

 

[Skidad]

Mtn. biking rocks IMO and is great training. I've found nothng that can turn your entire body into a wimpy noodle more than a grueling dirt bike ride but mtn. bikeing can come close. I love the quiet factor and the fact you don't need huge mileage to enjoy the sport. I have 3 spots within 5-10 minutes where I can ride. Me and all 3 of my kids ages 17, 15, and 12 do it. With the cold weather my kids bail but I continue. I bought a set of Nokian studded tires last winter and it was one of the best purchases I've made as you can just laugh at glare ice on the trails. I use a pair of Swix XC ski gloves which work great. No problem keeping warm once you get warm. Since I've been unemployed I've spent FAR more time on the mtn. bike this past year than the dirt bikes and I can enjoy the sport with my kids which for me is huge....except dad gets to wrench/maintain 4 bikes. It get very addictive and bling and goodies for mtn. bikes is off the charts. For a newbie the learning curve with all different bike standards, suspension designs, terminology etc. it can be quite overwhelming. Worse than dirt bikes but it's super fun and fantastic exercise (that can really hurt).

GT Marathon is a nice bike. Let me guess...Performance Bike? They were blowing out all knds of deals on the GT bikes.

 

[GMP]

I should do it too, gym is good but just not enough. Fortunately I can ride my GG from the garage and this fall rode for eight consecutive weeks, felt great. I have a county park with dedicated mtn. bike trails near my house, races are held there too. Problem is I have an old Diamond Back Accent with no suspension. Good components but really stiff, even on the road. I got my kids some cheap bikes for Xmas, and looked at some cool new mtn bikes with disc brakes, etc. $800 for a cheap one with just a fork. Another $$ toy. What do I have to spend for a good modern bike, or how much to bring my old one up to spec with a fork and is it worth it?

 

[Rod Overstreet]

GT

I got the GT Marathon Elite Cross Country, and yes...there deals are to be had on left-overs right now. My buddy used to own a bicycle shop, so he has been a great help in finding the bike that would suit my needs and my budget.

 

[Rod Overstreet]

What do I have to spend for a good modern bike, or how much to bring my old one up to spec with a fork and is it worth it?

Check out Giant Nerd on the web. EXCELLENT deals right now but with limited supply on the more popular sizes like mediums and smalls.

 

[Rod Overstreet]

Mtn. biking rocks IMO and is great training. I've found nothng that can turn your entire body into a wimpy noodle more than a grueling dirt bike ride but mtn. bikeing can come close. I love the quiet factor and the fact you don't need huge mileage to enjoy the sport. I have 3 spots within 5-10 minutes where I can ride. Me and all 3 of my kids ages 17, 15, and 12 do it. With the cold weather my kids bail but I continue. I bought a set of Nokian studded tires last winter and it was one of the best purchases I've made as you can just laugh at glare ice on the trails. I use a pair of Swix XC ski gloves which work great. No problem keeping warm once you get warm. Since I've been unemployed I've spent FAR more time on the mtn. bike this past year than the dirt bikes and I can enjoy the sport with my kids which for me is huge....except dad gets to wrench/maintain 4 bikes. It get very addictive and bling and goodies for mtn. bikes is off the charts. For a newbie the learning curve with all different bike standards, suspension designs, terminology etc. it can be quite overwhelming. Worse than dirt bikes but it's super fun and fantastic exercise (that can really hurt).

GT Marathon is a nice bike. Let me guess...Performance Bike? They were blowing out all knds of deals on the GT bikes.

We have 25 miles of single track mt bike trails at our state park, about 15 minutes from where I live. Most of it is pretty tame, but there are a few extreme sections that the local college team practices on. Honestly, I would do good to ride my GG over some of the climbs out there, much less a bicycle. Those kids are amazing!

One of the many advantages of riding a mt bike (for me anyway), is the fact that most of the time your standing up, stroking the pedals. Naturally, when you climb on the motorcycle, you automatically go into the stand up mode and you're looking farther out down the trail.

 

[Skidad]

What do I have to spend for a good modern bike, or how much to bring my old one up to spec with a fork and is it worth it?

While there are those who ride with no suspension or just a front suspension or even the torture of single speed I'm not one of them and I say get a bike with dual suspension. Especially since you live in the land of rocks and roots.

I would say a minimum of $1,000 for a new bike on blowout or a somewhat decent used bike. $1,500 starts to get you into a better sweet spot especially in the used market. For example, my bike and my sons bike are $3,000 dollar bikes new but we both picked them up used in like new pristine condition for $1,500 each. Of course I have dumped a fair amount more into mine. $1,500-$2,000 you can get a pretty nice new bike and a dam fine used one. Then it just goes up from there to crazy money. So many good used bikes out there that have been ridden very little and plenty of good leftovers also. No need to go latest and greatest unless you have money to burn.

 

[Rod Overstreet]

While there are those who ride with no suspension or just a front suspension or even the torture of single speed I'm not one of them and I say get a bike with dual suspension. Especially since you live in the land of rocks and roots.

I would say a minimum of $1,000 for a new bike on blowout or a somewhat decent used bike. $1,500 starts to get you into a better sweet spot especially in the used market. For example, my bike and my sons bike are $3,000 dollar bikes new but we both picked them up used in like new pristine condition for $1,500 each. Of course I have dumped a fair amount more into mine. $1,500-$2,000 you can get a pretty nice new bike and a dam fine used one. Then it just goes up from there to crazy money. So many good used bikes out there that have been ridden very little and plenty of good leftovers also. No need to go latest and greatest unless you have money to burn.

Agreed. I almost made the mistake of making my decision based on year model, instead of components. Just because its a year newer, doesn't mean its better as I found out. Good thing my advisor took a look at the spec sheets before I pulled the trigger.

My last bike (Trek 950) had front suspension with a hard tail and I liked it but... I've aged some since then! My back simply can't take the beating, so full suspension was a must. Guess for now, the old Trek will get setup on the wind trainer and I'll use it as a stationary bike.

Good grief...will it ever quit snowing so I can ride?

 

[2whlrcr]

In another life I was a Cat II road racer and an Expert level mountain bike racer. I just don't like to suffer that much any more and it takes all of your free time to train. I still have a Trek OCLV road bike and a 29" mountain bike. They get used, but my mileage pales in comparison to what I used to do.

It's winter here and I like to XC ski if the conditions are right. Used to race those too. I just signed up for the Concept II rowing challenge, over on KTM Talk. Hope they don't mind I have a GG. But I do have one of those orange things too.

 

[Skidad]

It's winter here and I like to XC ski if the conditions are right. Used to race those too. I just signed up for the Concept II rowing challenge, over on KTM Talk. Hope they don't mind I have a GG. But I do have one of those orange things too.

2 more fantastic forms of exercise. I sooooo much want a rower to punish myself with. All in good time. XC skiing is also the nuts IMO. Best "overall" conditioned athletes in the world are world class XC ski racers.

Good luck with the challenge. I've seen that in the health and fitness forum over there.

 

[webmaster]

It's winter here and I like to XC ski if the conditions are right. Used to race those too. I just signed up for the Concept II rowing challenge, over on KTM Talk. Hope they don't mind I have a GG. But I do have one of those orange things too.

I have a concept II rower at home as well. And the small gym I use every day at work has one. Great workout for riding and it's smooth and easy on the joints.

Since my double bypass - I have been working out every day on the treadmill and the rower - usually 45-60 minutes of cardio along with light weights.

I recall that Girard (gasgasman) said that he rows as well...

jeff

 

[GMP]

Figured it would be expensive. I got my DB years ago for urban assault city road rides where I used to live, that would tear up a road bike. I rode up here a few times and even the easy stuff is rocky and brutal on the bike. Some of those bikes are insane expensive. My main riding buddy is also an expert downhill mtn bike racer, his race bike is over $4400!

Ever try a Versaclimber? The most intense cardio machine I've used, ever. Don't see many in gyms anymore. The last gym I was in that had one, it was always open, the manager said it was too rough for all but the serious members. I loved that thing.

 

[Rod Overstreet]

Versaclimber

I remember seeing one of those in our local gymn, but never tried it.

Going to the gymn started out fun, but it seemed I always caught some kind of bug while going. Finally had to quit, just to get healthy again.

 

[2whlrcr]

Maybe next year we will have to organize a GG rowing team for the Concept II January challenge.

 

[roostafish]

I searched for months before getting a mt. Bike. I wanted a single speed because lots of the locals ride them, but I soon found that a decent single speed with a suspension fork was $1500. You don't save money getting a single speed. I could make a case for it though. I commute in a single speed. It makes you strong. Believe it or not, most guys I know who have both geared and single speed bikes are actually faster on the single speed. You have to be. You see a hill, you stands and hammer before you get there.

 

[Rod Overstreet]

I searched for months before getting a mt. Bike. I wanted a single speed because lots of the locals ride them, but I soon found that a decent single speed with a suspension fork was $1500. You don't save money getting a single speed. I could make a case for it though. I commute in a single speed. It makes you strong. Believe it or not, most guys I know who have both geared and single speed bikes are actually faster on the single speed. You have to be. You see a hill, you stands and hammer before you get there.

Dude you must be a machine to pedal a single speed off-road!