Any Mtn Bikers on RME?

[Kevin B.]

Dicks has GT bikes on sale right now for 50% off. My wife and I would like some bikes.. but I always choke at prices. Any thoughts on how the GT Aggressor would be for a guy who never rides a bike?
GT Aggressor at Dicks

a) screw Dicks, they're the ones that took AR15s off the shelves after Parkland, cancelled peoples orders, then left those rifles in their warehouses until they could sell them for more money a year later. I won't set foot in a Dicks again.

b) GT makes some good bikes, but the ones they sell in department stores like Dicks are not those. If you were looking for something shaped vaguely like a mountain bike to ride dirt roads and bike paths and recreate Cialis commercials, they'd get the job done. Just be ready to want more.

 

[frieed]

for a starter bike, it's pretty hard to beat http://bikesdirect.com/. only downside is you need to do the initial tune up on your own or pay to have it done.

 

[jeeper]

for a starter bike, it's pretty hard to beat http://bikesdirect.com/. only downside is you need to do the initial tune up on your own or pay to have it done.

I have looked at that site a couple times. The problem is that I don’t have a clue what I am talking about when it comes to good parts versus bad parts, so I don’t know what to buy or avoid.

 

[Corban_White]

What's your budget and size? We can probably find some great bikes on KSL for you.

 

[Samersen]

What's your budget and size? We can probably find some great bikes on KSL for you.

This! I think doing this and using the collective knowledge base is a great idea. If you don't know what size you are just say your heights and I bet we can figure it out from there.

 

[glockman]

Ya, it's too bad you don't know the guy that started this thread I'm sure if he was still around he could give you some advice.

I'm totally biased, but I really think it's hard to beat a Giant for a cheap decent bike. I grew up with the owners of Taylor's bike shop, they are good people and there is one in Riverton, kind of close to you.

I ride a large and we are pretty close to the same height. I don't remember how tall your wife is but If I remember, she would be a med or large.

 

[glockman]

Here is a decent one
https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/56619393

 

[glockman]

I have signed up for the trail forks return to earth challenge. Essentially, I have to ride every day in July and I can be entered not to win a Trek Stache or some other stuff I won't win. I'm current to today. Ridding 100 miles and climbed over 10K feet so far this month. If you want to ride, I'm mostly doing corner canyon wed-sat and trying to hit AF on Sunday thru tues. I can use some company if anyone is up for a ride. I am not fast, especially when I have ridden the previous 13 days

 

[Kevin B.]

I am not fast

I am not-fast-er than you, but I could use some dirt this Friday and/or Sunday...

 

[Kevin B.]

Got to ride some in Oregon. LaGrande, Bend, and then part of the McKenzie River Trail. My first time on PNW loam and I loved every minute. The trails SW of Bend were a legit mix of rocky tech and swoopy XC fun, and the MRT is just amazing. Here's a couple pics.

Looking down on LaGrande from the Mount Emily trails:




No need for Cliff bars, the huckleberries were everywhere.


Bend was a little drier, not as many awesome views, but better trails IMO. I had so much fun I forgot to take a lot of photos.


The MRT was just stunning.


The tech sections were legit. This was not the hardest part, but it was hard enough. There were so many hikers in this section I couldn't get any other clean photos of the rocks, but I'll say this - bring your pads. Falling on lava hurts.


The trail gets fewer rocks and more flower the lower you go, there's a couple short climbs to keep it spicy.


Lots of river crossings.


And a couple pinch points. I made this one after I stopped to grab the pic, but I had to lean on the tree and wiggle/hop my bars through at an angle.


Lots of water resupply points, bring a filter. On a related note, I'm totally sold on the utility of a gravity filter setup over my little Sawyer mini...

 

[Kevin B.]

And finally, a shot of little brother Tim clowning for the camera. This was his first MTB ride ever, on his new Scott Aspect, and we utterly destroyed his sit bones, legs, and lungs... and he loved every second of it. He's hooked and I'm looking forward to more rides with him. He didn't get to finish, he pulled off at one of the several road accesses and waited for us to come get him. Luckily he lives 45 minutes from this trail and can come back to it any time he wants.

 

[frieed]

I am not-faster than you, but I could use some dirt this Friday and/or Sunday...

what is this "dirt" you speak of ?
My life has been all about packing, moving, rental trucks, moving help that doesn't show up. One daughter out and another back in.

 

[glockman]

I really, REALLY want to ride some trails in Oregon. Super jealous Kevin!

Plan for this week, Corner canyon tonight, Eagle mountain tomorrow night and Corner canyon again Saturday evening just for some variety. I get off at 6:30pm and ride right after work but could adjust a little to meet. Text me if you want to ride. (8013686760)

I'm at 181 mile and 28k feet of Elevation this month. My goal was to climb 100K feet this year. I might actually make it

 

[sixstringsteve]

That's awesome Kevin. I've always wanted to ride the MRT. If you ever get the chance to ride Oakridge, it's incredible.

What frame are you riding?

 

[Kevin B.]

We ran out of time for Oakridge. Next trip for sure though, I hear it's amazing.

This beast is a Growler "Mr Big Stuff", which is really an unfortunate name for what's been a great bike so far.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Very cool. It looks great. I'm going to be getting a 29+ to ride for a bit. I'm excited to try it out.

 

[Samersen]

When we rode in the La Grande/Baker area we didn't see those berries but we found mini strawberries that were delicious as well! I have wanted to make it to Bend SOOO bad!

Also, I am planning on riding tomorrow (27th) AM either, AF canyon (parking on the Cascade side of the summit), or Deer Valley laps with climbing no chair lifts, or Bobs basin if anyone is interested! I would think start around 6 or 6:30

 

[kmboren]

I am a tier coach on my daughters Mnt bike team. Just go when I am not working. Yesterday day the team did a ride on Rainbow ridge. We started at Timp point. Road for 10 miles one way then turned around. It is a great ride with Awsome scenery. Glad I got to do this with my daughter. That's the Grand Canyon in the back ground.

 

[Kevin B.]

That's awesome. I'm not officially a coach on my boy's team but I help out when I can. I'm hoping my schedule changes in the next couple of years and I can be an official coach.

Fair warning, knowing there's parents of other NICA racers on here means I'm going to start humbebragging here in about a month when my boy starts tearing up the charts.

 

[kmboren]

This is my daughters first year as she is just going into 7th grade but we rode 20 miles that day. Great workout but I was tired when finished.