Mountain Biking

[Dee Woffaz]

Im thinking of taking up mountain biking. I am a complete novice, obviously i dont want to spend huge amounts of money as i do have a few old injuries & im not sure how well i will get on. Does anyone have any advice on bikes, equipment, clubs, areas that i could ride etc. Any do's don'ts anything will be apreciated.

Thanks

[Lowlander]

I used to go down to Leith Hill, you can drive or get the train down to Dorking and cycle up. MOstly up past the cricket pitch - have a search online for some maps.

Good tracks, fairly quiet, great scenery; highest point in SE England...

No idea on modern bikes, I still use a 10 year old Muddy Fox, but I only go out occasionally these days.

[bon3yard]

I've just got myself a decent MTB and went out for a spin in Epping Forest last weekend, recommended though muddy. If you ever need a cycling partner give me a shout. http://www.essexhertsmtb.co.uk/mtb-trails.php

[LondonLogCo]

Herne Hill velodrome have a MTB section and a club

They teach off road skills and such likes

Try there first

Bike wise. How much do you want to spend?

Personally, I'd go for a hard tail with suspension forks & a disk front brake. I'd avoid a cheap full suspension bike, way too heavy and not much fun when they go wrong

Have a look at the Specialized Stump Jumper range. Evans cycles at The Cut Waterloo have a last season model discount shop. From memory, the 2012 Stump Jumper Pro in black & white or red was a really good machine for the money

There's write ups on line on most models performance.

[Dee Woffaz]

Thanks for that guys. Yes i was thinking of hard tail. Looked at a Specialised Myka, i quite liked that.

I have looked at quite a few sites. My next issue is a rack for the boot of a small convertible car & have it modified to carry a bike, think ive got this in hand though.

Many thanks again for your help & Bon3yard i will give you a yell when im up and running (sorry cycling)

Dee x

[bon3yard]

This is currently the best value/best spec bike out there and I know because I own one. Its just short of a grand and if you can get it on the cycle scheme it works out to about ?600. Great forks, great transmission and superbly well balanced. I thouroughly recommend it. http://bikemagic.com/gear/bike-reviews/voodoo-wanga-%E2%80%93-review.html

[Annette Curtain]

Myka looks v nice for the money (thumbs up icon)

The Orange Diva as a comparison, is a bit weird looking

(this all sounds like code)