Hi all need advice

Hi All,

I`m thinking of joining the club but a few questions?

i`m new to this so would i be welcome? and would i get help where needed?

i have no bike what would you say is a good bike i like the Trek so what one of these would you say?

do you have any others in your club like me a newbie to it all?

Not sure who to speak to so thought i`d post here

many thanks for any help you can give me!

Dave.

Hello i am woody
we meat at 10am at the top of sandy lane were there is a car Park on Sunday ...
i ride a scott but bike prefreacne is down to how you ride your bike . there are lot of bike manufatuers so making the Wrigth chosce is hard but worth it how i come to scott was that i turn up on there test day and try some of there bike that way you have not spent lots of money for so thing you do not like...

Hey Dave,

Check out www.cyclonembc.com and the links on the top of the page for some points on membership and also some info on where the club meet.

As Woody stated, bikes are all down to personal preference, 9 / 10 people will either recommend the bike they currently ride or have previously riden. Take it as advice, but go with what you feel comfortable on.

Look around some of the local shops, Evans is the Tesco of bike shops, so you are less likely to get any deals / discounts unless its SALE time. Phil Corleys has a good selection, also a big Trek dealer, so thats normally what they push. Roy Pinks is a Giant dealer and maybe Spesh now, they give some good deals, also a little further away is Leisure Lakes, (Deventry)who hold a big selection of manufaturers. (Contact Jim on this site, he can help you out in LL)

There are basically 2 major types of bikes, a bike with just front suspension, called a Hard Tail, and bikes with both front and rear suspension, called a Full Suspsension bike. We could debate what bike is best on these forums for years, but again its down to you.

Generally Full Bouncers are heavier than an equivalent Hard Tail, due to more frame and a rear shock in extra weight. However with suspension at the rear they can be more comfortable and forgiving on longer rides, but not quite as efficient as a hard tail. When choosing a bike I always think you should be 100% honest with yourself about where you are going to ride 90% of the time.

If you are riding at the Woburn woods, XC trails, and maybe a few weekends a year travelling to one of the trail centres in the UK, then a hardtail will be best. If you are riding more technical terrain and trail centres regularly, then a Full Bouncer may be best.

Most people I have seen starting off at the club start with a hard tail, learn the basic skills and increase your fitness, and then when you reach the point whereby you know the difference in riding styles and benefits to various bike genres, maybe look to upgrade to something else.

Or, an easier way is to try and borrow a bike for the first few months of starting off and demo as many bikes as you can, ride as many of your freinds bike as you can, this will give you a better understanding of what is out there.

Also, when you are about to invest your hard earnt cash on a bike, stop.....and ask they retailer for a 10% discount !! Haggle.

Many thanks alot of good points there for me to take in! the problem is i`m not sure what is what the different rides are ect but i was looking at Full Bouncers less shock on your back. I was looking at evans i have seen their website are they are having a sale but not much there now size wise. Trek is the make i`d like so i have a starting block just the bike now . Phil Corleys does he have a website? and where is he based?. Also i know you guys meet up is it the george inn? i know it is the first tuesday in the month. Can`t come out on sundays as no bike but soon i hope!! just worried that i`ll be a newbie and you guys will leave me for dust .

thanks for the reply guys really helps!

Dave.

ps this it? Corley Cycles, Unit 3, Erica Road, Stacey Bushes, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK12 6HS

Hi Dave

Yes that is Phil Corley's address.

We welcome all newbies. Just come and join us for a ride and see how you get on. We are a very social bunch and try not leave any body behind. We sometimes split into two groups if a few slower people show up. I normally hold up the rear (purely so we don't loose anyone....nothing to do with not being able to keep up myself!!! Honest!)

I'm always happy to take a group of .......steadier riders out so we don't slow everyone else down.....just not sure I could get everyone home again!!!

Join us at club night next Tuesday to just talk it through over a few drinks if it makes you feel more comfortable and bring a friend for moral support if you wish.

ok i`ll try to be there on tuesday night is it at the george inn? how will i know whos who

welcome! I was/still am a newbie too! I started playing about this earlier this year and still learning every time I go out! I got a cheapish hardtail from Evans but it has showed me what i like and dislike about bikes..... and seeing that I am still enjoying biking at least i know what to look for in future!

If you feel uncomfortable about cycling in a large group - then just look at the maps posted elsewhere on this forum and give it a go by yourself! No doubt you will find others about on the hillside who can give you advice on new trails and places to have fun/almost kill yourself!