Love my Cannondale SL3. Sometime in the near future looking to upgrade to full suspension

 

I'm looking at buying my first mountain bike. Anything in particular to look for?

 

Don't buy cheapie Walmart/ Costco bikes if you plan on hitting trails. Cheap steel tends to fail making a very long walk back to the trail head.

Plan on ~$800+ for a decent bike. Many swear by dual suspension, but a front only hard tail works too. Money saved on hard tails goes to better components like derailers, brakes, crank, front suspension. Also lighter than comparable dual suspension. Better at climbing hills.

Dual suspensions cost more, are usually heavier, but make going downhill better. Key word is downhill.

Shop at local bike store; a good mechanic is a plus. Have the store size you up to a frame. Biking can turn into yet another money pit, just like our jeeps if you let it. Always wear a helmet & gloves. Bike shorts either baggies or tights highly recommended.

 

Been riding specialized bikes for 12 or more years I get a new one every couple years, riding a stump jumper FSR at the moment...can't kill these bikes. Ride a average 100 miles a week. When healthy


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Great advise!

I love my Trek mamba. Also was told that a dual suspension entails more maintence.

Just make sure you get a good front fork. They make a huge difference!

 

Anybody need an 10 spd xt rear der. Shadow plus..bought a 10 spd by mistake..I have 9...doh!

 

Look around don't buy based on what the shop is telling you ride a few frames first and then hit the internet and search....terrain, your area, what direction do you think you might go etc....
I ride DH/FR and love it but it's a very specific set of components and suspension characteristics that I require for my riding and I know xc and all mountain are the same...not to over think it just ride some feel em and search mtbr.com and find some local bike forums to you to get an idea....plus that's a good way to meet other riders.

 

I agree with Brut4ce.
Ride a bunch of bikes.
Whatever bike shop you go to, the bikes they carry will be "the best" out there.
They are sales people.
A lot of bike shops will have Demo bikes that you can take for the weekend.
Also, buying a bike is like buying a car. Don't be afraid to negotiate the price, they will also sometimes throw in accessories if you are buying a bike at a certain price range.

Buying a bike at end of season can save you hundreds of dollars too.

Good luck.

 

2012 Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon here!! Love it!!

 

Like others have already said, shop around. Find a local bike shop and support them! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We were all newbs once. Good mechanic goes a long way till you start your own wrenching. Get a proper bike fit. Look for local groups (search IMBA's website to find a local chapter). Hook up with them and just ride. That way you'll determine your style of riding. Demo their bikes and whatever the shops have to offer. I'd start out with a hard tail. I started on a hard tail, got hooked on of full suspension, dumped that for a 29er hard tail and now have moved onto 29er Single Speed. If the bug bites, it can be addicting!!!