Entry level mountain bikes

"The intended use is local commuting, taking bubby to grandparents and
back (~5km) and some light day rides."

then why get a mountain bike?? superfulous front suspension forks, heavy
frame (as per entry level mtb bikes). try a flat bar "road bike" or a
comfort bike.

--

waffle said:

"The intended use is local commuting, taking bubby to grandparents and
back (~5km) and some light day rides."

then why get a mountain bike?? superfulous front suspension forks, heavy
frame (as per entry level mtb bikes). try a flat bar "road bike" or a
comfort bike.

The area we live in has a fair amount of bush and it's likely to be used
off-road as much as on-road. Her old bike was a mountain bike, and she'd
like to replace it with the same sort of bike. Plus, she will want to
mount a baby seat over the rear wheel, so she wants something a little
rugged. The weight isn't really an issue.

Andrew Lighten <[email hidden]> wrote:
: waffle wrote:
:> "The intended use is local commuting, taking bubby to grandparents and
:> back (~5km) and some light day rides."
:>
:> then why get a mountain bike?? superfulous front suspension forks, heavy
:> frame (as per entry level mtb bikes). try a flat bar "road bike" or a
:> comfort bike.
:>

: The area we live in has a fair amount of bush and it's likely to be used
: off-road as much as on-road. Her old bike was a mountain bike, and she'd
: like to replace it with the same sort of bike. Plus, she will want to
: mount a baby seat over the rear wheel, so she wants something a little
: rugged. The weight isn't really an issue.

I know you don't want to get into the argument, but I'd like someone to
give evidence that an entry level MTB is rugged - or by inference, more
rugged than a road bike. They certainly are heavier but none of the
components are particularly more rugged - a crappy bike is a crappy bike
regardless of whether it's a MTB or roadie. Oh, and weight does make a lot
of difference. A heavy bike is a chore for anyone to ride.

I'd take the advice offered by others and look seriously at what's
available in a hybrid (comfort) bike. I doubt you could get an entry level
MTB these days without some stinking [censored] heavy supension forks anyway.
Other than that, check out the second hand market. There are bargains
galore in entry level MTBs.

Well, that's my advice, cheerz,
Lynzz

Lindsay Rowlands said:

Andrew Lighten <[email hidden]> wrote:
I know you don't want to get into the argument...

You're right. :-)

I bought a Giant Boulder SE a couple of months ago ,new, for $384.
Been extremely happy with it for the price and what it is. I also have
bitumen friendly tyres fitted for commuting to work and they are adequate on
4wd type roads.
I just took off for a 4 day unsupported ride from Tenterfield to Grafton
(250k) along the Bi-centenial trail (notes to follow, when I get time) and
had no mechanical problems or flats and the bike lugged myself and all my
camping equipment food and water admirably

"Andrew Lighten" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Lindsay Rowlands said:

Andrew Lighten <[email hidden]> wrote:
I know you don't want to get into the argument...

You're right. :-)

If you intend to mount a baby/child seat to the bike, may i suggest
you stick with a Mtbike. I bought a relatively heavy aluminium bodied
Apollo LSR 1.0 early this year. My wife got a Giant Boulder SE around
the same time. Found the slightly heavier Apollo more suitable for
carry the child. When loaded with the kid, the Giant's front wheel
appeared to tip up when stationary. Don't have such a problem with the
APollo. That's been my experience. Dont even think of using a road or
comfort bike in my opinion. The kid is around 16kg at the moment, the
Giant is around 14kg and the Apollo 15kg.
Marc

"gaza" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I bought a Giant Boulder SE a couple of months ago ,new, for $384.
Been extremely happy with it for the price and what it is. I also have
bitumen friendly tyres fitted for commuting to work and they are adequate on
4wd type roads.
I just took off for a 4 day unsupported ride from Tenterfield to Grafton
(250k) along the Bi-centenial trail (notes to follow, when I get time) and
had no mechanical problems or flats and the bike lugged myself and all my
camping equipment food and water admirably

"Andrew Lighten" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Lindsay Rowlands said:

Andrew Lighten <[email hidden]> wrote:
I know you don't want to get into the argument...

You're right. :-)

Lindsay Rowlands said:

Andrew Lighten <[email hidden]> wrote:
: waffle wrote:
:> "The intended use is local commuting, taking bubby to grandparents and
:> back (~5km) and some light day rides."
:>
:> then why get a mountain bike?? superfulous front suspension forks, heavy
:> frame (as per entry level mtb bikes). try a flat bar "road bike" or a
:> comfort bike.
:>

: The area we live in has a fair amount of bush and it's likely to be used
: off-road as much as on-road. Her old bike was a mountain bike, and she'd
: like to replace it with the same sort of bike. Plus, she will want to
: mount a baby seat over the rear wheel, so she wants something a little
: rugged. The weight isn't really an issue.

I know you don't want to get into the argument, but I'd like someone to
give evidence that an entry level MTB is rugged - or by inference, more
rugged than a road bike. They certainly are heavier but none of the
components are particularly more rugged - a crappy bike is a crappy bike
regardless of whether it's a MTB or roadie. Oh, and weight does make a lot
of difference. A heavy bike is a chore for anyone to ride.

I'd take the advice offered by others and look seriously at what's
available in a hybrid (comfort) bike. I doubt you could get an entry level
MTB these days without some stinking [censored] heavy supension forks anyway.
Other than that, check out the second hand market. There are bargains
galore in entry level MTBs.

I dunno, i can do 1- 1.5 meter drops without really stressing my giant
boulder se- the rear derailler clangs when the bike lands though, but
its really solid, i'm not sure abou road bikes today, but i picked up
an old one from the side of the road wanting to restore it for my
father, who didnt want to fork out for even a kmart bike, and i
certainly wouldnt want to go down a flight of steps or with it. then
again, i wouldnt go down a flight of steps on my current bike if i had
a baby strapped onto the back.

Quoted message said:

Well, that's my advice, cheerz,
Lynzz

YEAH! me too! its a bit heavy with the 2.5 kilo battery on it for my
light, but it its solid. congrats on the rides, im hoping to do some
rides like that this time next year

gaza said:

I bought a Giant Boulder SE a couple of months ago ,new, for $384.
Been extremely happy with it for the price and what it is. I also have
bitumen friendly tyres fitted for commuting to work and they are adequate on
4wd type roads.
I just took off for a 4 day unsupported ride from Tenterfield to Grafton
(250k) along the Bi-centenial trail (notes to follow, when I get time) and
had no mechanical problems or flats and the bike lugged myself and all my
camping equipment food and water admirably

"Andrew Lighten" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Lindsay Rowlands said:

Andrew Lighten <[email hidden]> wrote:
I know you don't want to get into the argument...

You're right. :-)

maybe this can be the trigger to get someone else back on a bike as well?
;-) We have agreement in concept, just need to get the bike, and someone on
it!!! I was told I could get her one for Christmas !!!

on a more serious note, to be comparing the Trek 4100, you need to look at
the Giant Rincon, as they're closer in the bikes themselves...

Avanti do the Atomic, but its starting to get over the $500 mark...

Will chat to you about it sometime soon...

www.mtbr.com is a good site for you guys to check out...

Cheers,

Andrew

"Andrew Lighten" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi everyone;

My wife is toying with the idea of replacing her 15+ year old Repco
Hotham with a new entry level mountain bike.

The intended use is local commuting, taking bubby to grandparents and
back (~5km) and some light day rides.

She is considering the Giant Upland SE and the Trek 4100. Can anyone
offer an opinion on either of these bikes?

FWIW, she's about 5'11" and reasonably fit without being superhuman.
(Horse riding fit).

Thanks,
Andrew.

marc_9 said:

If you intend to mount a baby/child seat to the bike, may i suggest
you stick with a Mtbike. I bought a relatively heavy aluminium bodied
Apollo LSR 1.0 early this year. My wife got a Giant Boulder SE around
the same time. Found the slightly heavier Apollo more suitable for
carry the child. When loaded with the kid, the Giant's front wheel
appeared to tip up when stationary. Don't have such a problem with the
APollo. That's been my experience. Dont even think of using a road or
comfort bike in my opinion. The kid is around 16kg at the moment, the
Giant is around 14kg and the Apollo 15kg.
Marc

Hmm... that's kinda scary. The Upload SE was on the original list, but
based on the fact that the Boulder SE is just a tad more money and the
fact that "gaza" indicated he had no trouble with one as a good entry
level bike, that was what we're leaning toward right now. If it will tip
up with a baby on the back that's no good at all.

How much would that have to do with the design of the child seat rather
than the frame geometry? I guess if bubby is too far behind the rear
wheel it will unload the front. Which child seat did you buy?

"Arpit" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I dunno, i can do 1- 1.5 meter drops without really stressing my giant
boulder se- the rear derailler clangs when the bike lands though, but

1.5 metre? Are you sure? That's 4.5 feet. Or, it's like the
height of your bars plus the height of a wheel on top.
That's a farkin big drop on a hardtail for 'normal' people.

hippy
"N V US" ;-)

I noticed pretty much all the standard child seats appear to be made
by the same factory, probably in China or Taiwan. The one we have is
the Rosebank. It has a black main body with a bright orange adjustable
head rest.
No I strongly doubt if the geometery of the Boulder SE is off. It is
probably the set back of the seat that puts it a little off kilter
when stationery. That is all, appears ok when on the move.
I guess my main point here was that the Giant Boulder SE is slightly
lighter than my Apollo LSR 1.0. I also noticed that the front shocks
of the Apollo is steel, while the Giant is aluminium. This probably
makes the Apollo a bit more stable with the heavy load on its back.
It doesnt bother me particularly. I just prefer to carry the bub on
the Apollo as opposed to the lighter Giant, that is all.
marc

Andrew Lighten <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

marc_9 said:

If you intend to mount a baby/child seat to the bike, may i suggest
you stick with a Mtbike. I bought a relatively heavy aluminium bodied
Apollo LSR 1.0 early this year. My wife got a Giant Boulder SE around
the same time. Found the slightly heavier Apollo more suitable for
carry the child. When loaded with the kid, the Giant's front wheel
appeared to tip up when stationary. Don't have such a problem with the
APollo. That's been my experience. Dont even think of using a road or
comfort bike in my opinion. The kid is around 16kg at the moment, the
Giant is around 14kg and the Apollo 15kg.
Marc

Hmm... that's kinda scary. The Upload SE was on the original list, but
based on the fact that the Boulder SE is just a tad more money and the
fact that "gaza" indicated he had no trouble with one as a good entry
level bike, that was what we're leaning toward right now. If it will tip
up with a baby on the back that's no good at all.

How much would that have to do with the design of the child seat rather
than the frame geometry? I guess if bubby is too far behind the rear
wheel it will unload the front. Which child seat did you buy?

hippy said:

"Arpit" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I dunno, i can do 1- 1.5 meter drops without really stressing my giant
boulder se- the rear derailler clangs when the bike lands though, but

1.5 metre? Are you sure? That's 4.5 feet. Or, it's like the
height of your bars plus the height of a wheel on top.
That's a farkin big drop on a hardtail for 'normal' people.

yep im sure, i try not to do it too often though, it hurts my wrists
with my cheap fork

Quoted message said:

hippy
"N V US" ;-)

I saw an article in Australian Cyclist magazine where a couple wer
touring with their child in a special trailer attached to the bike
Might be more expensive but has the advantages of suspension and
wind/rain/sun cover. Would be alot safer as well

Importantly it could attach to any bike you get

Here's a link to a good guide regarding child seats and trailers o
Bicycle Victoria's website and a cute picture
🙂http://www.bv.com.au/content.cfm?submenuid=66&contentid=16

The trailer manufacturer. They even sell modles that can convert for us
as a stroller and can store groceries. http://www.burley.com/products/childrens
products/default.aspx?p=Encore&i=

Greenspeed in Victoria sell them
http://www.greenspeed.com.au/trailers.ht

-

gescom said:

I saw an article in Australian Cyclist magazine where a couple were
touring with their child in a special trailer attached to the bike.
Might be more expensive but has the advantages of suspension and a
wind/rain/sun cover. Would be alot safer as well.

We considered the trailer idea, but we're going to go with the seat
attached to the bike. The trailers that I've seen are a *LOT* more
expensive; those that we've seen have started in the $500-700 price
bracket, which is at least twice the price of a really high quality
seat. The other factor is that bubby would be a little further away in
the trailer. We figure it would be nice having our little one right
there on the bike with you so we can talk to her during the ride, stop
and point things out, etc.

I guess if you're spending a large chunk of time touring it would be
better, but for local commutes we reckon the seat is the way to go.

Andrew Lighten said:

We considered the trailer idea, but we're going to go with the seat
attached to the bike. The trailers that I've seen are a *LOT* more
expensive; those that we've seen have started in the $500-700 price
bracket, which is at least twice the price of a really high quality
seat. The other factor is that bubby would be a little further away in
the trailer. We figure it would be nice having our little one right
there on the bike with you so we can talk to her during the ride, stop
and point things out, etc.

I guess if you're spending a large chunk of time touring it would be
better, but for local commutes we reckon the seat is the way to go.

Worst thing I've seen is one of those old kindy chairs occy strapped to
the rear rack with a belt around the middle. The parents should be
locked up.

--
Cheers
Damian Harvey

www.mazzoir.textamerica.com is my moblog.
Why? Because I have a sexy cam-phone and you don't.
Ha.

marc_9 said:

Andrew Lighten <[email hidden]> wrote in message ...

After reading this, I just couldn't help but imagine the scene down at
the bike shop: on the scales go cranks, BBs, frames, kiddie seats,
kiddies... "Can we retro-fit Junior with a rear 10-speed toddling gruppo
and a titanium bone-set? ..."

p

ps: all the best to you, and your kiddies, btw.

Andrew Lighten said:

The intended use is local commuting, taking bubby to grandparents and back
(~5km) and some light day rides.

She is considering the Giant Upland SE and the Trek 4100. Can anyone offer
an opinion on either of these bikes?

We bought a Giant Upland for my dad yesterday.
There are two models, the basic and the 'SE'(?).
Essentially the difference seems to be the front
suspension. We got the base model - my mum was
paying so I had a limited budget.

For the money ($320 at our lBS), it's a nice bike.
At that sort of price range you're never going to
get anything very flash. It's a 7-speed with
what looks like a huge range on the rear cluster.
Polished alloy (aluminium?) frame, to pick it
up it's very light (19" size). It does come with
knobbly tyres though - get these swapped over for
(semi)slicks, something more suited to road use anyway.

It also has one of those "Not for Offroad Use"
stickers on the frame though. I was a bit surprised
to see this actually. I guess it never will go
offroad, but thought these stickers ended up
exclusively on department store bikes.

-kt

--
Kingsley Turner,
(mailto: [email hidden])
http://MadDogsBreakfast.com - Travel Tales: The good, bad, and down-right ugly

Damian Harvey said:

Worst thing I've seen is one of those old kindy chairs occy strapped to
the rear rack with a belt around the middle. The parents should be
locked up.

That's pretty crappy, isn't it... I think we can do a *little* better
than that. :-)