any mountain bikers needing advice...

[ccoker]

just offering up some assistance if needed

I used to own a custom mountain bike shop, www.hammerheadbikes.com, in Austin, TX

been doing it seriously for over 15 years

if anyone on this forum needs any advice, please feel free to shoot me a PM
I have no financial motive, just trying to help

I have designed lots of custom frames, understand geometry, fit, disc brakes, suspension, tire nut, etc...

[ST911]

Coincidentally, your services are needed:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=37770

[jhonmartin]

Hi ccoker.

My Name is Jhon and I was wondering if anyone here could assist me, i live on the outskirts of my town so it takes me about 30 minutes to ride in for work etc. I have been using an old battered carrera mountain bike its nothing special. But i have really enjoyed riding and i think i have discovered a passion
I am looking to buy my first full suspension bike i have around £250 to spend (i know its not much but if i get alot of use ill get a better one)

What are some good choices for a begginer at that sort of price?

[M4arc]

Thanks for the offer ccoker!

I grew up riding, racing and working in bike shops as well. I've been riding mountain bikes for 26 years now! I recently purchased a new Gary Fisher Paragon (29") and I absolutely love it.

I also race road and cyclocross.

My road and cyclocross bikes are Treks and my mountain bikes are Gary Fishers but I still have a Fat Chance upstairs

[Iraq Ninja]

What about a discussion of tactical off road bikes? I think the military was looking in to them at one time. SW and Hummer had some too, but I have no idea what a good tactical bike consists of.

[M4arc]

What about a discussion of tactical off road bikes? I think the military was looking in to them at one time. SW and Hummer had some too, but I have no idea what a good tactical bike consists of.

The S&W and Hummer bikes I've seen were pretty cheesy. I don't know who made the S&W bike but I believe the Hummer bikes were made by Swiss Bike and they were of the folding variety. I concept I've never seen work well. Both were lower end bikes...not to say they're bad just to say they aren't great.

As far as "tactical" bikes go, as earlier as 1990 the shop I worked at supplied mountain bikes to the VBPD and we never used the term tactical and they seemed to work just fine for them ;-)

[eagle5]

What about a discussion of tactical off road bikes? I think the military was looking in to them at one time. SW and Hummer had some too, but I have no idea what a good tactical bike consists of.

What about the Montague Paratrooper - Tactical Folding Mountain Bike?

According to the website, some of the Paratrooper's practical uses include:

• Air Drop Ground Mobility
• LAV / Reconnaissance Scout
• Alternative to Foot Soldier

Now that is HSLD! Attach a MHBH (Magpul Hydration Bottle Holder) and these would fly off the shelves... or racks!

[Iraq Ninja]

I remember an electric bike that was being tested as well. The manufacturer sold a civilian version, but restricted the mil version for some reason.

So, are electric bikes a gimmick or is the technology advanced enough to be useful?

BTW, we passed the Iraqi national cycling team the other day on the road. Not sure what they are training for...

[ron_m4]

good day. i used to mountain bike several years ago... i quitted due to an accident during a competition. Recently i am planning to ride again, any advise what's the exact frame size for me ? i am 6 feet tall. I want a frame that fits for long ride and occasional downhill ride.

Shall i go full suspension or hardtail ? shimano XT / XTR for my groupset.

tks

[ccoker]

I would go FS for sure, how much travel you want is a preferential thing
5" is pretty standard these days
as for sizing, at 6ft, around a 24" effective toptube, maybe a 110" stem, dependent upon your leg length and ratio of leg to torso

XT (XTR is a LOT more money and is only marginally lighter)
I am a big fan of SRAM for shifters and rear ders, X9 in this case
hydraulic disc brakes are pretty standard and a must
go with a 7" rotor up front, 8 if you are over 200lbs
suspension: Fox pretty much owns the market

brands of frames, Titus, Ellsworth, Intense, Knolly, Ventana, etc.
pick the frame, then build to your specs

if you want a 2K bike, go mass produced (Specialized, Trek, Kona)
if you want to spend north of 3K, look at customs (above referenced frames)
no sense spending 4-5k on a stock bike when you can have a handbuilt one to your specs...

I am no longer in the biz and have no financial interest in my old shop, but, these guys will take care of you

www.hammerheadbikes.com

tell them Charles sent you