About to Start - Marlin 6

mtnbikej said:
Call me crazy, but as a beginner, just go out and explore. Stay in the parks and you won’t get lost.

many of us here learned to navigate the trails without the use of the Internet. We just went out and rode. Was our navigation perfect? Not always, but we are still here talk about it.
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Pour one out for the lil' homies that never made it back...

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mtnbikej said:
Call me crazy, but as a beginner, just go out and explore. Stay in the parks and you won’t get lost.

many of us here learned to navigate the trails without the use of the Internet. We just went out and rode. Was our navigation perfect? Not always, but we are still here talk about it.
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I used to ride with these things called...wait, I can't remember...maps I think! Spam spelled backward. Coincidence? I think SO!

Also guide books with detachable pages. Of course every ride back then was uphill both ways, and in the snow.
 
Another rookie question: While I wait for my bike to arrive and be set up, here is what I have on my to-buy list:

Helmet
Gloves
Water bottle/s
Lights
Fix kit
Bike pack
Phone mount

Air pump still needed if going tubeless? (if yes, then yes, I am stupid lol)
MTB clear glasses needed?

I see clear glasses being mentioned on many beginner lists but not sure if it's something SOME people like. Any product links would be appreciated!
 
Demetrio GQ said:
Another rookie question: While I wait for my bike to arrive and be set up, here is what I have on my to-buy list:

Helmet This is a must.....you don't need a uber expensive helmet, but a cheapy from Walmart will not do.
Gloves Personal preference. I don't ride without them. Full finger for mtn bikes.
Water bottle/s Some type of hydration system. Either bottles/cages, or Hydration pack.
Lights Only if you plan on riding after dark.
Fix kit Tube/multitool/Quick link for chain/tire levers/mini pump
Bike pack This depends on what you do for hydration. Seat bag with bottles, put stuff in Hydration pack if not.
Phone mount Personal Preference. Strava works with phone in pocket.

Air pump still needed if going tubeless? (if yes, then yes, I am stupid lol) Yes....floor pump for the garage. Mini pump for the ride.
MTB clear glasses needed? Depends...riding at night, clear are good for keep crap out. I prefer sunglasses during the day. Personally I don't like clear lenses at night.

I see clear glasses being mentioned on many beginner lists but not sure if it's something SOME people like. Any product links would be appreciated!
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@mtnbikej pretty much covered it all. Only thing I'd add is definitely get a good flashing taillight because at some point you'll be sharing space with cars to get where you're going. In worst case situation you can use it as a distress signal. :thumbsup:

I use the NiteRider Saber. Only $30 and is USB rechargeable. They can still run me over but they can't say they didn't see me.
 
Demetrio GQ said:
Another rookie question: While I wait for my bike to arrive and be set up, here is what I have on my to-buy list:

Helmet
Gloves
Water bottle/s
Lights
Fix kit
Bike pack
Phone mount

Air pump still needed if going tubeless? (if yes, then yes, I am stupid lol)
MTB clear glasses needed?

I see clear glasses being mentioned on many beginner lists but not sure if it's something SOME people like. Any product links would be appreciated!
Click to expand...
To add to @mtnbikej ’s list: A spare tube (29” x 2.1-2.6”) and tire patch kit (different from a tube patch kit) are still required even when riding tubeless because you could still get a flat via a large puncture (https://www.jensonusa.com/Lezyne-Tubeless-Plug-Kit) or sidewall tear (https://www.jensonusa.com/Park-Tool-TB-2-Emergency-Tire-Boot) that will require a tube and tire plug or patch to repair the tire.

Also get a multi-tool with a good chain breaker (https://www.jensonusa.com/Topeak-Mini-18-Folding-Tool) or buy them separately if you choose.
 
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Demetrio GQ said:
@DangerDirtyD Got it. Multi tool, tube patch kit.
@Runs with Scissors Got it, getting the rear light.
@mtnbikej Got it!

Do you guys recommend a small little pack to attach to the bike to carry my stuff? By stuff I mean, multi tool, patch it, keys, ID. This one looks cool:

https://banjobrothers.com/collections/bikepacking-bags/products/top-tube-bag-large
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It's a matter of taste. I personally can't stand anything strapped to my bike. I used to ride with a seatbag, but that was before I had a full suspension bike.

Others would much prefer to put their stuff on the bike and not on their back. The latest "Enduro" trend is to wear an (ahem) waist pack and carry a water bottle on the bike (and if you're super cool, to strap a spare tube onto your frame).

For most of the 2000s until about two years ago, hydration packs were de rigeur. Easy and clean access to water, a place for your stuff, and no extra crap on your bike. Hydration packs are now passe, apparently.

XC racer dudes (and dudesses) have NEVER worn hydration packs. They wear lycra shorts, tight jerseys with team logos and put their spare stuff in their rear jersey pockets like roadies. They are typically ill-equipped for problems, but hey, they nail their STRAVA times! Go KOM!!!

I usually use a Camelback or Osprey hydration pack with tools and, if necessary, a spare bit of clothing or pads. I do enjoy riding without a backpack when I can, and carrying some stuff in a stealth waist pack (hidden under my jersey) and a water bottle. Problem is, I can't carry a shock pump or put a jacket or pads in it. My little belt pack does carry my phone, a multi-tool, spare chain links, derailleur cable, some bandages, a clif bar, tire levers, tire bacon and a small tire pump. No tube.

Bottom line, do whatever you like. :thumbsup:

(But the bag you are referencing seems like it would be highly annoying - noisy, unstable and in your way when you need to dismount on a steep uphill.)
 
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Demetrio GQ said:
@DangerDirtyD Got it. Multi tool, tube patch kit.
@Runs with Scissors Got it, getting the rear light.
@mtnbikej Got it!

Do you guys recommend a small little pack to attach to the bike to carry my stuff? By stuff I mean, multi tool, patch it, keys, ID. This one looks cool:

https://banjobrothers.com/collections/bikepacking-bags/products/top-tube-bag-large
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Honestly, you really need to view this. It's a little outdated, but we want you to fit in as soon as possible.

 
Demetrio GQ said:
And I appreciate the honest responses up there ^^^ basically, chose however you want to ride and buy whatever you want, BUT safety first!
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Not exactly. There are some products or approaches that are favored because they just work better. Keep asking questions, and perhaps you can avoid costly or inconvenient mistakes. Like purchasing the bag you were looking at. Great for bike path riding probably, but not appropriate for actual mt. biking, IMO. My recommendation is to get a decent hydration pack first, and not worry about where you put your stuff on your bike.
 
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FWIW... I'm happy these days with the mandatory stuff on my bike: Tools/parts, first aid/beacon, tube, CO2, pump and water bottle. That allows me to go pack free, tiny hip pack, or something larger based on the outing/need for liquid, food, clothes, pads. I don't really notice the stuff on my bike. I don't hot dog around too much; it doesn't make a difference as far as making it up and down the stuff I ride. YMMV...
 
Demetrio GQ said:
@herzalot

I like that idea. A solid hydration pack to carry your gear and nothing intrusive on the bike itself. Gotcha!
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Yep... That is personal preference, or determined by the ride you plan. I have an assortment of small bags for the bike, as well as different sized packs. The ride length, remoteness, weather, and distance from water determine which setup I go with. Local spin? A bottle and tools on the bike... 8 hours in the mountains? Big pack with lots of extras... Night ride in the mountains in winter? Lots of extra clothes in a big pack...

As you ride more, you may find you need less and less to carry- as the fitness ramps up... I started carrying 100 ounces and 3 days worth of food to go 5 miles... :oops:
 
Faust29 said:
Yep... That is personal preference, or determined by the ride you plan. I have an assortment of small bags for the bike, as well as different sized packs. The ride length, remoteness, weather, and distance from water determine which setup I go with. Local spin? A bottle and tools on the bike... 8 hours in the mountains? Big pack with lots of extras... Night ride in the mountains in winter? Lots of extra clothes in a big pack...

As you ride more, you may find you need less and less to carry- as the fitness ramps up... I started carrying 100 ounces and 3 days worth of food to go 5 miles... :oops:
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Nailed it, Steve. :thumbsup:
 
herzalot said:
I hear Tailwindzs can repair flats, fix a chain, and sew up a wound too! In addition, it serves as an emergency locator beacon!
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Don't tell @Mikie ... I've been riding without it for anything but the longest rides. Is this going to put my IMTB membership in jeopardy?

I did the out and back to the peak yesterday with only a small bottles of electrolytes. :eek: I feel like I just confessed to an affair.
 
Faust29 said:
Don't tell @Mikie ... I've been riding without it for anything but the longest rides. Is this going to put my IMTB membership in jeopardy?

I did the out and back to the peak yesterday with only a small bottles of electrolytes. :eek: I feel like I just confessed to an affair.
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I hear ya!! My last trip out to Sierra Peak I didn't hit the (plain) water until I got back to Beeks. :laugh:
 
LOL at all the above. So far I am here.

Helmet Giro fixture matte black
Gloves Dakine covert gloves
2 water bottles @ store I guess
Rear light Nightrider as recommended above
multi-tool crank brothers 19
Phone mount Quad lock bike mount

**Bag pending
**fix kit (tube/patch/pump) pending

Judge away or recommend lol. Bike just arrives at the shop in three days. Can't wait lol.
 
Demetrio GQ said:
LOL at all the above. So far I am here.

Helmet Giro fixture matte black
Gloves Dakine covert gloves
2 water bottles @ store I guess
Rear light Nightrider as recommended above
multi-tool crank brothers 19
Phone mount Quad lock bike mount

**Bag pending
**fix kit (tube/patch/pump) pending

Judge away or recommend lol. Bike just arrives at the shop in three days. Can't wait lol.
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I don't see the de rigeur carbon water bottle cage...
 
Demetrio GQ said:
@Runs with Scissors Not sure if that is a joke or not based on previous posts lol - if not, link to product that fits my Timberjack?
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Water bottle cages are pretty standard... I have a carbon one on the Hightower, but I have two $7 metal cages from Jensons on the single speed. They all work the same.

When I first started, I only carried water and food. I walked home a lot when I broke things, but I learned eventually... :D :oops:
 
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