What advice do you have for someone who wants to get into mountain biking?

I want to get into mountain biking. I have always rode atv but I want to get myself into better shape now. I need advice on getting started with a bike and what gear I should buy also. I don't want to spend a fortune on a bike (preferably $350 or less until I get started for awhile). I will mainly be doing all offroad and trail riding.What advice do you have for someone who wants to get into mountain biking?
Like it was stated in a couple of previous answers, stay away from the Wal-mart type bikes. I have learned the hard way my self, you get what you pay for when it comes to mountain bikes.





If you could bump up what you want to pay for a bike just a little bit, you could probably find yourself a decent hard tail to get started out on to see if you going to like it.





Definitely get a helmet, I know they have saved my butt a few times, or should I say my skull.





A good pair of gloves is very important also, especially if you are on a longer ride. Comfort is important.





If you going to run flat pedals, you might want to consider getting shin guards. I am speaking from experience. If you are running clip-less pedals they might not be such a big issue.





Last but not least as a bonus, get a bike computer, it is cool to keep track of you miles and times. Seeing improvement makes you want to get back out there.





I left a couple of links of some web sites just so you can check out what is available, and maybe you can find one like it used.





**** luck with it!What advice do you have for someone who wants to get into mountain biking?
Don't go to wallmart or a department shop. Most likely they will not know which size frame would fit you and to adjust it properly, and provide lousy post sale service.





At 350, there are some hardtails you can get that are good for starters and can provide you with lots of fun.





But, go to a bike shop, and see for how a bike fits. Don't buy a full suspension bike at that price, but a hardtails that fits fine.





You will need a helmet, a spare tube and tire levers, gloves (probably you could use the ones you use for ATV, I'd give it a try), and some glases or googles (again, probably you already have some from the ATV, you could give them a try). A hydration back pack is a good idea, you could carry 2 or 3 lts of water, your spare tube, tools and a snack in there.





Some bike shops organize group rides or offer begginer clinics, which are a great way to learn to ride and meet other riders that are starting or at a similar level.
Stay AWAY from Walmart, Target, K-Mart, or any store like that. Go to a local bike shop and see what they have. That way you'll get a decent entry level mountain bike that is put together correctly.
Whether you buy from Wal Mart, Craig's List or bike shop find what size fits. Mountain bikes should be smaller than a road bike. I'm 5' 8'; and ride a 16.5'; MTB frame. I see lots of people riding mountain bikes much too big for them. Also, stick with a hard tail there is limited use for a dual suspension bike, they are heavier and cost more for a good one. A light and nimble bike will get you through the trail with less effort and with more fun.
I love mountain biking, but my advice is to get into road biking. My theory on bikes is have one of every kind, but I am most assuredly a biased roadie.
Go to Walmart (being a Brit, we dont have them!, but we have a similar counterpart) - buy a bike for your budget and give it a go!





Get a helmet if you want but better advice is to get a set of decent gloves!





And have fun!








By the way Bob, Nobody would guess your biased towards road bikes, mate!





EDIT: forget what the know-alls say - buy a cheap bike (even if it lasts just a year) and see how you get on with it, by the years end, - you will have spoken to enough fellow riders and picked up enough experience to decide how far you want to go, when it comes to buying a bike!)





Trust me!!








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Most bike shops usually have a few used bikes around that will be in your price range. Avoid the box store brands. Good components with a few seasons of wear will far outperform shiny new garbage. There's not much you need other than a bike, a helmet, and a decent pair of bike shorts. Clipless pedals are great, but I would recommend learning how the bike handles without them first. You'll also want some basic tools for repairs and adjustments; a folding allen wrench set, air pump, tire levers, and patch kit.
1. All mtn bikers wear helmets.


2. Make sure your brakes work and now how to use them.


%26gt;2a. Buy a Mtn bike Skills book; the one by Brian Lopes is excellent


3. The specialized Hardrock is a great starter bike and its in your price range.


4. Bikeshorts are necessary.


5. A good set of full-fingered gloves (at least $15 or more)


6. Flat bottomed tennis shoes; no need for hikers or boots.


7. Start out slow and build your skill set one at a time...start with wheelies after you learn how to brake properly.


8. Lower your seatpost from the normal sidewalk/street height so you can get your weight back as you need.


9. Learn to drive your bike....riding is for horses.


10. Its a freakin blast..I hope you get hooked like me.
Go tot he local bike shop and ask what they have from people trading up. This way you will get more for the money as it is hard to get a mountain bike that will last for that kind of money. Don't ride without a helmet, and although you are ATV experienced, you should go to the local trail with people that are familiar with the terrain. You want the easy trail (try a ';rails to trails'; system first to get used to pedaling). There is a HUGE difference when you have to power over the obstacles yourself. Finally, have fun!





PS. the golden rule- don't look at the obstacle you want to avoid or else you are sure to hit it.
not sure if this was already mentioned, but


buy the right frame size...


measure your inseam.


wouldnt want to rack 'the boys' lol


i'm new to mtb as well, got a nice entry level bike


off craigslist!
check what your bike shop has


if they sell giant bikes, get a giant boulder


if they sell specialized bikes, get a specialized hardrock


if they sell diamondback bikes, get a diamondback response sport


or you can go to target.com and get this:


http://www.target.com/Forge-Sawback-7xx-鈥?/a>





stay away from schwinn, huffy, pacific, roadmaster, magna, NEXT, kent, gmc, jeep, kawasaki, and honda bikes


mongoose bikes are also worth considering