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Post by shuzzs on Jul 26, 2005 16:08:45 GMT 8
Guys,
I'm just a newbie in MTB. I got the bike from a straight swap with my PS2. I guess I very much needed the exercise rather than playing with my PS. Anyway, bihira ko na lang ding gamitin.
Is the Giant ATX 830 a good frame to keep? I have done some research and it said that this frame was introduced during the mid-90s.
The bike is currently setup as a road bike (I guess it's a XC - is this correct?). Although, I'm planning to use it for trails.
Can you please give me an advise on what upgrades should I make to have this bike running on trails.
For all I know, it is installed with Shimano Acera group system. The tires are MOB but they are thin. Yung 'tinidor' (fork) is stock (according to the owner) thus it does not have shocks.
Thanks for in advance.
BTW. This site is very informative especially to a newbie like me.
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Post by woofers on Jul 26, 2005 18:22:26 GMT 8
Shuzzs,
Probably the only thing you need to buy is a helmet.
Save your money for your second bike. For now, bring your bike to a reputable bike shop and have them check it over. Have them overhall the hubs and check the brakes.
Get some fat tires, lube the chain and you're ready to hit the trails!
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Post by shuzzs on Jul 26, 2005 22:11:49 GMT 8
Hi Woofers,
Thanks! I'll do just that. I guess I may need to feel the bike first. Then, maybe, as need and budget permit, I'll get a new set. Maybe for now, I'll get the right tires and the helmet.
thanks again.
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Post by jr on Jul 26, 2005 22:42:31 GMT 8
Good choice to give up the the controller and enjoy the scenery ;D ;D ;D.
Just may add.. probably get a front shock at least 3 inch of travel for comfort. Again..as woofer said. Protect your melon and get a helmet.
Welcome to the club brad. More power to you.
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Post by shuzzs on Jul 28, 2005 9:50:22 GMT 8
Jr.
Thanks. I guess I'm really glad that I shifted into MTB-ing. I'm scheduled to have my first test on trails on Sunday. I'll use the current setup so I can know what other things I may need to replace.
I'll be with my friend's group to do the trails near Ayala Westgrove in Silang, Cavite. So far, as per my friend's advice, aside from the helmet, I need to bring a hydration pack, sunglasses, and a pair of cycling shorts with good padding.
BTW. I visited Cartemar yesterday and looked for a good fork. The store owner advised me to get Suntour... a good fork (tinidor) for a reasonble price. Is this sufficient for doing trails?
Thanks again.
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Post by anthrax76 on Jul 28, 2005 10:24:31 GMT 8
Suntour, hmm...they make good products, although i would shy away from them. how much is your budget for a fork? maybe you can find some at the Buy and Sell section of the forum that can perform better for a few more extra bucks.
I haven't had reviews on the Suntour XCP on trails yet.
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Post by woofers on Jul 28, 2005 11:20:53 GMT 8
Buy gloves as well.
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Post by jr on Jul 28, 2005 11:27:49 GMT 8
No problem brad.. I never tried that product. As you know the most common fork out there are fox, marzzochi and rockshox. But again your bike frame may not compatible. The standard of this name brand fork are 1 1/8 inch steerer tube. I'm hoping you the standard size of steerer of 1 1/8. Since 1" is hard to find. Also as Anthrax said.. if your frame steerer is in standard you can find in buy and trade section. Good luck for your first ride. Just be careful .
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Post by gwm..."GRASS-HAPA" on Jul 28, 2005 11:53:28 GMT 8
teka, teka, teka, before you drop your budget on the old ride consider first how much mo siya makukuha against buying an entry-level brand new bike. remember that its always going to be more expensive building a bike part for part than buying one off the rack (with free peace of mind and warranty!) you can also look at other 2nd hand offers as well, getting a bike that was made in the mid-90's doesn't sound so good now that we're in the mid -00's do your research brad because you'll be using that bike for a very long time.
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Post by cobym on Jul 28, 2005 15:31:31 GMT 8
Yup. I second gwm, research muna. And while researching, ride your current bike to the ground and build up stamina, strength and bike handling skills. If you find that you're serious about mtbiking, you'll find that you'll really want a newer bike. hence, don't upgrade parts on your giant yet. It might be too old to slap some new parts on. Esp. the fork. baka 1 inch steerer pa yan. (practically all modern forks have bigger diameters - 1 1/8 and 1/5 inches).
Welcome to the club dude. Trading in that ps2 wil be the best decision you'll make this year, or ever!
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Post by shuzzs on Jul 28, 2005 16:23:39 GMT 8
Bros.. thanks for all your advices.
gloves... I have them already. I normally use them for long-driving (car). (Para di mangitim yung kamay ko) I guess I have a new use for them- for MTB.
regarding the steerer size... I'll have to check it later tonight. I hope it is of standard size. 1 -1/8" or 1 -1/5".
gwm, cobym... I think you are right. I'll do my reasearch first. As of now, I'm still learning a thing or two about MTBs - thanks to all of you. Ibang iba na sya as compared to the 80's BMX. So far what I have done on my bike is adjust the v-brakes and (spray) paint the pedals.
As for my current ride, as what cobym suggests... I'll break it (not intentionally, of course - hehe) to hone my riding skills. Although, I hope it does not immediately break on Sunday.
BTW. So far I don't have an exact budget for the fork. But, I am considering the Rock Shox being offered in the trading section - it is the same price as the Suntour fork I saw in Cartemar. But, first, I need to check my steerer size if it is compatible.
Thanks again.
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Post by shuzzs on Jul 29, 2005 18:10:34 GMT 8
Just an update on my research... I saw this site on the net... www.giant-bicycle.com/uk/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?year=2001&range=38Based from this site, the frame has been marketed in the 2001. Thus, I guess the steerer size should be compatible with new ones. The frame is Giant ATX... I believe the number corresponds to the model of the bike setup. I measured the steer column and it's 1- 1/8".
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marvs
Free Rider
My angel....
Posts: 351
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Post by marvs on Aug 2, 2005 10:26:14 GMT 8
That's a good bike and will be good for trailriding. Change out the tires though. If it's still MOB, I think it's the 1.38" road slicks. That's their popular one and will be dangerous on trails. Get bigger knobbies. I also couldn't agree more with the PMTBers who posted above.
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Post by GALVinChie on Aug 2, 2005 16:20:37 GMT 8
Shuzzs,
Welcome to the sport. Just stick it out with the present set-up. You'll know what you need once you get the hack of mt. biking. Mukhang the upgrade virus is creeping in. I can't disagree with the protection part. That's more important than the rest. Take it easy on the trails since it'll be your first time.
Even if the bike setup is at least 10 years old, it's still a worthy rig as long as you know its history and/or it's ridden within its specs. Further, since you're a beginner in the sport, I doubt that you'll be doing big drops with the Giant.
Goodluck and see you on the trails.
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Post by shuzzs on Aug 3, 2005 0:02:53 GMT 8
Marvs, Gavinche,
Thanks for your replies. Yup. I'm going to stick it out with my setup. I guess I would need to get the bigger tires.
We tried to traverse the trail in Sta. Rosa last Sunday. However, as per my friend's advice, and after checking out what I am about to get myself into... I shied away... for the moment. Yes. The tires I have are not suitable to the rough roads and to think that it rained the night before. We just had some leisure biking along the road leading to Ayala Westgrove.
I got the feel the bike. I think I now know what needs to replaced. If my budget permits, I'll also replace the rigid fork with shocks. I may also need to have the bearings of my front hub repaired/overhauled (medyo umaalog na).
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