What type of mountain bike should I get?

[anderzoho]

I am a good rider and want to have a bike capable of doing downhill mountain biking. I also want to be able to do cross country mountain biking without buying multiple bikes. I think that the bike I would need would be in the "all mountain, duel suspension" type of bikes, but are there other categories of bikes more suitable to my needs? Also what brand and/or model bike would I be needing to get?

[in4]

Welcome and what an interesting question to ponder. Others will respond more fully but, assuming you are seeking a steed from the Thorn stable you should consider a Nomad or a Nomad X.

[Andybg]

Having spent quite a bit of time last year looking into getting a mountain bike the main deciding factor between a hardtail (front suspension only) and a full suspension bike seems to be how much discomfort are you prepared to put up with. To buy the same quality full suspension as hardtail you will be looking at about 50% more cost for a heavier bike but it will be far more comfortable when the going gets rough.

There is also the other decision about 26 versus 28 inch wheels. I know a few people that have gone from full sus 26 to hardtail 28 and found the transition bearable in respect to comfort.

Pertaining to which makes to look at - it all depends on what budget you are looking at spending. For value for money the Boardman range seems to win many acclaims and I have ridden their hardtail offering which at about 750 pounds rode very nicely indeed.

Thier full sus at around 1000 mark is reportedly very capable as well. If you do look at the boardman route then you may need to factor in some extra cost for your lbs to set it up right as Halfords service quality varies significantly.

Currently the only offering that Thorn has for anything like you would be wanting would be the Nomad x or a spec build from a Ripio frame. Both of these offerings you are paying a premium for the bikes ability to carry a touring load which you have not indicted is a requirment.

If you are in the UK i would reccomend trying to get out to atleast one ridding day where you will get the oppertunity to ride several different bikes and find one that suits you.

Hope this helps

Andy

[davefife]

After having many MTB with full sus, 26 and 29 wheels, last year I went for my final MTB build.  On One summer season which is a steel double butted frame but not stickered as such so inexpensive, 26" mavic rims, hope hubs, brakes hope mono mini's 140mm rear 180mm front (nos as now discontinued) epicon 160mm front forks, sram gearing, xtr chainset, hope BB.
Its a ride all day bike and I love using it.  Steel hard tail recommended

[Danneaux]

...last year I went for my final MTB build.

Dave! Never say "last build"! It is just setting one's self up for n+1 more bike (no bad thing!).

Sounds like a wonderful bike and just the ticket for sunny summer days and rainy fall days alike; have fun!

Best,

Dan. (...who thinks one can never have "too many" bikes)

[in4]

Where did you get your On One Summer Season from? Mr Google is not very obliging.

[NZPeterG]

Here is the best Mountain Bike I have had (and Build) a side from my Tom Nomad MK2 (Not X).
The best MTB is to keep it Simple and just go out and ride 



It's Ti, got Two Gears, Brake's, and Fun too ride 

Pete

[Danneaux]

Here is the best Mountain Bike I have had (and Build) a side from my Tom Nomad MK2 (Not X).

Plus, it comes with a nifty, high-visibility version of the Click-Stand! 

Lovely machine, Pete. Stunning, really.

Best,

Dan.

[No]

Here is the best Mountain Bike I have had (and Build) a side from my Tom Nomad MK2 (Not X).
The best MTB is to keep it Simple and just go out and ride  



It's Ti, got Two Gears, Brake's, and Fun too ride  

Pete

What brakes are those?

[NZPeterG]

Hi the brakes are custom HS33.
The 1st in the world with twin brake hoses! only on a Muni do you need a twin hose brake.
I designed this Muni for a 50km mountain bike only to have the geared hub seized up the day before the race.
I still ride it on race day, but it was slow with a seized bearing.
Live!

Pete

[davefife]

Where did you get your On One Summer Season from? Mr Google is not very obliging.

I bought it as the third owner, it came from the factory unpainted and was then sold, second owner had it powder coated and laquered, built it up and used it for an hour, didn't like it and sold it to fund a full sus build.
Heres lots of examples http://www.on-one.co.uk/readers-rides/q/model-456SS
heres my bike
http://www.trailscotland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=4687

I think on one keep it as a limited edition or somesuch marketing nonsense!  Its a fine bike as the readers ride link at on one will reveal.
cheers
Dave