Newbie needs bike.....

Pitbull · 03-07-2006, 08:09 AM

Hey all, anyone have any good advice on where to find a good used bike for Adventure racing? Not sure if I'm gonna like it or not but want to try it.

Thanks

Jon

Pitbull · 03-08-2006, 09:25 AM

Don't everyone answer at once now!

Dogg Town Scott · 03-08-2006, 09:57 AM

The only place I could think of is Chainwheel in Little Rock. I do not participate in Adventure Races, so I would not know what kind of bike you would need. I would assume a mountain bike vs. a road bike. I know that JP does adventure races, maybe he could have some insight. If you are wanting used bike, the local bike shops are the best place to start. I would imagine one of the staff does those types of races. I know for a fact that several workers at Chainwheel do road bike races.

ODBSGIRL · 03-08-2006, 11:08 AM

Sorry sir, haven't been on in a few days, been busy. I agree-chainwheel is a great place to start. They even have a used bike rack. If you're looking for used, I'd check every single LBS in town before I bought. But for service, it's chainwhell hands down. They also let you test ride. I don't do many races during the year, maybe 2, but I sure ride my bike more often than that. Once you know more about models...check the paper, you might find one.
Let us know what you're looking for as far as bells/whistles/price range and maybe we umm "know" somebody who might have one they're willing to part with. With 7 bikes between me and ODB, we're qualified junkies. GOOD LUCK

ODB · 03-08-2006, 11:10 AM

Sorry to not get back with you right away Pitbull. I've been out of town for a few days. Dogg is right about chainwheel. Go in and ask for Sarah. She does adventure races and can help you get set up. What price range are you looking for? Do you want a hardtail or full suspension? What race are you planning on?

Pitbull · 03-08-2006, 02:07 PM

Was thinking about maybe the Little Rock urban challenge or something like that. I think it's in October right? Is there a site that has races listed? Something like ArkansasRunner.com has? Ummm.... my price range is "inexpensive entry level but not wal-mart". I'm 5'7" if that tells you what size bike I'd need. I'm goign to go with a guy I know to the trekking course down around Lake Sylvia I think in the Wynonna Wildlife district? I think that all sounds right. I've got to learn to find checkpoints and all.

Anyway advice or information would be greatly appreciated. I know this can be an expensive sport so I'd like to try one and then see if I think it'd be worth me spending money on. I did my first road sprint triathlon in Conway this past September. The Ride is my bike shop of choice seeing as how I know the guy that owns the place but I'll probably have a look around like you suggest.

Thanks for all the advise in advance.

ODB · 03-12-2006, 12:07 PM

Hey Pitbull - I've been working on the ExtremeTrek Calendar. It lists most of the adventure related racing going on in this part of the country. I am still working through the summer and fall races. Check it out:

http://extremetrek.proboards42 .com/index.cgi?action=calendar