Anybody do any mountain biking?

[MadMonkey]

Well... that's a silly question around these parts, I guess. How about "Anybody do any hill biking?"

I really need to start getting serious exercise... I'm doing better than I was at the mall, but it's still not enough. I'm toying with the idea of buying a good mountain bike and hitting some of the trails around here. They aren't very challenging, but I'm sure I could still build up a sweat on them

So.

1. Somebody recommend a sub-$400 mountain bike, preferably not a Wal-Mart special. I know that price won't get me much, but it'll work for a starter. I have a bike shop nearby where I can probably find something, too.

2. Does anybody make a bike rack that will work on both Miatas and Integras? I may need it on both cars at different times. I'd prefer something cheap, but for quality I could spend a little more.

Also, know of any really really fun trails in the area?

Thanks

[icepenguin66]

I bought a nice Trek for around $350 a couple years ago. There's the paved trails at Duck Creek in Garland, White Rock Lake or the Katie Trial in Dallas. There's an actual dirt mountian bike trails somewhere in Garland off of Centerville that I've heard of. Those are supposed to be nice, but never been to that one.

[azzenco]

Can you bring it out there in your miata? Would those trunk racks work?

[altiain]

I would recommend buying receiver hitches for both cars, and then buying a tray-style bike rack that you can interchange between both cars. Not the cheapest solution, but much safer, more secure, and far less likely to damage your car than one of those strap-on bike racks. I used to carry two bikes with a receiver hitch bike rack on my old '99 Miata - just make sure to get one that does not require the removal of the front wheel, as a full size mountain bike wheel will not fit in a Miata trunk.

Also, check out DORBA (Dallas Off Road Biking Association) for a list of trails in the metroplex and surrounding areas. I ride at Rowlett Creek, Northshore, and Erwin Park semi-regularly.

[Majik]

I use something like this to tote mine around. It keeps the bike safely away from the car.

[Titus]

I hear all the cool kids are buying these:

[boisking]

There are plenty of racks that will fit your car. just go to a bike shop and ask. As far as a sub $400 bike, go to a bike shop and tell them what you are looking for and what your budget is. I am a believer in the "bang for the buck" that you can get out of a GT bicycle at Performance Bicycle. There are store locations listed in their website http://www.performancebike.com.
Give the site a look. Also, go to http://www.bikemart.com. This company is run by the nicest guy ever, and the sales team tries to find bikes that will fit buyers' riding style, more so than just trying to sell the most expensive bikes. The staff also does a better job of finding a bike that fits a rider's body dimensions, as well. They have locations in Richardson, Frisco, and Dallas (White Rock Lake).

As for trails. It seems that you are of the impression that they are tame, because of the lack of mountains. Check out http://www.dorba.org to find a trail near you. They will do more than make you sweat, I promise. I can give you a tour of Rowlett creek Nature Preserve in Garland, if you want a big workout.

[MadMonkey]

Thanks for the info, guys

Bo, I may take you up on that offer sometime.

I think I may get a rack just for the Integra; I don't want the added weight of a hitch mount on the Miata.

[altiain]

Thanks for the info, guys

Bo, I may take you up on that offer sometime.

I think I may get a rack just for the Integra; I don't want the added weight of a hitch mount on the Miata.

Is your Integra a 2-door? If so, you don't even need a rack. Open the hatch, fold the back seat down, and insert bike. Easy as that.

Heck, lugnut jon has stuffed his bike into his RX-8 a couple of times... he just takes the passenger seat out first (four bolts + one sensor plug). Me, I just steal the wife's CR-V.

[MadMonkey]

Is your Integra a 2-door? If so, you don't even need a rack. Open the hatch, fold the back seat down, and insert bike. Easy as that.

......now why didn't I think of that?

Usually my back AND front passenger seats are folded down to make room for planes. I guess that bad experience when I ripped the seat in my sister's Mercedes was keeping me from trying another bike-in-car attempt

[aalvarez04]

I "mountain bike" i bought a trek 4300 last year for around 400 and it does the job for now...

[MadMonkey]

Been looking at websites for local shops and there's some pretty good deals... I think when I sell a couple of RC planes I'll pick one up. I have a few ads out

[2K Miata]

Flyin 96M has a Saris Bone rack for sale with the mountain bike adapter for sale. Really nice rack that adjusts easily to virtual any car. Plus it looks cool. I think he's selling it for less than half what they sell for (rack and adapter)

http://cadencecycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=608

Also go to Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) website.

http://www.dorba.org/

They have a classified section that you could post a WTB ad. Usually some good deals there.

Also they have a list of local trails and a forum that has alot of good information.

Have fun its a great way to get exercise.

[Flyin96M]

Yep I have one that I was using on my Bimmer for a bit until I got a roof rack. If you are interested send me a PM.