Bought a new mountain bike ;)

[davidstone28]

I was inspired by the earlier mountain bikes thread and had a look at the Specialized Hardrock, GT Avalanche and some of the Trek bikes. Ended up forking out much more than I had intended for a Marin Bolinas Ridge 2006. Comes in a lovely polished aluminium colour, has 100mm RockShox front suspension and disc ready wheels and forks.

...then having coughed up some more dough for a helmet, some overpriced stretchy cycling shirt and shorts, and the requisite pair of Oakleys, I have to admit that this whole cycling lark is much more expensive than I thought it would be.

Still, its a nice ride and a good way of keeping the beer belly in check

[mp3c]

yer i really need a new bike i have had mine about 3 years and it is one of them krappy £99 bikes i am supprised it still works and i dont really take good care of it. nice bike tho m8 looks really good!!

[Chris P]

Very nice

How much did that set you back?

[davidstone28]

Bike was £375, helmet was £90, shirt was £40.....shed loads

I had to go up to the Lake District to get the bike due to a shortage of stock. Beautiful part of the country though, so it wasn't really a chore at all.

The bike came with a little bell on the handlebars, which makes a nice 'ding ding' sound

[mp3c]

not bad you should have got some more free stuff like say it was your birthday or something that usally works... well it does with me

[Chris P]

The bike came with a little bell though, which makes a nice 'ding ding' sound

I've noticed that with all new bikes, is it some sort of legal requirment now for road use?

Made me laugh when I bought mine

[steve threlfall]

I've noticed that with all new bikes, is it some sort of legal requirment now for road use?

Made me laugh when I bought mine

Yeah, its a legal requirement for all new bikes now

[5lab]

aye same as rear/wheel/pedal reflectors

[FatalSaviour]

I've noticed that with all new bikes, is it some sort of legal requirment now for road use?

Made me laugh when I bought mine

Meh...airhorn ftw

[iranu]

Bells and reflectors are a requirement for all new bikes sold. Ironically they are the first things people take off cos there crap. When was the last time you used a bell to "warn" someone - rofl.

Reminds me of the Syd Barrett (god rest his soul) song called Bike with the opening lyrics

I've got a bike, you can ride it if you like,
It's got a basket, a bell that rings and things
to make it look good.
I'd give it to you if I could,
but I borrowed it.

Anyway congratualtions on your purchase and long may it bring you pleasure.

P.S. I suspect you may have been bitten by the bug

[steve threlfall]

Lovely looking bike Dave. I wouldnt mind upgrading (lol, what a geek i am) my bike. I have a nice diamond back at the moment that cost £400 new but i had it when i was a kid and unfortunately it has a smaller frame than i should be using now.

How much were the Oakleys

[davidstone28]

It's got a basket

Now that's an idea!

[noTHINGface]

Nice one mate - I had a Bolinas 6 years or so ago, that was a steal frame but had a nice zing to it (as only steel has). I still have the frame somewhere in the shed along with an old Spech rockhopper, my old Orange Sub 5 and the lovely new Spesh FSR XC Pro. I should really build the Bolinas back up and use it as a pub bike or something. Now you just need to get out and ride - thats the real fun bit!!!

[omgitsme]

the bell is the all-important bit

[Konan555]

I've been out trashing mine in the evening. Grounds got so hard it's actually quite harsh on the old joints.

[noTHINGface]

I've been out trashing mine in the evening. Grounds got so hard it's actually quite harsh on the old joints.

Its all about the full suspension

Was out last night around the Hertfordshire moutains(!) So easy to ride when the trails are this dry, got the semi-slicks on and im flying - making the most of it though cos the rain and the mud is just around the corner.