Team Tamarack Mountain Bike Racing World Resouces

What is a good mountain bike for a big boy?

Basically, I am looking for a full suspension bike to take on trails. I would like to find a good used one (assuming that would be the best bang for my buck) or a new one. I am 6’6 and 312lbs and would like this to be under a $1000 investment. I won’t be riding daily, as I generally lift weights and run (have been for years). Plus never had a bike hold up to my abuse on a good trail (for my size, I can get some air time). So down to it, what would be a good bike new…as in brand model and where can I find it? Or, what all do I need to be looking at to get a good used bike for myself? Just keep in mind, the trails around here are generally heavily wooded in hills and sometimes lots of mud…and it needs to be able to support me and my riding style for a couple years. Thanks all!
If posting makes, I would assume they have various models that would be more specific to what I am looking for…what are they?

Do yourself a favour and get yourself a hard-tail for a better and more reliable ride. The problem with soft-tails for under a grand is that they all suck, and you simply need a great one to handle your weight and still function reliably on the trails. I spent over a grand and still went with a hard-tail so I can get a better, more reliable bike overall, and I have no trouble tackling all the advanced trails the suspension bikes do and keeping up. So I bounce around a little more, big deal – it’s bike for sport, not highway cruising.

Ok, so if you’re set on the soft-tail idea and will make the sacrifices to get it, you need to go with used so you can get a high quality shock, or the ride will be nothing but frustrating. Check out Pinkbike.com, their buy/sell is where good bikes are sold.

The one thing I will warn you about is the wheels. The standard 32 spoke wheels tend to come loose and warp under heavy riders. You can expect this to happen sooner or later (sooner if you ride harder) and when it’s time to replace them, keep in mind there are 36 spoke, and even 40 spoke, rims that will do a better job of holding your weight.

Trek, specialized, gary fisher, kona, cannondale, giant, gt, norco, rocky mountain, diamond back… all are brands of equal reliability and performance, and suggestions are only based off preference and bias. You need to see some of them for yourself and decide what package interests you. I’m a trek man myself, but again, just preference – I don’t fool myself into thinking they are better than all those other ones.

Mountain biking in mud

Mud, Sweat & Gears: 1996 UCI World Mountain Bike Championships in Cairns, Australia $22.98 …

Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Bmx – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Bmx – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Bike Tire – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

Alternate Routes Guilin $11.99 …

Alternate Routes Guilin $1.99 …

Kenda Front Max ATV Tire 21×8-9 ARCTIC CAT E-TON HONDA KAWASAKI SUZUKI $49.99 The first front rib tire designed for precise ATV steering. Each knob is reinforced for superior tracking and cornering in all types of terrain. Please note: Tire sizes vary by machine please check your current tire and wheel size before ordering. Fits: ARCTIC CAT 150 2009-2010 ARCTIC CAT 150 2012 E-TON YUKON YXL150 2000-2002 HONDA TRX 125 FOURTRAX 1985-1988 HONDA TRX 200SX FOURTRAX 1986-1988 KAWA…

Kenda Front Max ATV Tire 23.5×8-11 HONDA ATC 200X ATC 250R ATC 350X TRX 300FW 4X4 TRX 300P FOURTRAX TRX 350 4X4 $59.99 The first front rib tire designed for precise ATV steering. Each knob is reinforced for superior tracking and cornering in all types of terrain. Please note: Tire sizes vary by machine please check your current tire and wheel size before ordering. Fits: HONDA ATC 200X 1983-1987 HONDA ATC 250R 1983-1986 HONDA ATC 350X 1985-1986 HONDA TRX 300FW 4X4 1988-2000 HONDA TRX 300P FOURTRAX 1988-2000 HONDA T…

Kenda Executioner ATV Tire 27×10-12 ARCTIC CAT BOMBARDIER CAN-AM HONDA JOHN DEERE KAWASAKI POLARIS SUZUKI YAMAHA $97.99 Designed to meet the demands of the most aggressive 4×4 riding terrain. Tread was designed for deep down traction, even in the muddiest conditions. Reinforced knobs to reduce knob roll over at low pressure, improve ride comfort and increase tread life. 6 ply rating with a new 2+2 casing for increased puncture resistance and improved handling. New rim saver feature for protection against rock and …

Guide to Alabama & Georgia Atv and Dirt Bike Trails: Easy Family Outings, Southern Mud Holes, Difficult Mountain Trails …

Sidi Giau Mountain Bike Shoes $99.99 Sidi Giau Mountain Bike Shoes. Perfect for Mountain Bike club riders, amateurs or casual racers, these mud-shedding, mountain bike shoes go the distance in training and racing. Molded heel cup, padded tongue with fit relievers and three Velcro straps for a power-enhancing fit.

Sidi Sierra Mountain Bike Shoes $99.99 Sidi Sierra Mountain Bike Shoes. Perfect for cruisin’ down the trail or pedaling around town, the Sierra Mountain Bike shoes are a favorite of mountain bike enthusiasts. Three Velcro straps, shaped heel cup and higher volume last give you a great fit. Fiberglass-reinforced sole with mud shedding tread provides excellent traction on or off the bike.

Sidi Women’s Giau Mountain Bike Shoes $169.99 Sidi Women’s Giau Mountain Bike Shoes. Perfect for Mountain Bike club riders, amateurs or casual racers, these mud-shedding, women’s mountain bike shoes go the distance in training and racing. Molded heel cup, padded tongue with fit relievers and three Velcro straps for a power-enhancing fit.

Shimano XTR PD-M980 SPD Mountain Bike Pedals $199.99 Shimano XTR PD-M980 SPD Mountain Bike Pedals. Shimano’s done it again. They’ve taken their game-changing XTR mountain bike pedal and pushed the envelope into the ozone by giving the new XTR PD-M980 SPD Mountain Bike pedal a slimmer profile, reducing its weight, and making it an even more efficient mud-shedder.

Louis Garneau Bromont Mountain Bike Shoes $69.99 Louis Garneau Bromont Mountain Bike Shoes. Designed for the mountain bike enthusiast, these practical and affordable Mountain Bike shoes are equipped with two single straps, a unique heel retention system, and rigid outsoles that shed mud AND provide excellent grip for walking.

Sidi Giau Mega Mountain Bike Shoes $169.99 Sidi Giau Mega Mountain Bike Shoes. Perfect for Mountain Bike club riders, amateurs or casual racers, these mud-shedding, mountain bike shoes for bwider feet/b go the distance in training and racing. Molded heel cup, padded tongue with fit relievers and three Velcro straps for a power-enhancing fit.

Giro Gauge Mountain Bike Shoes $224.99 Giro Gauge Mountain Bike Shoes. Want to drop some dirt? Want to tame the trail? So does the Gauge mountain shoes. Giro’s new standard in mud-shedding performance. Traction-hungry lugs repel mud, dirt and debris with ease and efficiency. Easton EC70 carbon composite outsole delivers a powerful pedal stroke, scuff-guards keep everything looking like new and ratchet/strap closure system provides a comfortable fit. You can even add toe spikes for winter riding and cyclocross.

Shimano PD-M530 Mountain Bike Pedals $54.99 Shimano PD-M530 Mountain Bike Pedals. Want to improve your control, stability and pedaling efficiency on the trail? The Shimano PD-M530 Mountain Bike pedal is just the ticket. This dual-sided pedal has an ample (but not too big) platform, an open, mud-shedding design and adjustable retention, so you can click in and click out with confidence.

2010 Mavic Women’s Scorpio Mountain Bike Shoes $109.99 2010 Mavic Women’s Scorpio Mountain Bike Shoes. Mavic teamed up with women cross-country riders to develop women’s Mountain Bike shoes that shed mud like a pro, effectively transfer power, increase ventilation and conform to the female foot – need we say more?

Louis Garneau T-Flex-300 Mountain Bike Shoes $199.99 Louis Garneau T-Flex-300 Mountain Bike Shoes. With a perfectly tailored fit, optimized stiffness, excellent ventilation and a mud-shedding design that works great on or off the bike, the T-Flex-300 Mountain Bike shoes have it all. Heat-moldable uppers adapt to your feet for a custom fit. Attach the carbon outsole to maximize pedal power or remove it for enhanced airflow. Dual-density tread with flexible forefoot quickly evacuates dirt, mud and provides excellent grip while pedaling or walking.

Performance CM401 Mountain Bike Shoes $69.99 Performance CM401 Mountain Bike Shoes. The power and efficiency of the CM401 cycling shoes will turn every mountain into a hill of beans. Fiberglass-reinforced sole transfers all your energy directly to pedals, making those steep ascents easier than you thought. Aggressive lugs shed dirt and mud with ease, molded heel cup enhances stability and ratchet/strap closure system secures the fit.

Shimano SH-M162 Mountain Bike Shoes $149.99 Shimano SH-M162 Mountain Bike Shoes. These high-end, off-road bike shoes are engineered for the serious cyclist who wants SPD compatibility, reinforced construction and a power enhancing fit. Carbon-reinforced shank plate rests beneath a grip-worthy outsole for exceptional energy transmission and mud shedding performance. Resilient synthetic upper and Armor at the sides protect against abrasion and shape loss. EVA insole absorbs shock and provides cushioning over rough terrain. Micro-adjust buckle with dual offset straps gives you an uncompromising fit.

Giro Code Mountain Bike Shoes $279.99 Giro Code Mountain Bike Shoes. The secret to a raw power lies within the Code mountain shoes. Easton EC90 unidirectional carbon outsole delivers pro-level stiffness for the most efficient power transfer available. Its traction-hungry lugs provide excellent mud-shedding and adherence to the pedals, making it a favorite among hardcore trail riders and XC racers. SuperNatural Fit Kit with adjustable arch support enhances comfort, scuff-guards boost durability and streamlined upper with ratchet/strap closure seals the deal with a sleek, secure fit.

WTB Bronson 2.2 29er Mountain Bike Tire $59.99 WTB Bronson 2.2 29er Mountain Bike Tire. Just like its namesake, the tough-guy actor, Charles Bronson, WTB’s Bronson 2.2 29er Mountain Bike tire is tough, rugged, and can handle itself in any situation. With burly, square lugs that grip in the corners, roll easily over hardpack and shed mud by the fistful, the Bronson is an all mountain and freeride action hero you can count on when the going gets rough.

Kool Stop Salmon Mountain Bike Brake Pads $12.99 Kool Stop Salmon Mountain Bike Brake Pads. Specifically designed to excel in the types of conditions that mountain biking throws at you — dust, mud, dirt and slop — Kool Stop Salmon Mountain Bike brake pads give your V-brakes the power you need to push your limits without pressing your luck. The unique design incorporates a patented angled tip that literally plows mud and moisture off the rim, and deep V-shaped grooves that further channel grit, grunge and grime away from the braking surface for optimum braking power. Thanks to a longer, double curved design, Kool Stop Mountain Bike brake pads conform more closely to the rim profile, increasing the contact area for even better braking.

WTB Bronson TCS Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire $69.99 WTB Bronson TCS Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire. Just like its namesake, the tough-guy actor, Charles Bronson, WTB’s Bronson TCS tubeless Mountain Bike tire is tough, rugged, and can handle itself in any situation. With burly, square lugs that grip in the corners, roll easily over hardpack and shed mud by the fistful, the Bronson is an all-around action hero you can count on when the going gets rough.

Continental Explorer 2.1 Mountain Bike Tire $34.99 Continental Explorer 2.1 Mountain Bike Tire. One of Continental’s most successful all-around Mountain Bike tires. The Explorer 2.1 rolls easily with its spiky, Endless Edge tread design that hooks onto loose surfaces at all angles of lean. Its sharp lugs clear mud efficiently, yet its relative light weight makes it a good choice for a variety of terrain.

Geax Saguaro 29er Mountain Bike Tire $45.99 Geax Saguaro 29er Mountain Bike Tire. There are many gifts that Mother Nature has left for you on the trail – rocks, roots, mud, sand and gravel…just to name a few. And when you encounter these natural surprises, you’re going to need a tire that can respond without missing a beat. That’s where the Geax Saguaro 29er Mountain Bike Tire comes in.

Shimano XT PD-M780 Mountain Bike Pedals $109.99 Shimano XT PD-M780 Mountain Bike Pedals. Shimano’s new PD-M780 clipless mountain bike pedals have an incredible 5 times more surface contact area than the PD-M770 pedals, providing a large and stable platform for increased pedaling efficiency and better control. Riders who find themselves in sloppy conditions will appreciate the generous clearance the offset binding affords, making the PD-M780 Shimano’s mud-sheddingest pedals yet.

Michelin WildGrip’R Advanced Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire $66.99 Michelin WildGrip’R Advanced Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire. The new Michelin WildGrip’R Advanced Tubeless Mountain Bike tire is designed for experienced and aggressive riding on mixed terrain. Tubeless technology allows lower tire pressure, translating into ultimate traction without the fear of pinch flats. Square center knobs roll fast yet shed mud, while special side-knob shapes provide progressive cornering on almost any surface. It’s off-road performance at its very best.

WTB Bronson 2.1 Race Mountain Bike Tire $59.99 WTB Bronson 2.1 Race Mountain Bike Tire. Just like its namesake, the tough-guy actor, Charles Bronson, WTB’s Bronson 2.1 Race Mountain Bike tire is tough, rugged, and can handle itself in any situation. With burly, square lugs that grip in the corners, roll easily over hardpack and shed mud by the fistful, the Bronson is an all-around action hero you can count on when the going gets rough.

Giro Women’s Sica Mountain Bike Shoes $199.99 Giro Women’s Sica Mountain Bike Shoes. Named after an ancient fighting sword, the Sica women’s mountain shoes do to the dirt what the sword did to the enemy — it puts an end to it. Traction-hungry lugs shed mud, dirt and debris with ease and efficiency. Easton EC70 carbon composite outsole delivers a powerful pedal stroke, scuff-guards keep everything looking like new and ratchet/strap closure system provides a comfortable fit. You can even add toe spikes for winter riding and cyclocross.

Performance Women’s CM401L Mountain Bike Shoes $69.99 Performance Women’s CM401L Mountain Bike Shoes. The power and efficiency of the CM401 women’s cycling shoes will turn every mountain into a hill of beans. Fiberglass-reinforced sole transfers all your energy directly to pedals, making those steep ascents easier than you thought. Aggressive lugs shed dirt and mud with ease, molded heel cup enhances stability and ratchet/strap closure system secures the fit.

Diadora Protrail 2 Mountain Bike Shoes $439.99 Diadora Protrail 2 Mountain Bike Shoes. The Protrail 2 mountain bike shoes are destined for the podium. Extra-thin carbon sole is extremely light, stiff and transfers every ounce of power directly to your pedals. Mud shedding, Duratech rubber tread provides excellent off-bike-bike traction and exclusive Multiped system maximizes stability. Hi-Vent arch support and the all-new Suprell-Tech microfiber upper with D-Skin technology keeps the cool air flowing. Ergonomic heel cup puts you in perfect position for a trophy win. Multfit Adjust closure system with Micro CL buckle and Quick Adjustment strap allow for complete customization of the shoe/foot interface.

Speedplay Frog Ti Mountain Bike Pedals $249.99 Speedplay Frog Ti Mountain Bike Pedals. Not just a great off-road pedal system, Speedplay Frog bicycle pedals are ideal for road riders who prefer a recessed, walkable cleat. Like their amphibious namesake, Frog pedals are equally at home in dry or muddy terrain. Their unique cleats are virtually immune to clogging with mud or dirt, because debris is pushed out whenever you engage the pedal. This simple mechanism also puts an end to those infuriating falls caused by gunked-up pedals that won’t release. You get out when you want to, and never when you don’t. So whether you ride a mountain bike, road bike, tandem or ‘cross bike, the Speedplay Frog can do it all.

Speedplay Frog Stainless Steel Mountain Bike Pedals $134.99 Speedplay Frog Stainless Steel Mountain Bike Pedals. Not just a great off-road pedal system, Speedplay Frog bicycle pedals are ideal for road riders who prefer a recessed, walkable cleat. Like their amphibious namesake, Frog pedals are equally at home in dry or muddy terrain. Their unique cleats are virtually immune to clogging with mud or dirt, because debris is pushed out whenever you engage the pedal. This simple mechanism also puts an end to those infuriating falls caused by gunked-up pedals that won’t release. You get out when you want to, and never when you don’t. So whether you ride a mountain bike, road bike, tandem or ‘cross bike, the Speedplay Frog can do it all.

Speedplay Frog Chrome Mountain Bike Pedals $104.99 Speedplay Frog Chrome Mountain Bike Pedals. Not just a great off-road pedal system, Speedplay Frog bicycle pedals are ideal for road riders who prefer a recessed, walkable cleat. Like their amphibious namesake, Frog pedals are equally at home in dry or muddy terrain. Their unique cleats are virtually immune to clogging with mud or dirt, because debris is pushed out whenever you engage the pedal. This simple mechanism also puts an end to those infuriating falls caused by gunked-up pedals that won’t release. You get out when you want to, and never when you don’t. So whether you ride a mountain bike, road bike, tandem or ‘cross bike, the Speedplay Frog can do it all.

Keen Springwater Mountain Bike Shoes $99.99 Keen Springwater Mountain Bike Shoes. Get comfortable performance ON and OFF the bike in these Mountain Bike shoes from Keen.

Adidas Berm Mountain Bike Shoes $29.99 Adidas Berm Mountain Bike Shoes. These Mountain Bike shoes offer flat pedal performance and style.

Ritchey Comp Mountain Bike Seatpost $49.99 Ritchey Comp Mountain Bike Seatpost. This mountain bike seatpost is lightweight and extremely functional!

Shimano SH-MT31 Mountain Bike Shoes $29.99 Shimano SH-MT31 Mountain Bike Shoes. These mountain bike shoes are designed for a wide range of riding styles such as commuting, touring or casual off-road cycling.

Shimano SH-MT60 Mountain Bike Shoes $99.99 Shimano SH-MT60 Mountain Bike Shoes. On-road commute or off-road escapade, these Mountain Bike shoes handle any cycling adventure you put in their path.

Fort Traverse Mountain Bike Shoes $39.99 Fort Traverse Mountain Bike Shoes. Urban style meets rugged good looks in these Mountain Bike shoes built for road, trail or indoor cycling.

Shimano SH-M086L Mountain Bike Shoes $89.99 Shimano SH-M086L Mountain Bike Shoes. Whatever your off-road cycling pleasure, these Shimano Mountain Bike shoes will keep you comfortable through and through.

Shimano PD-M520 SPD Mountain Bike Pedals $44.99 Shimano PD-M520 SPD Mountain Bike Pedals. Economically priced mountain bike pedals with great durability!