Hunting by mountain bike

[Fungunnin]

So I'm going to go look at the above bike Saturday morning, what are some things I should look for as far as damaged parts ,it's a pretty new bike so should be ingood shape.

I forgot to add ...
Check the break rotors. They should spin freely without rubbing on either side of the break pads when the break are not engaged. If the rotors are warped they will need to be replaced as well.

[DRobnsn]

So I'm going to go look at the above bike Saturday morning, what are some things I should look for as far as damaged parts ,it's a pretty new bike so should be ingood shape.

Great advice so far. Ask about tune ups if you haven't already. Also check the wheels to be sure they aren't bent, if they are a little off a good tune up will fix it. A big wobble may not be able to be adjusted out though. 

[ruttnbuck]

Awesome guys, thanks for all the good advice I'm looking forward too getting out and exploring new areas or areas I used to hunt but closed for motorized vehicles now.  I'll probably have to dip into the wife's Christmas decoration fund to buy this but oh well she'll hey over it .

[WAnoob]

I'm getting a bike for this season as well to help me put some distance beyond the gates.  My girlfriend wants to get a bike again as well so I am hoping this will help her get into hunting or at least go scouting with me this season for elk.

[2labs]

I am an old guy and probably ride my Giant hard tail Sedona 3-4 times a week all year. I dis like running or jogging but bikes are great and low impact ( joints )
Only thing I wish my vintage bike had is disc brakes. The pad brakes I have now can make a noise that can be heard for miles. Any one have a solution to that would love to hear it.

[DRobnsn]

I am an old guy and probably ride my Giant hard tail Sedona 3-4 times a week all year. I dis like running or jogging but bikes are great and low impact ( joints )
Only thing I wish my vintage bike had is disc brakes. The pad brakes I have now can make a noise that can be heard for miles. Any one have a solution to that would love to hear it.

How old are the pads?

[2labs]

Guessing 10 years! Probably the problem? Different compounds now?

[DRobnsn]

Guessing 10 years! Probably the problem? Different compounds now?

I'm sure the age is adding to the issue  but there are several other factors also. Here's an article that explains it better than I could. The bike they are using is a road bike but when it come to rim breaks it shouldn't matter.

http://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/article/workshop-step-by-step-guide-to-quiet-rim-braking-22677/

[2labs]

Thanks, good article. I now have a project for this weekend.

[Vo2max]

Sorry for the delay...

Brands: I have a prference toward higher end gear... Not going to lie. Bows, guns, bikes etc. I have champagne taste with an "improving" wallet . I don't kind spending money on gear as its my hobbies which drive me. Some like gambling, some like strip clubs or golf... I buy outdoor gear. Anyway, I digress.

Kona bike store in Bham has a great selection of 29'er HT mtn bikes with front suspension.

Novara(o?) at REI isn't so bad... Your drive train is key. Don't go low-end.

Canondale always makes great products... Hard to argue against their frames.

Specialized... Paying a lot for the name.

Scott... Don't know much personally.

Bikes are like rifles... Some one KIMBER, some love Ruger, others, Winchester. Ride a few. Buy one and love it.

[syoungs]

I bought a trek 29er hardtail this summer, I'm absolutely amazed with it, I'm closer to 400# then 3, and even thrashing on it and just mashing pedals I've had no problems. Rims are true still, and the breaks are fine. I will upgrade to hydralics this spring, and put on a better fork with a lockout until I get back to fighting weight, but both are serviceable as is.

[pope]

Is the pad noise only on wet days? If you're getting noise on dry days, you may notice when you squeeze the brake lever, the front edge of the pad contacts the rim first, causing vibration. New pads or trading the pads side for side may help. Older bikes often don't have welded tabs for mounting disc brakes, which is too bad because disc brakes work much better in wet weather.