Biking in

[Duckgtr]

Season isn't over yet but I want to prepare for next year as I would like to bike in to some of the areas instead of walk in. The general consensus I have read in the searches is to make sure you have spares of anything that may break (tubes, chain links, etc.) and rear shocks suck because of power loss up hill but, what doesn't seem consistent is whether or not a front shock should be essential. I do plan on going to a bike shop to see what bike will "fit" me best and be comfortable for long rides on logging and fire roads. This will be a new experience for me and hopefully ill learned from you seasoned pro's that can help me with the ins and outs. I don't have a really big budget for a bike but want some thing reliable.

[gonefishing4ever]

Get a solid hardtail 29er. No rear suspension required- nice to have, but can be pricey and a bit heavier. Having a front suspension on fire roads is critical, particularly going down hill. The suspension helps keep your front tire on the ground and you will regret not having it on the washboard. Go on craigslist and get a used bike, folks often get a mountain bike, rarely use it and end up selling it for half price. No need to take a chain; however, extra tubes and/or a patch kit, tire tool and a way to put air in a tire should be mandatory. Learn how to change a tube, patch a tire and make minor adjustments to derailleurs and brakes before hitting the road. Good Luck!

[Fl0und3rz]

You are off to a great start.

Go to a bike shop, get measured, and see how the people there fit you for a bike and listen to their advice. 

Then go shopping on craigslist, where you can save $$ over new.

As a general rule, if your body size/type match the seller/user, you should be off to a good start. 

Note things that can be changed are handlebars (height, sweep), including gooseneck, which can change how far your body is hunched over (don't want too much, too much hand pressure and back strain) and saddle type and position (a slight amount).   So you'll want to get in the ballpark with the basics of frame dimensions and geometry, because you cannot change those after the fact. 

Then take your knowledge from the bike shop and test ride the craiglist bikes.  Another option is pawn shops.  Do buy all your consumables and tools from the bike shop though, at least, to reward them for schooling you on fitment.

29"ers are all the rage with bike people, but don't rule out a 26"er if price and fitment are right.

Extra tubes, a patch kit, tire tools, a basic bike oriented multi-tool, and a pump are about the only essentials.  You could pack a spoke wrench and a chain tool, but they are probably not essentials.

If you are planning on muddy and wet terrain, plastic fenders might be nice, and a rear rack will enable you to hold a limited amount of gear.

[TheHunt]

You are off to a great start.

Go to a bike shop, get measured, and see how the people there fit you for a bike and listen to their advice. 

Then go shopping on craigslist, where you can save $$ over new.

As a general rule, if your body size/type match the seller/user, you should be off to a good start. 

Note things that can be changed are handlebars (height, sweep), including gooseneck, which can change how far your body is hunched over (don't want too much, too much hand pressure and back strain) and saddle type and position (a slight amount).   So you'll want to get in the ballpark with the basics of frame dimensions and geometry, because you cannot change those after the fact. 

Then take your knowledge from the bike shop and test ride the craiglist bikes.  Another option is pawn shops.  Do buy all your consumables and tools from the bike shop though, at least, to reward them for schooling you on fitment.

29"ers are all the rage with bike people, but don't rule out a 26"er if price and fitment are right.

Extra tubes, a patch kit, tire tools, a basic bike oriented multi-tool, and a pump are about the only essentials.  You could pack a spoke wrench and a chain tool, but they are probably not essentials.

If you are planning on muddy and wet terrain, plastic fenders might be nice, and a rear rack will enable you to hold a limited amount of gear.

    That is a great reply... I could not agree more. 

[Duckgtr]

thank you for the replies. I do plan on fenders as well as a little cargo rack for the rear. Eventually I do plan on getting a little cart to tow as well.

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks for your service, BTW. 

[BDildine]

Tagging along

One thing I might do that I've seen, is get a 2nd hand child's cart to toe behind for gear/game

[Duckgtr]

Thanks for your service, BTW.

Judging by your picture. Thank you for your service.

Tagging along

One thing I might do that I've seen, is get a 2nd hand child's cart to toe behind for gear/game

yup im looking now

[TheHunt]

I have a cheap flat black mountain bike with 29's.  I only paid 350 dollars for it. 

I purchased a cart that will hold an entire elk and is made of 6061 aircraft aluminum tubing.  The only problem is that trailer does not have brakes.  When fully loaded you walk it down hill, push it up hill and ride it on the flats.  I learned the hard way on loosing control. hahaha

[wapiti hunter2]

What they said above. Buy used. Last year I got an awesome 5 year old Specialized mountain bike with front and rear disc brakes recently tuned up for $250. Before that I had a used Trek for 5 years that got stolen or I would still be using it. I paid $150 for it.

You will need to put at least $150 in to it for accessories like fenders, rear rack and a emergency kit.