Mountain bikes for hunting?

[wapiti hunter2]

Here is mine.  Trek 400 bought used on Craigs List for $200.  Excellent bike.  I put the tire liners in and haven't had aflat since.  Front shocks only.  hard tail.  I love to hunt this way.

[Atroxus]

I found the disc brakes to be great when it is wet.  Otherwise they are pretty much not worth the added expense, but hey, what do I know.  I am too fat and lazy to have even ridden it more than once or twice....

Hey if you don't ride it anymore, maybe you would be interested in selling it? 

[Atroxus]

Here is mine.  Trek 400 bought used on Craigs List for $200.  Excellent bike.  I put the tire liners in and haven't had aflat since.  Front shocks only.  hard tail.  I love to hunt this way.

Thats a nice looking setup ya got there. I am curious how do you go about hauling out deer/elk with that?

Would it have to be done in multiple trips, or do those bags or a cart have the capacity to ride out with a field dressed elk on board?

[wamuledeer]

I have seen these trailers recently on Craigslist for a pretty reasonable price. It looks like these would work good for hauling game or a camp behind your bike. I am thinking about getting the large one.      Update: I just looked at the link and they only show the one size. On a previous ad they had a few different sizes.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/bik/1611282259.html

[huntnphool]

Bikes are great for long distance access. I have found that disc brakes work much better out there.

[whacker1]

And then to find a used Bob Trailer and see if it can be overloaded? 

http://www.rei.com/product/722504

Single tracks tow way better on logging roads than the dual tire trailers. 

250 lb man 30 lbs gear 30 lb bike 15 lb trailer 70lbs gear on trailer - now pick a hill and do a break test......

[Buckmark]

Just got another project idea to build..

[whacker1]

well check out this link if you are looking for ideas. 
http://www.biketrailershop.com/catalog/bike-cargo-trailers-c-44.html

However, I think if you were looking for one there were some on Seattle craigslist for $100.

Also, I think if you were going to build one you would want to consider one that attaches to the seat post like this one, much like a fifth wheel concept.  I think it would be more solid than attaching to the skewers.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/bik/1613219529.html

[Buckmark]

I like that second design, i have and idea on making it a trailer and adding a brake to the back wheel.

[upriver]

I have a Specialized Hardrock that was the year before model when I got it. It was about $100 cheaper since it was a 2009 model. I would get the disc brakes. I have had bikes with and without disc brakes. They are much better in the wet conditions- not that we have any rain on the west side. I would pay more for a decent brand that will hold up. There is a big difference in gears, comfort, etc. between the Walmart specials and a decent brand. I see good deals on Craigslist.

[whacker1]

Well so far I have demo'd a Specialized Hard Rock from the 2002 or era.  An 08 Gary Fisher that didn't feel comfortable and was in severe need of a tune up, and kind of ridden hard.  And a 2008 Marin Hawk Hill.  I am comparing these all against Walt's Kona Cinder Cone.  The Kona is the nicest of all of them, but not sure I want to drop that kind of coin.  I am strongly considering a Kona and the Marin. 
I will call on the Kona today and see if he would consider less than he is asking, because he is currently asking a lot.

[wamuledeer]

I recently purchased a Kona Hoss Deluxe hardtail on CL for about $400 in great shape. Kona makes a great bike with excellent components. The Hoss model is also built with a heavier frame and made for the bigger guys. Here is another add on CL that looks like you could make a pretty good deal on.
http://skagit.craigslist.org/bik/1578961177.html

[whacker1]

Wow, you must have looked at my pictures to know that I needed the Hoss 

Seriously, I didn't even know that Kona made the Hoss, but that would be a good idea.

I will check into it.

[wamuledeer]

Actually I didn't look at your pictures, didn't me to offend, lol. I just meant it will take more abuse than a normal bike and is built better. Good luck.

[whacker1]

I was just messin' around, but I am a fat arse and part of the motivation of buying a nicer bike is to start biking with the fam.  My son likes being towed in the trailer and wife is sick of me stealing her bike.  My old bike made its way to the dump several years ago.  It had served its useful life in college.  I like the Hoss, and e-mailed that guy, but seeing how it was listed 3 weeks ago, I am not holding my breath.  I am going to look at a Kona Cinder Cone tomorrow in CDA.