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Hi everyone,
New to this forum and new to bikes in general (well i say new... i've probably not been on a bike now for 14 years!!!).
I've been considering getting a mountain bike for a long time so i can get more active and burn some well needed pounds (also to get some nostalgia of my childhood years). I'm a 5 minute drive from the West Pennie moors so i've got lots of potential virtually on my doorstep
I've been doing some reading over the last few weeks and i'm taken with the idea of a fat bike my only concern is how one would fair with a larger bloke trying to ride it (I'm 17.5 stone).
As i'm new to this I don't want to spend a huge amount so i've been looking at the Calibre Dune from Go Outdoors. From what i've read it's more popular than the Voodoo Wazoo due to the upgrade potential. Does anyone have experience with this/these bikes? or am i being too conservative with my cash? Does more money really mean that a newbie like me would benefit?
Really appreciate any advice.
Thanks for reading
Tomo
People tend to love the Dune, but for what it's worth then I'd go for a lighter option for the money. Voodoo bizango would be my choice around that price, Halfords have done a few bike sales recently where you could get one for less than £500. Nice 29r, air forks, functional drivetrain and brakes.
The dune is a great bike for the money,and will be fine for a big lad, you'll just have to play around with the tyre pressures to find what suits you.
I don't think you can buy better for the money personally.
All I would say is don't rule out a "normal" mountain bike either as mentioned.
I personally think it would be a better introduction to mountain biking. Initially anyway.
Just my opinion and many will no doubt say the opposite.
Most importantly though, great decision, getting back into biking.
I did similar recently, you won't regret it. 😀
If you wanted to dip your toe in I have a fat bike going cheap. Easily under £200. and I'm not (that) for from Manchester.
Just my opinion and many will no doubt say the opposite.
I'd be one of the many. A fat bike is the best general purpose off road bike available. Perfect for the larger gentleman. Like, err, me...
Calibre Dune is a brilliant bike and even better with a few choice upgrades such as bars.
Great choice and you'll love it.
Fat bikes aren't ideal for everything but there is a lot to be said for them for a "beginner". Lots of stability and traction, which can help to build confidence. The Dune is hard to beat for the money. That or second hand would be my advice.
Dune with a brake upgrade and I think you'd be more than happy (IMHO).
Go for a better second hand fat bike because if you go for the cheaper new ones, you'll end up spending similar money just upgrading the rubbish parts which either break or (like tyres) aren't any good for most riding.
[url=
is a Surly Ice Cream Truck going for £1000 on the Facebook selling page, here[/url] or there are usually plenty to choose from on ebay.
I'm 17.5 stone
Pffft - lightweight. You don't need to worry about getting a special bike because you're heavy. I have a couple of "normal" bikes which stand up to my weight (which is a fair bit more than yours).
In your position I would be inclined to get something with 27.5+ / 650b+ wheels rather than the full-fat straight away.
I love my Dune and I ride allsorts with it but it'd definitely not be my only bike. They do have some advantages for new riders but also they need a bit of skill to ride quick or on trickier trails so that's a bit of plus/minus.
The suggestion of a Voodoo Bizango's a really good one imo. Less fun to look at but a more practical allrounder.
Thanks for all of your replies guys. I really appreciate it 😉
Went viewing a Dune today at my local Go Outdoors and i love it. Feels lightweight to me and is a great size for my short arse :D. Also visited Halfords and they had a few 29er's old sale however they were the size of a horse next to me... i'd need a step to get on and off them. Asked if they had other sizes but as they were on sale they didn't. After having a bit of a hands on look i'm still really taken with a fatty!
Going to see what discount i can get through my employer tomorrow (i.e. Cycle to work scheme or direct discount) and hopefully pull the trigger on one. Does anyone have any GO discount codes that work?
Also been speaking to a mate and it turns out he's a closet mountain biker too however hasn't done much recently as he hasn't had anyone to go with due to his mate moving elsewhere in the country (safety in numbers as they say) so i've sorted out a bit of company too... overall a productive day 😀 😀 😀
*thumbsup* 😀