[SE3P_to_E90]

It's been a while since I've been riding, but got an awesome deal on a new bike that I couldn't pass up. GT Ruckus Flowta with idrive!

For all the mountain bikers out there, I need some help w/ slipping gears. It seems that since this bike is new, the cables might have stretched a bit, and the gears are slipping somewhat. I'm having some issues going from 2-3 in the front sproket, and 3-6 in the rear cogs... does anyone know how to adjust these derailleurs so that the gears engage properly?

Also, my to-do list consists of Patapsko State Park (McKeldin Area), as well as Loch Raven. Does anyone have any suggestions for some great trails around the Baltimore area?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[pseto]

that's awesome! don't know of any trails since I only use my road bike

[SE3P_to_E90]

Awesome indeed. I ended up paying 14% of the retail price! As for road bikes, that will be much later down the road -- once I move out of baltimore. As you all know, the roads in baltimore are Fantastic (note: sarcasm).

[cole92]

My bike is a Giant XTC, love the thing. I've been to the state park down there, but not LR. There are some meets that the guys at princeton sports put together every sunday.

As far as the gears go, adjust your derailers and check your chain.

I will say, that i have issues on my bike, if i am on 1 or 3 on the front and try to go to the other extreme, the bike has issues.

[pseto]

I used Performance Bike to get my bike ready for this year and they did a good job. Most of the staff is knowledgeable about bikes and are helpful. Their tech support is great.

Did u get a bike rack yet?

[SE3P_to_E90]

Originally Posted by pseto

I used Performance Bike to get my bike ready for this year and they did a good job. Most of the staff is knowledgeable about bikes and are helpful. Their tech support is great.

Did u get a bike rack yet?

Thanks for the heads up, Paul. I've been thinking about a mini-service, but since it's a brand new bike, i'm reluctant to shell out another $100 just to tighten some cables... I'll fiddle w/ the derailleurs, and see if I can make some tweaks myself -- what fun is it if I can't even work on my own bike/car? right?

As for the bike rack, I sold my base support system a while back -- figures. When I purchased this bike, the seller just gave me his Yakima King Joe (or Super Joe?) 3 trunk rack. It was off a GTI, and I still haven't adjusted the darn thing -- got a little nick or two on my spoiler transporting this bike. Since I have this trunk rack already, I'm going to see if i can figure out this thing, or just sell it and get another base support system.

Do you have the base support system w/ bike rack? I'm just concerned because it seems that these bikes stand on their tires on top of the roof rack, so i question the integrity of these racks. Let me know your thoughts on a base support system for this kind of bike -- weighs somewhere between 30-40lbs.

[pseto]

Don't have the base support system although I've thought about it. I have a hitch setup for my x5 that I can carry 4 bikes on, if needed.

[1N54E92]

keep that bike in the house...leaving it on the porch is not a good thing to do...

[SE3P_to_E90]

Originally Posted by pseto

Don't have the base support system although I've thought about it. I have a hitch setup for my x5 that I can carry 4 bikes on, if needed.

i didn't know you had a x5 as well! man, you have something for everything! e92 for speed, mcoupe for agility, x5 for utility... I'm going to come take one of these cars from you one of these days

Originally Posted by 1N54E92

keep that bike in the house...leaving it on the porch is not a good thing to do...

I keep this bike inside right in front of my motion sensor at home... Definitely appreciate and understand your concern... baltimore isn't the safest area in the world

[1N54E92]

Originally Posted by SE3P_to_E90

I keep this bike inside right in front of my motion sensor at home... Definitely appreciate and understand your concern... baltimore isn't the safest area in the world

Still living near Hopkins I see....I do believe there is a trail near Annie's playground in Bel Air. It's called Ma & Pa Heritage Trail. It's a paved trail.

[dan11]

Loch raven trail is great. Either try the fire trail on seminary road which is intermediate or the designated bike trail in the reservoir area which is slightly easier. Do not deviate off the track as the rangers are going in a spree giving out tickets to bikers that go out of the track.

[dan11]

Oh and on another note. The base system with bike mount is really sturdy. I've gone quite a distance with them with no problem whatsoever. Just be careful when you're driving through some wooded areas with low lying tree's. I've clipped a few the first few times since I started using the rack.

[SE3P_to_E90]

Originally Posted by 1N54E92

Still living near Hopkins I see....I do believe there is a trail near Annie's playground in Bel Air. It's called Ma & Pa Heritage Trail. It's a paved trail.

Originally Posted by dan11

Loch raven trail is great. Either try the fire trail on seminary road which is intermediate or the designated bike trail in the reservoir area which is slightly easier. Do not deviate off the track as the rangers are going in a spree giving out tickets to bikers that go out of the track.

Thanks guys, for the heads up. I'll try to Fire Trail on Seminary Road. I had no idea rangers can give tickets to bike riders for deviating off a "designated" bike trail -- what kind of nonsense is that?

I'm planning on doing the Loch Raven trail this weekend, so if i have some energy left over, I'll run the Fire trail. Again, thanks for the heads up, and great advice on the base support system! (now i regret selling mine)