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> **1\. The most important thing about buying a new bike is to make sure it fits.** The only way you'll know if the bike is right for you is to size up the bike and make sure that the bike's geometry matches your body's geometry. Ask questions and do some research.  
  
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> 2\. **If possible, try to find a shop that will let you demo the bike on real dirt.** Five minutes in a parking lot won't cut it. You wouldn't buy a car without a real world test drive, and a bike should be no different.

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> 3\. **Don't belive the hype.** Just because your favorite rider or best friend rides a certain bike, that doesn't mean that's the best one for you. Have an open mind and be realistic about your needs and ability.  
  
#  Thread: MTBR Glossary

  1. > Thanks 

  2. > thanks 

  3. > This answered a lot of questions  Thanks! 

  4. > Great info OP-answers all my questions! 

  5. > im a newbie and this is helpful.thanks.great forum 

  6. > helpful info, thanks 

  7. ##  Help - Need Info 

> What do the numbers on part mean ? I have a 3x9 and a 2x9 . I need a derailleur on one and a shifter on the other . Whats the difference in an XTR 771 , 971 , 972 etc. ? Can someone explain ?   
>  Thanks  
>  BHK Okie 

  8. > Very Helpful. Thanks for the info. 

  9. > Thank you, I am pretty new here and could figure out all the short terms except SS. Now I know its Single Speed and I'm tempted to join the few and the weird! 

  10. > This thing is unbelievably helpful 

  11. > Thank you 

  12. > Thanks! 

  13. > I feel alittle less dumb now thanks!! 

  14. > How does Trail fit into the whole DH, FR, AM, XC scheme of riding? 

  15. > Originally Posted by **Airborne_r6**
> 
> How does Trail fit into the whole DH, FR, AM, XC scheme of riding?
> 
> I'd say between XC and AM. To me, a trail bike is more a "fun machine" then a super light XC racing bike or all deck-out AM killer. I guess it depends on how and where you ride.  
>   
>  To me, it's like a smooth transition between XC/AM as FR is to AM/DH. Thought both are completely different anyways. 

> Originally Posted by **NicoleB28**
> 
> topless. that's what all mtb girls do. we go ride, get topless, have pillow fights in the woods, scissor, then ride home!

  16. > Originally Posted by **BHK Okie**
> 
> What do the numbers on part mean ? I have a 3x9 and a 2x9 . I need a derailleur on one and a shifter on the other . Whats the difference in an XTR 771 , 971 , 972 etc. ? Can someone explain ?   
>  Thanks  
>  BHK Okie
> 
> 3x9 means three chainrings up front on the cranks and nine gears on the cassette in the rear.  
>  2x9 means two chainrings and nine gears on the cassette.  
>   
>  Both require shifters and derailleurs. Shifters are on the handlebars and are how you select gears. Derailleurs are in the back and react to your moving the shifters by moving the chain.  
>   
>  The numbers on Shimano parts are basically just consumer part numbers and allow you to identify which model year and level your stuff is. You can usually assume that the higher numbers are newer. In order to find out what each part number means to how it will work with your bike, you'll have to open up google and do some searching on their specs. 

> Don't you hate it when a sentence doesn't end the way you think it octopus?

  17. > nice glossary 

  18. > Awesome post. Will make my time searching the forums much more comprehensible. Thanks! 

  19. > Thanks for helping a noob out! 

  20. > I was afraid to ask 

  21. > Total awesome! Thanx! 

> High Hill Monkeys - http://on.fb.me/y8mff4

  22. > Thanks for the info. Been wondering what BB was for a week or so (<\--- newb) 

  23. > Thanks for the info. Very useful 

  24. > Great info for us noobies. 

  25. > Thanks! some terms I didn't know before. Will have to re-read again