Clutchflme
Member
Looking for a decent trail for a new rider with a new hard tail bike mountain bike. I live in Bloomfield NJ. Also wondering if there are any group rides. I cycle on road and wanted to give trail riding a go.
New rider - Trails??
- Thread starter Clutchflme
- Start date
Bikeworks
Well-Known Member
Welcome!!! Recently came over from the road as well. Six Mile and Allaire are both great for hardtails. Trails are well-maintained and not overly technical.
Always group rides popping up. We just had a massive turnout at Chimney rock last weekend (70 riders).
Edit- join JORBA https://jorba.org/
Always group rides popping up. We just had a massive turnout at Chimney rock last weekend (70 riders).
Edit- join JORBA https://jorba.org/
TomS887
Active Member
If you enjoy mountain biking , Stephen’s is always a favorite, with lots of trails to choose from. (Park at Kinney Rd near the big gate, not at the actual “Stephen’s state park” down the street). Pretty good mix of well maintained mostly smooth intermediate trails, with a few more advanced options. Not as easy as Six Mile or Allaire but a good next step. https://www.trailforks.com/region/stephens-state-park-area-of-allamuchy/
Clutchflme
Member
Yes I’m running a tubeless. I have a trek Roscoe 8. Figure I give it a try with a hard tail to see if I enjoy trail riding before going with full suspension.
Bikeworks
Well-Known Member
This is the same progression I made. I actually tried a few years ago, and it didn't take. This was mainly due to my not taking the time to understand the discipline (roadie bias) and not doing my research. You're doing it right in asking about trails to start on. I'd recommend watching a YouTube series as well. For now, stick with one so as to remain consistent about how and what you are learning. I found the Joy Of Bike series to be excellent for me. Others are the Ride Series from Rich Drew or How To Bike by Ben Cathro/Pinkbike. All are excellent
zmartene
Well-Known Member
Worth a watch if you're new to the discipline:
m.pinkbike.com
How To Bike Articles - Pinkbike
Check out PinkBike.com for the latest in cycling and mountain biking news, freeride videos, photos, events and more. Submit your own biking pictures and videos online. Buy the latest biking DVDs and videos. Check race results.
Clutchflme
Member
Thank you for the advice on six mile. I just ran that trail today. Loved it. A lot of riders with the majority on full suspension bikes. Does full suspension really make a difference for a new rider? I have a trek hardtail with tubeless tires. I took a few falls on some turns with wet leaves, but loved every second of it.
Bikeworks
Well-Known Member
No, I don't. I feel that a HT provides a newer rider with a stable platform that allows for basic skill development. I'm not saying you wouldn't get that on a FS, but the HT reminds you when you do something incorrectly. The biggest thing riding a HT first taught me was how important line choice is.
Everyone falls. It's falling less, and not falling when you would have previously that are key. The main word I've learned to embrace in this sport is 'progression.' 😎
TomS887
Active Member
A lot of trails in New Jersey are kinda janky and it helps to have a full squish bike so you can just plow over rocks and roots, but not necessary. Starting on HT is what I did, plenty of capability at a much better price until you know you’re into it.
Hard tail is the place to start and you can ride everything in NJ with a hardtail except maybe creek. Some places will surely be more fun with full suspension but don't worry about that for a while the hardtail will handle what your doing with it and then some
iman29
Well-Known Member
Welcome!
I am mostly a roadie (yeah and somehow they let me on this forum) and about 2 years ago I got a Salsa Timberjack HT after riding a crappy old 26" bike for a long time . The TJ is basically the same setup as your Roscoe running 27.5" midfat tires. Im not running tubeless (yet) and I ride flat pedals.
The bike is the perfect platform for new riding as someone also mentioned, and also good advice is to check your tire pressures depending where youre riding. Too firm and you will be bouncing all over the place even on the smallest rocks or roots.
As an advanced beginner, i've done some big group rides with these folks, and also some other rides and I can feel the progression each time. Don't worry about how soon you will get to the next FS bike. Spend some time riding this one for a while and get some of the basics down. Falling is part of the progression so don't sweat it. I have no issues walking across things I feel are beyond my skill level. There's some great groups on here dedicated to beginners and all skill levels.
Stephen's state park does have a nice variety of trails, so does Kittatiny in addition to Lewis Morris and of course Six Mile.
Good luck and welcome!
I am mostly a roadie (yeah and somehow they let me on this forum) and about 2 years ago I got a Salsa Timberjack HT after riding a crappy old 26" bike for a long time . The TJ is basically the same setup as your Roscoe running 27.5" midfat tires. Im not running tubeless (yet) and I ride flat pedals.
The bike is the perfect platform for new riding as someone also mentioned, and also good advice is to check your tire pressures depending where youre riding. Too firm and you will be bouncing all over the place even on the smallest rocks or roots.
As an advanced beginner, i've done some big group rides with these folks, and also some other rides and I can feel the progression each time. Don't worry about how soon you will get to the next FS bike. Spend some time riding this one for a while and get some of the basics down. Falling is part of the progression so don't sweat it. I have no issues walking across things I feel are beyond my skill level. There's some great groups on here dedicated to beginners and all skill levels.
Stephen's state park does have a nice variety of trails, so does Kittatiny in addition to Lewis Morris and of course Six Mile.
Good luck and welcome!
Clutchflme
Member
Would Allaire trails be good for a newbie with a hardtail tubeless trek Roscoe bike? I’ve rode six mile 3 times already and loved it. Looking to maybe try a different trail take advantage of this wonderful weekend weather.
Absolutely yes!
it does get crowded - and the trail system is a bit confusing (lots of trail crossings,) but going and getting lost is part of the fun.
Enjoy, welcome to a great sport, and finding us!
Last edited:
Paul H
Fearless OOS Poser
Allaire will pretty much be more of the same
Try Lewis Morris or even Chimney Rock!
trener1
Well-Known Member
What Patrick said.
Allaire is great for a HT, it's like a spider web of trails there which can be hard to learn, my suggestion would be instead of trying to ride a pre determined route, just get out and ride and explore. once you have had enough pull out trail forks and find your way back to the lot.
Allaire is great for a HT, it's like a spider web of trails there which can be hard to learn, my suggestion would be instead of trying to ride a pre determined route, just get out and ride and explore. once you have had enough pull out trail forks and find your way back to the lot.