Trekking / cross bikes

This is the first push-bike I have bought since I was a teenager (when they still had wooden wheels etc).

I do have an old "mountain bike" I got free when joining a gym 15 years ago but I think it was a cheapo one even then. Its pretty knackered so I wanted to get a new one.

I thought I wanted a mountain bike 'cos that is what everyone buys isn't it? But then I saw this KTM trekking bike. Seemed to make sense with front suspension, narrower tyres, suspension in the seat pole, enduro handlebar jobbies.

Took it for a spin and wow! Did not realise how crap my old bike was - these new ones fly! I can literally go twice as quick for the same effort so great if I actually wanted to get somewhere (rather than just get the exercise).

Mine is an 05 model so was discounted of course. I am dead impressed - brakes, handling etc are very very good compared to my old clunker.

Just one question? It has a small gel seat but being no cyclist makes my bum go to sleep in about 5 minutes flat. Should I get a cover or a new seat? I am guessing the latter.

Looks a bit like this one:

your bum muscles will get used to the saddle in a short while. stick with it and you won't notice it.

It's just like coming out of the closet, your pooper gets used to it after a while.
Edit-nice bike

Do you have shares in KTM?

@ Keydeck. Ya got me there - it is #3 to go with her two bigger brothers.

Oh yeah and the bloke in the shop was muttering about the wheels having some "double" something around the rims. Anyone know what he was talking about?


I am no anatomic expert but pretty sure my bum has no muscles of any sort.

Double rimming, it's eh, er, em, don't think I wanna know actually.

You need to tone up your gluteus maxiimus, austrobike boy.

Nice bike. Never heard of the company but there you go.

Contrary to popular belief a harder or at least a firmer bike saddle is actually more comfortable for medium to long trips as the resistance keeps your bum awake. If you do a lot of cycling get yourself a good leather saddle from Brooks. If nothing else the relief when you get off the bike will be worth it.

Saddles are really an individual thing. My 'sit bones' (those two little knobby bones in your lower pelvis that actually sit on the seat) hurt for the first couple of rides or if I haven't ridden in awhile. But, if you have ridden regularly and your legs still fall asleep, you need to look into a new saddle.

Women, obviously, have different needs than men. We normally need slightly wider seats because our sit bones are further apart because we noramlly have wider hips.

KTM are a very good make, they are primarily a motorbike manufacturer. I opted for a cross bike too, good for dirt roads and forest paths without the chunky tires of a mtb. If you are looking for a comfy saddle try:
http://www.selleroyal.com/selleroyal_catal...u_id=57&lan=ENG
They can be found quite cheap on eBay.

Urban legend.

Yes they are

Never heard of that motorbike brand. Do they make mopeds then?

Mixers, I think.

You are correct I think...

They certainly do make motorbikes.

KTM

I saw their motorbikes years before ever seeing their bicycles. Possibly only on trials and cross circuits though.

That website has all prices in US Dollars so I guess they are one of the american brands like Hersheys, but probably all the stuff is made in China anyway.

It's a really clever marketing gag, just to sell chinese chocolate.

Very well known brand on the Motocross circuit... I knew someone who rode under a KTM sponsorship. Manufacturing of their Motor Bikes is done in Mattighofen just over the border in Austria. Not sure where their bicycles are made.

Aha - I know about this. Motocross riding is done on special bycycles like this one shown below. Not sure if that American KTM firm makes these ones:

I'd love to have a go on a real KTM one day. I saw a Motocross track near the airport, looks cool mental fun!

Saves riding on dangerous roads eh

Anytime you like Tom17. I have a KTM525SX crosser and ride in Gablingen usually - just north of Augsburg.

I have also done a few days at the Airport track but its a bit far from my house (about 1 hour drive with the trailer).

SWEET! I am not a motorbike rider but have done some trial lessons (At the Brooklands motorcycle school in England). I have done LOTS of dirt-track though - I used to race in Minicross so I am happy on the dirt

Now I just need to get my arse up to Augsburg!