My main/early cycling revolved around the Mersey seafront, however since moving to Cheshire and finally getting my bike fixed I'm looking to expand my horizons and do some proper trails, and maybe some proper up/downhill.

I've been cycling on and off for years although have no idea about the technical aspects of the sport, hence, apologies in advance if any questions seem somewhat naive!

Disc brakes????? Since when? 

Is that Chester and Cheshre West, or Cheshire East,  we need to know

Delamere .llandegla, near Wrexham, Otterspool.

Try Chester MTB

We have very few "serious" riders and enjoy cake,beer & more cake

Thanks lads. I am orginally from Wallasey, now Nantwich (that's Cheshire East I believe).

Nigel that looks an interesting site, and something I'd hope to get involved with. I'm not too sure my bike is up to anything too heavy however. It's a 15 year old Raleigh 18spd mtb, no problems on the canal/river towpaths, but as yet, I haven't done anything other than this. I think it might be wise to get out on a few routes that will challenge my bike a little more than what I am currently doing??

I think it might be wise to get out on a few routes that will challenge my bike a little more than what I am currently doing??

If you're riding by yourself, you can get away with riding any old hunk of junk!  The problems start when you start riding with others who have the latest super light carbon tyred, ceramic disc, paddle gear changing, super bike!   Then you unfortunately are on the beginning of the slippery slope that will eventually cost you ££££££££'s and more ££££££££££'s........but in reality will not give you any more enjoyment!

Am I right Guys???

Paul I take your point, however as much as I am enjoying my old bike again, the truth is bits are corroding left right and centre, the gears crunch like mad when being changed and I wouldn't feel that confident attempting anything out of my comfort zone. As such I would probably not even try to take part in an organised ride for fear of things going t*ts up.

Besides I a want a new shiny thing.

Dan: Cheers, hello to you too.

I was of course being slightly humourous......but go get yourself a nice shiny new bike and enjoy it, you'll get plenty of advice on here as to which one!

Outland wrote (see)

As such I would probably not even try to take part in an organised ride for fear of things going t*ts up.

That's the best time for it to happen - there will probably be someone there who knows how to fix it!