Bike Hunting

WapitiBob

Veteran member
Mar 1, 2011
1,385
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Bend, Orygun
Tim, no, there is a knuckle on the bike end of the mounting bar so the trailer/bike can pivot independently. I just used the kickstand or leaned against a tree.
 
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tim

Veteran member
Jun 4, 2011
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north idaho
the one thing I have seen, is that the bike is a tool. not all tools are the right tool for the job. If you are on singletrack, you should be a mountain biker, there is a learning curve to riding bikes in the mountains on trails. I mainly use my bike on gated forest service roads. ride to the end of the road, and than start hunting.

sweat management is something to think about. Case in point. this November I was riding in 4 miles and had a 800 vert foot climb in that 4 miles. it was 20 degrees out. I still have to strip to nothing, to prevent from sweating. But than you have a lot of clothes to put on for hunting. Which can make a heavy pack.
 

ScottR

Eastmans' Staff / Moderator
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Feb 3, 2014
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I was going to use a bike this year just to get to area without making so much noise and getting there a lot faster but just never did.
I like the hunting boots in the first pic. :D
If he could wear moccasins in the high country he would...


Eastmans' Staff Digital Media Coordinator
 

tdcour

Veteran member
Feb 28, 2013
1,100
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Central Kansas
Any input on a decent bike in the 250-300 range? Not looking for anything super special, just something that will get me around. I would most likely be on forest service roads as well behind the locked gates. Should be a fairly easy ride for the most part. Would a regular ol mountain bike work for this type of thing? Also, what's the deal with these bikes with huge wide tires? What is the purpose in this? Seems like it would make it a lot heavier.
 

tim

Veteran member
Jun 4, 2011
2,420
1,067
north idaho
I might not be the guy to answer about the 250-300 bikes. I tend to ride high end bikes.
But at that price point, stay away from suspension. Front or rear. You will get better components on the bike if you forgo suspension. I want to say once you are in the 700+ range start adding suspension. My 2008 kia spectra and my main mountain bike are both worth the same amount of money.

The really fat tire bikes are pretty cool. the fat tires allow you to ride in more snow and mud. think better flotation. My surly pugsley ops, which is in the picture cost about $2200. I am 45 and don't have any kids.
10363669_604912059636162_1071754801804891894_n.jpg
 

FitToHunt

Active Member
This seems like such a cool idea. Can't say I've done it myself, but maybe I'll pull the trigger on a new MT Bike this year and give it a shot. Lots of forest service gates in my state (WA)you could get away from most other hunters with a bike :D
 

woodtick

Veteran member
Feb 24, 2011
1,492
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Jim Bridger County, Utah
Any input on a decent bike in the 250-300 range? Not looking for anything super special, just something that will get me around. I would most likely be on forest service roads as well behind the locked gates. Should be a fairly easy ride for the most part. Would a regular ol mountain bike work for this type of thing? Also, what's the deal with these bikes with huge wide tires? What is the purpose in this? Seems like it would make it a lot heavier.
Not to say Tim has no idea what he's talking about I've used a Trek 3500 disc for several years now and I picked it up on close-out for $330, I've beat the crap out of that bike and it still ticks along. The tires, tubes and brakes were replaced after the first trail/hunting season. Bikes they are kinda like vehicles every year they change the color and something else and have a new model so you can pick up new, year end models for cheaper! Tim is correct in the aspect that dropping suspension gets you better parts and higher $$ bikes are usually stronger, lighter and fit better not to mention the components are like going from Tasco's to Leupold's on a hunting rifle.
 

tim

Veteran member
Jun 4, 2011
2,420
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north idaho
I am sure the 300 bikes work for a lot of people. just not me. in this vid, 4 mile downhill. I reached the mid 30's mph. I have been clocked at 42mph on this trail. the inexpensive bikes do not hold up to me. I have cut over a minute off on this downhill. this was a early season vid, still not in the groove.
[video=youtube;4B0bMefW_KY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B0bMefW_KY[/video]
so I am not the guy to ask on those bikes.
 

Bonecollector

Veteran member
Mar 9, 2014
5,861
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Ohio
Tim, that's one sick video dude! Awesome!
I wish our trails were this clear and open back East. I'd had to run through thorn bushes, jump 10 down trees, and peddled 50% of the distance up hill before you made it 5 minutes into the video. :)
I gotta bring my bike West this fall for some riding!
 
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Edub

Member
Jul 16, 2012
60
0
IMG_1432.jpgIMG_1480.jpg

A buddy of mine got me into bike hunting. 3.5 miles pushing the setup uphill to camp. Takes about 5 hours, ride down = 26 minutes.

We modified game carts and had a welder make a "gooseneck" that swivels and attaches under the seat. Works perfectly.
 

buckbull

Veteran member
Jun 20, 2011
2,167
1,354
My surly pugsley ops, which is in the picture cost about $2200. I am 45 and don't have any kids.
That's pretty funny to a guy that has 3 kids and is paying a college tuition bill for one and getting ready for the other two.