My new bike...

[Anubis]

Wouldn't that just add more rotating mass? What are the advantages?

more ground clearance, faster on the flats/single track, more comfortable for tall people

alky lives in Florida a FSR would be totally wasted down there, the state is VERY flat

 

[Aharami]

nice bike! I recently got a MTB (albeit a much cheaper one), and I've been out enjoying it almost everyday now!

 

[DivideBYZero]

Baller.

 

[allthatisman]

Nice bike. I am blown away at how much new bikes cost these days... especially Rockhoppers. At least they come with decent components now... I am all about used bikes myself. For $1300 I can get a full XTR, full suspension *fill in the blank*... but I obviously don't mind used stuff. Either way, nice to see another fellow biker on ATOT!

 

[JulesMaximus]

more ground clearance, faster on the flats/single track, more comfortable for tall people

alky lives in Florida a FSR would be totally wasted down there, the state is VERY flat

Okay, that makes sense.

 

[SpongeBob]

more ground clearance, faster on the flats/single track, more comfortable for tall people

alky lives in Florida a FSR would be totally wasted down there, the state is VERY flat

I don't understand why you guys think a 29er is faster on single track? I have ridden every trail is SE Michigan and some in Northern MI and I have never had a situation where I hit the top end of my gearing and would need bigger wheels to go faster on single track. I'm not slow either, I ride 3-4 times a week and do several XC races a year. To each there own, but I just don't see the advantage of the 29er except maybe for comfort for taller guys.

I just picked up this last fall: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_team_2x10.htm

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Nice bike. I've been happy with a $550 Trek mountain bike I bought a couple years ago. $500-$600 is really my limit with the little bit of riding I do anymore.

 

[Alienwho]

Wow dude coincidence, I just bought this exact bike on Saturday. Haven't even been able to take it out yet because it hasn't stopped raining.

 

[Blackjack200]

I just picked up this last fall: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_team_2x10.htm

Nice hardtail. Is it limited at all compared to a full suspension bike?

 

[Drako]

This makes me want to go out and buy a new bike. I'm still riding my 2000 Rockhopper A1 Comp FSR, and it's really starting to get tired .

 

[DesiPower]

I bought this from walmart when my son started riding bikes, just to give him company. Works great! $98, cant beat that :biggrin:

 

[alkemyst]

I wanted a titanium from bikesdirect, but without a test drive possible did not want to risk it...I practically stole this bike at $999. Even had mint tags on it.

To others, nothing wrong with a cheap bike...but once you get past a grand things start getting nice. There is a limit though a $3000 ultralight would probably make for a high maintenance everyday bike

 

[isekii]

I bought a Dback Insight 1 last year~ road around a bit and the ride is rougher on the bumps than what i'm used to. But overall it rides quick and the price was great~ ($24x) I think is what I paid brand new.

 

[onza]

A hardtail bike is more nimble on the trails. If you know how to absorb bumps and jumps you will do fine on a hard tail bike. I also think a hardtail bike is faster overall. I know you can lock out the rear shocks and all but it's just nicer to not have to worry about that.

 

[Blackjack200]

I wanted a titanium from bikesdirect, but without a test drive possible did not want to risk it...I practically stole this bike at $999. Even had mint tags on it.

To others, nothing wrong with a cheap bike...but once you get past a grand things start getting nice. There is a limit though a $3000 ultralight would probably make for a high maintenance everyday bike

What are mint tags?

 

[ZOOYUKA]

I bought this from walmart when my son started riding bikes, just to give him company. Works great! $98, cant beat that :biggrin:

Nothing wrong with a cheap bike, but I doubt that rear suspension will last long. You will be bumpin' and squeaking in no time.

 

[dougp]

What are mint tags?

New stickers, generally only given out in a retail box.

 

[Capt Caveman]

A hardtail bike is more nimble on the trails. If you know how to absorb bumps and jumps you will do fine on a hard tail bike. I also think a hardtail bike is faster overall. I know you can lock out the rear shocks and all but it's just nicer to not have to worry about that.

Yeah, it depends on the trail conditions. When I use to race, I brought both my hardtail and full suspension and would take a test run to determine which bike was best to use.

 

[SpongeBob]

A hardtail bike is more nimble on the trails. If you know how to absorb bumps and jumps you will do fine on a hard tail bike. I also think a hardtail bike is faster overall. I know you can lock out the rear shocks and all but it's just nicer to not have to worry about that.

I agree, I have tried numerous FS setups and they just feel more cumbersome to me. My buddy has an Ibis Mojo SL that is probably the best FS I have ever ridden but I still prefer the hardtail.

 

[Blackjack200]

Yeah, it depends on the trail conditions. When I use to race, I brought both my hardtail and full suspension and would take a test run to determine which bike was best to use.

In your experience, does the trail have to be pretty rough before you'll go to the suspension? I'd think the lighter and stiffer hardtail would usually be preferrable, but I've never owned a full suspension bike.

 

[SSSnail]

Doesn't alky live in Florida? There are no hills in Florida.

I think that's for going over mole hills and playground trenches. When you pick up "chicks" from those establishments, you gotta have the rides to go with it.

 

[Capt Caveman]

In your experience, does the trail have to be pretty rough before you'll go to the suspension? I'd think the lighter and stiffer hardtail would usually be preferrable, but I've never owned a full suspension bike.

Yes, I would use the full suspension on courses with numerous rough/technical sections as you could ride thru those sections more easily and quickly as the rear suspension will allow you to stay in contact with the ground/objects better. With a hardtail, you would find your rear bouncing off objects more with less pedaling.

However, there is less energy loss on a hardtail as there is no energy being absorbed by the suspension from your pedaling. So, a hardtail can be really helpful on climbs and hard pack surfaces.

imho.

 

[dougp]

Yeah, it depends on the trail conditions. When I use to race, I brought both my hardtail and full suspension and would take a test run to determine which bike was best to use.

I only ride one MTB right now, a Rocky Mountain Spice. It was my dad's first high end FS bike, and it's still great to this day.

My dad on the other hand owns quite a few different bikes, like 6 or 7. Everything from a single speed hardtail to a 29er to multiple FS bikes. But then again, he's retired and builds trails for fun now.

 

[Anubis]

I don't understand why you guys think a 29er is faster on single track? I have ridden every trail is SE Michigan and some in Northern MI and I have never had a situation where I hit the top end of my gearing and would need bigger wheels to go faster on single track. I'm not slow either, I ride 3-4 times a week and do several XC races a year. To each there own, but I just don't see the advantage of the 29er except maybe for comfort for taller guys.

I just picked up this last fall: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_team_2x10.htm

question, does your front sprocket have all 3 rings? if you ride with all 3 then i understand, i never use the largest one, actually removed it for a bash ring, very easy to top out

 

[DivideBYZero]

Another drawback of a hardtail is traction up loose bumpy and rooty climbs. A Full susser will keep you able to keep the power down and keep moving.

But anyway, all cycling is 95% rider and 5% bike, no need to sweat the small details until you're fit enough for it to matter.