My new bike...

[Capt Caveman]

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.

Yeah, when you get into it, it's like any other hobby with so many different options and opinions. Spending $150 on a ti stem to shave a few grams. Different tire patterns/widths/pressure based on the trail.

But it's still really about the rider. I use to ride with this guy who used to be a BMX racer and did Trials competitions, he would ride with us on hard tail with solid fork and fat city slicker tires and would just put us to shame in all trail conditions. That guy was a beast.

 

[shiner]

Jealous?

I thought so....

 

[Capt Caveman]

Jealous?

I thought so....

Fooker! I always wanted one as a kid but my parents wouldn't buy me one.

 

[alkemyst]

Jealous?

I thought so....

Not really had that when I was about 4, sucks you had to wait until an adult to buy one?

They make them adult sized too.

 

[*kjm]

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.

So true! I did more on this bike than I will ever be able to on my new bike

But at that time I was 15 and road everyday and did stuff I would never do today .... 15ft drop offs anyone?
Always liked the hard tails to get the feel of the trail and to know when to slow down before I kill myself

 

[alkemyst]

What are mint tags?

All the tags and wrappings that come on a new bike. They usually get pulled off during test rides. Bike was way up on top of their racks and forgotten...they ended up having a 17, 19 and 21". All never pulled out of inventory.

 

[alkemyst]

FTR, there are two Stumpjumpers in 26", one at $1900 with lowend parts (for a stumpie) and the other $7000.

It's well-known Specialized is focusing on the 29ers as they are becoming very popular.

Perhaps if I never rode BMX and then a traditional mountainbike, the 29er would appeal to me. IMHO they are not as agile nor quick to get to speed. They do roll farther, absorb the bigger bumps better, probably downhill better.

They are more a PITA to fit inside a car though and in smaller places.

It ends up being a personal choice.

 

[CraigRT]

Looks good man. I own 2 Spec's. I like their bikes.

 

[SpongeBob]

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

No, I run the SRAM 2x10 system with X0 components, I highly recommend it. The front two rings are 42T and 27T.

 

[DivideBYZero]

So true! I did more on this bike than I will ever be able to on my new bike


But at that time I was 15 and road everyday and did stuff I would never do today .... 15ft drop offs anyone?
Always liked the hard tails to get the feel of the trail and to know when to slow down before I kill myself

I need a full sus for the trials I ride, check out the vid (not mine) of the forrest just two miles from my house:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uslwIp48Bw

That is a great video and an amazing dog!