Mountain Biking - STP for me?

I don't ride at all right now, I have never seriously rode and don't expect to ever seriously ride. I want a bike to screw around on in the campgrounds and trails this summer.

Checking out an STP1. I understand what the bike is designed for. I know my abilities are not going to have me riding extreme like the STP is designed for. But I do prefer that BMX, and technical kind of riding. I think I am going to like this bike, I really like the feel of the geometry over the typical mountain bike frame.

How much of a dog will the STP1 be if covering some mild distances (10 miles) either on paved bike paths or dirt trails? I need to know that I will be able to at least keep pace with the comfort bike groups. What should I expect? Can I pump up the tires, raise the seat and keep pace, or am I going to be sucking wind and killing my knees? So for a street bike, how would an STP1 compare to say a $300.00 comfort bike on the road/trail? Can you really sit down and cover some ground with this thing, or is it meant to be stood up on most of the time?


Lets say I am willing to plunk down $1K on this thing off the shelf, stock condition. Am I getting my moneys worth regarding the components, or should I look at other manufacturers alternatives, or possibly having the shop go frame and build, even if it means a few hundred more?

I really enjoy quality stuff and would be willing to spend a bit more if the quality and durability justified it.

Any feed back would be appreciated. My Local Bike Shop seems to really push the Giant brand. I like the shop and don't mind Giant, but also don't want to miss some obvious other choices.

yes, u can jus raise the seat and puts ur body in more of an XC position, this will give u move power/effecency out of the pedal strokes. Then lower the seat when u want to mess around and have some fun.

yes, u can jus raise the seat and puts ur body in more of an XC position, this will give u move power/effecency out of the pedal strokes. Then lower the seat when u want to mess around and have some fun.

Raiyn? Cleanup on Aisle 2..

I have a similar concern. Can the STP keep up? Or it just good for jumping?

jsigone's post was actually perfectly readable. It might not follow grammatical and spelling laws, but language is about getting your point across, isn't it?

I haven't ridden an STP myself, but I think it should be about as good as a comfort bike for riding easy stuff. It is a bike designed to be ridden like hell, so if you're concerned about how it's going to do on 10 mile road rides more than how it's going to do on that tailwhip to pedal grind to 180... I might look elsewhere.

jsigone's post was actually perfectly readable. It might not follow grammatical and spelling laws, but language is about getting your point across, isn't it?


I actually dont have a problem with it, but im suprised Raiyn hasnt showed up yet with his patented", its not u, its you"

sorry, looking at forums on free time at work has forced me to type quickly, I'll glady save the few key strokes to type something rather then have my boss overlooking the shoulder. I wasn't aware that grammer and spelling was more important then information shared through these boards.

Post #2 worked for me, Thanks.

Would like to hear more about the STP1 though, anyone?

I am not more concerned about how it will do on a 10 miler. I am pretty sure that bike, or at least that type of bike is what I will have the most fun on. But I also don't want to sruggle like some kid on a BMX bike if the family goes out on a ride.

I understand that you like that style of bike, and that geometry, but it's still a bit of overkill.

Why spend $1000 and get a tough bike of that style designed for much more than the riding you're going to use it for?
Why not simply get the STP3... same geometry, but the parts aren't as nice. I don't think stopping while on a 10 mile road ride is going to require disc brakes...
I guess a decent alternative would be getting a used STP frame for the geometry of it, and building it up with lightweight parts so you could ride pretty fast without too much effort. Maybe some light XC wheels with semi slick tires, a lightweight rigid fork, etc.

I wasn't buying for the 10 mile ride. I was buying so it would feel right and hold up for the stuff I want to do..but I was not sure if it would be too much of a dog on a 10 miler, which would have made it an illogical buy for me.

Anyway, I stopped by the shop and took test ride, ran an STP through the gears on the street. Played with different seat heights, etc and feel that it will do the job for me.

STP1 has been ordered and will be mine on Friday.

sorry, looking at forums on free time at work has forced me to type quickly, I'll glady save the few key strokes to type something rather then have my boss overlooking the shoulder. I wasn't aware that grammer and spelling was more important then information shared through these boards.
Having other people be able to READ the information is well worth taking a extra second to type two extra characters to stay with in the rules. Also these dorums are searched THOUSANDS of times aday by folks on google and by wandering "guests" If you want to be taken seriously it's best not to look like a 12 year old AOL'er typing with one hand

funny guy