Mountain Biking - FAST, LIGHT MTB uphiller?

I need a light MTB (hardtail?) for an uphill climb..suggestions?? My full-sus 'Rocky' is a bit too sluggish!

I'm not a MTBr but I've been noticing a trend of everything being full suspension nowadays. Is it that beneficial to be worth it to lug all that extra weight around up hills and everything? Not to mention the inherent lower reliablility due to more pieces. Even X-mart bikes are all FS - spending money to develop those bikes has to take away from the quality of the rest of the bike, as if they weren't already bad enough.

Will it only be used for climbing? Meaning you are doing races to the top and not descendeing on it or hitting jumps/drops.

:beer:

I'm not a MTBr but I've been noticing a trend of everything being full suspension nowadays. Is it that beneficial to be worth it to lug all that extra weight around up hills and everything? Not to mention the inherent lower reliablility due to more pieces. Even X-mart bikes are all FS - spending money to develop those bikes has to take away from the quality of the rest of the bike, as if they weren't already bad enough.


It completely depends on the course. Some courses hardtails are the best bikes to be on. Other courses full suspensions are the best bike for the job. If there are enough rocks and roots the full suspension will definately pay off by not only being quicker over the obstacles but more importantly by keeping your body fresher for the climbs.

I am into uphill this year. I can tell you what not to get 'Iron Horse Axion'
Things too light at the back.Spins the back tire too easy. Back tire also wont get traction going downhill. Took my wifes Haro V-1 on a 200Km ride with 9 others.
That made me decide to go back to a hardtail next year. I liked the bike so much I think I will try a Haro V-4. Good climber.

Maelstorm made a comment on another thread that he test road a Gary Fischer bike with the Genesis geometry and found it to be an excellent climber.

A couple of things to consider besides weight. I find that on rocky, rooty trail my FS climbs better than my HT. The geometry will also matter as you'll want some weight on the back tire as mentioned above. I agree with Maelstorm about the Genesis geometry. I've riden a GF hardtail for years and enjoyed it's climbing ability but I recently got a Giant NRS and am finding myself faster on the rugged uphills. I tested a Giant trance and found that I lost control of the front end to easy (due to geometry) so it's important that you check out something that keeps your weight on the tire without losing control of the front. Good luck.

A couple of things to consider besides weight. I find that on rocky, rooty trail my FS climbs better than my HT. The geometry will also matter as you'll want some weight on the back tire as mentioned above. I agree with Maelstorm about the Genesis geometry. I've riden a GF hardtail for years and enjoyed it's climbing ability but I recently got a Giant NRS and am finding myself faster on the rugged uphills. I tested a Giant trance and found that I lost control of the front end to easy (due to geometry) so it's important that you check out something that keeps your weight on the tire without losing control of the front. Good luck.

I can second the NRS climbing ability. It is outstanding. I Love Mine. The only problem is that this is the last year for the NRS so snag one while you can!

Yes, this time. However, I do love my Rocky Mt. Carve with panaracer 2.1 'fire' tires. The bikes a bit heavy but handles responsively. Iwant to WIN my first race ,though. I am looking at a 19lb. Motebecane with Shimano XTR gear. I wonder about the back tire handling on a gravel road uphill, however?

hey one more thing! Where did you find that awesome headress?????

Cyclingshiva aka 'bikedancer

moabrider - what is the build on the "19" pound motobecane? What wheels, fork, crankset, brakes, etc? 19 pounds is not easy to accomplish. It is easy to claim though.

I'm riding a 22 pound hardtail that cost a small fortune.

This may be what he's looking at.

http://www.motobecane.com/MBUSAflt.html

Looks like a nice bike but I wouldn't get my hopes up as far as sub 20 pounds. I'm not familiar with the wheelset but the rest of the parts are not super light weight. It is a good build with fairly light parts but nothing that screams feather weight.

For the price it looks like one hell of a bike though. That would be a great price even if the bike came in at 22 pounds.

Iwant to WIN my first race ,though.

Good luck with that.

Besides, it's the rider that wins, not the bike. If I were you I'd stick with what I've got, and swap on a set of race tires (Nokian NBX, Michelin XCR, etc).

The Stumpjumper hardtails are in my opinion an excellent compromise of strength and weight.

Does your budget stretch to a Pace?
https://www.pacecycles.com/product.asp?catID=1&subcat=441

If weight is not a huge concern and money is no object then a Specialized Epic frame with the brain shock might work for you. I've been lucky enough to take one for a spin and it works, even when I got up out of the saddle and started pumping.

However, for me there was something about the description of "climbs like a monkey on meth" and a love affair with the frame since I first saw it in the late 80s that had me go with a Rocky Mtn Blizzard.

And it does climb, and climb, and climb. My only cavaet would be to match it up with a Marzochi (sp?) ETA fork. Being able to drop the front 70mm to climb makes a huge difference. Trying to climb steeps with the full 100mm of travel makes the front end too light for a frame that was designed with rigid forks in mind.

Good point...This race ought to be fun and not expensive. if I were to spend a 'small fortune' I'd buy a Specialized FSR XC Pro. and ride it all winter. So guess I'll quit being so 'agro' about winning and enjoy the climb and x-country event with what I've got for now.

Thanks!

I don't think the 'race course' climb is too steep..I like your ideas however! I am becoming engrossed in this bike thing now..I'll have to rent some diff bikes and 'feel' travel variations, shock settings, etc. I am just beginning my new obsession..racing, riding, training. Wish I could get more of my girlfriends out there with me.

It's supposedly an uphill climb on gravel, dirt. No, I'm out of the downhill event. I am doing a crosscountry MTB event in addition.. Wish I had a Specialized FSR XC for that. What would you suggest for the uphill?

NanP

I'm getting confused. First you say that you'll work with what you got, then you're asking us what you should get again. You still haven't given us a price range. Give us a bit more info on what you're looking for besides a light climber.

moabrider - what is the build on the "19" pound motobecane? What wheels, fork, crankset, brakes, etc? 19 pounds is not easy to accomplish. It is easy to claim though.

I'm riding a 22 pound hardtail that cost a small fortune.

I too am curious. I have a Klein Pulse II that started as a 2.9lb frame. With a 2.89lb Manitou Sx-Ti and XTR components, White Industries Ti Racer hubs, and some of the lightest tires/tubes, my bike came in at 21.9 lbs without pedals. (Actual measured weight)

I'm skeptical of a 19lb hardtail.

Regarding a climbing hardtail: I've found the older Klein hardtails to have a geometry ideal for climbing. Short chainstays plus a longish top tube that position the rear wheel close to the seat tube underneath the rider. Makes a great climber but caused some problems with tire clearance with knobbies wider than 2.1" The side knobs would hit the front derailleur cage. Still, it climbed dramatically better than anything else I've tried. However, I don't know if the current Trek made Kleins use the same geometry as they did in the past.

..lighter than my Rocky Mt. FS w/ 2.1 panaracer fire(s). I want a bike to do some roadie stuff. Mostly I plan to do cross country; paved climbs, gravel rd./slickrock/ sand, varied terrain over the winter. The desrt is too hot right now so I'm riding "Rocky" on slick rock trail mornings before work.


Rocky's girl

I'm considering a Stumjumper HT..just did a (paved rd.) climb with a guy riding and old HT Gary Fisher..yes!!!!I do need a lighter bike...

an '06 Stumpjumper HT??? perhaps...

Not familiar with Pace..I'll check the site...Thanks

Just looked at the Specialized Stump. HT specs..you might be onto something. I'll ride one at a local shop tomorrow.