Mountain Biking - Figuring out what discipline of FS bike to go for.

Well, I'm starting to get concerned that I'm going to trash my XC bike...I've been getting very aggro in my riding style.

I still focus on speed, but it seems I've been more likely to just bomb through an obstacle rather than slow down and handle it gracefully. Chainslap is now extremely common regardless of gearing, happens 8-10 times a day doing only my commute.

Part of this is hitting some unavoidable speedbumps going full-bore. This will throw my back wheel into the air (the 80mm Manitou Axel does a decent job at eating up the impact on the front end...but I'm unsure of how long it will take this abuse....these speedbumps are notorious for damaging cars that go over them as little as 10mph too fast).

My form is pretty good overall...I just feel I need a ride that I will have no concerns about being hard on it, but have no clue how beefy. Would this fall under Agro XC, or would I be looking at all-mountain...I doubt I need a freeride (I don't go for big air....fat men and gravity aren't always the best mixture, maybe 1ft-2ft drops at the most).

I think an all mountain bike should suit your needs best: the S-Works Enduro, for example, is a great frame for this as are many other 100-130 mm rear travel frames.

Giant Reign or Trance if you are on a budget

They ruin cars because cars weigh like 4 tonnes. (guessing!)
What is your actual bike?


Chain slap isn't all that uncommon. If all you're doing is speed bumps I would imagine that what you have would be fine. Unless you're a big guy (sounds like it) in which case you could look at the Kona Hoss line which have really strong frames.

You can't go wrong with an all mountain rig. Solid yet light...best of both worlds! I ride an enduro and it is a really solid bike but also climbs better than my HT. Maybe a Kona Dawg?

The bike is a Raleigh Talus. I'm 230lbs (and often carry around 20lbs in my backpack)....think of me as a mini-clyde (5'8") :)

As for the speed bump.....it looks like a shorter parking block that has been rebarred into the pavement. The rest of the abuse is hopping off 12" high curbs and such. The frame on the Talus is actually pretty light, and that's what concerns me....I like that bike, the geometry is a nice bland of tracking and agility.

So you want more suspension for your morning commute? That fork probably can't handle your weight very well. Your current one.

I'm going to suggest the KHS AM2000 (http://www.khsbicycles.com/01_am_2000_06.htm)

Features
130mm front travel
beefy hone crankset
adjustable rear travel
9 speed drivetrain
powerful 8' rotor disc brakes

I don't want to be mean, but it sounds like you could use a little more finesse. Getting a FS bike just so you can slam into obstacles isn't really the best course of action. The rear suspension will just get worn out, and you're more likely to bust a wheel. Your current bike sounds okay, but maybe consider getting wider tires to soften the blow, and try jumping some of those speedbumps.

If your Axel "does a decent job" then you're not overiding your bike. The bike will take a 1 foot drop,it's not gonna just fall apart under you.

i agree - 1-2ft drops should be manageable on the current bike, you probably need a little more finesse to reduce the effect of the bumps on your stability/balance etc, or just slow down. try bunny-hopping over that bump?

but if you need recommendations for a suitable new bike, a burlier hardtail (Hoss as above/Norco Sasquatch line) should still be fine for what you're doing. any of the above AM style FS bikes should do too, although i still wouldn't be hitting a bump like you described at full speed without a coil shock - would definitely bust the suspension. good coil shock bikes though is venturing into territory beyond the 1-2ft drop but you'll never have to worry about being rough with 'er again. try coiler/sx trail/chapparal/shova LT/glory FR drooool.....

i'm confused. you want an all mountain full suspension because of a speed bump?

Learning how to bunny/J-hop is cheaper than a new bike. And chainslap is normal on any bike, I get it on my FS bikes as well as on my rigid commuter.

You better go big and burly, 6 and 6 should do the trick.

Those XC bikes are weak as hell, you'll snap it like a twig if you try and ride anything rough or allow it to leave the earth.

You better go big and burly, 6 and 6 should do the trick.

Those XC bikes are weak as hell, you'll snap it like a twig if you try and ride anything rough or allow it to leave the earth.
I'm all for consumerism, but jeez...

well, just make sure it's orange. apparently those go teh fastest. or red, i can't remember.