Mountain Biking - what should I do..........

I have a 1998 Specialized Hardrock FS, in fair cond., no suspension! I was thinking of getting a new suspension fork and seat post, but the money I spend on those I could prolly trade this bike in and buy this new bike I'v been looking at, it has front/rear suspension and disc brakes. I'v never ridin on a dual suspension bike, is it any better than just having a suspension fork and suspension seat post?

I'v never ridin on a dual suspension bike, is it any better than just having a suspension fork and suspension seat post?

That all depends on your riding style. If you're used to riding a hardtail going to a FS can be frustrating because you have to change the way you ride. Instead of getting out of the saddle for every little thing you need to try and stay seated. The other obvious con of a FS is the price tag. For $1000 you can get a fantastic hardtail, but a comperable FS will be mediocre at the very best. If I were you I'd rent a full suspension bike for a day and hit your favorite trail. Given your location I suspect that you would be better off with a Hardtail. But I could well be wrong.

A lot of the big companies are making a bike these days with dual suspension and disc breaks. I call it the yuppiemobile. Kona Caldera (http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_caldera.cfm), Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp Disc (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03RockhopperFSRCompDisc&bl=mountain&my=2003), and the Raleigh M80 Disc (http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=2&itemid=101) are great examples. At first glance they look like great bikes because they have some neat stuff on them; when in fact you're looking at a pretty low-grade bike. My advice would be to try to unload the bike you have now and get yourself a hardtail. Unless you're sure you want a full suspension, and are ready to pay a premium for it, hardtail is the way to go.

Originally posted by DiL
That all depends on your riding style. If you're used to riding a hardtail going to a FS can be frustrating because you have to change the way you ride. Instead of getting out of the saddle for every little thing you need to try and stay seated. The other obvious con of a FS is the price tag. For $1000 you can get a fantastic hardtail, but a comperable FS will be mediocre at the very best. If I were you I'd rent a full suspension bike for a day and hit your favorite trail. Given your location I suspect that you would be better off with a Hardtail. But I could well be wrong.

A lot of the big companies are making a bike these days with dual suspension and disc breaks. I call it the yuppiemobile. Kona Caldera (http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_caldera.cfm), Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp Disc (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03RockhopperFSRCompDisc&bl=mountain&my=2003), and the Raleigh M80 Disc (http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=2&itemid=101) are great examples. At first glance they look like great bikes because they have some neat stuff on them; when in fact you're looking at a pretty low-grade bike. My advice would be to try to unload the bike you have now and get yourself a hardtail. Unless you're sure you want a full suspension, and are ready to pay a premium for it, hardtail is the way to go.

Actually, my ass does hurt alot after a bike ride. I mainly do down hill riding, to lazy to pedal.

ride more or get some bike shorts, but if you're riding downhill your ass shouldn't hurt cause you shouldn't be planted to the seat.

P1 $450-$500, P2$700-$800, P3? hardtails, Trek makes a comfy nylon like covered seat with leather edging that is good in any clothes.

full suspension is comfortable but starts at $1K for a decent setup.

don't overlook the option of a good seat or good suspension seatpost for a hardtail

Originally posted by DiL
A lot of the big companies are making a bike these days with dual suspension and disc breaks. I call it the yuppiemobile. ...snip....Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp Disc (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03RockhopperFSRCompDisc&bl=mountain&my=2003), .....snip.....are great examples. At first glance they look like great bikes because they have some neat stuff on them; when in fact you're looking at a pretty low-grade bike. ....snip..... Oh REALLY Now I admit that I changed out a few things on my Rockhopper FSR Comp (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18024) Specifically the fork, wheelset, and I added Avid Mechanical Discs to it, (All upgrades tuned to my size and riding style) but I DEMAND that you tell me what exactly you think is so "low-grade" about my bike there sporto. It may be the lower-end line but somehow I don't think last year's Stumpjumper frame is inferior. Deore and LX components may not be XTR but they damn sure get the job done. Heck I wouldn't bother going above XT because the cost / reliability ratio is so completely screwed at that price point. Not everyone needs an Intense Uzzi but don't go bashing bikes that are being used for what they were intended to be used for instead of being ridden on a bike path.

Originally posted by Raiyn
Oh REALLY Now I admit that I changed out a few things on my Rockhopper FSR Comp (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18024) Specifically the fork, wheelset, and I added Avid Mechanical Discs to it. (All upgrades tuned to my size and riding style) Now I DEMAND that you tell me what exactly you think is so "low-grade" about my bike there sporto. It may be the lower-end line but somehow I don't think last year's Stumpjumper frame is inferior. Deore and LX components may not be XTR but they damn sure get the job done. Heck I wouldn't bother going above XT because the cost / reliability ratio is so completely screwed at that price point. Not everyone needs an Intense Uzzi but don't go bashing bikes that are being used for what they were intended to be used for instead of being ridden on a bike path.

I was specifically thinking of the disc version. I think putting hydraulic discs on a rockhopper is little more than an attempt on the manufacturer's part to add a 'wow factor.' And as is the case with all the examples, the fork is what suffers. I fully agree that there is no real need to go above XT in components unless you're counting grams. Because that is the primary difference between XT and XTR. XTR's focus is weight. Ala their crappy cranks. I say you're not getting quite the frame you would on a stumpy because you're still looking at Specialized's (try saying that 3 times fast) A1 alloy instead of the new M4.

Deore hydraulics fit that particular bike just fine. They're nothing special but they get the job done. Besides the Disc version is the top of that particular line (it's called marketing). That said I got a much better bike for about $100 less by buying the non-disc version and swapping parts. I see your point but I disagree with the way that you presented it.

Originally posted by DiL
That all depends on your riding style. If you're used to riding a hardtail going to a FS can be frustrating because you have to change the way you ride. Instead of getting out of the saddle for every little thing you need to try and stay seated. The other obvious con of a FS is the price tag. For $1000 you can get a fantastic hardtail, but a comperable FS will be mediocre at the very best. If I were you I'd rent a full suspension bike for a day and hit your favorite trail. Given your location I suspect that you would be better off with a Hardtail. But I could well be wrong.

A lot of the big companies are making a bike these days with dual suspension and disc breaks. I call it the yuppiemobile. Kona Caldera (http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_caldera.cfm), Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp Disc (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03RockhopperFSRCompDisc&bl=mountain&my=2003), and the Raleigh M80 Disc (http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=2&itemid=101) are great examples. At first glance they look like great bikes because they have some neat stuff on them; when in fact you're looking at a pretty low-grade bike. My advice would be to try to unload the bike you have now and get yourself a hardtail. Unless you're sure you want a full suspension, and are ready to pay a premium for it, hardtail is the way to go.

So what you're saying is most full suspension bike's that cost $900 and under are just gimicky? That actually makes sence, because I went to see some bike's, and the cheaper full suspension bike's weight like 35 pounds, and the rear suspension travel kicks back insted of up and down.

Smelly,

35 pounds is a lightweight bike imo. Weight doesn't define quality in the world of mtbikes :) But he is right I would never buy a dually under 1800 or so and that in cdn funds.

No suspension has a pure vertical travel. Companies have tried and some are very close but a true point to point vertical travel doesn't exist except in theory. Good eyes though travel path is an excellent way of determining quality over crap ;)

Originally posted by Maelstrom
Smelly,

35 pounds is a lightweight bike imo. Weight doesn't define quality in the world of mtbikes :) But he is right I would never buy a dually under 1800 or so and that in cdn funds.

....snip..... At least not to people our size who ride like we do eh Mael?

Originally posted by Raiyn
At least not to people our size who ride like we do eh Mael?

True enough. I suppose some people really do want the 22pnd duallies, I just never consider them ;)

35 pounds is a shade heavy for a XC FS. At least, it is when you're as tiny as I am. Freeriding bikes are a whole other story. You're not supposed to be riding up hills, you're supposed to be in the car driving up them with the bike on the back!

How do you feel about that Mael? Is weight much of an issue in freeriding?

haha...I don't know what freeriding you do but really freeriding is a ride up ride down situation mostly. The only time I shuttle is for pure dh and thats rare since I don't own the bike for it. I know very few people the shuttle. Take a run to the shore and watch guys struggling to pedal their 40pound freeride bikes up a very steep section of the highway in order to get their bikes to the trails. Ironically the tougher more difficult trails are further up this same road :)

As for weight I think too lightweight is the only issue. My ht is 35pounds now and recently lost 2 pounds in weight (I can't believe how heavy hayes mechs are sheesh). The bike now feels much better but any lighter and I am sure I would be sacrificing strenght...

Hehe you're right, I don't really do a lot of freeriding. I've seen some bikes people had labeled as freeride machines, and god were they heavy. I can't see people doing much more on them than riding around town and hucking themselves over things. Any major climb could prove to be a real problem. That is, for me.

Just check out the size of most freeriders. Huge legs powerful builds and they don't move too fast going up. We enjoy the pain so huffing and puffing with a 50 pnd bike underneath just adds to the mascocism. :)

Smelly,
Take a look at the HardRock Pro's. It comes with disc brakes. Judy TT with 100mm. of travel. Not the best but not bad. I personally added a Thudbuster to my hardtail and it really has made a world of diffrence. It really has a lot of travel. (If you want it to) Also, a good F.S bike will run you a $1000 or so. But, you are the one that has to make the decision. Be happy with what you get. Have fun and ride the wheels off of it. Just my two cents!

Originally posted by Happy
....snip.... Also, a good F.S bike will run you a $1000 or so. ....snip.... Correction a good FS rig will start at $1000 It's not just an opinion it's true