Mountain Biking - define travel

i was looking for a dual suspension bike and i keep running into the term "travel" what does travel mean and how should it affect my bike buying decision.
history currently i ride a 03 specialized hard rock pro i way in at about 225lbs i'd like to one of the low end big hits i like small drops and speed but i also like a good uphill every-now-and-then. this is still my first year of riding and i know i love it.( but we all know the money issue) is the big hit a reasonable goal or should i be looking somewhere else

all suggestion greatly appreciated

travel is the distance the shock moves from unloaded to full compression

ahhhh i seee thankyou

Travel is the distance the wheel moves with the shock fully extended to fully compressed. Stroke is the term usually used for the distance the shock moves from full extension to full compression.

Shocks are usually run at a 2-3:1 leverage ratio, so most bikes with a 2" stroke shock have 4-6" of wheel travel.

Sounds like an Enduro might be a better choice for you. I'm 240lbs and rode one at Whistler quite a bit last summer. I was doing 8' drops on it and jumping it all day long with no problems. A Big Hit does feel better for drops but doesn't climb nearly as well so if you aren't going to be getting huge air then the Enduro would probably be better suited to you.

oh baby air huge nah too old thanx thats really helpful

bad grammar sorry

public school edgumication

the 04 enduros all come with Fox Float RL's so you can get the lock out for them as well. I wish I had upgraded my float R to the RL :(

Yeah, it really does make a difference, I upgraded my Enduro to the RL. I tried to upgrade to a 03 Manitou swinger but the resovoir got in the way so it wouldn't fit, I think I'm going to try the new 04 Swinger when it's available, it won't have a resovoir so it will fit.

i thought about it and threw the better judgement of my wife i will give my hardrock pro another couple years thanks for alll the info and suggestions

your time was not wasted

do you know how much are the 04 swingers going to cost? That might be a good upgrade if I can afford one.

Here's a link for a great deal deal on a Disco K2.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3648179998&category=27948

PS. It ends in 2 ½ hours.....

"Travel" is the distance the front fork or the rear shock can move or compress. Most modern bikes are about the same. The DH (downhill) bikes usually have a couple more inches of travel than the XC (cross-country).

Unless you're really into the sport, I'd keep what you have now, and just raise Hell with it. Then once it's trashed, look into getting something else...

I haven't seen definitive pricing yet but have heard they are going to be under $300 which sounds reasonable considering the 5th element air shocks have a retail of $249.