Mountain Biking - Leadville 100 bike choice

Seems that hard tail might be the way to go. But I only have a full suspension bike and a cyclocross. Really not looking to buy a new bike. Anyone have any real experience on this that can tell me why I shoul not use my cyclocross bike? It sure is lighter that my MTB and I would appreciate the lighter bike on the hills.

Maybe is it was a monstercross, IE could take 29er tires.

MX_599 has done Leadville. Maybe if he's lurking, he will weigh in with some firsthand knowledge.

What is the full suspension bike?

If it's something light and fast to start with, that may be the better platform. Skinny/fast rolling tires, a more forward and lower position, a bit firmer suspension
may be all you need.

The bike you'll do well on is the bike that you can pedal faster for the longest period of time.

It isn't about the bike, it's about the rider. Levi still holds the record on a 26" full suspension bike.

My opinion is that the course is just a bit much to be fully raged upon with a cross bike. It's not a technical course or anything, but there are some long steep, rutted descents where you will be happy to have a mountain bike, and will probably have to ride slower without one. Also some corresponding portions of steep climbing where most riders will be in the granny gear or walking, and those don't necessarily translate well to cross bikes either.

Other than that, most of the course is suitable for a road bike.

Thanks. You might be forcing me to buy the hard tail! Damn

I think you lose way more time braking on sketchy descents than you gain by not adding 1-2% of your total body and bike weight for a mountain bike or suspension.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxtlyf-vZ9o

Holy sh|t, look at how many pokey line-pickers you can pick off if you know how to descend :eek:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=6kTe50LrT8I

Auuugh! Jump that rut and take those two . . . now!

Thanks. You might be forcing me to buy the hard tail! Damn

I would use the raciest bike you can find that still has fat tires. Additional suspension optional.

Holy sh|t, look at how many pokey line-pickers you can pick off if you know how to descend :eek:
......

Auuugh! Jump that rut and take those two . . . now!

you are assuming they know how to actually ride a bike on something other than relatively smooth terrain, and not just pedal harder than everyone else. you are looking at it from someone with skills who isn't a roadie. these people are super strong, but ride the brakes the whole way down.

Holy sh|t, look at how many pokey line-pickers you can pick off if you know how to descend :eek:
Auuugh! Jump that rut and take those two . . . now!
Problem is you still have about 30miles of dirt road to get to the end & those roadie types are gonna blow by.

^^ I'm sure so; but I'd take the ground I could when I could all the same.