Mountain Biking - Clydesdale Full Suspension

The question is, is it possible to set up a full suspension to support a 245lb rider?
I have only ridden hardtail, and the few times I have ridden on around the lot, the rear was really squishy, ( I know that they weren't set up for my weight), but is it possible to set up a rear shock to support 245.bs?
What make/model/type is best for someone my size?

I have been checking out the Iron Horse Hollopoint Expert, waiting for the 04 to go on sale.

Look for stuff in the freeride category. DH stuff would be strong but it would be rather piggish for all but DH, Freeride stuff would be made to use rough and still pull a little XC.

I have a Cannondale Super V (at least one generation behind what they make now), when I bought it I weiged 260.
Rode it cross country a lot. The rear suspension was fine for my weight. I did upgrade the elastomer in the front to Speed Springs (are they even around any more?) and the bike worked great for me.

In fact, the only reason I am thinking of replacing it now is so I can get disk brakes.



P.S. Frame size is XL

I have a Cannondale Super V (at least one generation behind what they make now), when I bought it I weiged 260.
Rode it cross country a lot. The rear suspension was fine for my weight. I did upgrade the elastomer in the front to Speed Springs (are they even around any more?) and the bike worked great for me.

In fact, the only reason I am thinking of replacing it now is so I can get disk brakes.



P.S. Frame size is XL

What was the rear suspension? Spring or Shock?

Look for stuff in the freeride category. DH stuff would be strong but it would be rather piggish for all but DH, Freeride stuff would be made to use rough and still pull a little XC.

I assume that you mean freeride components, as I have looked at DH bikes and they are way too heavy for what I want to do.
Thanks

check out the kona dawg. Its built tuff but has a air shock.
http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=98&parentid=182

I have weighed close to what you do in the past and have had my C-dale Jekyll through all of it. Has handled it well, I still weigh 200+. Just need to get enough air into the shock and fork. I second the opinions of those who suggested freeride bikes, also look into bikes label all mountain as well, little beefier than a full on XC bike.

What kind of budget can you swing?

What kind of budget can you swing?[/QUOTE]

Like to stay under 1500.00 :D

At your weight, FR gear IS lightweigh XC stuff. Meaning, proportionally, a lightweight wheelset should be a set of SUN Rhyno Lites.

I recommend a coil spring vs an air sprung shock and front suspension. I know some Clydesdale running air, but they have to put so much air that they are at the max recommended pressure for their suspension components.

With a coil spring you can buy different spring rates. e.g. I run X-Tra Heavy for my forks, and I have a 900 lb spring for my Vanilla Rear shock.

If you go to the Fox suspension website you can see what the max spring rates are available and recommended for your bike.

My weight varies from 260 to about 240 and I have no problems with my bike(s). I rarely bottom out my rear and occasionally bottom out the forks.

the rear shock on mine ia a fox vanilla coil spring..950 Lbs per inch. It has served me well.

I was bombing down a fire road once with some friends, at the bottom was a rain rut accross the road. I lifted the front wheel over it and hit it with the rear at about 30. I expected a big hit, but the rear soaked it up, no bottoming.

The question is, is it possible to set up a full suspension to support a 245lb rider?
.Yes it is. I should know. .. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=545760#post545760)