Are 'soft tails' any good for ST/DH?
01-29-16, 10:14 PM
#1
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Are 'soft tails' any good for ST/DH?
Hey guys, I run a old school hardtail on single track and downhill trails and have a blast doing it. I am a tactical rider; I don't care for DS setups due to the extra bulk and corresponding loss of agility. I've recently seen a couple soft tail frames pop up and have been wondering how they would compare to a hard tail / if they would survive downhill. Does anyone have thoughts on them, in terms of structural durability?
At a glance I would think the alloy chain stays would be at risk of cracking near the BB if the 'shock' articulates on impact, but then the design is not uncommon so...?
At a glance I would think the alloy chain stays would be at risk of cracking near the BB if the 'shock' articulates on impact, but then the design is not uncommon so...?
01-29-16, 10:52 PM
#2
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Sounds like you are the perfect person for a slack hardtail. Something like say a NS Bikes Eccentric. I swear I'm not biased because I own one 
. Lots of people make these slack hardtails now and they are tons of fun.
I'd be worried about the soft tail holding up to a real beating. Most of the time when I see them pop up they are rather pricy for what they are imo.
. Lots of people make these slack hardtails now and they are tons of fun.I'd be worried about the soft tail holding up to a real beating. Most of the time when I see them pop up they are rather pricy for what they are imo.
01-30-16, 05:20 AM
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Sounds like you are the perfect person for a slack hardtail. Something like say a NS Bikes Eccentric. I swear I'm not biased because I own one . Lots of people make these slack hardtails now and they are tons of fun.
I'd be worried about the soft tail holding up to a real beating. Most of the time when I see them pop up they are rather pricy for what they are imo.
. Lots of people make these slack hardtails now and they are tons of fun.I'd be worried about the soft tail holding up to a real beating. Most of the time when I see them pop up they are rather pricy for what they are imo.
A soft tail would probably be ok for mild to medium single track. There is no way I would use one for what is now considered down hill.
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