FAST, LIGHT MTB uphiller?
#1
Keep goin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Moab, Utah
Posts: 63
Bikes: Rocky Mt. Carve, Stumpjumper '05 HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
FAST, LIGHT MTB uphiller?
I need a light MTB (hardtail?) for an uphill climb..suggestions?? My full-sus 'Rocky' is a bit too sluggish!
#2
Ono!
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 643
Bikes: 2006 Cannondale R800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm not a MTBr but I've been noticing a trend of everything being full suspension nowadays. Is it that beneficial to be worth it to lug all that extra weight around up hills and everything? Not to mention the inherent lower reliablility due to more pieces. Even X-mart bikes are all FS - spending money to develop those bikes has to take away from the quality of the rest of the bike, as if they weren't already bad enough.
#3
UareFASTjustNOTfastENOUGH
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Amongst the hills in So.Cal.
Posts: 391
Bikes: Scott Gambler, Scott Ransom, Bianchi C2C 928
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Will it only be used for climbing? Meaning you are doing races to the top and not descendeing on it or hitting jumps/drops.
__________________
#4
Throw the stick!!!!
Originally Posted by sestivers
I'm not a MTBr but I've been noticing a trend of everything being full suspension nowadays. Is it that beneficial to be worth it to lug all that extra weight around up hills and everything? Not to mention the inherent lower reliablility due to more pieces. Even X-mart bikes are all FS - spending money to develop those bikes has to take away from the quality of the rest of the bike, as if they weren't already bad enough.
It completely depends on the course. Some courses hardtails are the best bikes to be on. Other courses full suspensions are the best bike for the job. If there are enough rocks and roots the full suspension will definately pay off by not only being quicker over the obstacles but more importantly by keeping your body fresher for the climbs.
__________________
I may be fat but I'm slow enough to make up for it.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 80
Bikes: Iron Horse Axion; Other box store stuff
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am into uphill this year. I can tell you what not to get 'Iron Horse Axion'
Things too light at the back.Spins the back tire too easy. Back tire also wont get traction going downhill. Took my wifes Haro V-1 on a 200Km ride with 9 others.
That made me decide to go back to a hardtail next year. I liked the bike so much I think I will try a Haro V-4. Good climber.
Things too light at the back.Spins the back tire too easy. Back tire also wont get traction going downhill. Took my wifes Haro V-1 on a 200Km ride with 9 others.
That made me decide to go back to a hardtail next year. I liked the bike so much I think I will try a Haro V-4. Good climber.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Montréal, QC, Canada
Posts: 4,510
Bikes: 2005 Kona Blast; 2005 Turner Flux, 2006 Felt F3C
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Maelstorm made a comment on another thread that he test road a Gary Fischer bike with the Genesis geometry and found it to be an excellent climber.
#7
ODB to those that know me
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Little Rock, AR
Posts: 366
Bikes: Gary Fisher Tasajara (undergoing a total rebuild), Giant NRS, Giant OCR C3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
A couple of things to consider besides weight. I find that on rocky, rooty trail my FS climbs better than my HT. The geometry will also matter as you'll want some weight on the back tire as mentioned above. I agree with Maelstorm about the Genesis geometry. I've riden a GF hardtail for years and enjoyed it's climbing ability but I recently got a Giant NRS and am finding myself faster on the rugged uphills. I tested a Giant trance and found that I lost control of the front end to easy (due to geometry) so it's important that you check out something that keeps your weight on the tire without losing control of the front. Good luck.
#8
LSU Alum
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: TX
Posts: 332
Bikes: 2006 Trek 2100D - 2005 Giant NRS - 2004.5 Giant Suede
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by outdoorboy
A couple of things to consider besides weight. I find that on rocky, rooty trail my FS climbs better than my HT. The geometry will also matter as you'll want some weight on the back tire as mentioned above. I agree with Maelstorm about the Genesis geometry. I've riden a GF hardtail for years and enjoyed it's climbing ability but I recently got a Giant NRS and am finding myself faster on the rugged uphills. I tested a Giant trance and found that I lost control of the front end to easy (due to geometry) so it's important that you check out something that keeps your weight on the tire without losing control of the front. Good luck.
#9
Keep goin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Moab, Utah
Posts: 63
Bikes: Rocky Mt. Carve, Stumpjumper '05 HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes, this time. However, I do love my Rocky Mt. Carve with panaracer 2.1 'fire' tires. The bikes a bit heavy but handles responsively. Iwant to WIN my first race ,though. I am looking at a 19lb. Motebecane with Shimano XTR gear. I wonder about the back tire handling on a gravel road uphill, however?
#10
Keep goin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Moab, Utah
Posts: 63
Bikes: Rocky Mt. Carve, Stumpjumper '05 HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
hey one more thing! Where did you find that awesome headress**********
Cyclingshiva aka 'bikedancer
Cyclingshiva aka 'bikedancer
#11
Throw the stick!!!!
moabrider - what is the build on the "19" pound motobecane? What wheels, fork, crankset, brakes, etc? 19 pounds is not easy to accomplish. It is easy to claim though.
I'm riding a 22 pound hardtail that cost a small fortune.
I'm riding a 22 pound hardtail that cost a small fortune.
__________________
I may be fat but I'm slow enough to make up for it.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 585
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#13
Throw the stick!!!!
Looks like a nice bike but I wouldn't get my hopes up as far as sub 20 pounds. I'm not familiar with the wheelset but the rest of the parts are not super light weight. It is a good build with fairly light parts but nothing that screams feather weight.
For the price it looks like one hell of a bike though. That would be a great price even if the bike came in at 22 pounds.
For the price it looks like one hell of a bike though. That would be a great price even if the bike came in at 22 pounds.
__________________
I may be fat but I'm slow enough to make up for it.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Regina, SK, CA
Posts: 945
Bikes: 2002 Rocky HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by moabrider
Iwant to WIN my first race ,though.
Besides, it's the rider that wins, not the bike. If I were you I'd stick with what I've got, and swap on a set of race tires (Nokian NBX, Michelin XCR, etc).
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Does your budget stretch to a Pace?
https://www.pacecycles.com/product.a...D=1&subcat=441
https://www.pacecycles.com/product.a...D=1&subcat=441
#17
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 9
Bikes: '91 Kona Explosif and a custom '04 RM Blizzard
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If weight is not a huge concern and money is no object then a Specialized Epic frame with the brain shock might work for you. I've been lucky enough to take one for a spin and it works, even when I got up out of the saddle and started pumping.
However, for me there was something about the description of "climbs like a monkey on meth" and a love affair with the frame since I first saw it in the late 80s that had me go with a Rocky Mtn Blizzard.
And it does climb, and climb, and climb. My only cavaet would be to match it up with a Marzochi (sp?) ETA fork. Being able to drop the front 70mm to climb makes a huge difference. Trying to climb steeps with the full 100mm of travel makes the front end too light for a frame that was designed with rigid forks in mind.
However, for me there was something about the description of "climbs like a monkey on meth" and a love affair with the frame since I first saw it in the late 80s that had me go with a Rocky Mtn Blizzard.
And it does climb, and climb, and climb. My only cavaet would be to match it up with a Marzochi (sp?) ETA fork. Being able to drop the front 70mm to climb makes a huge difference. Trying to climb steeps with the full 100mm of travel makes the front end too light for a frame that was designed with rigid forks in mind.
#18
Keep goin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Moab, Utah
Posts: 63
Bikes: Rocky Mt. Carve, Stumpjumper '05 HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good point...This race ought to be fun and not expensive. if I were to spend a 'small fortune' I'd buy a Specialized FSR XC Pro. and ride it all winter. So guess I'll quit being so 'agro' about winning and enjoy the climb and x-country event with what I've got for now.
Thanks!
Thanks!
#19
Keep goin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Moab, Utah
Posts: 63
Bikes: Rocky Mt. Carve, Stumpjumper '05 HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't think the 'race course' climb is too steep..I like your ideas however! I am becoming engrossed in this bike thing now..I'll have to rent some diff bikes and 'feel' travel variations, shock settings, etc. I am just beginning my new obsession..racing, riding, training. Wish I could get more of my girlfriends out there with me.
#20
Keep goin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Moab, Utah
Posts: 63
Bikes: Rocky Mt. Carve, Stumpjumper '05 HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's supposedly an uphill climb on gravel, dirt. No, I'm out of the downhill event. I am doing a crosscountry MTB event in addition.. Wish I had a Specialized FSR XC for that. What would you suggest for the uphill?
NanP
NanP
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Worcester, Mass
Posts: 306
Bikes: Giant Anthem, Giant TCR 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm getting confused. First you say that you'll work with what you got, then you're asking us what you should get again. You still haven't given us a price range. Give us a bit more info on what you're looking for besides a light climber.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,377
Bikes: Colnago Altain, Klein Pulse II, Stumpjumper FSR, GT Zaskar LE, Pedalforce RS2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by LowCel
moabrider - what is the build on the "19" pound motobecane? What wheels, fork, crankset, brakes, etc? 19 pounds is not easy to accomplish. It is easy to claim though.
I'm riding a 22 pound hardtail that cost a small fortune.
I'm riding a 22 pound hardtail that cost a small fortune.
I'm skeptical of a 19lb hardtail.
Regarding a climbing hardtail: I've found the older Klein hardtails to have a geometry ideal for climbing. Short chainstays plus a longish top tube that position the rear wheel close to the seat tube underneath the rider. Makes a great climber but caused some problems with tire clearance with knobbies wider than 2.1" The side knobs would hit the front derailleur cage. Still, it climbed dramatically better than anything else I've tried. However, I don't know if the current Trek made Kleins use the same geometry as they did in the past.
Last edited by squeegy200; 08-17-05 at 05:36 PM.
#23
Keep goin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Moab, Utah
Posts: 63
Bikes: Rocky Mt. Carve, Stumpjumper '05 HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
..lighter than my Rocky Mt. FS w/ 2.1 panaracer fire(s). I want a bike to do some roadie stuff. Mostly I plan to do cross country; paved climbs, gravel rd./slickrock/ sand, varied terrain over the winter. The desrt is too hot right now so I'm riding "Rocky" on slick rock trail mornings before work.
Rocky's girl
Rocky's girl
#24
Keep goin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Moab, Utah
Posts: 63
Bikes: Rocky Mt. Carve, Stumpjumper '05 HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm considering a Stumjumper HT..just did a (paved rd.) climb with a guy riding and old HT Gary Fisher..yes!!!!I do need a lighter bike...