Natophelia

I'm looking at new bikes. Trying to force myself to wait to get one (I have no money, just lots of credit which is really stupid!)for at least six months. That would also give me time to learn more before I go getting an expensive bike! So far I'm drooling over the Trek Fuel 90 WSD, Specialized Stumpjumper FSRxc, Specialized Stumpjumper FSRxc Comp, the equivilant Rockhoppers, and the Specialized Endro FSR. I'm about 5'4"/115lbs. I wanna jump over stuff n go fast! I've read alot of good reviews about the Stumpjumper FSRxc saying that it climbs well and is light for a full suspension bike. They've said that some components had too much flex, but I'm thinking that's something someone my size wouldn't have to worry about as much?? I'm a little concerned about wether the ...uh...bottom bracket (the round thingy the pedals are attached to!)is too low?
Thanks yet again!

Hunter

IMHO the bike that fits you the best, and feels the best to you is the one to get. Sonds like you have it narrowed down pretty well. Go ride all of the models you can and decide.

Natophelia

Yeah...figured. Guess I'm just trying to see if anyone's got a horror story or something about any one of those. And I'm stalling to keep myself from buying yet!! Thanks

CycleMON

Stumpjumpers have a high bottom bracket height, therefore good ground clearance.

Natophelia

wheeehooo!

Joe Pozer

The one thing to keep in mind is that the Enduro is going to be a different beast then the Stumpjumper and Trek Fuel. While these bikes are short travel Full-susp the Enduro is a longer travel trail bike with up to 5" of travel. Also, the weight of the Enduro is higher than the Trek and stumpjumpers which is something you need to factor is if you plan on doing alot of climbing and only weigh 115 pounds.

Natophelia

Very helpful. Thank you! Now when you say travel, do you mean how much 'play' there is in the suspension?

Joe Pozer

That's exactly what I mean. it's how much suspenstion movement you will get from your fork or rear suspension. I believe the Enduros come with Psylos that have up to 5" of travel and the rear suspension can be switched from 4.5" to 5.2" of travel. These are very fun bikes but they are probably close to 30 pounds in weight while the other bikes are probably in the lower to mid 20's.
While a 30 pound bike is no big deal for someone weighing 180 pounds it will make a difference for someone weighing 115.

WoodyUpstate

The Spec. Enduros are more freeride bikes with some XC mixed in. The FSRxc and Trek Fuel are more XC and XC race bikes. Your riding style should help you decide which bike to go for.

Freeride bikes generally have more suspension travel - 4" front and rear minimum - beefier frames and components. Of course, they are heavier, so climbing is more difficult and XC racing is really out of the question. Jumping and descending are freeride activities with an emphasis on gravity assisted locomotion. Even so, they are not downhill machines, as DH is another specialty, but a FR bike will descend better than an XC bike.

XC full suspension usually runs 2 to 4" rear and 3 to 4" in the front. Weight is an issue as most XC riders climb as much as they descend. XC bikes are more nimble on technical singletrack, because of frame geometry and lighter weight. Overall, they are faster than a freeride bike, but are not as durable and will not handle big hits as well.

Mid-range XC bikes are raceable in the beginner and into the sport catagories, but the weight penalty (between the mid and high-end bikes) begins to show up in the sport class. A mid-range full-sus XC bike will come in at around 27 to 29 lbs., but a high-end bike will be 24 to 26 lbs.

Specialized FSR: Good all around suspension, maybe the best out there. Supple on small bumps, but be sure you get one with a rear lock-out if you do a lot of climbing. Successful on the race circuit. You may have to put up with some Specialized house-brand parts, though.

Trek Fuel: Short travel rear and less small bump sensitivity. Will ride closer to a hardtail. Light and a good value. A better race bike than general trail bike. Easy to find.

Giant NRS: (disclosure, I ride an NRS) Suspension design eliminates bobbing when pedaling - no need for rear lockout. 3.75" of rear travel is plenty for XC. Not too sensitive on small bumps since your pedaling locks out suspension. However, climbs like a hardtail. Good descender. Successful XC racer. Very good component specification and value.

So as not to offend anyone, these are just a few of the good XC bikes out there. C'dale, Intense, Santa Cruz, among others make outstanding bikes.

Natophelia

Thanks! I think the more I read the reviews and think about it, I'm leaning toward the Specialized Stumpjumpers. I was taking small drops on my Expedition yesterday and it didn't feel like it did anything to the bike at all. So I'm thinking with my weight, a Stumpjumper can handle some bigger drops. Not TOO big. I haven't gone that nuts yet Oh man...so much to think about!

Joe Pozer

Bike shopping is sooooo much fun. Just ride as many different bikes as possible....