bandaidman

i was a hard core mountain biker in the late 80s to early nineties...had been riding in the dirt since the early 70s

last bike was bought in 89 so i am way out of date...did some riding the past two summers at some ski resorts and rediscovered how much fun it is


i will not be as agressive a rider as i was 10-15 years ago ...i am getting too old for that

my main use will be x-country/single track....little downhill...will ride on roads sometimes to get to the off road

i want a light bike....front suspension a must and am considering full suspension....like disc brakes but not a must.

componants must be decent. i have read you can shift multi-gears with the xtr and that appeals to me but the price does not...any other groups offer that?

i rode some early full suspension bikes and did not like them but heard todays ones are much better. my main desire for a full suspension is comfort..... i dont want to sacrafice too much pedaling efficiency but will give up a little to preserve my back

for my type of riding...is it better to go for a light bike with front suspension only (ie litespeed) or get an efficient full suspension design (ie santacruz)

thanks

khuon

All RapidFire shifters which exist throughout most of Shimano's MTB product line will allow you to shift multiple gears (three for most of them) in the rear (not the front however) with a single throw. However, the caveat is that you can only do it one direction. If you are using a standard derailleur, you can downshift (go to a larger cog) three at a time using the thumb paddle but you can only upshift (go to a smaller cog) one at a time using the trigger. The reverse is true if you're using a Rapid-Rise rear derailleur. I have 2000 Shimano XTR on my MTB and my wife has 2000 Shimano LX on hers and they both perform the same with regards to shifting capability. From what I've heard, the same still holds true for the new 2003 Shimano XTR brifter levers.

khuon

BTW, if you really want to grab handfuls of gears at a time in either direction for both front and rear, you may want to consider SRAM GripShifters. Some models of GripShifts will even work with Shimano drivetrains.

tapar1

The XT line is the best bang for the buck... XTR not worth the premium in cost-to-performance ratio... what is your budget... Mountain Bike Action magazine did a recent test/review on SC Blur, Titus RacerX, and some other mid-range priced XC bikes... Supergo.com has a great deal on a K2 Team Razorback at a killer price for the bike and components (have to call or email for this particular bike)... the Tomac '98 Special at JensonUSA is also a pretty good deal... I think disc brakes are worth the upgrade... Price Point has the Avid Mechanicals at a great price... now you have to fill us in on what you decide... best of luck!

DiL

I don't think anyone here should tell you which. Full suspension is definately something you have to try for yourself before you drop a bazillion on it. If you could give us an idea of your budget and what the shops around you sell, or if you want to buy online, I'm sure you'll get some suggestions. As for dully or hardtail, I say go try them. If possible, rent them. Riding around the bike shop is better than nothing, but a few mile ride under various conditions will show you whether or not you'll like full suspension. If possible, try not to base your decision of the novelty of feeling full suspension.

bandaidman

thanks for the replies

the local shops carry all the big names and also have in stock litespeed, santa cruz etc.

one of the local shops has a nice full suspension bike for rent (refundable if you buy any bike in the store) but it is a bit small for me

i could spend up to $2-3000 but am also open to a less expensive bike if it suits my needs

i guess my main question is ..... will i see much benefit from a full suspension if i mainly trail ride....(ie dont do a lot of hardcore downhill or technical riding) ...or is it better to stick with a hardtail?