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do i need a full suspension do go off 5+ drops?

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do i need a full suspension do go off 5+ drops?

Old 06-22-09, 12:20 AM
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do i need a full suspension do go off 5+ drops?

or will a hardtail work?
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Old 06-22-09, 12:59 AM
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Hardtail is fine. Bombs away!
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Old 06-22-09, 01:03 AM
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You could test on a 4+ drop and extrapolate.
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Old 06-22-09, 07:05 AM
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That all depends on how smooth you are and how good the tranny at the bottom of the drop is (or if it has one).
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Old 06-22-09, 07:08 AM
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Originally Posted by dminor
(or if it has one).
That usually is the question with trannys.

OP - do you have pictures of the drop? I'd love to see it.
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Old 06-22-09, 07:11 AM
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as long as its a burly built hardtail.

I would not want to take my 3900 of a 5+ drop.

I've done 3 before, and thought it was going to implode.
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Old 06-22-09, 08:19 AM
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Originally Posted by -_RebelRidin'_-
as long as its a burly built hardtail.

I would not want to take my 3900 of a 5+ drop.

I've done 3 before, and thought it was going to implode.
When I was riding a 4300 I did a 4 foot drop (not on purpose, it didn't look that high rolling up to it) and survived.
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Old 06-22-09, 08:29 AM
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i did a 4 foot drop on my 3700 this weekend ,the landing was a bit rough but the bike came through without a scratch.
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Old 06-22-09, 08:34 AM
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My 3900 has gone through a lot of abuse...

It was my learning curve bike for real mountain bikes lol.

I know how to land a jump, comming from BMX and all, I just didn't like how that particular one felt, so I didn't do it again.


All I wanted to point out is if your going to do 5+ foot drops on a regular basis, get a free ride frame, or something thats built up for that kind of riding.
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Old 06-22-09, 08:43 AM
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I put my 4300 threw hell, black diamond single track, some jumps and downhill runs that most people use 7-8" full suspensions; I broke a fair amount of stuff but the frame is still intact, however retired (it's still in my basement).
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Old 06-22-09, 09:55 AM
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There are guys who routinely drop this on hardtails at our local riding spot; but the tranny is big, long and well-formed:



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Old 06-22-09, 10:11 AM
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freeride hardtail would be better, if you do it alot on an xc bike and crack the frame don't expect a frame warranty


also OP how much do you weigh? cause theres a big diff in a 140lb guy droppin 5ft and a 220lb guy
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Old 06-22-09, 10:15 AM
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You can use whatever bike you want. Sir Isaac will make sure you get to the bottom.
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Old 06-22-09, 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Chris_F
You can use whatever bike you want. Sir Isaac will make sure you get to the bottom.
How can I contact this Issac? How much does he charge for lessons?
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Old 06-22-09, 10:52 AM
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^^ Haha! Lessons free and often painful.
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Old 06-23-09, 09:16 PM
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You can drop anything on any bike. Your legs are the most suspenion that you have. Just giver and see what happens.
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Old 06-23-09, 10:14 PM
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^ To an extent...
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Old 06-23-09, 10:42 PM
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Do you guys ever worry about breaking pedals off on a landing and destroying your nuts? Does this ever happen? Should I stick with road riding for the safety of my package?
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Old 06-24-09, 01:14 AM
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I don't think pedals break off that easily.
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Old 06-24-09, 06:19 AM
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I've broken crank arms, but never pedals.
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Old 06-24-09, 06:27 AM
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Never say never...I made that mistake.
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Old 06-24-09, 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by WannaGetGood
You can drop anything on any bike. Your legs are the most suspenion that you have. Just giver and see what happens.
I've heard stories of the C'dale guys jumping their road bikes off of their loading dock to "test" frame strength. I'd assume their insurance agent loves hearing stuff like that...
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Old 06-24-09, 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Chris_F
I've heard stories of the C'dale guys jumping their road bikes off of their loading dock to "test" frame strength. I'd assume their insurance agent loves hearing stuff like that...
I doubt that story.
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Old 06-24-09, 01:21 PM
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Experience is a dear teacher, but Fools learn by no other
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Old 06-24-09, 01:38 PM
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Stuff like chameleons and stiffees and if you want to go really suicidal height wise, something like a morphine, then yes, they'll do fine.

Stuff like specialiced rock hoppers and I'd be worried about doing it too regulary.
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