Wooden Tiger

My wife and I just replaced our MTBs back in February and ever since getting my new bike, I've had this bug up my rear about doing a race this year. I'm very happy with my new Cannondale Flash 29er Alloy 2 and it has some great componentry but I'm wondering if this is something that's going to hold up to the vigors of a race, especially being a hardtail. While I'm not planning on doing "take a ski-lift to the top" downhill, I would like something that can really burn down a trail. I also do a lot of leisurely riding along places like the C&O Canal, which are pretty smooth with a few minor bumpy areas and roots along the way, but it is a straight path with no change in elevation. In other words, these "obstacles" are more akin to speed bumps or cobblestone.

I also like full suspension bikes as I'm sure they offer some levels of comfort over their hardtail counterparts. I'm also assuming they would not be good for riding the C&O Canal due to the additional flex from the swing-arm.

I've really been eyeing this Cannondale Scalpel at the LBS, and then noticed a Cannondale Trigger. I also noticed the bikes look very similar except for the suspension setups are different. The prices are nearly equal but why are there two different suspensions on the bikes? They both appear to be made for the same type of terrain. Aside from a downhill bike, which definitely "advertises" its intended purpose with its looks, why are there different suspensions on "regular looking" FS MTBs?

ColinL

The Scalpel is a cross-country (XC) race bike. The Trigger is a trail bike.

This means the Scalpel will turn faster and seem to be more 'twitchy' during descents. The Trigger will not be as nimble but will be more stable. There often are differences in suspension travel as well, but I'm not going to look up the specs on each bike right now.

Modern full-suspension bikes in the ~$2,000+ range should surrender relatively little pedaling efficiency to hardtail bikes thanks to refined suspension geometry as well as modern shocks with platform and/or lockout. Some FS bikes are better than others due to the details of the suspension design. It's one of those things you'd have to ride on a trail to notice.

FS is also a few pounds heavier when comparing bikes of similar cost / features.

Daspydyr 

The Scott line of bikes does well in races. Nino Schurter has won several World Cups on the HT Scale. He also rides a 650B, he is a rebel. He tried racing on a 29er and could never do better than 4th. Went to the 650 and won several in a row.

Wooden Tiger

Thanks for the info on that. Sad to say but I wouldn't even know which specs to look at.

slowride454

you will be just fine with what you have. I raced my GT 29er hardtail last year a couple of times. The engine was what held us back...well that and my bravery.

Wooden Tiger

Yes, I'm thinking the same on my part as the engine and my common sense kicking in.

How do you like your Karakoram? I had a 2010 GT Avalanche 1.0 I really miss. It was lost when my wife and I were hit from behind at nearly 55-60 mph in a car wreck just over a year ago (April 6, 2012). Mine was the orange/silver version. My wife had an Avalanche 3.0 that treated her fairly well, and that was also lost.

I've always been a huge fan of GT, ever since I was a kid and had a GT Pro Performer. I'd tried out the Karakoram 1.0 and was pretty disappointed the geometry didn't feel right to me. I really liked the component package that came with that bike, though.

ColinL

I still have my 1986 GT Pro Performer. It's black with pink graphics. It has Peregrine 48 spoke wheels and Redline Flite 3 pc cranks.

Wooden Tiger

Mine is in my basement, in pieces; well, the frame is, anyway. It is Dayglo Orange.

I'd love to restore it!