fueledbymetal

I'd like to get back into mountain biking after not touching my current bike for over 7 years. It's a '94 Cannondale M800 with a pepperoni/beast of the east frame. Unfortunately, the components (all Deore LX) are in rough shape after years of hard use followed by neglect. I looked into replacing everything that needs replacing and upgrading to a front shock and that puts me in the ball park of a new cannondale hardtail (I'm not bike savvy, so my lbs would be performing all the work).

So, I have two questions:

1 - Are the current cannondale hardtail frames (Furio-X) better (lighter/stronger) than my frame?

2 - I may make the leap to full suspension - does the rear suspension have specific maintenance requirements or would it be as painless to own as a hardtail? All I know is hardtail, so I wouldn't know what I'd be missing performance-wise if I stick with hardtail (and the wife would be happy with the extra $$$ in my wallet )

Breitling

yes and somewhat

Raiyn

13 years of development? What do you think?
YES. Suspension pivots and rear shocks do require periodic maintenance.
No

soreyes

upgrading the fork may not work with the older frames geometry. you could end up with a raked out fork and chopper effect.

you will kost likely more bang for the buck if you decide to go hardtail rather than FS. For the same money you should get better components, better frame material and, higher quality construction. That being said, it depends on what sort of riding you want to do. Also, I have never used a FS bike. I just upgraded my old hardtail to a new one by moving components over to a new 853 frame and used (but new to me) marz fork. It's no freeride bike, but its great for heavy technical xc.

fueledbymetal

I had hoped this was the case, but I wasn't sure if the "good" frame technology was being saved for the full suspension bikes - just wanted to be sure.


Cool, good info

johnniewalker85

I would say you'd be better off with a new bike or slightly use one. Take a look at everything you can in your price range and look for reviews on the parts and components on the bikes you liked the most.