Originally posted by live311
Personally, I love my HT Stumpjumper, but peer pressure and a sore lower back after any ride longer than an hour are making me consider my FS options.
Screw peer pressure. Unless your peers want to pony up the cash, tell them to stuff it. Of course, if you feel bad for your friends having buyer's remorse (just guessing) and want to help them justify spending all that money on fancy gizmo's, go ahead and indulge them.
Sore back is an important issue. Maybe there are other things you can try besides going FS. They may help even if you do go FS. I would consider seeing a physical therapist or scanning the internet for exercises that will strengthen your back. Another thing that may help is to adjust stem length/rise and saddle height to get the best fit out of your current bike. Last thing I can think of is to get out off your saddle more, especially on climbs. That has helped me alot with lower back pain.