Originally Posted by Oomp
So the quality of the fork play a much larger role in Mountain Biking than I thought? A good fork will allow the bake to take bigger drops without stressing out the frame quite so much?
I'm now giving some thought too the Sasquatch. I'd just like to gain a better understanding of what makes a better bike. Can the Sasquatch take larger drops simply because of the better fork?
Of course I realised that the fork was important, I just didn't realize that a slightly better fork made such a huge difference, but it's something that I'm glad I learnt.. That is what you're saying right?
Basically. And the internals of the forks matter a lot too. Forks with crappy elastometer internals don't react well, and don't really last as long either. Forks with Open bath damping systems work amazingly(for the most part) and last longer(for freeride applications anyway).
Having more travel makes taking drops and stuff MUCH easier, less stress to yourself and the bike.
Wheels and Cranks are the second most important as far as strength goes (apart from the frame). These parts are where most of the force is applied. Low end cranks like Truvativ Blaze or Bontrager Earl (not Big Earl) often bend very easy, and make pedaling seem awkward.
Wheels are very important too, cheap wheels will blow out on you. That's not fun, trust me.