Originally Posted by sherpaPeak
Raliegh Phase II (the one I am considering is a year older than this one)
http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?...=11&itemid=282
This suspension looks similar to Trek/Kona/Turner rocker arm design
Seette Ace
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/164...e-SL-R-Air.htm
This looks alot like Titus' Racer X swing arm design
and the last option I am considering is the
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...+Frame+06.aspx
..and this one looks alot like Chumba's XCL mac strut design
the only thing that I dont like about the Jamis is the angles of the seat and head tubes. I want to use this bike for XC/AM type of riding on root and rock infested trails in NY, PA, VT, MA and GA/TN.
As you can imagine that I am familier with the hardtails climbing efficiency. But due to my lower back problem I would have to give up that and go for something thats a bit gentle on my back and still climbs with decent efficiency. Although, I am getting more and more interested in small climbes and long rolling decents.....I dont do big jumps or drops (less than 2 ft).
Any comments about the suspension system (swinger 3-way, RP3, etc) and overall frame desing would be great.
I, too have suffered from a back injury, so I agree a FS will help in that area. I have ridden a Trek fuel with the rocker arm design w/ an RP23 w/ propedal, and I didn't detect much bob at all in #2 position. I have a Santa Cruz Heckler w/ a DHX 5.0(air) w/ propedal, and even though it's a simple single pivot, it doesn't bob at all under power unless I'm standing an giving it hell(but I don't get out of the saddle unless I'm at the peak of the hill). Basically, I'd agree with Gastro, the shock/pedalling platform should determine how much bob you're going to get out of these suspension designs. Personally, I know the Fox 5.0 and RP23 shocks work well in controlling bob, even in single pivot suspensions!