Originally Posted by
patentcad
I like your style Rutnick.
Another 20 miles on the Fly ti tonight, including 10 miles in the woods, with the slog up the ridge to the top of Goosepond Mtn. MUCH more technical, WAY over my head (my employee Larry who was showing me these trails kept waiting for me). The bike was great, but I must admit if you're going to ride in rock gardens or for 2+ hours on very technical terrain, FS is the ticket. I prefer flat less challenging stuff that suits my Road Nazi Who Can't MTB style. RACE an MTB? I'd kill myself on lap 2. Maybe lap 1. Ultimately for the less challenging stuff I enjoy riding on, the hardtail is perfect. If I rode on terrain like we did today constantly, I'd get a FS. So I can see where you're all coming from, both sides.
The rear suspension effect of the rear triangle was very evident, the SID is fine, the disc brakes are truly a revelation (we did some very technical steep descents, my sphincter was considerably less puckered thanks to the Avid Ultimate brakes. Amazing power with far less hand effort. Also love the Fly Ti feel on the road. What a great bicycle.
I'll tell you boys, Road Racing is for Wussy compared to MTB Madness. Jeeesh. It would be easier if I got out into the woods regularly of course, but still. You guys are all insane.
It sounds like this purchase has awakened a closet dirt rider.
Those avid ultimates are NICE brakes. I currently have Avid Juicy 5s with 8" rotor on the front and 7" on the back on the new rig.
Honestly, I have a bad back so I know where you are coming from when you talk about yours. I just marvel that you can do the HT thing with your back.
The Ti rig is nice. I just can't make a HT my primary and I've done some really technical stuff with mine the last few months. I had to back away and get the FS.
I wish I could get some saddle time in the dirt right now. The weather is not playing well right now.