Hardtail vs. Full Suspension (for a guy which is 320lbs)
11-20-09, 04:15 AM
#26
I am the Snail~!
A 320lb rider is probably outside of the range that the suspension on any bike can be tuned for.
If I was you'd try a bike - perhaps your current one - with a rigid fork and Schwalbe Big Apple balloon tyres. Or the biggest size of XRs, if you ride off road. Balloon tyres give an excellent suspension effect, protect your rims, and don't bottom out like mechanical suspension.
If I was you'd try a bike - perhaps your current one - with a rigid fork and Schwalbe Big Apple balloon tyres. Or the biggest size of XRs, if you ride off road. Balloon tyres give an excellent suspension effect, protect your rims, and don't bottom out like mechanical suspension.
342LBS current - on a new Giant Suede DX (21sp, pedal-forward design) I do NOT bottom the front fork (but only been on-road) and the tire swap is +1!! I got "Marathon Supreme, 50-559, Reflex, Folding" 26 X 2.00 @ 85 PSI - the ballon-type tire is the way to go - will help save rims too I am told!
HTH
11-20-09, 04:19 AM
#27
I am the Snail~!
+1
for Rigid with BIG APPLES. I keep mine at about 50# (rear) and 45# (front) and get a nice cushy ride. I weigh in at 260. I went full rigid and love it. Big guys have enough to worry about. Failed suspension is not on my list of concerns. Besides, they are just so damned cool lookin 
for Rigid with BIG APPLES. I keep mine at about 50# (rear) and 45# (front) and get a nice cushy ride. I weigh in at 260. I went full rigid and love it. Big guys have enough to worry about. Failed suspension is not on my list of concerns. Besides, they are just so damned cool lookin Sorry you lost points for the valves showing though...
11-20-09, 08:22 AM
#28
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If you ride roads and dirt roads, and not mountain trails per se, then hardtail would be the way to go. Buying a hardtail to lock out the back tire doesn't make sense. In addition, if you are not riding obstacles then a hardtail will be more efficient on roads and dirt roads. Climbing or coming down trails with roots, rocks and bumps, full suspension is far better going up or down. Gary Fisher makes a ton of good quality hardtails, found price/performance to be about the best, however Specialized and others make a pretty good bike as well. Get a decent air shock, even the tora shocks will work. I do not agree with weight and dual suspension argument though. If you have a good bike shop they will be able to set you up most bikes now come with warrant and are pretty well built. Giant makes a Yukon dual suspension, though it isn't as good as a 2500 full suspension from other manufactures, is a GREAT $750 full suspension that rides like a $1500 dollar bike and better than most hardtails. In your post you can tell you liked the ride of the pitch and full suspension. IF you are looking to drop weight and hit mountain trails then I would look at the Giant Yukon if you have $750...the Giant salesman will tell you if they can adequately set you up on that bike. Then again, if you are not really riding any single tracks or actual cross country trails, and limit your rides to asphault or dirt roads, hardtail would be a more economical solution. I would say, that if you are just mostly riding roads and focused on losing weight, you may want to look into an entry level road bike. Road bike far more efficient on the road and encourages you to ride longer. Good luck with your purchase and if you ride it alot you made the right choice.
11-20-09, 03:51 PM
#29
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If you ride roads and dirt roads, and not mountain trails per se, then hardtail would be the way to go. Buying a hardtail to lock out the back tire doesn't make sense. In addition, if you are not riding obstacles then a hardtail will be more efficient on roads and dirt roads. Climbing or coming down trails with roots, rocks and bumps, full suspension is far better going up or down. Gary Fisher makes a ton of good quality hardtails, found price/performance to be about the best, however Specialized and others make a pretty good bike as well. Get a decent air shock, even the tora shocks will work. I do not agree with weight and dual suspension argument though. If you have a good bike shop they will be able to set you up most bikes now come with warrant and are pretty well built. Giant makes a Yukon dual suspension, though it isn't as good as a 2500 full suspension from other manufactures, is a GREAT $750 full suspension that rides like a $1500 dollar bike and better than most hardtails. In your post you can tell you liked the ride of the pitch and full suspension. IF you are looking to drop weight and hit mountain trails then I would look at the Giant Yukon if you have $750...the Giant salesman will tell you if they can adequately set you up on that bike. Then again, if you are not really riding any single tracks or actual cross country trails, and limit your rides to asphault or dirt roads, hardtail would be a more economical solution. I would say, that if you are just mostly riding roads and focused on losing weight, you may want to look into an entry level road bike. Road bike far more efficient on the road and encourages you to ride longer. Good luck with your purchase and if you ride it alot you made the right choice.
I appreciate your response. This is where I stand today:
I found most entry level Hardtail to be very disappointing when it comes to the front fork.
On the hardtail I would probably go for the Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo.
It comes with a Reacon 335 fork 100mm.
That said, and since this is the end of the year, I may consider an All Mountain like the Pitch.
I have no clue whether a 29er may fit as well. and I would appreciate the advice.
