Some input needed on bike purchase - Specialized Full Suspensions
 

I'm currently riding an '04 Specialized Rockhopper (base model, hardtail, completely stock), and have basically become a little tired of the weight of the bike. I love it, but its a little too heavy, plus i get completely rocked when riding trails.

Thus, i'm looking to move into a full suspension, but was wondering if you guys could give me input/make alternative reccommendations for me to try.

Right now, i'm contemplating the Specialized FSRxc Pro vs. Specialized StumpJumper FSR (base model).

Any opinions on that?

Also, are there any other bikes to consider that might be better for the money? I'm looking for a light weight bike with a full suspension from a reputable brand.. hopefully 2k or less.

Thanks for your input!

norco fluid 2
http://www.norco.com/ts/pass/norco06...dtwo&col=white
good luck

Thank you.

Fluid 2 is 33 lbs. Anybody know the weight of a stock Stumpjumper FSR?

At the $2000 price, I'm not sure if you'll find much that is any lighter than your current Rockhopper (probably around 30lbs, or so I am guessing, my 04 RH Comp was 30lbs a long time ago). A sub-30lb dually is pretty light.

i think the stumpy fsr is a good choice.

I agree with never; 2K will get you a decent 30 lb FS MTB which is probably about the weight of your HT Rock Hopper.

What is your riding style? X/C, FR, DH, AM?

Yeah what kind of riding do you do? You could also look into a Specialized Epic. I don't know the weight of those things though.

My riding style is mostly XC... There are a lot of hills, and thus i tend to climb a lot, and i dont do any crazy drops, but the occasional jump is definitely in the mix.

You could look at a Santa Cruz Superlight...their website gives you prices and weights when you choose different components.

THANK YOU for the response and reccomendation. I'll check out the Santa Cruz bikes at an LBS near me this weekend.

The super light is looking pretty good. I wonder how it will compare to a stumpjumper FSR in terms of the ride and handling...

I wouldn't recommend the Epic unless you're a true hardcore XC racer. I would do the stumpjumper if you like the technical terrain, can handle smaller jumps, etc. You can even use it as a race bike. It doesn't necessarily work the other way around when using the EPIC (which I believe is for racing and racing only). Just my opinion. Good luck with your choice.

If you are considering Giant bikes by the way:
Epic = Anthem
Stumpjumper = Trance

Just try it out, no harm to try all the bikes if possible

i read a reveiw on the superlight and it said that it climbs very well but it is a little sketchy in technical situations and on dh sections. they also said that it would make a good bike for light trail riding. sounds like exactly what you are looking for but i remember the price tag being 2600. but i could be wrong.

I have one that's about three years old and it's now 29.6 lbs with two fenders (6 oz) and a small bag (2 oz?) on the stem. It was in the $1600 list-price range and it was called the FSR Disc. It got lighter by about a pound when I went to a Fox fork over the cheepy Manitou. Reduced it a little more when I changed out the wheels, bars and went to lighter tubes. It was around 31lbs when I first got it, but that included paper thin Specialized tires that had no grip which I trashed after the first couple of rides.

I'm probably into it about $2400 after paying $1200 for the bike originally. Unless you get into the $5000 price range, your not going to get much lighter for a full suspension.

Our best local mechanic got a $5000 (list) Kona at around 24.5 lbs. Has to have V-brakes though. That's a lot of $'s for 5lbs. I can easily lose 10 pounds body weight and save big bucks in food.

Al

The complete (i.e., already assembled) Superlight with the base package lists for under $1400 on the SC site. You can change the fork/shock/components and get the price up there.

I vote for the Stumpjumper FSR. The weight of the Superlight frame vs. the Stump FSR is almost identical [both around 2500 g], so it will come down to parts pick.

I have owned a Stump FSR Pro, so I can vouch for the handling and general rideability of the bike. It is fantastic on singletrack, climbs great and performs very well on descents. Stable, but agile at the same time. The Stumpjumper FSR Comp has an MSRP of $2200 US, so I'm sure you can haggle down closer to your $2k limit, or choose the base Stump FSR, which has downgraded shifters and brakes. The bike should weigh about 28 lbs., which is what it felt like when I was looking at one in the lbs.

Oh yeah - test ride, test ride, test ride!!!!!shift1!!!!!

You should check out a Giant Trance, you can get a trance 2 for 2200 which has a Rock Shox Reba fork and a fox Float rear shock. It can take the occasional jump as well. I picked one up onetime and it felt pretty light. There is also the Trance 3 wich goes for 1700, slightly lower grade components but it still looks prett good. You might also check out the Iron Horse line, I heard that they have started to make some pretty good stuff.