edp773

My recent ride up the side of a mountain has me looking for a bike that is a better climber. For those of you who do not know me my riding style has a lot to do with my climbing ability. I have two prosthetic feet and cannot stand to mash the pedals. I compensate by remaining seated and trying to keep a higher cadence while climbing.

I am looking for opinions on a good mid-priced mountain bike that may fit my climbing style. My preference would be a hard tail, but all suggestions will be appreciated.

salsa

road or mountain bike. if a mountain bike look for a hardtail with a front shox that locks out any nice road bike would work.

mx_599

first off, i commend you for still riding. if it's not too personal, can i ask if you were a rider before prosthetic feet?

secondly, gearing might be of more importance to someone who needs to say on the seat. might want to investigate this more...

edp773

Thank you mx_599. Yes, I have rode bikes most of my life for fitness and recreation.

I pretty much know that 22 -34 is going to be my lowest gearing. I understand a lighter bike will climb better than a heavier bike. For example my Giant climbs hills better than my Trek with identical gearing.

So what I am looking for is for experienced riders to tell me which models climb best.

mcoomer

If I wanted a mountain bike that would climb like a hardtail but work like a full suspension rig I would look at the Specilized Epic. The rear suspension on the Epic locks out under normal conditions but becomes fully active when you hit rough stuff. This happens automatically so all you have to do is ride. I don't know what "mid-price" means to you but a well equipped Epic will set you back about $3K. Of course, you can always look for one on Ebay. Check it out here.

Lovin

Run that seatpost higher and keep a constant cadence, not necessarily "higher". Find a groove, get in it, and you'll climb like a machine.

edp773

Yes, I thought I climbed well until I attempted to ride up the wall in Maarat.

DirtPedalerB

if you really need lower gearing I would think you could try a 24 inch wheel in the rear.. just a thought.

edp773

That is a good idea. It would change the geometry like a 29er. But if I went with a quicker handling bike the extra rake would not make that much difference without lower the forks too much.

Thanks.