leadbutt

So I've decided it's time to look into a new rig...I've been tossing around all kinds of brands/ideas/setups and I'mfinding it to be overwhelming...

Here's the basics: I'm 6'3 and 215 lbs...I'd like to be down to 180-190 soon, but it's gonna take more work than is possible right now...I'm really not into the big drops/freeride/black diamond, so I figure 3.5-5 inches of travel will be fine...and most imortantly, I'd like to drop @ $2500-$3000, if the ride has the right components...I'm not above putting together a custom ride, but I just know buying a complete ride is usually more economical.

What I've been looking at: Trek Fuel 95, Specialized StumpJumpers, Titus Racer-X...basically good stout XC rigs...but I'm open to other brands...

Concerns: the fact that I am a heavy ole' fat ass...I wear parts out...I like to ride hard when I can and my bike takes a beating...My current rig has mostly new components, but it really didn't have great stuff when I started...Also it weighs a ton (30 lbs)...I'd like to drop to 27-26 lbs...

Why am I forsakin' the Schwinn: As much as I've denied it, single-pivot rear suspension IS archaic...sure, with the new SPV stuff, you can make it work, but if a four-link works without it????

Specific questions:

1) Do you all think a Trek carbon/OCLV bike will hold up under me???
2) What's an acceptable minimum weight for a FS to last under 215 lbs..???


Well, let me know what you think...

HaroX2

Dude, for that much $$$, you can buy 2 StumpJumpers. Look at Litespeed if you're willing to drop that much & you want a lightweight/strong (TI) frame just for XC. There's NOTHING out there that's stronger than Titanium, period, and LightSpeed makes damn good bikes if you can, or I should say, are willing to spend the money for one. Carbon frames are also pretty strong, but if you happen to crack the frame, you've just wasted a grand or more for the frame alone.

Melt

haha you aint the only one ... i replaced the pivot on my klein like 6 mos ago and that ****s already wore out and i havent ridden the bike much but it has all sorts of play like i said.

Im also tryin to find something nice thats comprable to my klein.

bigchina

might wanna check out the santa cruz blur. it is the XC bike if thats what your gonna use it for. its got a sweet VPP suspension system thats used by intense also. i would not go with a carbon frame. road bikes, fine, but for mtb, carbon fiber is a bad idea.

dirtbikedude

In your price range I would suggest the Kona "King Kikapu". It has a very nice ride to it and good 4-bar suspension. The Blur that bigC recomended is a better ride but just the frame and fork are gonna run you 2500$. You could do the Blur for a total of about 3200$ if you run XT rather then XTR and a lower end wheel set but I say do not skimp on the wheels. It just depends on if you would rather have a top-o-the line frame with good components or a good frame with top-o-the line components.

If you treat your rig right and do not bail to hard all the time a carbon frame will hold up just fine. I road an all carbon(HT) frame for 8 years untill I cracked it by landing sideways on some bolders at speed.

As for min. weight, I assume you mean for a frame, If you are not planning on racing in semi-pro/pro classes I would not worry to much about it. A good XC rig in the high 20's (even low 30's) will work great for all types of riding.

In your price range you have many many choices so I say go ride a few and then decide.

a2psyklnut

I suggest either an Intense Spyder with the 3.5" of travel with the VPP technology or their new Trailbike the 5.5. It's basically a slightly beefier version but with longer travel.

L8R

Hunter

The Iron Horse Hollowpoint series is definately worth looking at. If you are looking at HT's then Kelly is what I reccomend.

willtsmith_nwi

You're 6'3" and only weigh 215**********?

Hit the gym and pump some iron. Add some meat to those skinnies of yours. The side effect is that you will burn more calories throughout the day.

For reference, I'm 6'3" tall. When buff and trim, I weigh in at 230. Right now, I'm 270.

Add 20 lbs of muscle and you can keep the same weight with no problem ;-)

bigchina

im 6'1" and 140. so what? geometry, technique, and fit of a bike are much more important than the weight (to an extent)

bac

Yup, I'll second the Blur! The 2 Intense models based on the VPP suspension are apparently also great rides, but I only have experience with the Blur. It's 4.5" of super sweet suspension. Demo one if you can!