Finding the bike that fits...
09-03-04, 10:29 PM
#1
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Finding the bike that fits...
Ok usually I'm on the giving end of advice (asked and unasked 
) but now I need to get some advice. I have a 2004 Stumpjumper Comp HT. I LOVE the way the bike climbs, and how responsive it is, but at the same time, I do from time to time like to do some lightly abusive riding, and with a few Northshore trails being built in IL I will be heading down there.
The radially laced front and 3.olbs frame just aren't up to the task. I can see the Fox F80x blowing a air chamber on a landing, not to mention the very racing oriented geometry.
Heres the problem though... I used to have a fairly beefy Kona Cindercone upgraded with a Marzocchi 80mm fork from the originaly 63mm RS fork. It SUCKED for climbing, and felt heavy and slow, and rather sluggish for the handling. All things I can't stand. But at the same time I don't race, and I see myself as moving towards being a trailrider more than an XC guy. However the handling and weight distrobution of the trailbikes tends to work against my 6'1 150lbs frame. I feel like I need something light I can toss around, and something to handle some abuse when it comes time.
I can get bikes from Surly, Kona, Azonic, Specialized, Giant.
Basically as I see it, I want something that doesn't exist. I'm looking at hardtails primarily. Input please...
) but now I need to get some advice. I have a 2004 Stumpjumper Comp HT. I LOVE the way the bike climbs, and how responsive it is, but at the same time, I do from time to time like to do some lightly abusive riding, and with a few Northshore trails being built in IL I will be heading down there.The radially laced front and 3.olbs frame just aren't up to the task. I can see the Fox F80x blowing a air chamber on a landing, not to mention the very racing oriented geometry.
Heres the problem though... I used to have a fairly beefy Kona Cindercone upgraded with a Marzocchi 80mm fork from the originaly 63mm RS fork. It SUCKED for climbing, and felt heavy and slow, and rather sluggish for the handling. All things I can't stand. But at the same time I don't race, and I see myself as moving towards being a trailrider more than an XC guy. However the handling and weight distrobution of the trailbikes tends to work against my 6'1 150lbs frame. I feel like I need something light I can toss around, and something to handle some abuse when it comes time.
I can get bikes from Surly, Kona, Azonic, Specialized, Giant.
Basically as I see it, I want something that doesn't exist. I'm looking at hardtails primarily. Input please...
09-03-04, 11:50 PM
#2
Still kicking.
You might like the Surly Instigator, sounds like the perfect set up for you. To get a Kona DJ frame to become more trail orientated(Kind of like I did.) It will take alot of cash to get it to that point.
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Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
09-03-04, 11:53 PM
#3
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So you think an Instigator with a 125mm fork might do it? Wonder if I could build that for about a grand? What forks should I look into? I'm a very lightweight guy and not a fan of excess weight up front...
09-03-04, 11:55 PM
#4
Still kicking.
Yes, with a Fox Vanilla 125 or a Manitou Sherman Firefly or a Rock Shox Psylo/Pike/Reba or Marzocchi Z1 Freeride SL.
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Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
09-03-04, 11:58 PM
#5
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One of my friends just put a Z1 on his Identity 666... I was pretty impressed, and so far its killer on his 20ft gaps he's doing. Something else to price out at work tomorrow 
09-04-04, 02:30 AM
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hi im in need of sum help.
i have become very interested in freeridebut i am 14 and about 4foot 10 inches and want a full suspension frame or bike with atleast 5'' of travel on the rear .
is there any small freeride frames that would suit my size.
thom79@hotmail.com
i have become very interested in freeridebut i am 14 and about 4foot 10 inches and want a full suspension frame or bike with atleast 5'' of travel on the rear .
is there any small freeride frames that would suit my size.
thom79@hotmail.com
