Hey guys,

I'm mostly a roadie but I enjoy my MTB for breaking up training monotony and just plain having fun. I'm currently riding an '05 S-Works Stumpy HT frame with '08 components, all XTR, Fox 100mm RLC, Magura Marta SL, and some Crossride wheels.

I love this bike, but it's just a bit too rough on all the roots around here. After about 60 minutes my back is screaming at me to stop, despite my best efforts to stay light on the bike.

I think I want to get a trail bike. Something that will be a lot of fun to ride on the mostly tame XC trails around here, but can still hit some big drops and roll through big rocks.

I've got a few bikes I'm looking at, none of which I've ridden.

Things that are important to me, in some sort of order:

1. pedaling efficiency
2. good climbing
3. great descending
4. soak up big rocks
5. ability to start some drops (maybe 6' or so)

My budget is somewhere around $3k or so, but somewhat flexible.

Santa Cruz Blur LT
Specialized Stumpy FSR
Trek Fuel EX
Intense Spider 2

If I could buy a frame and just move my XTR over, then buy an appropriate fork, wheelset, brakeset, I'd probably prefer that. I don't see my HT getting much love if I have a nice trail bike.

Thanks for the help.

what do you mean trail bike? you mean full suspension? if so, i say get a turner 5 spot. or a pivot. pivots climb a bit better.

yeah. full suspension. 120-160mm travel. Trail is kind of a mix between XC and AM. Pedals very well but can take a beating better than a XC bike.

edit: those bikes are both way out of my price range. When I said flexible I meant $3k +- $500. Not $4500.

Yeti ASR 5
Titus FTM ('09 frame is at Jenson for $1100 right now)

Well, I bought a used Stumpy FSR 2008 from a local shop. Owner's bike. He'll take care of any warranty problems for me.

Has new chainstays, almost new shock, Thomson seatpost, XT FD. $650 plus tax.

Bought a Magura Thor 140 off Chainlove for $350. Gonna move everything over, except my BB (wrong size), FD (wrong type), fork, wheels, and headset. Now I need to find a headset (it's 1-1/8" threadless standard I believe, anyone tried the Tank II from Cane Creek?), and wheelset.

I know exactly what you mean. I also came from a light XC upbringing on a 19-lb Cannondale HT. After my first MTB epic ride(5.2hrs @24miles)...I finally decided a LIGHT FS TRAILBIKE is really what I needed. After weighing all the light FS options - I found the 2010 Giant Anthem X2 the lightest, cheapest, most versatile option around. In fact the Giant excels at climbing, descending and log-hopping I sold my 23-lb 2009 Intense Spider FRO and turned my Anthem into a 21.5 pound trail beast...all for $2300!

nice.

I ended up with a 2008 Specialized FSR 120mm. Bought it as a frame, with rear shock. I'm building it right now, got everything in except wheels, those are still being built. There will be a thread to show it off.