Some people's discussions of a good all-around bike have got me thinking lately. I know my opinion of a good all'rounder is different than yours, but lets see some 2011's:

I always wonder what people mean by "all-arounder". Are they referring to all mountain, or is it just someone who rode a FS XC bike for the first time? Either way, that Banshee looks niiiice. Not that I'd be able to tell you one from another if I sat on each of them blindfolded, but I like the looks of it. The Santa Cruz looks like the best candidate for a true all mountain bike.

lmao!

You're leaving out the most obvious all-'rounder, Ed: Yeti 575.



Second - Yeti ASR-7:

"Every bike is a compromise."..................Gary Fisher

I almost put a "Don't mention something by your own sponsor" clause for you, D

575 is PIMP though.


I still think my fav. is gonna be the Bullit or the Double though. Bullit would be better for the higher speed crap that I got to experience for 6min of my life...but the Double would suit my typical terrain much better. A little bit of trail, some stairs, some'a this...some'a that.

I think the Preston FR or the Parker are closer though due to the taller seat tube...the double would necessitate a really long post.

True. All mountain bikes are still only average performers at XC & DH. I don't think I would have any desire to do any DJ/urban with an all mountain bike. Certainly no trial biking. Am I leaving out any other common uses for different styles of mountain bikes?

I guess I'm thinking about a bike that can be "free-ridden" as well as grunted up a hill or two. Giant A/C was a great frame. Only reason I tossed in the Banshee was b/c of Scrub's pic's. There is a dude around here with a Heckler and a 36Van that does some impressive stuff.

Really kinda too bad Yeti does not make the AS-X any more. It was that kind of bike - - a much-more-elegantly executed Bullit. Granted, the new SCB is worlds better than that cobby pile of plumbing my son has; but the AS-X was a breed apart.

Yes! The AS-X is exactly what I'm talking about. Basically a Komodo or Vagrant with a squishy azz.

A couple more to throw into the mix. SX Trail:



Giant Reign:

Re SX...is that the new 180mm 36?

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2...2bdaa738_o.jpg

36 Van RC2 180:

https://www.specialized.com/zz/en/bc/...cname=Mountain

[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG]
slayer

That is very nice, shoe...

I don't know why Santa Cruz never entered my mind for the new bike prowl. I do believe that's a short-lister. Surprisingly affordable, too, for some reason.

...If you happen to like overpriced walking-beam single-pivots. Looks suspiciously like the Kona. Ferndale is awfully near the border . . . .

S'okay - - Santa Cruz never enters my mind either .

Santa Cruz is in California. Nuff said.

This thread should have been closed after the very first photo.

What...no love for the Double?

OK, Ed, I want to know your infatuation with the Double. It's a very purpose-built machine - - along the lines of the Yeti 4X (compact frame/short TT, steeper HA). I would think you would find the Bottlerocket much more appealing. Around these parts, it is the mini-DH bike of choice: boost the doubles, launch the drop-offs, rail the berms and can still be a mid-travel trail bike to boot (note FD compatibility and cable stop if one were so inclined to want two rings up front).

For KS type of terrain...you don't really need the 6" / long a2c fork that fits the BR. It's fun, but not all that necessary. I'm thinking more in the realm of something that would lean toward Urban, Park, and BMX tracks. Something you could throw a 66 seatpost on and pedal to work...but slam it to session in between. Still take it out on the trails up at Landahl and somewhat pedal to the top of the 'ISH trail...and then do a little micro-DH'ing.

Mostly though...just to jump off the stairs as me and my family pedal down to the ice cream shop.

For straight up trail riding...I think the BR is much cooler...but it's a little more difficult for me to do trialsy type stuff with the bottomless travel than on something set at a stiff 95mm. I guess that makes the bike less of an all'rounder than the others, thus negating its pertinence to this thread...unless your version of "all round" is heavy on the urban...light on the trails.

Agreed! The Rune is the bomb!
And the 2010 best all rounder was mine!