mountain biking
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- ********
what's the difference between XC Trail and All Mountain? I'm looking for a bike to do easy single track. What can you suggest from http://www.specialized.com ?
- Point50
not sure why I responded when you could have Googled it, but I guess I'm here to serve your threads.
http://www.dieselbikes.com/artic…
Cross Country (XC) - Mountain bikes that fall into this discipline are designed around two main factors; weight and pedaling efficiency. Many of these bikes are designed with relatively small amounts of suspension (front and rear) and have steep head and seat tube angles to allow a more forward leaning body position during riding. They are typically fabricated from Aluminum, Carbon-fiber and/or bi-metal mixtures to achieve the lightest possible frame but maintain strength for its design purpose. Cross country bikes typically have 3 selectable front sprockets along with a 9 speed (cog) rear cassette allowing for a huge variation of pedal torque vs. gear inch travel.
All-Mountain (AM): Mountain bikes that fall into this discipline are a cross between XC bikes and FR bikes. They are designed for efficient pedaling but have slightly heavier frames to handle more aggressive technical riding that may involve jumps. AM bikes tend to have greater suspension then XC bikes and many include multiple positions for different rear shock lengths. AM frames are heavier due to thicker gauge tubing and/or frame gusseting. Typically these frames are designed to have 3 selectable front sprockets along with a 9 speed (cog) rear cassette allowing for a huge variation of pedal torque vs. gear inch travel.
- ********0
so far I've read that there are Trail, XC, All-Mountain, and Freeride. A little bit confusing. Thanks for the help.
- 2ndcrack0
Get a hardtail with front suspension, you don't need full-sus for easy singletrack, full-sus is a lot of maintenance and extra weight.
Go for hydraulic disk brakes instead of mechanical/cable.
Replace stock tyres with Panaracer Fire XC Pro.
- nah I need the cushy rear********
- I used to love the Panaracer Fire's on my old Marin. I actually didn't know they still made them!5timuli
- Actually, I'm an idiot. They ARE what I have on my bike. The red-walled versions.5timuli
- that cushy rear will actually take away some of your power by absorbing it down into the dirt through your ass into the tireversion3
- ...tire, instead of forwardversion3
- agreed...go hardtail with front suspension...full suspension will get you all squirrelytedismyfav
- nah I need the cushy rear
- ********0
I'm thinking of getting a stumpjumper fsr
- Point50
I'm no mtn bike expert, but 2ndcrack sounds like they know what they're talking about. If the singletrack is dirt and not too intense it'll be more efficient to just take a hardtail w/ front susp. I took a hardtail down Dark Hollow up in Brian Head two years ago (because I thought it'd be fine after riding some of the trails locally here in Vegas) and just about rattled my tailbone off; rear susp. made a huge diff. on that trail the next time I rode.
- the rear sus rattled?********
- no, the hardtail... I went rear susp. the next tripPoint5
- the rear sus rattled?
- ********0
I'd say stick with a hard tail too, but then I wasn't taking into consideration your devout homosexuality.
- formed0
I'd stay away from a hardtail unless you are going to seriously race, and even then I'd pass.
Go with a XC full suspension. It'll be more comfortable, more flexible and more fun. There is no extra maintenance unless you absolutely kill the bike.
I like Santa Cruz, personally.
- 5timuli0
My Orange is locked up in a damp dingy shed, 4000 miles away :'(
- http://www.joefarquh…5timuli
- shopped
:Pjaylarson - Nowt shopped on that pic.5timuli
- sweetSamush
- handbuilt in yorkshire. http://www.nickdeaki…de4k
- airey0
i like my mtb's cheap. bought this almost 2 years ago and loving it. have had to replace a few things thanks to a few stacks (derailer, seat, etc). it hasn't looked like the one in this photo for a long time lol.
- ********0
I found you get what you pay for when it comes to the range models.
- grymes0
http://www.titusti.com/titus09/b…
Here is what you really want.
- ********0
I'm either getting a specialized or a santacruz (I hear great things about the SC). what's good about the titus?
- grymes0
Your best bet is to demo the bikes you are interested in at your local shop. I wouldn't buy a bike without riding it first.
- airey0
it is difficult to get too picky when you steal them though. it's more a matter of what's available than what you'd prefer. on a completely unrelated issue, what's your address guys?
- monNom0
angles and suspension travel are the main differences.
-XC will have the steepest angles, and low travel, making for a very efficient climber, but twitchy down hill. 71 head/74 seat, 100mm fork, chain stay might be 17.5" for an efficient climbing frame. 16.5" would be prone to wheelie, but better handling in twisty stuff.
-XC trail will be a bit slacker geometry and possibly longer travel for recreational riders 70 head 73 seat 120-140mm fork
-All mountain is light freeride. once again, longer travel and slacker angles 69 head 72 seat 130-160mm fork
-freeride is a overbuilt for big moves. travel is 160-200mm, angles are pretty slack, bottom bracket a bit higher than DH. usually ~40+lb bikes. chain stay is usually short. 16.5" or 16.25"
-DH is hard to ride up a hill. suspension is tupically 200mm both ends. bb lower than freeride for stability and angles are like 65/67 head tube and laid back seat.
stay away from full suspension below $1500. (in general). Standard double diamond frames are strongest/lightest design. all those bendy/formed tubes typically add weight or reduce strength.
- imnotaplumber0
Santa Cruz, Orange, Transition, Commencal
Buying Giant is like buying house brand
- ********0
I like how light cannondales are. do they have any problems?
- crack-n-failmonNom
- I've heard of cracking but how often?********
- maybe not fair. They're a quality USA product. They've had their problems though.monNom
- hard to know, they constantly revise designs to eliminate weak spots. Try one out and see how you like it, then google for issues.monNom
- google it for issues.monNom
- Ride them...see if you like their "feel" it's different.Mimio
- BuddhaHat0
I'd get Rocky Mountain or San Andreas if I could... they are beautiful bikes.
- I almost bought an RM. They're beautiful.5timuli
- I love my San Andreas
http://www.flickr.co…pocho
