Full Sus Mountain Bike - Big Bloke
Discussion
I tip the scales at just under 20 stone and I'm 6ft 4 tall. I'm looking for a new bike and really want to try something full suspension. I know everyone says go down to your LBS and try things but does anyone have any suggestions of things that might be suitable in the meantime as getting the chance to do that is an infrequent occurrence?
I've been looking at last years Lapierre Zesty XM 427 which seems to be a good price currently but there may be a reason for that.
I'll be doing some trail centres (Glentress, Laggan) but mostly cross country riding.
I've got a 2005 GT Avalanche 0.5 hardtail currently which I find very comfortable from a geometry perspective if that helps.
I know this question has been asked a gazillion times but stuff available changes constantly so sorry for asking again.
I've been looking at last years Lapierre Zesty XM 427 which seems to be a good price currently but there may be a reason for that.
I'll be doing some trail centres (Glentress, Laggan) but mostly cross country riding.
I've got a 2005 GT Avalanche 0.5 hardtail currently which I find very comfortable from a geometry perspective if that helps.
I know this question has been asked a gazillion times but stuff available changes constantly so sorry for asking again.
A few things to consider:
Your first job is to decide on a budget, FS start at about £1000 for something basic but decent up to £10k for something otherworldly that's only really a benefit to the pros and bought by people who just want something nice(er than their mates).
Geometry wise, I'm afraid to say things have been moving a lot in the last few years and there's nothing that will be close to your GT, but once you're used to it, you'll prefer it - bars for example are much wider now which will suit your long arms.
Some bikes do have rider weight limits, they're made with huge margins for error, but if you crack a frame (riders of all size can do that sometimes) you may be left without warranty back-up so it's worth checking - Lapierre used to be limited to 100Kgs.
I used to weigh not much less than you, if you want great performance there are things you can check that usually don't appear on reviews, for example shock length and suspension leverage rates - Orange, who make nice, robust bikes seem to be currently using fairly short shocks and high ratios which works the shock harder - if you're heavier you’re already working a shock harder so they heat up and start to lose performance.
It's worth doing your homework, the Mountain Bike world is still by and large making bikes for 5' 10' 15.5 Stone riders and modifying designs for people out of that bracket.
If you decide you budget, I'm sure we can throw up some suggestions.
Your first job is to decide on a budget, FS start at about £1000 for something basic but decent up to £10k for something otherworldly that's only really a benefit to the pros and bought by people who just want something nice(er than their mates).
Geometry wise, I'm afraid to say things have been moving a lot in the last few years and there's nothing that will be close to your GT, but once you're used to it, you'll prefer it - bars for example are much wider now which will suit your long arms.
Some bikes do have rider weight limits, they're made with huge margins for error, but if you crack a frame (riders of all size can do that sometimes) you may be left without warranty back-up so it's worth checking - Lapierre used to be limited to 100Kgs.
I used to weigh not much less than you, if you want great performance there are things you can check that usually don't appear on reviews, for example shock length and suspension leverage rates - Orange, who make nice, robust bikes seem to be currently using fairly short shocks and high ratios which works the shock harder - if you're heavier you’re already working a shock harder so they heat up and start to lose performance.
It's worth doing your homework, the Mountain Bike world is still by and large making bikes for 5' 10' 15.5 Stone riders and modifying designs for people out of that bracket.
If you decide you budget, I'm sure we can throw up some suggestions.
I'm 6ft 6 and limited my choice to XXL/23 inch frames (you might be OK at 6ft 4 wth XL though).
In the end I bought a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 29er - the bigger frame made a huge difference for me over previous XL full susp bikes.
They reduce the price after the 'current' model has been out for a few months so should be within budget then.
In the end I bought a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 29er - the bigger frame made a huge difference for me over previous XL full susp bikes.
They reduce the price after the 'current' model has been out for a few months so should be within budget then.
https://www.commencal-store.co.uk/PBSCCatalog.asp?...
I like the look of this, going by the guide you're at the lower end of the XL frame scale.
It's got one of the new RS 'Metric' shocks which has a longer body / extra oil, fork is a bullt proof Yari and they come with 5 years warranties - no mention of rider weight limits.
I think there are other colours, but I like the crazy yellow.
It's £1800 in real money, plus shipping.
I like the look of this, going by the guide you're at the lower end of the XL frame scale.
It's got one of the new RS 'Metric' shocks which has a longer body / extra oil, fork is a bullt proof Yari and they come with 5 years warranties - no mention of rider weight limits.
I think there are other colours, but I like the crazy yellow.
It's £1800 in real money, plus shipping.
I'm a hair under 6'4 and around mid 16 stone at the moment, bought the Zesty XM 327 last year, find the 130/120mm travel great for the type of riding I do which seems similar to you. As standard it is a fairly heavy bike coming from a lighter hardtail, but the improvement in fun downhill is definitely worth it. One thing you might struggle with at that weight is the Debonair shock, I have to run mine at a high psi for 30% sag with a few volume reducer bands in, need to play around with this setup some more but the road bike has been taking up my time more recently. That seems common on all bikes with the high volume Debonair setup though.
It will feel massively difference to your old hardtail, when i rode mine again it felt so sketchy and basic in comparison!
It will feel massively difference to your old hardtail, when i rode mine again it felt so sketchy and basic in comparison!
Edited by bearman3784 on Monday 24th April 16:12
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