FS or Hardtail ?

[SIMON67]

I have a GT Force 1 that is just too much for the local trails that I ride most of the time. I want to buy a frame and use all of the XT kit from the GT. My problem is that I just can't decide between a Stumpjumper FS and an Orange P7 HT. Last night me and a mate went out and kept swapping between his Stumpy and an old HT that I have. I loved the HT going up the hills but the Stumpy was fantastic at anything bumpy. After 20 or so swaps I am even less decided about which way to go and would appreciate any comments from anyone who has had the same dilemma.

I just came back with the feeling that I was somehow a little distant from the trail on the Stumpy. Having said that, a steep rooty descent was hair raising on the old HT. I wonder if a flexy P7 with my Fox Float on the front would be much better.

I sould add that my mate has just had to spend £400 on his Stumpy, having both shocks rebuilt and the frame re-bushed. Hopefully a HT is going to be much cheaper to run

Any help appreciated

Cheers

Simon

Edited by SIMON67 on Wednesday 17th March 07:25

[Pints]

Is it not possible to get a FS with a lock-out option on the rear?

I've not been in the saddle for many a year so I'm not up-to-date with current equipment but FWIW I've always opted for HT over FS for CC use.

[anonymous-user]

a friend just bought the fsr xc which has 3 way rear suspension (fox rp something?). fully locked out, open and retarded. it actually works very well. having made the jump from ht to fs in the last 12 months, i dont regret it for a second as i can cover rough ground far quicker than in the past.

[NIIKME]

I was in a similar position last summer and went with a stumpy HT, primarily because with my budget (1500) the components were better. Using it however, I have more "moments" than my riding buddys on their FS which you have to decide is either you or not, and comes down to your attitude to risk and adrenaline needs. I am yet to come off in a big way but I go down everything at the same speed as them and it does make me wonder it can only be a matter of time... The other thing to perhaps consider is I am sure my rear end takes twice the battering!!! So how much fun do you want to have?

[Agoogy]

NIIKME said:

I was in a similar position last summer and went with a stumpy HT, primarily because with my budget (1500) the components were better. Using it however, I have more "moments" than my riding buddys on their FS which you have to decide is either you or not, and comes down to your attitude to risk and adrenaline needs. I am yet to come off in a big way but I go down everything at the same speed as them and it does make me wonder it can only be a matter of time... The other thing to perhaps consider is I am sure my rear end takes twice the battering!!! So how much fun do you want to have?

hmm me too...in fact I normally end up holding eevryone back as I bottle soem of the really technical stuff.... so it depends, do you want your trails to be easier, or do you want to lean more about technique? Do you want to keep up and avoid being thrown off, or do you prefer better kit and a lighter bike...
It is a very difficult decision...
Lock outs do work, but makes for a heavier bike...

[Rolls]

I've gt a superlight - 100mm front and rear travel - when you turn on the propedal on the rear there is very little movment at the back indeed!! - best of both worlds IMO for the type of riding I do

[Pints]

NIIKME said:

... my rear end takes twice the battering!!!

snigger.

[ewenm]

For XC I'd consider FS bikes only if the rear shocks have a full lockout, so my shopping list would include HT and some FS. I ride a fully rigid and am not as quick down the hills as some friends but still have loads of fun, which is what it's all about for me.

[slomax]

I have a Haro Sonix frame and it rides very much like a HT. It's my first FS and i chose it because i liked the direct feel of a HT but wanted to take the edge off steps, tree roots and rocks. It absorbs instant hard shock very well while still giving you a lot of feel for the surface at around 140psi. Tail bob isn't too much of an issue although there is a little bit when out of the saddle and hammering it. All in all i am very very happy with it and will not go back to HT bikes for xc/light trail use.

[Theoldfm]

I was in the same postion and eventually decided to buy the Stumpy FSR with the 'brain'. This seems to give the best of both worlds as it rides pretty much like a hard tail on smooth trails but then opens up the valve to allow the rear suspension to work when the going gets a bit rougher. It's all fully adjustable too so I tend to have it set to hard on the trails around here (Nottingham / Sherwood Forest) and then to full soft when we are in the Peak District.

Hope this helps!!

[Theoldfm]

swerni said:

Is that, the Specialized FSR XC Comp 2010?

No, it's the 2008 Expert - but the high end 2010 models also have the 'brain'

[SIMON67]

Thanks for the advice guys.

After spending more time on my mate's Stumpjumper I'm now convinced that that is the way to go. Just got to find a frame at reasonable cost now (& hope the wife doesn't find out !)

Cheers
Simon