full sus xc bike question

[RichieH]

I'm considering swappin my beloved hardtail for a full sus xc bike and could do with some advice- are there any advantages outside of smoother riding? and any cons outside of energy zappin?

Does anyone in the club have a Lapierre X-Control 410 or similiar stead that they'd recommend?

[Fergal]

cons = more weight, more maintenance, more cost, more flex, less power transfer (unles you aer spending a PILE of money)


why are you changing anyway?

any chance you can hold onto the HT?

it's ideal to have a HT and a full suss

[RichieH]

Cheers Fergal

Just started cyclin again after a 9 year gap. Changing cause my bike is 10 years old and while its actually quite a gd light bike the v brakes just arent enough to stop me, forks got 65mm travel.... needs replacin. Love de responsiveness of a HT so i'd definitely consider gettin a more modern one.


My knowledge of modern bikes isnt great so lookin for advise on the best system to go for- all advise v welcome

Thanks

[paddyobrien]

to be honest it really depends on the money you're willing to spend.


For an XC hardtail you can't really go wrong with a Giant XTC, or a specialised Rockhopper or a Lapierre (cyclesuperstore stocks this brand). Generally anything of roughly the same price level will be roughly as good as anything else at that level. Can i be more vague? The best thing to do is to go and try a few for size in the shops and see which is more comfortable. If you have any specific questions on one bike versus another post them up and someone will be able to give you recommendations.


If going the full sus route you'd really want to be spending a minimum of about 1500 (figure plucked out of the clouds).


Basically, for equal money you'll get a much better hardtail than full sus, as the money spent on the rear sus equals less money spent on brakes, gears etc.


Also keep an eye on second hand bikes here, on the epicmtb forum and mtbireland forums.


Paddy

[RichieH]

Cheers for that Paddy,

I'll defo be keepin an eye on those forums.


For argument sake, given the option of havin only one or the other would xc riders typically go for the lightweight high spec Beone: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25447


Or the heavier full suss Lapierre: http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=233&idproduct=17864


Maybe its personal preference?

Cheers again Richie

[paddyobrien]

richie,


if racing was your main aim, then probably the hardtail (or a short travel full sus).


If racing is to be a side show to the main fun of just going out and riding then the full sus would be better.

[Morgan]

If you're really not sure what to get, try to have a go on several different bikes. Most of the shops have demo bikes and if you come on a club spin you might get to try a few as well. It's all very well basing a decision on parts lists, geometry tables and Paddy's drink fuelled ravings but a bit of time in the saddle will help make up your mind.

[RichieH]

Sounds like a gd plan

Thanks for the advise lads

[paddyobrien]

hey, i was only on Tea last night!