on-one 853 build or stock FS for roadie

rendo

Looking for some advice on my first XC bike.

At the moment i have an on-one 853 frame and rigid carbon fork in the garage waiting to be built. this was initially going to replace the stock inbred as my main commuting bike. But i then had a few excursions to Glentress and got the bug for some off road stuff.

Question is, i'm really tempted to sell the 853 and maybe another bike and get a full susser. i know the advice for a beginner tends to be hardtail but what do you reckon. i like the look of the commencal meta 4.1 discounted at merlincycles. but would i be better speccing out the 853 inbred with some decent forks and kit.

What forks would you recommend, must be reasonable lightweight, been looking at the rock shox sid race, any good?

ratty2k

I'd stick with the 853, get a decent sus fork for it and away you go!

think180

go for some test rides on a FS,
The thought of a FS crosses my mind from time to time, I ride one, and remember why I don't want to buy one for general riding duties.
I just prefer the feel of an HT, that's my point of view.

ratty2k

I ride 3 bikes (not all at once!!!) a rigid 29er, a 456 (both on-one's) and a Trek FS. Fave bike is the 29er- gets used most of the time, commuting and local loop. But its a SS so not to everybodys liking. The 456 is a fantastic bike I love the handling of it, and steels a wee bit more forgiving than the ally frames I've had in the past. The full sus is by far the most comfy ride- i'm not really any quicker on it- but considerably less knackered.
I've heard the fork you mentioned (sid race) to be a bit flexy whats your budget for a fork. I run my 456 on a Fox TALAS- got it for a good price on the 'bay. I'd still recommend you stick with the frame you have- they are a seriously good bit of kit.

rendo

thanks guys,

Ratty2k,
what do those forks weigh/cost. i don't really have a budget, although that doesn't mean money's no object. but my only experience of a FS is the scott mc-40 i hired at glentress. i have to admit i was very impressed. as i roadie i always thought suspension was a bit girly.
have no preference for any make of forks, but i have been very impressed by sram/avid gear and rockshox is from the same stable. i think the scott had fork fox tbh.

i have enough kit to build the inbred with the rigid carbon fork, so i may go with that as a trial and see how it pans out. big fan of on-one i also have a pompino, so i understand how much enjoyment you would get from the 29er.