FSR - How Many Pivots? Please Help!!

Dwilli

Hi All,

I am getting back into MTBing after a long break (last bike was a pre-suspension Eldridge Grade!!).

As I am getting older, I want the comfort of full-suss and I have narrowed down to 3(ish) bikes:

Trek 8/9 (depends on components)
Canondale Rush 4
Stumpjumper FSR Elite

Thing is while I can test around local shops, I can't take them off road, so I can't really get a feel for what is right.

One of the main differences that I don't get is what difference does the amount of pivots make? The cannondale has one, while the others have more...

I am a bit out of practice, so I want stability and control and I won't be doing anything too extreme - mainly XC.

Advice and thoughts appreciated,

Thanks,

Dave

dirtbiker100

don't even start this one off... at the moment there is no "best" system despite what all will say

I like marin (multi pivot) and orange (single pivot). Many say single pivot actually works best and many claim multi is better. its up to you. ride it and if the suspension feels good for you get it.

nicklouse

none is "better"

they all have good and bad points. and those bikes have good and bad points.

there some good links in the Tech links sticky showing info on sus systems.

and another thing to think about 2 of those bikes are basically single pivots.

supersonic

No pivots

;-)

stumpyjon

I'll be honest from the outset, I've an 07 Stumpy FSR Elite so I'm biased as I'm very happy with it. That said there are claims for and against both. Single pivots are generally better from a maintenance point of view, only one set of pivot bearings to replace. Multi pivots are supposed to be better as they allow the wheel to move in an up and over motion rather than a straight arc achieved with a single pivot. Multi pivots are also supposed to be better at reducing pedal bob. That said most higher end bikes will have these issues addressed or they get horrific reviews in the mags.

As you said you need to get out and test a few bikes, fit is probably more important at this price point than the number of pivots. (one thing to bear in mind is that you don't see any £100 chav full sussers with multi pivots :twisted: )

zero303

More important than the pivot count is the shock. Something like a Fox float RP23 with all the propedal options will make you forget all about the number of pivots.

I run a single pivot bike, and the Cannondale Rush along with the Orange 5 are proof that with the new smart shocks, single pivot works just as well as anything else. I've yet to think at any point "I'd rather be on a hardtail", let alone a more sophisticated multi-pivoted bike.

Maintenance wise, yes, single pivot has less to go wrong and less to maintain but for most of us, this is all bike shop type work anyway. With lifetime free servicing from my LBS and the fact that I'm mates with all the staff means I can't see me actually overhauling the pivot and shock myself anytime soon!

Just read the reviews, get some test rides and buy the bike you want and don't worry about the pivot count!

Dwilli

Thanks for all the replys guys!

I think the cannondale will be the first test ride by the sound of it. My LBS can get one in for me to take out for a day!!

Cheers,

Dave

ride_whenever

stumpyjon wrote:

As you said you need to get out and test a few bikes, fit is probably more important at this price point than the number of pivots. (one thing to bear in mind is that you don't see any £100 chav full sussers with multi pivots :twisted: )

I've seen them.

stumpyjon

:shock:

ride_whenever

i'll try and get a piccie today, there is one in college