XC Full Suspension or All Mountain?

h34e0f

What's the difference?

supersonic

Depends on the bike. Generally the XC versions are lighter, steeper, shorter travel and less robust.

h34e0f

So basically an All Mountain is just a bit more rugged..?

Leading on from this I've always been confused about DH forks, and how they look to be made to be the toughest possible (using direct attaching stems etc.) however freestyle bikes tend to take the most bashing.

I know it depends entirely on the rider and the actual bike but as a general rule it's never made a lot of sense to me.

supersonic

Freeride bikes don't usually go down hills at 50mph though. Stiffness and performance are key, not just blunt strength.

bentes

I think it's because DH the riders try to get down as fast as possible. So the less they need to worry about hardware failure, the more "direct" route they may choose.

On freeride, the riders tend to be more focused on technique and style than on time so they use lighter material in order to have more maneuvrable bikes.

But I believe that depending on the track, a lot of DH racers use single crown forks and freeriders use double crowns.

So in the end it's just a question of getting the right "tool" for the job. :?

Edit: Sonic beat me to it. better listen to him instead.

h34e0f

Yeah I guess it solely depends on the set up of the bike and the individual riding it. But yes, the speed thing makes total sense.

Thanks

cooldad

You might find this interesting. Or not.
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12781600

h34e0f

yeah was reading that a minute ago, thanks