Help needed for newbie before training
ukmtbdude
Posts: 12
Hi there, I am new to MTBing after breaking my back 16 years ago.
Now I can ride again, as a personal challenge, I intent to do some off road events such as the Ben under 10, The Brighton Big Dog or the Relentless 24 all for next year. (this gives me plenty of time)
I have a good physical and riding regime already planned, and I have taken a year sabbatical out of work to do this.
My main question is should I get a hardtail or full suspension bike. I know there are pro's and con's for either, but which would you advise for these events.
I will be riding my local 2 trails nearby to get hardened, and with my family on days off. My friend has a Trek Top Fuel 8 and that feels good off road as well as a Scott Scale which I admit is a bit harsh for long distances/endrance.
My budget is around £3000 all in.
Now I can ride again, as a personal challenge, I intent to do some off road events such as the Ben under 10, The Brighton Big Dog or the Relentless 24 all for next year. (this gives me plenty of time)
I have a good physical and riding regime already planned, and I have taken a year sabbatical out of work to do this.
My main question is should I get a hardtail or full suspension bike. I know there are pro's and con's for either, but which would you advise for these events.
I will be riding my local 2 trails nearby to get hardened, and with my family on days off. My friend has a Trek Top Fuel 8 and that feels good off road as well as a Scott Scale which I admit is a bit harsh for long distances/endrance.
My budget is around £3000 all in.
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Comments
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Do you still have problems with your back?
If so I would go for a full sus XC/trail bike
And also get a hydration pack as they make good back protectors (well better than nothing).0 -
Hi there. I still do get some minor problems with my back, but I know how to take care of it.
I have just done a75mile bike ride on my friends trek 6700 hardtail with no problems, although I know this is different from off road.0 -
Go do some test rides on a variety of bikes then decide. Also be honest about exactly what sort of riding you're going to do as there's no point in getting a bike for something you'll never do.0
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Sounds to me like you want a short travel XC full suss. The debate between hardtail and full suss is mainly one of budget nowadays, as suspension is now so efficient on short travel models (100mm) that its no longer much of an issue what you intend to do with it. Clearly you like your big endurance events and long rides, so something around 100 - 120mm of travel, like the fuel 8, would suit. Whats your budget?A Flock of Birds
+ some other bikes.0 -
Hi there, my budget is £3000 all including tires kit etc. I have a 3 litre Camel Back, glasses and a good quality lid as well as gloves. All that leaves is what bike, tyres and some clothing of which I have altura baggy shorts, leggings and Jacket.
I like the Trek Top Fuel. I have also tried a Ghost ACT 7500 and did not like the position (really high on a perch) despite the good level of kit.
Also tried a Giant anthem and the position was a little racy and sert as well as a Scott Spark. I was interested in the Canyon Nerve, but cannot try it out, although people I know who have bought one are very happy.
Any other suggestions. They are all the dealers that are near me.0 -
Try a Giant Trance and also take a look at Mondraker Factor0
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Never thought of the Trance or the Mondraker.
I also have a Cube Dealer and Specialized nearby (brain not functioning).0 -
The Trance X2 looks fairly good. Ihave a Giant dealer 20 miles away. Will ring to see what they have.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bik ... 868/45509/
I have looked at the Cube AMS 110, and on looks and spec looks ideal.
http://www.cube.eu/en/fullsuspension/pr ... ms-110-sl/
Will be off to try and be back later.0 -
So I have been out for the whole day trying out bikes (whilst the wife is at work).
Now i am in another dilemma
Did'nt like the trance much, but I did like the Specialized camber Expert:
http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBC ... e=Mountain
I tried a medium and it was real nice and although I like the Trek Top Fuel 8 this was £800 cheaper as it was discounted by 20% and the spec esp the shocks and forks were great.
I also bought a pair of maxxis advantage tryes for all round use. Just need to decide which bike now.0 -
Yes, I believe that if you can afford a good full suspension, then go for it. Otherwise get a good hardtail.
I recently traded my hartail Trek Elite 9.7 for a 2010 Lapierre XControl 500.
It's light, it's a LOT more confortable, I find it really good looking. Honestly I haven't looked back since I got this one.
So, yeah, I recomend you to take a look at the Lapierre range if you have the oportunity.
http://www.lapierre-bikes.co.uk/lapierre/x-country-mountain-bike/2011/x-control-500-alloy-2011
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I looked at the very same model, but wanted a better shock like an RP2 or RP23.
Nice bikes though.0
