Do i really need front suspension

timboellis
timboellis Posts: 223
edited August 2016 in MTB buying advice
I was looking at a Charge Cooker 1 however it has no front suspension but got me thinking do i really need front suspension?

I have a road bike for the road so my Boardman MTB is just used for forestry tracks and very rough tracks with rocks / sand / flooded pot holes etc.

So would i really need one, or what if i was to get lets say the cooker 1 would i then have the option to add suspension forks at a later date?

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Depends what you want to use it for.

    You don't need anything. But sometimes things are desirable.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    No you don't need it. The cooker is dreadful value for money though unless it's very heavily discounted.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    If you want a good value rigid MTB, look at the Voodoo Marasa from Halfords, just needs the (rather heavy) hybrid tyres replacing with some 29er MTB tyres. I know a lot of people who ride rigid.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    From experience in the early 1990's unless the trails you ride are fairly smooth in the main a rigid bike will beat you up after a couple of hours. We once got lost on rough trails and got back to the car several hours later, my hands would not move properly for ten or fifteen minutes.
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Rigid works best with 29" wheels for a smoother ride.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Noting that the overall solo winner of Mountain Mayhem for the last two years has ridden 24 hours on a rigid 29er bike (and single speed as it happens).
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Yep but he's not human.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • daff
    daff Posts: 81
    Good timing

    I just put some 2.0 WTB Niner tyres on my Voodoo Marasa today and took it out for a quick 15 miles. It was actually quite good! I was really surprised at how good it was actually.
    I didn't feel too beaten up afterwards and it was a good deal quicker on the climbs. Obviously, it wasn't as compliant on the downs and I had to pick my lines a good deal better than if I was just trundling over them with 120mm forks.
    But all in all, it was good fun!
    Good job really as I just picked up my new Voodoo Limba CX bike today, so the Marasa is going to see some duty as my main MTB for a while.
    Give it a go, I just had as much fun today on a £240 rigid 29er as I had on my previous Bizango
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    cooldad wrote:
    Yep but he's not human.
    Thoroughly nice guy actually.....but I know what you mean.

    Another friend also rides only rigid and SS and has done many endurance events.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Rigid 29ers seem quite popular with endurance racers.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235

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