Plush Pig vs. svelte Ti HT

[dirtmistress]

Looks like I'll be doing an off road metric century on Thanksgiving. I need some input on the bike to bring to reduce fatigue. Can I get some opinions from some of you? I would really appreciate it!
My 27 lb Santa Cruz (not so) Super Lite.
Full suspension will be nice on the bumps but the weight makes it lousy on the hills after 40 miles. Is there less energy wasted and fatigue on a FS bike over the long haul? Inquiring minds want to know.
My Merlin HT. Light at 23 lbs and a dream to climb on. The Ti really eats up the trail bumps as Ti is very forgiving but certainly not as much as the FS.
Plush vs. low weight. Help.
The trail system is Los Robles to Sycamore cyn in Moorepark. No big tech stuff.

[Pain Freak]

Go light, the route you're riding really doesn't require any suspension anyways and your Ti bike is so nice to look at. 23 pounds is even less then my cx bike, you'll do fine with it. Just remember to go at your speed, these long distance rides are all about pace. Don't get caught up in the start and go out to fast as you'll pay later for sure. Is this a race or a fun ride?

27 is a light bike and I'd consider superlight for a fs.

[dirtmistress]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

Go light, the route you're riding really doesn't require any suspension anyways and your Ti bike is so nice to look at. 23 pounds is even less then my cx bike, you'll do fine with it. Just remember to go at your speed, these long distance rides are all about pace. Don't get caught up in the start and go out to fast as you'll pay later for sure. Is this a race or a fun ride?

27 is a light bike and I'd consider superlight for a fs.

It's just for kicks.
I guess 27 is light but I heard you can get FS at 23 now-a-days.

[sauce]

If it's not too techy, I'd go light. Ti HT? You lucky girl ...

[allison]

Really depends on how comfortable you want to be after 4-6 hours. Unless it won't take you that long...

You will definitely not feel as bad on the Superlight, but your legs may be a bit more sore. But, other body parts (feet, hands, shoulders, etc) may thank you.

[mp3]

For 63ish miles....HT. No doubt about it.

[Endo Verendo]

You'll be happy you're on a light HT when you have to climb that road back out of Sycamore.

[DDB@OCR]

No brainer.

Ride that superbitchensweet Merlin till the wheels fall off it.

Hint- get some riding in on it if you can it so your back and shoulders will be used to the seating position etc. (in case you've been off it for some reason, riding your FS a instead etc....)

[autoduel]

Unless it's rockgarden city (especially uphill), I'd go HT. I think you'd lose more time in the climbs carrying the extra weight on the way up than a slower downhill on a hardtail. With a good fork, most of the beating will be on your legs and butt.
HT w/ fatter tires is the way to go.

[speckledtrout]

titanium baby!

[jeffj]

Originally Posted by Endo Verendo

You'll be happy you're on a light HT when you have to climb that road back out of Sycamore.

He makes a great point. The black biznag and the rest of the climb out back to Los Robles will be the last thing you remember about the ride and it will be much easier on the lighter bike. Unless the pace is very casual, I'd go with the lighter bike.

[dirtmistress]

Originally Posted by jeffj

He makes a great point. The black biznag and the rest of the climb out back to Los Robles will be the last thing you remember about the ride and it will be much easier on the lighter bike. Unless the pace is very casual, I'd go with the lighter bike.

whatsa "biznag"???

[jeffj]

Originally Posted by dirtmistress

whatsa "biznag"???

beotch

[Padre]

Ti HT for sure...