FS-What am i missing?

[Pho'dUp]

I agree with SDYeti.

The FS is great for when you feel like crap or are tired. Besides soaking up a lot of the bumps, you don't have to spend as much energy moving your body around on the bike to absorb bumps like on a hardtail. I find the same goes for techy climbing too because the traction is so much better. Makes the DH a lot easier letting your brain rest a bit too because you don't have to be as picky with your lines and stuff.

Though, for the most part the HT will accelerate better because of the lighter weight and lack of suspension Bob. They just feel more nimble and quick.

Don't get me wrong, I ride hardtail most of the time but if I'm feeling tired or have aches or pains I totally grab the dually.

[allison]

I love my Enduro (and my Demo, but it doesn't climb hills, by choice, anyway).

I really enjoy my soft tail Dos Niner as well, and the light weight bike is great. But, for more technical DH stuff, the FS Enduro is unbeatable.

I crash less on my Enduro than I do on my Surly 1x1, btw.

[capnsavem]

Originally Posted by SAR_boats

Higher credit card bills, chronic up-grade-itis, spouse-launched-projectile-frying-pans.

Other than that, not much

HAHA

seriously though, thanks for all the insight guys.

i do agree that it is the rider and not the ride. i'll keep that in mind as i ride each time, for fun and to improve my skills on each trip out.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by Wrecker

The only poseurs are the ones that show up with clean bikes Seriously, if you're really trying and truly love the sport, you are not a poseur; anyone who doesn't get that, doesn't understand and is, themselves, a poseur

Hey, I my bikes are always clean! It's called maintenance! Although I am still a poseur.

And what are you talking about in the later sentences???

On basic XC rides, I think the HT is a lot more fun. But some people know that I could have fun riding a HT in a 10' x 10' area...especially if there's a tennis ball on the ground.

[capnsavem]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

... But some people know that I could have fun riding a HT in a 10' x 10' area...especially if there's a tennis ball on the ground.

i literally LOLd when i pictured that.

[2wheel_lee]

It's great for practicing balance and bike control. And a HT is much easier to maneuver.

Although I'm riding an Intense 5.5 in this pic, during the time I was remodeling my condo. I think it was raining outside.

[capnsavem]

where's the tennis ball?

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by capnsavem

where's the tennis ball?

Unfortunately, I didn't have one (and I didn't want a tennis ball to mark up the freshly painted walls).

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by allison

I crash less on my Enduro than I do on my Surly 1x1, btw.

it's the lack of 29ers on the 1x1.
[SIZE=1]
(kidding-zero idea if you're 1x1 is a 29er)[/SIZE]

[.8down]

Originally Posted by capnsavem

oh ok... i can see the improved climbing with extra traction deal. it also makes sence about traction improvement on long rough rides.

here's another issue with me... i'm not very good.

if i go FS at this point i'd feel like a poseur. i mean, i've only been riding for about a year, and only on the weekends about 4-6 times a month if i'm lucky.

would it be wise to keep trying to improve on the HT before i go FS?

I use to ride a hardtail way back too before there was even the word "hardtail" (a 95 M2 spesh stumpy), and I kinda suck at riding, I dont feel like I'm a poser(but maybe posers don't know they are???), I actaully think its easier to ride an FS down techy descents. I roll over rocks now that I would normally go around on a HT. Actually about the only HT'ers I see are the sick SSers, and we all know they are super humans or something.

I think the concept of a FS is that its more forgiving...make a mistake and the suspension helps you out a bit...if you get snowboarding its the same concept, a flexy board will forgive your sloppy carving, where a stiffer one is less forgiving and will tend to pop out of turns...good stuff when you are fast but bad stuff when u are learning.

[Pain Freak]

I really enjoy riding both. But my FS will take me over things I just can't do on a HT. It's almost all my fault because of lacking some skills, but having 5 inches in rear suspension has saved my arse a number of times. Some trails I got used to riding my FS on and when I went back and tried to ride again at a similar pace I found myself getting bucked off, or going OTB. The cush is there for more then comfort.

[MTBMaven]

True it is the rider and not the ride. It is real easy for a veteran rider to say that. The only problem is you have to become the rider first. I started riding a hardtrail with 1" of elastomer travel in like '94. I got serious again around 2002. I pretty quickly purchased a full suspension bike. A FS bike will make up for a lot of mistakes. IMO you will learn faster and have more fun because you can ride a wider range of trails and terrain. Over time you will correct your mistakes, falling less and going faster and bigger.

At some point you may want something new and different. Like many here they have different bikes to do different things with. Sure you can ride the same bike at Mammoth as you do climbing Santiago Peak. But there are niche bike that do excel climbing Santiago Peak but suck at Mammoth. You may get to the point I am at where I typically ride many of the same trails. My current ride became boring because the trails became too easy. There was no challenge left. I am purchasing a 29er HT to make things interesting again.

Bottom line: I say ditch the HT and get yourself a FS bike. Something with about 5" of travel and kick your riding up a notch. Your riding should improve dramatically as will your confidence. From there you can diversify.

[capnsavem]

Maven... i like your style.

[allison]

Originally Posted by mechmann

for what it is worth, tomorrow she will be riding a rigid SS. does that mean she will learn something? sure it does. she will learn that she still hates rigid single speeds.

I love rigid SS. Time and a place