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n00b of jumping
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How much front suspension is enough?
I'm considering a new bike and I'm stuck between how much front end I should go after.
Just this past weekend I did Aliso with my buddy Roadhog and his new bike (120mm in the front). When I tried his bike out it handled the Rock'it trail with ease. Coming from a 9yr HT with nearly no travel in the front, his bike kicked some serious ass! With my bike I had to granny the way down, but when I returned with Road's bike I was a rocket! Now I'm mostly a XC/AM rider. I ride the single track, fireroads and hit a few SMALL jumps every now and then. So the bikes that I'm looking at range from have forks with 100-140mm of travel depending on the style of the bike. By doing what I do, can I get away with a CX bike with 100mm? Or should I consider no less than a AM 120mm? |
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Combo Breaker!
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Considering suspension technology for what it is, why not go with more travel?? I mean, the '08 TALAS forks are 140mm travel and only weigh 3.9 lbs. That's pretty sweet if you think about it. I think the F100's are 3.3--only a little more than half a pound less.
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BJammin: Hey Mark, I FYM!! |
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Duan'er - 29'er remixed
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im with pacman go with as much as you can afford budget wise and travel
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-Duan Dulce et Decorum Click the Button 
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Technically Canadian
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5-6" is a good range for XC/AM
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Cant we all just ride along??? |
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Segregated non-bubb.
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i ride XC with 8.5" rear and 8" front.
XC is way better with this setup. in fact, if you really want to have a good time when doing all day epic rides, you should have a bike that is at least 42lbs and has a single 34T chainring. all these weight weenies are just metro-sexuals anyway.  |
| post thanked by: |
2wheel_lee (09-24-2007),
allison (09-20-2007),
cjwally (09-20-2007),
destroyer (09-19-2007),
Foesnasty (09-19-2007),
KonaDupee (09-25-2007),
Krztaco (01-26-2008),
MOSH1DH (09-24-2007),
mtnbikerfred (09-19-2007),
Pain Freak (09-19-2007),
project_d (09-24-2007),
uzziboy (09-24-2007)
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Pro beginner
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I am also going to research the Marz stuff. |
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</sarcasm>
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| post thanked by: |
autoduel (09-19-2007),
BrewMaster (09-24-2007),
genusmtbkr5 (09-25-2007),
jfsh (09-24-2007),
jonsocal (09-24-2007),
mechmann (09-19-2007),
mottmcfly (09-19-2007),
mtnbikerfred (09-19-2007),
nappyt (09-20-2007),
Neccros (09-19-2007),
PacMan (09-19-2007),
Pain Freak (09-19-2007),
project_d (09-24-2007),
Sprockethead (09-24-2007),
xhuskr (09-19-2007)
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Combo Breaker!
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BJammin: Hey Mark, I FYM!! |
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Segregated non-bubb.
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hmmm.... i actually don't think i was DFL on the climbs last weekend but i definitely wasn't in the lead group! |
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</sarcasm>
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Segregated non-bubb.
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haha... nope just dumb enough to keep pedaling!
i think i will bring the Niner on the next ride up there. that way i can be way out front |
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Large Member
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I remember..
you doing the whole ride though!!
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Ya that's right! |
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Combo Breaker!
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Quote:
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BJammin: Hey Mark, I FYM!! |
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EcoChaps
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a 5" travel front and back bike should be a good compromise for the riding you do. it will still climb well and be more fun on the downhills than a 4" bike would be
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Guero: dayum, i wish i went. alarm went off and everything, even got a call from nam at 745 but i couldnt get out of my bed, it was too warm. |
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Old-school BMXer
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As TK said, it's all compromise.
Zero suspension is mostly best for the climbs (but sucks on the descents) and 8" is best for the downhills (but sucks for the climbs). 5" is a good balance of both - it's not great for the climbs or the descents, but is mediocre at both  . If you don't care about the climbs and want to have maximum fun on the descents (mechman), go with 8".
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Speed has never killed anyone, suddenly becoming stationary... that's what gets you. May the air be filled with tires! |
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2007-08 NBA Champions
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How big a fella are you?
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I need less travel now that I am roll'in on the big hoops
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Red Hot Sloth "where I grew up bling bling would get you shot, same with the lycra" Dirtmistress "Hey! I resemble that remark! I was born in Berkeley and have the chin hairs to prove it!!" |
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| post thanked by: |
Evel Knievel (09-28-2007)
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TeamRounboys Founder
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I wouldn't go more than 6", 150mm in the front. Plus there are lots on forks with this range with travel adjust.
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Segregated non-bubb.
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i say 160mm makes a good XC fork as long as you aren't racing. 200mm is a bit much for people that aren't on my doping program.
if you are racing that is a different story. my XC race bike only has 80mm of travel up front   |
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