Hard Tail

bubba 02

I wish I new how to post a picture.. It's a Quiring- A small custom frame builder here in Michigan. He does beautiful work, super high quality titainum, perfect welds and a geometery that is laid out like no other---- check out Quiring cycles.net

rayhuang

How important is 3-lbs on a XC bike? I am a roadie and 3 lbs is HUGE, especially since I am not that heavy. But I hear guys saying on the trail mountain bikes dont feel as heavy as they are (ie.e full susp. mtb racing XC), but I got to think making a 31 lb mountain bke 27 would be as big as making a 18 lb road bike 14 lbs.

also-a buddy (who doesnt race) says hes way fresher on his full susp bike than when he rides his lighter hardtail because its so easy over bumps. he actually rides his hardtail to get a better workout.

Well-its all for naught as I just bought a Cannondale F5 (hardtail) and of course the best thing is I get to upgrade parts endlessly on this $570 bike!! Just chnaging to a SID Race shock will drop the bike 2.5 lbs!

Ray

bubba 02

On the fatigue factor ,It depends on what terrain your riding on, If your riding on extreme conditions then yes you might need that travel.. I can honestly say that a suspention does'nt make me feel any fresher. I have rode the same mtb trail in two different days- back to back , same conditions, same temps.One day on the hrd tail the next day on susp. Not only was my avg HR higher but my exertion level was higher and my lap time was slower-(both @ race pace) go figure?? I think It's all person preference..

K50

Yeah it really depends on the course. I race my hardtail as much as I can because it's 25lbs and the wheels are stupidly light, but my FS is 27.6lbs and has heavier wheels. It's a lot more sluggish up hills and doesn't respond to sprints as well. I need to pedal much more smoothly at a slower cadence to take full advantage of the rear suspension when going up steep hills and doing big gear sprints.

At the end of the day though, if it's a rough course, the FS wins. Just can't beat the ride and downhill smoothness. I live in the REAL rockies, where it's actually rocky...and riding a hardtail is suicide in those conditions if it's a long race or ride. The fatigue is way higher. My hams really take a beating because they effectively make up for the lack of 3.9" of rear wheel travel.

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Kev

factory61

I just did a back to back test as well and the FS won the battle. It's 6 lbs heavier than my HT and on the rougher climbs I was actually quicker on the FS. The HT was quicker on the smoother climbs and my HR was just a little lower on the HT. Maybe I'm not quite good enough to get the full benefit from the HT. I definitely felt fresher coming off of the FS.


Actually just got back from the LBS looking at the new light weight FS bikes out there. Hopefully there will be a new addition to the garage soon!

j.r.hawkins

+1

tt1106

I ride a Diamondback WCF.2. It is somewhere around 10 years old. It still rides great!
Although I predominantly ride on the road.

Eggyolkeo

I'm riding a 17yo hardtail with cro-mo forks. My wrists take a BEATING on rough downhill sections though. Now I'm torn between fitting suspension forks to it, or just buying a new hartail.

For my budget, any dually would be crap. Would rather a half decent hardtail.

woodchuck

You bring up and interesting question. I have been racing a FS Specialized Epic (26 lbs) the last 3 years. I am building up a HT for use on some courses next year. The HT should be a hair over 22 lbs when it is complete (is about 23.3 lbs right now but am changing the wheelset soon). What courses do you think would be a target for the FS and what for the HT. I am thinking that hilly courses are good for the HT and flat bumpy courses for the FS. I train mostly on the FS because my 40 year old back requires it.

Thoughts?

Nubes

I only ride hardtails(well Im going to build a Turner this winter) I raced my hardtail all summer, its hard for me to sacrifice the weight savings I get from riding a hardtail...I'm currently riding an S-WORKS M5, Easton flat bar, Chris king HS, Thomson stem and seat post, with Crossmax wheels and all XTR group, she weighs 22lbs.

3rensho

Just built up a GT Zaskar re-issue. I was riding a Santa Cruz Bullit and an old Stumpjumper hardtail.
Having ridden both FS and HT I still prefer my HT bikes. But I started out on a GT Avalanche back in the early 90's so it is probably more of what I am used to than anything else.

Everybody has their own style (both technical an aesthetic) and when it comes to stuff like this it is more of preference than anything else I find. Just ride what you enjoy and don't worry about anyone elses ride.

K50

You're absolutely right. The hillier the course, the more advantage the hardtail has. If it's a course with very little climbing, but lots of bumps over rocks or roots, why bother with a hardtail? The FS will soak all that up allowing you to maintain power and a smooth cadence. Hardtails are the king of the mountain for climbing.

So yeah, for the hardtail, use it to its full advantage on courses with lots of climbing.
For the FS bike, use it on flatter courses or courses that are compiled of mostly rough sections.

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Kev

velo711

Yeah, I ride a 99 Rocky Mountain Oxygen Race, it has 5,600km and is still sweet.