The `wicked` MTB thread

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@Blob,

Sounds like you've got a pretty decent set up...  Is the Carrera a fully rigid?  I hear that Chromoloy gives a much plusher ride than Ally frames.  Where have you ridden?

I've just bought a Specialized Enduro after running a Rockhopper for eight months.  The RH certainly took North Wales in it's stride (it's a better bike than I am a rider), but so far I've yet to really give the Enduro a workout, but I may be bound for the Peak District this weekend...

The RH is complete with Hope Minis discs, Manitou Axel forks, Panaracer Fire 2.1" XC tyres.

The Enduro is stock (Marzocchi forks, Fox float rear, Specialized Enduro 2.2 tyres) except for Hope M4s and a Hope seat clamp.  

[PMC]

Yep, but I haven't ridden in a while. I'm on a (prehistoric) 1993 Marin Bear Valley frame that needs a new rear derailleur (sp?). I have lost touch with the MTB world to be honest. I was into it back in early 90s when I was a teenager. [That bike cost me a pretty penny back then!] I was gonna start going to competitions, but it was around then when I discovered the pub.

Bear Valley?  My mate had one of those and loved it to bits.  Said it was one of the best bikes he's ever owned.

But its all come on loads since then. I mean, I see EVERYONE riding full sus bikes.
Back when I rode, you were lucky to be able to afford some Rock Shox for the front. I had a couple of friends who had those Girvin Flexstem thingies.

I don't understand why people ride full sus around town...surely X% of the energy is wasted?

Yeah, same mate has an old Proflex somewhere.  The rear elastomer only works in warm weather and the front forks are a work of art...

A lot of people do full sus, but you can't beat a hardtail for responsiveness and climbing.  My Rockhopper was superb at climbing hills and was very nimble.  Some of the guys I know are actually returning to hardtails because of this.

As for wasting energy, you can get a damping system that locks out "bob" when pedalling so that the energy isn't wasted.  Some rear shocks also lock out too.

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Cheers Blob!  Yeah, the Enduro is alloy, but it weighs in at around 27 - 29 Ib I think.  The brakes are still bedding in but I couldn't go back to rim brakes after using discs.

Here's a link:

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=6751&JServSessionIdroot=hobd5wgs23.j27009

Can't believe you sacrificed front sus for weight, I guess you must do a lot of climbing and cross country?  The main thing about any bike is whether you feel comfortable with it, as it builds confidence and thus you ride better.  

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@Acill

I tried a Stumpy the other week when I bought the Enduro.

Lovely bike!  It climbs like a mountain goat and accelerates really well, there's seemingly no loss of power via the rear shock.  

How'd you crack your frame?  It wasn't the seatstay section adjacent to the rear brake calliper by any chance?

I nearly bought it, but for the fact that I've wanted an Enduro for ages...  Decisions, decisions...

Oh and I really like the Panaracers, they're a great tyre.

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@Blob,

My Rockhopper was fitted with Specialized Roll-X tyres from new, but the difference the Panaracers made was amazing - more outright grip and a more progressive breakaway when things got slippery - ie riding over the dreaded wet tree roots.

I'm no downhiller, so I can't comment on their downhill abilities but they suited my (novice) riding style well.

The Enduro is fitted with Enduro tyres very much like those in your pic - not sure if they're S-Works or not though (bike is at dealer having fork refilled with thicker oil).

BTW, the scenery in your photo is amazing.  I'd give my eye teeth to live somewhere like that, Essex isn't exactly famous for it's awesome landscape!

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@T_Bone,

Biking is serious fun...  I tried mountain biking a year ago and have been hooked since!

You can buy bikes preassembled, which is the way to go for a beginner.  Eventually you'll see nicer pedals, brakes, saddles etc that you'll want to fit depending on what you use your bike for.  

I'm well happy with Specialized bikes, they've great after sales support and they frequently score highly in group tests over here.  You can find them on www.specialized.com  (free plug).  Over in the US, they're very reasonably priced too.

If you just want to ride trails then you'll be looking for a Cross Country (XC) bike, if you want to ride at skate parks and off jumps then you'll need a Freeride bike, which is more robust and finally for the ultra-insane there's Downhill Biking which involves launching yourself down steep inclines.  This requires ultra-robust bikes which usually carry a significant weight penalty.  

Give it a try...  It's addictive!

[PMC]

Yeah, in my pic on "Faces of AOrg" you might note the SixSixOne leg armour that I'm sporting...

Rode the first part fo the Red Bull run on my RH without incident, and grinning like an idiot got to the bottom of the hill onto a tarmac section where I stopped for pics.

I couldn't unclip my left pedal in time, fell gently sideways and onto my knee, unleashing a torrent of foul language.  Curse my doofusness...

The best equipment you get afford makes no difference if you're a complete numpty.  Still, the resulting picture of my wounded knee pouring blood down my shin made for a great photo opportunity hehe!