Jester6 Posted August 28, 2014 Share Hi All, I'd like to try out some "different" styles of riding, but I don't really know what is what, what each of the above entails and where would be a good area to start for a noob, I started trying to look at more capable bikes than my rather basic hardtail but realised I am out of my depth a bit.So before I even know where to start I need to know what is whatAny advice or pointers? thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capricorn Posted August 28, 2014 Share The better option than an armchair evaluation, is to actually go to an event and find out for yourself. Fortunately these days, you can have one bike that allows you to test all the puddings.In the marketeering handbook, that one bike would be classified as an Enduro bike. Get one of those, and you'll be on the performance midpoint between the two extremes of MTB: DH/FR and XC. Everything else you mentioned, falls within those endpoints. Edited August 28, 2014 by Capricorn LazyTrailRider and JXV 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sakkiebomskok Posted August 28, 2014 Share I would say AM, ENDURO and FREERIDE are all the same with freeride maybe have a bit less travel for better jumping. DH has alot more travel and you can not ride uphill. You want to get a bike with 150mm to 180mm fork and alot of rear travel with a 1 x or 2x gear setup. Like a santa cruz blur lt, gt force, or specialized stumpjumper just to name a few. I have a travel adjustable fork so i can drop to 140mm when i climb and be at 180mm when i drop into a downhill line. Bizkit031 and LazyTrailRider 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jester6 Posted August 28, 2014 Share Thanks for the feedback!@Capricorn are there any events you'd suggest I check out? Definitely better than an armchair trial you're right! I'm in the JHB side of the world but no issue travelling a bit..@sakkiebomskok ok cool thanks, I'll check out those bikes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean32 Posted August 28, 2014 Share Thanks for the feedback!@Capricorn are there any events you'd suggest I check out? Definitely better than an armchair trial you're right! I'm in the JHB side of the world but no issue travelling a bit..@sakkiebomskok ok cool thanks, I'll check out those bikes!Follow Mountainbikers do it Downhill on Facebook. But at the moment there is no DH Racing in Jozi. Should be a ride day at Thaba next Month. The F/B will keep you updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DubbelBuys Posted August 28, 2014 Share Go to the Spruit & meet some of the friendly locals & see them rip! Pretty sure there'll be someone that'll lend you a bike for a spin. Definitely AM (or enduro as it's called now) bike is the most versatile. As Sakkie said 140mm to 180mm would be the best middleground with 180mm being a bit on the rough side & my guess is that not many guys are riding with that much suspension. 160mm is a lot already & loads of fun!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DubbelBuys Posted August 28, 2014 Share I would say AM, ENDURO and FREERIDE are all the same with freeride maybe have a bit less travel for better jumping. DH has alot more travel and you can not ride uphill. You want to get a bike with 150mm to 180mm fork and alot of rear travel with a 1 x or 2x gear setup. Like a santa cruz blur lt, gt force, or specialized stumpjumper just to name a few. I have a travel adjustable fork so i can drop to 140mm when i climb and be at 180mm when i drop into a downhill line. You sure Sakkie? Less than DH for sure, but more than the aforementioned bikes. niterider, ThePubSA and RockCoach 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jester6 Posted August 28, 2014 Share Thanks everyone, will check out the FB group and some Enduro bikes @DubbelBuys where on the spruit would you suggest? Emmarentia dam side? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePubSA Posted August 28, 2014 Share I would say AM, ENDURO and FREERIDE are all the same with freeride maybe have a bit less travel for better jumping. DH has alot more travel and you can not ride uphill. You want to get a bike with 150mm to 180mm fork and alot of rear travel with a 1 x or 2x gear setup. Like a santa cruz blur lt, gt force, or specialized stumpjumper just to name a few. I have a travel adjustable fork so i can drop to 140mm when i climb and be at 180mm when i drop into a downhill line.You sure Sakkie? Less than DH for sure, but more than the aforementioned bikes.Ya that not right ... freeride def 160-180mm ... 180mm - 210 mm is Dh...Freeride is the next after Dh to have the most travel....Then allmountain/enduro...... then slopestyle etc.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePubSA Posted August 28, 2014 Share You sure Sakkie? Less than DH for sure, but more than the aforementioned bikes.The diff mainly being single crown vs double..freeride bikes being alittle lighter then dh for the big hucks...freeride in the true sense..(not even talking rampage) is generally even gnarlier then Dh at the top of the skill spectrum. Just in the mere fact the way it was desinged to be FREERIDE as in off the trail,creating your own paths....Like the way forefather tippie rides.. then again it can also be street/freeride around your city and concrete terrain http://www.bikes.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/multiple/slayer-tippie_0.jpg?itok=FNEywrnp Edited August 28, 2014 by SiNJiN RockCoach 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePubSA Posted August 28, 2014 Share http://www.sicklines.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Brett-Tippie-Photo-Landon-Stirling-8586.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Stuart Posted August 28, 2014 Share If you don't want to fall into the trap of buying a bike for every purpose then a 140-160 travel all mountain bike will let you do pretty much anything from Downhill to cross country and specialising in Enduro. Guys have even done Sani2Sea on those bikes and 26 inch second hand models are reasonably priced. They're called all mountain for a reason. nolipoli and Captain Fastbastard Mayhem 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headshot Posted August 28, 2014 Share There is no such thing as free riding. You have to pay everywhere these days... Hairy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flat29 Posted August 28, 2014 Share There is no such thing as free riding. You have to pay everywhere these days... unless you use some chloroform :ph34r: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizkit031 Posted August 28, 2014 Share AM and Enduro crapload of fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nofearnofun Posted August 28, 2014 Share If you take radman's advice, I have a 26er 2013 Cannondale Jekyll that might be going with a fork and dropper post.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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