Raydek Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 I've been told that should I want to do more technical trail riding and steeper downhills that I should look into a bike with longer (140mm+) travel and a slacker head angle.. Now I don't necessarily disagree with this, but was just curious as to wether or not certain trails are just not ridable with 100mm travel and a steep head angle or, if a riders skills are well developed that it could be tackled? Does the extra travel etc just make it easier? More comfortable?
Odinson Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 A longer travel bike is certainly more forgiving over technical terrain, particularly when descending. However, have a look at some of the nuts stuff that the Elite level riders ride during XCO races on carbon hardtails with less than 100mm of travel. So, unless you're doing proper DH, you can do technical terrain with short travel bikes, if you've got the skills. How long you're bike is going to last is a different story.
marko35s Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 Surely skill plus the correct bike would trump all?Pretty sure there are guys out there that could complete most trails on a kiddies trike but that's not the optimal way.
GLuvsMtb Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 Surely skill plus the correct bike would trump all?Pretty sure there are guys out there that could complete most trails on a kiddies trike but that's not the optimal way.Exactly why the pro's do even the most technical XC courses with no more than 100mm travel. Fastest up and down (if you have the skill).
Raydek Posted December 16, 2014 Author Posted December 16, 2014 How long you're bike is going to last is a different story.Mmmmmmm, very true....
Hairy Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 Skill is king Trail oriented bikes certainly make one feel more in control and allow you go just that bit faster than what you would on a xc orientated rig. From our previous conversation Ray, you seem to be more gravity inclined rider that also like to do a bit of mileage. If you are looking for a reason to get a trail bike, you don't need one. ....Just get the bike and get home, show the wife where the bike will be parked in the house and tell her to get you a beer. Should the above not go so well then as far as I am concerned, should either your wife or her father come knocking on my door I will deny all knowledge. If it goes well you can buy me a beer
Raydek Posted December 16, 2014 Author Posted December 16, 2014 Hahahahaha Hairy, nice one... Luckily my wife is cool with my toys as she as many of her own.. (That sounds wrong... She is a triathlete) and I have a room for my gear and she has one for hers..... Just been wondering if I should hone my skills more on my 100mm before getting a bike with more travel... Seems I should...
Pulse Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 Really nice question I'm sitting in the same situation
EmptyB Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 Hahahahaha Hairy, nice one...Luckily my wife is cool with my toys as she as many of her own.. (That sounds wrong... She is a triathlete) and I have a room for my gear and she has one for hers.....Just been wondering if I should hone my skills more on my 100mm before getting a bike with more travel...Seems I should...Just get a trail bike and no more debating. I've been debating and reading about this for too long now and am going for it....trail bike with more travel (it's not only about travel) here I come. I really enjoy the long 5 to 7 hour rides but feel a bit of "help" on the steep technical stuff will be exactly what I'm looking for. Plus the more upright comfy riding position. I'm not a pro so no point in comparing myself to them or the xc courses they ride. Great topic by the way. If you did get a more trail type bike, any idea what you'd go for?
Raydek Posted December 16, 2014 Author Posted December 16, 2014 Just get a trail bike and no more debating. I've been debating and reading about this for too long now and am going for it....trail bike with more travel (it's not only about travel) here I come. I really enjoy the long 5 to 7 hour rides but feel a bit of "help" on the steep technical stuff will be exactly what I'm looking for. Plus the more upright comfy riding position. I'm not a pro so no point in comparing myself to them or the xc courses they ride. Great topic by the way. If you did get a more trail type bike, any idea what you'd go for?Not a clue, thats a whole other if/when topic for another day. From other chats on here though it seems Giant has good value for money trail bikes.. But if money wasn't a problem then seems like Morewood, Pyga and the likes are the way to go...
EmptyB Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 Not a clue, thats a whole other if/when topic for another day.From other chats on here though it seems Giant has good value for money trail bikes..But if money wasn't a problem then seems like Morewood, Pyga and the likes are the way to go...Yeah, is a whole new topic altogether. I've had two 100mm dual sus bikes now and feel I've pretty much done as much "skills honing" as I can on them over the years. Time to venture for some gain....
Bizkit031 Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 We all want a bike that can do it all but that was never possible,now it is if you see what the Guys are riding in the Enduro races they climb well but not as well as a XCO bike and they decend well too but maybe not as quick as DH bike. So they are not made for one specific discipline but it's a jack of all trades and I have always been looking for something like this and it's only getting better. Amazing thing is some of these bikes weigh like 12kg and have 160mm travel skill is king but extra travel really gets you out of some sticky situations as Hairy said go out and get one.
Pikey Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 I've been in the same situation for a while. Also,like to do 60km rides etc and a few races throughout the year. But have got into jumps,rock gardens and sweeping fast berms and more tech stuff. Sold my 29rs bought a pyga pascoe as my only bike now. Ride it everywhere .Can't go wrong,makes me feel like I can actually ride quicker as well. Love my riding so much more now, Albeit slower(long rides that is) Do it you won't regret it.
Pikey Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 We all want a bike that can do it all but that was never possible,now it is if you see what the Guys are riding in the Enduro races they climb well but not as well as a XCO bike and they decend well too but maybe not as quick as DH bike. So they are not made for one specific discipline but it's a jack of all trades and I have always been looking for something like this and it's only getting better. Amazing thing is some of these bikes weigh like 12kg and have 160mm travel skill is king but extra travel really gets you out of some sticky situations as Hairy said go out and get one.Exactly????
Skott5 Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 Get yourself a Santa Cruz LT Tallboy. Ride everything with it and your skills / confidence will grow exponentially. Thank me later ..
Pikey Posted December 16, 2014 Posted December 16, 2014 Oh and going for lessons to get more skillz. Best money I've spent in ages.
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