Do we really need long travel bikes in SA?

[popcorn_skollie]

He he he.

 

Priorities! I've managed to scratch my itch on a far smaller budget over an extended period of time by restoring my old shuttle bike. An old bike can bring new stoke too...

[Odinson]

Here is a spanner to throw in the works: Dual Position Air, Talas, geometry adjustment.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Priorities! I've managed to scratch my itch on a far smaller budget over an extended period of time by restoring my old shuttle bike. An old bike can bring new stoke too...

Especially with THAT paint job... 

[Super_mil]

Here you go, OP: 

 

140mm back and front; 66,5° head angle; 74° seat angle and 437mm chainstays.

 

http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/Files/98790/Img/02/17METATROYE_680.jpg

 

Edit: And Boost back and front and metric shock sizing!

 

This would probably be the style of bike I'd go for if I was buying. Med travel, good geometry.

 

The suspension has become so capable and tune-able that I really don't think you need much more than 140 mm for most local trails.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Here is a spanner to throw in the works: Dual Position Air, Talas, geometry adjustment.

You want one? I have one for sale.

[Meezo]

thank goodness for road biking!

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

This would probably be the style of bike I'd go for if I was buying. Med travel, good geometry.

 

The suspension has become so capable and tune-able that I really don't think you need much more than 140 mm for most local trails.

I think one of the things that marked the capability increase was the move to 34/35mm stanchions on the standard forks, from what were previously specced as 32mm

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

thank goodness for road biking!

aero / climbing / comfort / touring / carbon / alu / TT

 

Nope.

[Meezo]

aero / climbing / comfort / touring / carbon / alu / TT

 

Nope.

 

damn hipsters

[popcorn_skollie]

Here is a spanner to throw in the works: Dual Position Air, Talas, geometry adjustment.

 

Also have you noticed how some bikes are being over forked now?

Some up to 30mm more than in the rear. It seemed absurd at first glance but when you think about how slack they making bikes these days it kind of makes sense.

[Duane_Bosch]

I don't NEED mine. But I want it.

[Hairy]

Stoppie Lorrie! I thought anything more than 100mm was long travel?

in JHB yes .........

[Duane_Bosch]

aero / climbing / comfort / touring / carbon / alu / TT

 

Nope.

Mmmmmmm. Aero! A Spez Venge with di2. Don't need that either but I sure as hell want one.

[Hairy]

thank goodness for road biking!

aaaahhh.... you mean like your 29'er fully rigid Steel SS

[T-Bob]

I've been thinking about how much travel I need for the next bike for the longest time. 

I was dead set on this one. The Kona Process 134. Then I realized that I didn't have any money. Which I probably should have considered before I deciding that I wanted a new bike.

 

Droo mentioned that he found the 110 in the rear of the Phantom over enough and that he just could not get it to bottom out on the rough stuff. It has bigger wheels though so theres that too.

 

The Process and the Transition Patrol were initially at the top of my list... and I love my bike so actually didn't need a list to start with! Then I had that same discussion with 'Droo and Savage and that approach got flipped on it's head.

 

Look I like to search out drops, hits, pop off stuff and generally I want to have fun and act like a stoopid kid building stuff and seeing how fast and how far until you land on your face before getting up with a grin and doing it all again! You won't find me doing more miles than i need to get to the top and come down, around and down again... and again. 

 

So I've always been in the longer trail, mini DH camp. As many have said here the lines are blurring and the fact that great, dialled geo teamed with more progressive / better sus' / stiffer forks is making bikes down to 110 / 115mm rear super capable in most situations (usually with large volume cans) and that's traditionally Anthem / XC Territory. Guess the biggest thing now is not what you've got, it's what you're doing with it.  

 

 

[dev null]

Most peeps buys long travel bikes to show off anyways. They don't have the scars to prove the proper use of their rig. 

 

I love XCO, which is why I have an XCO rig. Do I have the lungs for XCO? No way, but I love riding switchback climbs with my rig.