Racingsnail Posted August 27, 2009 Share Hi all, the hardtail softail debate got me thinking...I ride a fairly basic HT which weighs +15kg and ride with guys who ride decent FS, better spec bikes. If we are of equal fitness/strength, does the better bike equate to better times/faster riding? I am sure the FS bikes are more comfortable, but most of our rides are less than three hours so the "wear and tear" on the body shouldn't be too critical.Do the better components mean a faster ride, do better tyres roll with that much less resistance, does the better shock allow you ride rough trails with more confidence...Looking forward to you input! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EZRider Posted August 27, 2009 Share I am much faster on my 12 kg FS than on my 15 kg HT. Much! Not because its a FS so much but also because it's lighter and everything works much better on the more expensive bike. The gears shift smoothly and the chain doesn't leap off as much, the shock is way superior and smooths out the bumps properly and the hydraulic disc brakes give me confidence to go much faster down hill. And did I mention that it's 2.5 kg lighter? The whole package just feels more nippy and precise underneath me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodbadugly Posted August 27, 2009 Share Better components=less hassles. Take a nasty cheap headset for example. If you tighten it to much, it gets sticky. Less tight=a loose fork/steerer. A loose steerer=less confidence. More precise shifting will get you the right gear when you need it on a mtb. Shifting hassles will have you pushing your bike up that short steep incline where you could have made it if you got the right gear.A 15kg hardtail is a tad heavy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Posted August 28, 2009 Share Racingsnail, I have the same problem. Have a heavy entry-level hard tail and not doing too badly in races (well, middle of the field). However, I would love to know how much more I would enjoy the races with a nice bike...before spending all the cash on one... I am too bloody stingy to fork out the cash before knowing if I will like the bike on a 3 hour trip... :s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted August 28, 2009 Share YES - PERIOD! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jugheaddave Posted August 28, 2009 Share yes, it will (to a certain degree) However, if you take a guy like Burry, and put him on a cheap deore bike with a cheap entry level rts fork, he will still whip most of us!! So what I am trying to say the difference is relative!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
droo Posted August 28, 2009 Share Up to a point, yes. After that it's all for show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNT1 Posted August 28, 2009 Share YES - PERIOD! Cool... I'm burning the credit card on a new bike, never training again.... Look out Benoni Worldchamps.... here I come!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreZA Posted August 28, 2009 Share It is all relative. Better time from better components will cost you alot of money. Better time from more training not that expensive. And anyway, who cares about time on a MTB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuctionLamb Posted August 28, 2009 Share I got a Merida TFS 900 HT rides lekker....then jumped on a carbon Giant HT with the best SRAM gruppo on....the diff is HUGE!!!!!!! The first few km's the weight is not a problem but after an hour or so you start feeling it....and it gets worse after 2 hours!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted August 28, 2009 Share YES - PERIOD!Cool... I'm burning the credit card on a new bike' date=' never training again.... Look out Benoni Worldchamps.... here I come!!![/quote'] Oi be serious my wife may read this you tchop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trubie Posted August 28, 2009 Share I suppose the answer lies in the fact that it depends on who it is riding the bike?remember its not about the bike - LAThe advantage of a soft tail will be negated if a slow/less strong rider uses itsee it on the road everyday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNT1 Posted August 28, 2009 Share YES - PERIOD! Cool... I'm burning the credit card on a new bike' date=' never training again.... Look out Benoni Worldchamps.... here I come!!![/quote'] Oi be serious my wife may read this you tchop Tell her not to worry... No matter the bike, you will still need horse steroids and brake fluid to win Benoni World's... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delgado Posted August 28, 2009 Share YES - PERIOD! But only if it is a Colnago!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNT1 Posted August 28, 2009 Share YES - PERIOD! But only if it is a Colnago!!! You mean only if it's a Colnago from the 70's or 80's made from Columbus's finest lead water pipes... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted August 28, 2009 Share YES - PERIOD! But only if it is a Colnago!!! Frikkin hell ..... Equine steroids, brake fluid and now a Kolnaygo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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