Full Suspension XC race bike for big guys

[mongoose_dude]

Hi all....

 

I have been thinking about getting a cross-country race fully... Problem is, I'm a rather large / beefy guy, with 1.95m @ 90kg. My question is, are there any light frames around that would survive my (reasonably rough) riding without disintegrating?

 

Some of the bikes I thought about include:

1) Giant Anthem X: Nice and light, but I hear that they like snapping

2) Merida 96: seem nice and sturdy, but not the lightest thing around

3) GT Marathon IDrive: also a nice, beefy frame, but heavy and high-maintenance pivot system

4) Cannondale Scalpel: awesome, but out of my price range

5) New Morewood XC bike: looks like the ideal mix for me, but also not exactly cheap...

 

I'd really appreciate some input from you guys. Tell me your experiences and things. Don't hesitate to say if a bike has been crappy for you etc.

 

Thanks!

>> peace on earth and pancakes to all!!

[TitusTi]

I'm 1.91 and race a 29er Titanium Titus Racer-X, not the lightest out there but damn bullet proof.  The 29'er ali version is pretty light but is still built to take a pounding.

[AndreZA]

I would say look at a 29er. Niner makes a nice FS one. Gary Fisher also have nice ones.

[mongoose_dude]

Thanks guys... A number of people have mentioned 29ers... My problem is that I wanted to plant my stuff over onto a new frame, so with a 29er I'd have to buy new wheelset and fork

 

But perhaps that is the way to go... Would you guys mind posting some pics of your bikes? Any other input with regards to my first post? (i.e. 26er fullys for big okes)?

[wynandvdmerwe]

Merida 96 3000d weights in at 11.3kg dude

[TNOSE_E]

 

 1.84m  94kg

 

SC Superlight

 

TNOSE_E2009-09-07 02:46:21

[AndreZA]

Get the Niner Jet

 

 

 

http://www.ninerbikes.com/fly.aspx?layout=bikes&taxid=86

 

 

[Thug]

My suggestion would be a 29er, either the Gary Fisher or the Niner.

[TitusTi]

I found I didn't really like racing the GF 29'er, the suspension bobbed to much for the way I ride. I think the GF Ht's are better though, maybe look at a hardtail 29'er, something like the On One with a Reba 29er on the front is a no brainer.

[Flea]

I am going through the same (slightly beefier - 190cm and 100kg) - I spoke to a bike shop who said that rather look for more travel as a big guy - so swop the Anthem for a Trance?

I am also looking at the 29ers

By the way there is a Ride-before-you-buy later this month at Groenkloof (19th), probably the best place to chose - hopefully there are XL's there (last year I tested 2x 29er's)

[Thug]

 

I found I didn't really like racing the GF 29'er' date=' the suspension bobbed to much for the way I ride. I think the GF Ht's are better though, maybe look at a hardtail 29'er, something like the On One with a Reba 29er on the front is a no brainer.[/quote']

 

 

Just put the 2010 Reba Team onto my Scandal.

 

 

 

 

[TitusTi]

To be honest, I still prefer the Fox that's on the Titus but it's more than double the price and I just couldn't justify it.

[BigGuy]

I am 1,98, 105kg (winter!), and find the Anthem Large to be a perfect fit, with a 110 stem en 400 seatpost.

[mongoose_dude]

I am 1' date='98, 105kg (winter!), and find the Anthem Large to be a perfect fit, with a 110 stem en 400 seatpost.[/quote']

 

Ai - winter is a bitch!

Surprised to see that you fit on a Large Anthem... And also surprised to hear that the thing hasn't snapped yet. Soooo many people have told me of theirs dying... Really don't know what to make of it.

mongoose_dude2009-09-07 08:12:50

[AndreZA]

and find the Anthem Large to be a perfect fit' date=' with a 110 stem en 400 seatpost.[/quote']

 

 

 

Seeing that the Giant does not have a super compact frame like a Spez, I would say that that bike is too small for you. Mampara2009-09-07 08:17:21

[NICONDA]

Ek ry n Scalpel, dit is die beste fietse daar buite. Ek is 1.84m en 103.5kg het van April tot nou toe net 3kg verloor, daar is nog te minste 10kg wat nog moet gaan.

 

Soek jy net n raam weet van n L.