So I've long been a BMX/trials guy and have occasionally borrowed friend's mountain bikes to ride trails/down hill with them. Fact is, I'm old, the wife likes to mountain bike, I'm thinking it's the way to go.

I'm looking at the Ellsworth Specialist (if I can find one)/Santa Cruz Chameleon for a frame to start with. I like the idea of having a bike that does everything and is a little more aggressive for jumping/playing around.

I haven't ridden too many full suspensions though. Any recommendations on a good do everything bike?

Sam

 

I've ridden a bit. I don't like full-suspension because the rear shock saps a lot of pedal effort if you don't pony up for a top-of-the-line shock. It's a lot of tech and excess weight that can be done without by simply bending your knees a bit (you shouldn't be sitting down while mountain biking anyway, but I'm sure I didn't need to tell you that).

 

I ride a hard tail because I got a deal on a frame big enough for me. Another couple years, will probably go full suspension.

Check the clearance deals here, if you're willing to lay down some cash for a sweet machine. http://wheelworld.com/ Awesome discounts.

 

Yeah I'm thinking hard tail, out of all my buddies bikes that I've ridden I've liked the hard tails the most for the reasons you guys have mentioned. Thanks for the tip on the site too. I found another site, www.bikeisland.com that does like greymarket/overstock stuff too in case anybody is interested.

 

Mountain bikes are too heavy.

 

I have a Specialized FSR XC which is fast as anything else for being full suspension, with a run of the mill Fox rear shock. You do go faster on it. Naturally having some sort of lockout would be nice, but as noted above need to drop more $$$. I bought this bike in 2000 and it's held up well.

 

^jesus christ, are you shaq?

 

Heh.. long legs as a result of too much cycling during my early years. I'm only 6'2, but all leg.

 

http://www.mountaincycle.com/shockwave

 

Keen MTBer here.

Currently have a 1994 Titanium Diamond Back Axis TT and a 09 Trek Fuel EX7.

 

Nice turtles

 

Good to see that Mountain Cycle is still making man sized bikes. I rode a friend's San Andreas back in the day.. It was a hoot to jump stuff with.

 

I have a hard tail to ride to work (cube acid) and a 2008 Scott ransom to play on, love the bike lockable front forks and 3 position rear ( lock half and full travel ) a bit weighty but silky smooth downhill.

First decide how much travel you need ie what type of riding and then get a clearance bike you like wiy=th rear lock out.

 

I've always ridden a hardtail for the light, direct feel out back...same reason as a Miata, but I don't really jump stuff, and am a ***** at downhill. Various Treks and Specialized, currently on a mid-range Rockhopper (great bang for the buck), and both brands have always served me very well.

It's always worth spending a little more to make sure you get away from the cheap forks. Ask the guy with the longest hair at your local small shop about this, he won't bullshit you. After that you can start deciding how high up you want to go on cranksets and do some research on derailleurs.

I generally ride forest trails, but like to a bike that's still efficient on pavement, and haven't been disappointed. Happy pedaling.

 

Used to mountain bike a lot, had a Dekerf Team SL (Reynolds 853) hardtail that was waaay too nice for me. Sold it a few years ago. A couple months ago I picked up a couple cheap used MTB's for me and the wife. I've been overhauling them (it's too hot to ride right now anyway).

My new (old) ride:





I found a nice Jamis AL hardtail for the wife as well.

 

Iron Horse Warrior frame. Gets the job done for me.