making the switch

[Bill O'Neal]

I am finally going to make the switch from hard tail to full suspension. I
am looking for a lightweight cross country bike. I would like to hear some
of the pros and cons of what to look for in a full suspension bike. Can you
help me?

--
Diane O'Neal

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[adam glover]

3 words: FOUR BAR LINKAGE.


You really want to stick with something above US$800.00 ($1500.00 CND)
Everything below this is made with a URT (unified rear triangle) which
transmits and amplifies pedal downstrokes into bob (more energy goes
into compressing the shock than in making the bike go forward. There
are some exceptions to the price rule - an obvious one is the Jamis
Dakar - but they skimp on parts spec to be able to get a half decent
suspension design.

In short, the mark of a good suspension bike is that you don't even know
that the suspension is doing it's job. Try as many shops as possible,
and once you find one that is open, honest, professional, and
trustworthy; get them to help you make the right decision.


Bill O'Neal wrote:

> I am finally going to make the switch from hard tail to full suspension. I
> am looking for a lightweight cross country bike. I would like to hear some
> of the pros and cons of what to look for in a full suspension bike. Can you
> help me?
>
> --
> Diane O'Neal
>
> --
> rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help solving
> posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see http://rbor.org/
> Please read the charter before posting: http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt
>
>

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[Rob Paton]

"Bill O'Neal" > wrote in message >...
> I am finally going to make the switch from hard tail to full suspension. I
> am looking for a lightweight cross country bike. I would like to hear some
> of the pros and cons of what to look for in a full suspension bike. Can you
> help me?
>
> --
> Diane O'Neal

If you plan on doing (a) some road riding (b) smooth trail riding or
(c) racing, I would recommend getting a lockout on your rear shock if
you can.

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[Dave_SoCal]

Adam's advise nails it.

I'm going through the same decision making process right now as well. I
am mostly an XC type rider and ride a GT Zaskar LE now. Some of the trails
I ride have some pretty serious washboard surface and my hardtail rear wheel
is off the ground most of the time at speed. I have my decision narrowed
down to two frames - Giant XTC NRS Air and the Ellsworth Truth. Should be
able to build up either one to weigh in below 24 lbs. The Giant has almost
no pedal bob. The Truth has a tiny bit of bob but is awesome to ride.

Dave SoCal


"adam glover" > wrote in message
...
> 3 words: FOUR BAR LINKAGE.
>
>
> You really want to stick with something above US$800.00 ($1500.00 CND)
> Everything below this is made with a URT (unified rear triangle) which
> transmits and amplifies pedal downstrokes into bob (more energy goes
> into compressing the shock than in making the bike go forward. There
> are some exceptions to the price rule - an obvious one is the Jamis
> Dakar - but they skimp on parts spec to be able to get a half decent
> suspension design.
>
> In short, the mark of a good suspension bike is that you don't even know
> that the suspension is doing it's job. Try as many shops as possible,
> and once you find one that is open, honest, professional, and
> trustworthy; get them to help you make the right decision.
>
>
> Bill O'Neal wrote:
>
> > I am finally going to make the switch from hard tail to full
suspension. I
> > am looking for a lightweight cross country bike. I would like to hear
some
> > of the pros and cons of what to look for in a full suspension bike. Can
you
> > help me?
> >
> > --
> > Diane O'Neal
> >
> > --
> > rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help solving
> > posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see http://rbor.org/
> > Please read the charter before posting: http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt
> >
> >
>
> --
> rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help solving
> posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see http://rbor.org/
> Please read the charter before posting: http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt
>


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[Dave Wilson]

This is my first attempt at posting here, so I hope it works.

I see this four bar linkage frame for sale all the time on eBay for $110:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3629477842&category=22679

Specs here:
BRAND NEW. FOUR BAR LINKAGE FRAME DESIGN,ALUMINUM TUBE., RST 56 REAR SHOCK
PRO DELUXE COIL SPRING EYE TO EYE 165MM ,3MM TRAVEL,SEALED BEARING IN THE
PIVOTS,REPALCEABLE REAR DROP OUT, SEAT POST SIZE:27.2MM,BB SHELL
WIDTH:68MM,FRONT DER.:31.6MM, FRAME SIZE: POLISHED SILVER: SEAT TUBE:23", CC
BB TO TOP OF TOP TUBE:21", TOP TUBE:23", HEAD TUBE:6 1/4",1 1/8" STEERER,
FOR V-BRAKE ONLY., TRAVEL:3",WEIGHT:7.00 LBS,MADE IN TAIWAN TUBE:23"

Is it any good? I think I know the answer based on the price, but that 21"
size is tempting to a 6'4" guy.

Dave Wilson

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