I started out looking at the Slayer (plus a demo ride on single track)
but heard about some problems with the pivots, and that is the kind of
problem that I am having with my current 4-bar linkage suspension.

I am looking for a robust frame the will require minimal maintenance
from ride to ride and over the years. Although I like the Slayer's
traditional bicycle frame configuration/appearance, i.e., a main
triangle and a rear triangle, I would welcome a "lowered" top tube
design that is of benefit in panic stops (and remounting) along steep
or off-camber trails. Understandably, as the suspension travel
increases, the step-over height also tends to increase (for a fixed
frame configuration).


(TJ Poseno) wrote in message . com...
(HKEK) wrote in message m...
What are some of the better mountain bikes to consider in this price
range?

I am looking for something lightweight for part time XC and climbing,
but durable enough for free riding, i.e., climbing up over rocks,
doing small drops (~3 ft), and generally blasting through rocky/rooty
descents.

I'm currently looking at a Santa Cruz Heckler with a 5th Element Coil
and Fox TALAS RLC fork. What else should I consider before putting my
$ on the Heckler.

ID check out the Rocky Mountain Slayer, it is awesome, a more
downhilish fork, but with lockouts, and hydraulic disks. Its an
awesome bike. Also the Rocky Mountian Instinct, it has less travel
though. But XTR components.

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