With pain comes gain

[traylseeker]

I thought I would buy a full suspension bike (looks cool) at a reduced price and eat up some trails, roots and what ever these woods would dish out. (WRONG) I show up with all the gear to a MORE Richmond ride at Poco park to meet some new MTB'ers. The new trail. (5.3 miles ouch) Things went well at first then the pain set in, the suspension started robing me of all energy, reserves everything. Mile 3. The other five guys were extremely polite and occasionally stopped (every 4 minutes) to wait for me to catch up. Also mile 3. I knew they might be getting alittle concerned about my well being when they asked me to drink some water. I had already downed container one and was eyeing #2. As we continued on I hoped for that sign "end of trail" but instead came another hill and another and another. I was worried for the safety of my bike and decided to walk it up some hills. Mile 4. Still determined i pressed on. But suddenly things started to change. My cool bike soon became my enemy. I was looking for a ravine to send it off to an early retirement. I was no longer concerned for it's safety. Mile 5. Then the ride leader told me that the end was near and that I had made a valiant effort. We finally finished (I finally finished) and the crash course in MTB was over. Since then I have traded in the cheapo and now have a hardtail Jamis 21" and enjoy riding. Share your story.

[soreback]

IMHO, it all come down to what you want to get out of biking. Im dont care that my FS bike is 3 pounds heavier than a HT. im not interested in finishing a CC course 7 minutes fasters on a HT than on my FS. Im not interested in blowing by people or seeing how fast i can get my computer to tell me im going. For me, and for my sore back, and shoulder, its all about the comfort that my FS provides me. My body doesnt feel as beat on my FS as it does on a HT. Of course, a FS will sap more energy since the back end is moving as well but for me thats fine, im the guy out there that is going slow, trying to lose some weight, but really really enjoying myself.

[heidi]

I also ride for fun and fitness. I recently borrowed a friend's hardtail while my dualie was getting a tune up. Although I could definitely tell the bike climbed better, I certainly noticed the extremely rough ride I got. After I got mine back, and felt how absorbant the suspension really is, it made me love it all the more.

[traylseeker]

I probably should've mentioned that I hope a FS is in my future, maybe when I can afford to buy a good one, the FS I had came in at a heavy 36lbs. and had very little adjustment if any.

[themonkeyman]

Hmm, what kind of FS bike was it? 36 isn't too bad. My full squish weighs in at around 40-45 lbs, granted it is for FR/DH (leaning more towards DH).

Still, it's always good to expeirement with different types of riding and different types of bikes, because hopefully you can find the riding style and bike that give you the most out of biking.
--Graham

[traylseeker]

it was a KHS and I'll have to admit I didn't spend but 325 on it just to get started. I learned that a good FS runs over a 1000. I just wasn't willing to spend that much yet until I knew exactly what I wanted and had a chance to talked to some MTB'ers and get some first hand takes. The hardtail is light, affordable and has some decent components to get started.
Joel

Just can't seem to get enough ride time.

[Dirt]

Good morning.

There are some great suspension bikes out there that don't rob you of your pedaling power. Don't write off all FS bikes because of your first experience. When you're ready to shop for a new bike, there are some very knowledgable people on this board and some great shops in the area to help you find a bike that works perfectly for you.

Glad you're having fun with your hardtail. :D

Pete