[trhoppe]

I'm curious what others think as I'm going to be making this decision soon.

If you had to pick a bike for XC and endurance (up to 100 mile) racing, which one would you choose? Same exact components/wheels.

A) Ti 29er hardtail
B) Trek Superfly 100

There is no C. Those are the only two choices!

 

[ser jameson]

Too many unknown variables. If it would be my only bike, I'd go with "A"

 

[trhoppe]

I wanted to eliminate those because then you get into so many scenarios. Figured "pick any random race in the country" as the terrain as it will be raced all over the place.

As far as other bikes, this would be the 2nd bike that would be along side a longer travel 29er (120-140mm convertible)

 

[NCtrailX]

If you think you'll be in contention for a podium, then a hardtail is probably a good choice as your overall fitness will help ease your suffering ffom time in the saddle. For me its more about besting previous times, beating the guys I ride with, maintaining a solid pace and finishing strong. With those goals in mind I'd go FS. Modern FS bikes are so good that it's tough to beat them.

 

[brentos]

If you already have a 120-140mm full suspension, I'd go hardtail. Otherwise your bikes will have too much overlap.

If it was your only bike, Superfly.

 

[tkehler]

.... Modern FS bikes are so good that it's tough to beat them.

This.

Are you really going to be faster with a hardtail? Factor in the comfort over many miles and the ability to lock out the shock.

 

[silves1171]

It really depends on the terrain. I have a 2012 Superfly and a superfly 100, at the SM100 last year I used the hard tail for all of the climbing, but used the SF100 at the wilderness 101 for the technical rocky sections...