[plokazsx]

I'm looking to purchase my first FS and need help deciding how much bike I need. Would the XLT be to much suspension travel for mostly rocky XC (northern east coast trails). I like the sturdiness and plushness of the XLT but i dont want to exhaust myself on uphills and smooth XC trails. Would i be better off sacrificing some pedaling efficency for comfort. Also, I'm getting mixed views on how much efficency is lost with the longer travel bike. I'm also open to other brands.

 

[ROCKETBIKE]

new bike

get the XTL if you have the money I learned the hard way
by getting to little travel

 

[deathonwheels]

Go for the XLT if you are riding rocky trails. My friend has an XLT and we ride in NJ, he loves the bike. It will take some time to get used to the weight, but the extra travel is worth it in the long run as you will get knocked around more on technical terrain with the other bike.

 

[Legbacon]

Xlt

I have a few friends who ride XLT's on everything from buff singletrack to rocky, rooty, steep, twisty, chainring smashing fun and they are as fast as anyone. It's a good all rounder.