bluronthetrails said:
I know this question isn't directly related to this thread but:
If you had the choice of the current market, which other FS bike would you choose, or do you prefer the NRS over any other? :I am asking this because i am still not completely sure which FS frame I should be saving up for. I am also asking you this question because many tend to regard you as the unofficial FS weight weenie guru...
Thats a hard question to answer because of few reasons. First, if I were in the market for another frame(and money was no object as your Q suggests)I'd then have to do a ton of research here in the reviews, ask questions about each when the op presented itself(like your doing now), general lurking, etc. So I'm not "schooled" for that Q ATM. I've also not tried the new crop of SPV shocks out there, so I'm not qualified to judge those ATM either(ignorance is bless maybe?). Also...the specific use is THE main consideration. I have 3 bikes tuned for its specific use sorta, so as each can then be more focused more intently toward its specific use. Say the race bike...and say its carbon saddle(mainly)..wouldn't like multi tech climbing falls from several "fun" tries that day, that a trail bike might endure, but it doesn't have too. With the presence of the other bikes, its left to enjoy being the relatively more fragle bike(24 hole ti spokes, carbon stiff, lighter thinner tires, etc). The HT is tuned to be a general trail, rails to trails training, mud race bike, loaner, etc..so the others don't have too. The black NRS is a great Pisgah epic ride, as it still climbs great, etc, biggier 2.25 tires(thin RRs tho), etc. My drift here is, that if one was to own 1 bike for all uses, it would be different then what I might end up for each use.
Now, if money vs "value" comes into play(and it always should)...the NRS is hard to beat IMHO. On Ebay a good new or near new frame can be had for $300-500 all day long. A frame that can be obviously built up light(and easier to do with the money you've saved from a boutiqe brand frame), thats thought of as a benchmark FS climber/racer, and handles excellent. Its up to the rider if the harshness of the race chassis is for them or not.
Thanks for the guru thing, but theres lots of schooled dudes lurking around here that now so much more then me. I'm just more excessive/compulsive I fear. hehe.
If you held my hand to the fire and I HAD to answer your question right now...for 1 bike to own...and money wasn't really an issue..it'd prob be a Blur frame. I've ridden my buds 04 XTR version and it was a very nice ride. Climbs well, plush, and was 24lbs even. Thats plenty light without really trying sorta.
Hope this helps,
Duckster
