[mrbb008]

I'm new to mtb and I was thinking of getting a better bike than my hand me down 15 year old rigid bike. I have a budget of about $2k. I've been looking around and I see that I can get a well equipped hardtail or FS. I see the Titus FTM frame on sale at Jenson and it looks sweet. I have mechanical skills and I'm not afraid of building the bike if needed be.

So, should I just get a FS and skip the HT or follow the "natural" progression and get a HT then a FS? Or get a new 100mm fork for the rigid and then ride more than decide? I just don't want to keep on riding a rigid.

 

[Bail_Monkey]

Depends on the trails in your area and the technical difficulty. Also how you ride...

If most of your trails are relatively smooth, you probably don't need a FS bike.

 

[mrbb008]

Depends on the trails in your area and the technical difficulty. Also how you ride...

If most of your trails are relatively smooth, you probably don't need a FS bike.

I live in the Bay Area, CA... so I guess there are all sort of trails here. I see a lot of ppl with FS but then again I go down the same single track with a rigid albeit much slower.

 

[biggoofy1]

Speshy FSR XC
the Pro model is $2000

 

[loydfl]

If you are really serious, many shops have demo bikes and will let you take them out to the local trails. Try out both, cruising the parking lot does not tell you much in the grand scheme of things.

 

[bikedreamer]

I don't necessarily buy that "natural progression" theory. Besides, if you have been riding a rigid frame bike, you've already gone through your training phase;

Go get a full squish - just be prepared to adopt a different riding style, and to have a helluva lot more fun.

 

[perttime]

I don't necessarily buy that "natural progression" theory.

Yup.
My progression so far:
- rigid (broken)
- HT (still have it and love it, now singlespeed)
- FS (gathering dust in the store room now)
- HT (frame had some problems, gave it away)
- rigid singlespeed (new, still need to dial riding position and tyre pressures)

... But if you have the chance, try some different bikes at bike shops. See if you find something YOU like. Building your own almost always costs more than buying a complete bike. If the old bike is in running order, keep it as a beater/errand bike.

 

[davidbeinct]

Regarding option "new fork." A fifteen year old bike may not take a modern 1.125" threadless steerer tube fork, and if it does, a 100 mm fork may change the geometry more than you would like and stress the head tube too much for safety.

Personally I'd go full suspension, makes riding much less of a beat up the body affair and you'll clean more stuff, once you get used to using the suspension to your advantage.

David B.

 

[Boogyman]

If you are going down more than you are up, then get a FS. FS are a good bit heavier, but are more forgiving in the rough stuff. Since you live in the bay area, you have access to all sorts of terrain. Just be prepare to use lower gears while your legs get in better shape.

 

[captainjoon]

With $2K in the budget, my top 3 choices would be:

Devinci Moonracer SL2.
Awesome handmade Canadian XC bike.

BMC Trailfox 02
Badass bike from Switzerland.

Rocky Mountain Element 10
Another quality bike from Canada (do they still handmake these frames?).

 

[anavrinIV]

for $2000 you'll get better components in a hardtail than a similarly priced full suspension. For me and for my style of riding (north carolina...there's some of everything here) a long travel hardtail is my bike of choice. I see guys all the time out on bigger full suspension bikes on trails where I don't even think twice about the fact that I don't have any rear squish. The choice is up to you, but for all around riding I would go with a well equipped hardtail. And as for getting beat up on a hardtail, I get physically exhausted long before I feel like I've taken too many hits. I can do ~3 hour trail rides and would love to do more if my legs could handle it.

 

[highdelll]

for $2000 you'll get better components in a hardtail than a similarly priced full suspension. ..

Well, if your definition of 'better' is lighter or blingier - possibly
a $2k FS can easily have xt/x9 level components

 

[loydfl]

Well, if your definition of 'better' is lighter or blingier - possibly
a $2k FS can easily have xt/x9 level components

Agreed! You most certainly could get a really nice 2010 FS with those type of components on it.

 

[Bail_Monkey]

Ahh, bay area... If you plan on riding aggressively at Skeggs, Demo or Santa Cruz, part of the Gap, JMP, Tamarancho, I'd opt for a FS. Plus you can take it to Tahoe/Auburn area and not get beat up...

 

[perttime]

... if FS is what you want/need... Try for yourself. Don't let us decide for you.