REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Yes... Another "Which bike?" thread

922 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by ong, Jan 15, 2010

toddre

Discussion Starter · Jan 14, 2010

OK, here's the deal. I want/think-I-need a new frame to replace my hardtail.
I have an old back that can use that can use alittle extra help, but nothing horribly wrong with it, just old...lol.
I need an XC bike that will be ridden a couple times a week and raced on the week ends here in New England. Twisty, techy stuff, rocky, rooty with no super long climbs unless I hit up a couple ski resorts races.
Weight is important but I like the idea of reasonable weight for the right application. I'm 6'5" so I'm already getting a heavy bikes as it is.
Narrowed to the Dos or the Big Mama...
Build will be Reba race/x9/xt/bonty race level stuff.
Opinions needed badly for this choice once and for all
Thanks guys

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Guitar Ted

· #2 · Jan 14, 2010

I have both those bikes and I would put in a vote for the Big Mama. In technical terrain it is just going to handle better because it has a laterally and torsionally stiffer frame.

These can be built to 26lbs in XC guise or AM-ed out like mine and that goes about 32lbs or so. The suspension is very tunable for feel. It handles tight stuff way better than the chain stay length would lead you to believe. It pedals very well also. Tons of tire clearance in the frame.

Bottom line is the frame rigidity though. it is miles better than a Dos Niner in that respect.

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mcstumpy

· #3 · Jan 14, 2010

I am riding a Big Mama in New Hampshaaa.
I do not have any seat time on a Dos but with the season I spent on the Mama I would say she is very raceable on techy trails (say Bear Brook). The 7 lb frame scares some people off but I would say it has a ton of spring and pulls out of corners very fast. I built mine up 1X9 with light parts and i think she is around 27.5lbs. Love the bike and would say its stiff compaired to the other 29ers I tried. I am running 100mm Manitou Minute on the front and it handles great.

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funboarder1971

· #4 · Jan 14, 2010

While I have a Dos and love it, I think the Big Mama would be the better choice for a "one bike for all" situation. I normally ride a Fisher Hifi 29er around for fun and training and when I hop on the Dos, I have to remember that its not a true FS bike as it tends to beat me up a bit. Once I get settled in and used to it, its fine though.

If I was 28, I'd probably be pushing more towards the Dos.

Since I'm 38, the thought of full suspension make me much happier.

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mgersib

· #5 · Jan 14, 2010

Guitar Ted said:
I have both those bikes and I would put in a vote for the Big Mama. In technical terrain it is just going to handle better because it has a laterally and torsionally stiffer frame.

These can be built to 26lbs in XC guise or AM-ed out like mine and that goes about 32lbs or so. The suspension is very tunable for feel. It handles tight stuff way better than the chain stay length would lead you to believe. It pedals very well also. Tons of tire clearance in the frame.

Bottom line is the frame rigidity though. it is miles better than a Dos Niner in that respect.

I agree with Guitar Ted 100-percent on this. I too have owned both bikes, and for you the increase in frame rigidity and suspension travel with the Big mama will be the two benefits you'll notice the most. It's not that the Dos is a noodle, but the Big Mama is a solid, stiff bike, and especially for a big, tall rider, that's a major bonus. Even at 160 lbs (and a semipro xc/endurance racer) it's still a difference I can feel right away.

Good luck!
MG

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toddre

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 15, 2010

Thanks for the info guys....I think the Big Mama is the way to go.
Now if only I can figure out a way to convince the missus....

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Salsa Cycles

· #7 · Jan 15, 2010

toddre said:
Thanks for the info guys....I think the Big Mama is the way to go.
Now if only I can figure out a way to convince the missus....

Its always better to ask for forgiveness than permission....but you didn't hear that from me.

...err wait maybe its easier not better...Whew...good thing my lady doesn't read MTBR

Bobby
Salsa Cycles
Inside Sales and Resident Ogre

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toddre

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 15, 2010

Salsa Cycles said:
Its always better to ask for forgiveness than permission....but you didn't hear that from me.

...err wait maybe its easier not better...Whew...good thing my lady doesn't read MTBR

Bobby
Salsa Cycles
Inside Sales and Resident Ogre

I hear alot of that on MTBR...lol

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ong

· #9 · Jan 15, 2010

I rode a Dos Niner for almost a year in twisty, rooty singletrack, and really hated it. The softtail always just felt like I had a flat in the rear tire, and the long wheelbase made it handle like a U-Haul. When I went back to a 26" hardtail on the same trails, I could handle tight turns that I never made on the Dos, and make it up technical climbs that I spun out on before.

The Dos actually felt nicest on fire roads and rough pavement(!). At least for me, it was a terrible woods bike.

FWIW, I'm totally drooling over the Fargo right now, and I have an El Santo that treats me right. I just really didn't like that Dos!

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