All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

99% of the time it has been a lot more fun on a hardtail (plus-size) over the FS is used to have. The only time I miss the FS is over heavily rooted or rocky terrain. If you're looking for something different it is worth checking out.

 

Different bikes for different things. Plus size hardtail with a pretty stout fork on it and I can really do anything that I want to on it, but the bigger trails I just take the full suspension because it’s better at that. I’d say my bikes time are split pretty 50/50. Covering miles, hitting the brewery, group flow rides? Hardtail all day.

 

Agreed. I built a plus-size hardtail, with new-school geo (long, low, slack). Rode it a little bit, but ultimately got rid of it. I'm 42, and my joints hurt from a lifetime of high-impact sports. The HT hurt me, my knees just ached for days. They are fun, but I found the short travel (110) rig way more fun and forgiving on my body. I rebuilt the same bike, but with a Devinci Marshall frame and couldn't be happier with it.
I know everyone loves the HT, but I ride in the west, where shit is rocky and fast. The short travel rig wins.

Someone asked earlier about 27.5 vs. 29. Here's my input: I've put many miles on both on "superbikes", and yes you can definitely feel the difference.
What you've undoubtedly read is true. 29 rolls, grips, and plows better. 27.5 is more playful and snappy.
It comes down to your size (shorter riders or short inseams have a harder time with 29), riding style (fast vs playful), terrain (rocky, rooty terrain is easier on 29), and bike.
I ended up on 27.5. I'm shorter (5'8"), like poppy bikes, but I do miss the roll of the 29 on the rough stuff around here. I might build up a short travel 29 though, it I can fit comfortably into it.

 

This is the exact HT I am considering.

 

If that’s the style of bike you’re looking at, 27.5+ hardtail, look around and try some different ones out. Lots of options in that build including Trek Roscoe, Norco Fluid, Kona Big Honzo and Scott Scale to name a few.

I have the Scale and it’s a great bike so far.

 

I agree hardtails are fun especially on smooth flow trails. I ride northern AZ and Southern UT and there just aren’t very many smooth trails. Most are extremely rocky. The full-sus is faster and more comfortable. I’ve thought about building a single speed but I’m not sure I could go back to a hardtail. I currently ride a Specialized Epic 29er with the brain stuff removed and 120mm up front and a 27.5 ibis mojo HD3. I love having an XC bike that feels like a rocket even in the rough technical stuff and a super playful bike that can handle anything I can throw at it. If I were to make one bike work for everything I would do a 29er with 130-140mm of travel.

 

Wow. A tent actually on the ground. Nice work!

 

It is sweet, I was looking at several different models for months and found this one on sale. Had to buy it!!

 

This simple observation had me rolling brother.

 

Ha, too funny!!

I do love the way all of those overlander rigs look but I got a truck to carry the bike. I dunno, unless you're camping every weekend then you're just driving around with hundreds of pounds of cool adventure shit.

 

Couple of my bikes in the truck. Trek Emonda, Niner Air 9 27.5+. The hardtail is my newest addition and I’m loving it!

 

Glad you got it sold bro!! Someone got a sweet build

 

Nice. I agree. I'm getting a Tacoma on Tuesday and bikes are a major factor. Will be using my current Thule hitch rack at the start, but I sure wouldn't mind putting the KBVoodoo rack over a Tonneau cover eventually.

 

Thanks man, kinda regret it but it went to a buddy with the understanding that if he ever wants to sell it I get first dibs incase I want it back....

 

Tube question: I’m going through an older bike we have deep in our bike dungeon to loan to our nephew’s son. It has 26x2.1 tires and the front valvestem (Schroeder) came off when I clamped the inflator on it. I have a bunch of new unused 26x1.0/1.15 tubes ... would these be OK in front with the 2.1 tire for some light trail use (the kid probably weighs less than 110 pounds)? I hate to buy more 26” tubes when I have these lying around as our 26” bikes are rarely used.

 

Try it, should be alright. You don't max air pressure anyhow .

 

Well, not a 3rd Gen but this is my 1st Gen bike hauler and fly fishing adventure vehicle in Boise.
The trails were the Greenhorn/Mahoney trail system just south of Ketchum, ID. The fly fishing spot will remain a secret.

 

new here!! Love the set ups! Don’t mind the smoke, province next to us is all but on fire.

 

nice fatboy!