Show off your Mountain Bike!!!

I really like the way my current bike feels. I could have a little less reach on longer rides of 3 hrs or more. But shorter rides than that feel really good. I've kind of had the same thought process you described, that the smaller one would feel more cramped.

Which is easier to adjust for with stems, seat posts, etc. when in between sizes? A slightly smaller frame or slightly larger frame?

 

So here's my thinking on the 22": ETT is slightly longer on the new, but compensated for if you don't set back your seat. Reach is slightly less, so the BB is probably a little more forward than your current ride. The stack is higher, so out of the saddle may feel like you are standing up a little more and a little more forward on the bike. In the saddle should feel about the same. That's my thinking, anyway.

As far as adjusting, it kind of depends on the starting point. Start with a short stem, you can go longer, long stem you can go shorter. Lots of spacers under bar clamp, you can lower it.

I am in between sizes myself. I used to lean toward the smaller size (Medium in most brands) due to BMX roots, but as I have gotten older I feel more comfortable on sizing up to the Large and typically don't have to do much more than shortening the stem or moving the seat forward a little.

 

That makes a lot of sense. The main thing I have a question about is the out of the saddle feel. I'll be building this bike as a dedicated SS so I'll be out of the saddle a decent amount on climbs. Will this make it easier or more difficult to transfer my weight back to the rear tire for better traction?

 

For out-of-the-saddle climbing, I think it puts you in a good riding position with that geometry. This is opinion and theoretical, I would like to see what others chime in with. I'm not obsessed with geometry, although I do like short chainstays and the right head angle for the type of riding I am doing, leaning toward slack but not so slack that it feels wonky on slow stuff (climbs and tight switchbacks).

 

Thanks for the info. That's all very helpful. My current bike I honestly just bought on a whim through eBay so I didn't research geometry at all before. I just new I liked specialized so I bought it. I'm trying to make a more informed decision this time around. I mostly do a lot of XC with a decent amount of climbing. Of course there's the descents after climbing but that's not the part I primarily focus on, I'm more into the climbing sections.

 

Ht or FS if you can only have 1 bike?

 

What sort of riding are you doing and how long do you usually ride for? Also, what's your budget?

 

I’ve done both. I love my rear lockout that my shock has to stiffen the rear. This basically gives you the best of both....

 

Not sure how I missed this, but I use a Rocky Mounts Monorail hitch rack. I have to air the front down to about 7psi to get it secure. I’m sure tires are going to be spendy, hopefully I’ll get a couple years out of these.

 

I've got both,just curious on which bike for all around riding,would you guys have if only could have 1?

 

FS all the way. If properly setup (and not a dedicated dh bike), your fs should be an efficient pedaler. Never the same as a HT, but efficient. Plus, who doesn't like going faster more comfortably down stuff?

Currently on an Evil Wreckoning, had a Following before that. More travel so it's not as efficient, but with the rear shock setup correctly I don't mind it at all. Worth it when I point down. And even if I wasn't doing steeps, suspension sure does feel better! I do have a Kona Honzo that I play with, but if you're riding all the time, FS no doubt.

 

Oh haha, got it!

I'd say a lightweight FS would be the best all-around setup. I currently have a Rocky Mountain HT, but that's only because it was easier on the wallet to build up a really nice HT than it was a full suspension. But ideally I'd get a 100mm travel FS that I could do both xc racing and trail riding on, and be a little more comfortable on those long rides.

 

Also was asking because lack of time and laziness,I was trying to figure which 1 to get rid off.

 

HT

 

Wife. Bike.

 

What's that to the right looks like a dinosaur egg!!!

 

Das pretty

 

It is. Turquoise T-Rex, Haha. "Kindness rocks" is technically what it's referee to locally. Trail side cheer. Forest bling. There's a message on the bottom that reads "live aloha". Can't argue with that.

 

Finally have the bike home. after over 1 year waiting...
Will post better pics once it's built (still waiting on my i9 wheels so I cannot build anything yet)

but here is the business end of a bump eating bike that pedals and climbs better than any other FS bike
with no need for lockout or brain shock...and no it doesn't bob either....
(reviews all agree nothing else pedals or climbs like this...if you are wondering
think of this design as the Kona AbraCadabra 2.0, but lighter, simpler, and better)

Boost 148 spacing, will have DVO Garnet and DVO Diamond and as you see, the topaz
[this sucker will go nicely in the quiver next to my 21lb carbon XC hardtail]

of course I got the thing to review the hell out of it and determine for myself
if this thing is the shiznat as reviewers say
https://www.tantrumcycles.com/press-reviews

yes, it is a lot of pivots.