|   Bike Dilemna - Obsession | out of bounds
Nov 27, 2001 8:05 AM | | The Bike Obsession has reached epic proportions. Most of the board obviously understands the 'obsession' part. I currently ride a 1999 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC - a great bike, but I've busted the swingarm twice and just received a new swingarm (appears to be an enduro b/c it is beefier). The swingarm took 3 months to replace, so in the interim I bought a steel Team Marin for a $150 bucks and built it up w/ my fsr parts. I'm concerned I may be a bit heavy for the fsr xc. The Marin is a sweet ride and I really enjoy getting back on a hardtail and will keep it and have two bikes. I've also been considering replacing the FSR XC with an ID or other high end bike to ride instead of the fsr xc - have a hardtail and a longer travel full suspension for the mountains. I'm 6'3"/195 and ride east coast mountain terrain aggressively.
The FSR XC has been built up/replaced with: Stratos XC Pro; X-Vert Super; macbike bearing kit; Race Face Turbine LP; Time ATAC Carbon; Single Digit Ti brakes; XT/LX drivetrain.
I'm nearing a milestone Birthday and considering throwing myself some goodies. Here are the options:
1. Keep the fsr xc b/c it is a sweet full suspension ride and build up the Team Marin thereby having two bikes: hardtail and a full suspension. I already have a 2001 Atom Race fork and rhyno lite wheelset for the Marin. Cost for Marin build up easily $1000 and below w/ xtr components, ect.
2. Ditch the fsr and replace with a beefier full suspension bike like the ID/Truth, el saltamontes, racer x or
> switchblade (fsr xc in disguise), a turner or some other sick high end bike
> built from scratch with top of the line xtr parts.. Is 5" of travel make much difference? Put FSR components on the Marin and sell the fsr frame/x-vert super/stratos shock (is there even a market for a 99' fsr xc frame?) and possibly eat some of the costs depending on what I can get for it. I understand that better bikes do not make better riders - but a longer travel full suspension would be a great complement to a hardtail versus the fsr xc which is a xc bike, albeit with a 4" front fork. Good for all conditions.
3. Combo option of 1 and 2: Keep the fsr xc and build up the Marin and ride the fsr xc until it breaks then purchase the high end bike.
Sounds Obsessed? Yes. Although money is always an issue, I can do any option but being a practical person (maybe I shouldn't be) I need to temper the spending with reality. If I decide on buying a high end bike, anybody want to buy a fsr xc frame/stratos xc pro shock/macbike bearing kit(installed)/2000 x-vert super fork? How much would you be willing to pay?
Thanks for your Obsessed and Passionate input. Like I said, it is a bike dilemna as to what is needed versus what is necessary. |
| If it were me.... | Ventanarama
Nov 27, 2001 10:03 AM | | It's possible that the FSR may hold up fine now if they sent a beefier swingarm. However, if it were me I would sell the FSR and get a longer travel but versatile FS bike like the Saltamontes w/ adjustable travel option (3"-5"), the Switchblade, Turner, etc. The Salty is my favorite of course, but any of the above or a few others I didn't mention would be great. I would keep the Marin, but don't spend too much on the build. Take your time & look for deals, go with mid-range stuff. I thought it would be cool to have both (and it is) but I very rarely ride the hardtail now other than for commuting. Don't take too much money away from the FS build trying to make the hardtail a chi-chi high-end ride. This is all just personal opinion of course, it's a pretty subjective question. Yes, even 1" difference in travel makes a dramatic difference in ride. A bike with adjustable rear travel paired with a fork than can do both 4" or 5" of travel would give you the ultimate in versatility.
Larry Mettler
www.mtnhighcyclery.com |
| thanks for the input! | out of bounds
Nov 27, 2001 10:16 AM | | |
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