|   Superlight or Fuel 98? | havoc
Aug 5, 2002 6:53 PM | | I think i have it narrowed down to 2 bikes (although im open to suggestions)...I ride mainly singletrack in eastern TN or western NC...trying to decide which one will be better...im about 5'11 150lbs...any help will be greatly appreciated
Thanks |
| Superlight, hands down nm | acm2002
Aug 6, 2002 9:26 AM | | |
| Superlight is more plush | Max Orbison
Aug 6, 2002 2:38 PM | | If you like a plush ride, then the Superlight would be the choice.
I have mine setup with a Psylo SL fork set around 100mm-ish and the bike feels very balanced and plush.
But everyone set's up their Superlight a little different here and there.
The Superlight, despite the popular belief about single pivots, climbs well and I never use my lockout. There is actually noticealb bob that I can detect. |
| Where are you in East TN? | BrianN
Aug 7, 2002 1:06 PM | | |
| Where are you in East TN?---knox area (nm) | havoc
Aug 7, 2002 8:05 PM | | |
| Im in Ktown too | BrianN
Aug 8, 2002 4:16 AM | | I used to ride a Superlight for the last 4 years. I was the only one in the area with a SC for a long time. I ride at Haw Ridge several night a week as well as alot of Lone mtn. The Superlight is a good bike in our area but one thing I will say about it is its climbing traction on realy steep climbs that are full of roots isn't so great. The bike has a tendancy to stall and spin on these roots unless you work you weight over them just right. I ride with some people on sugars that dont seem to have that trouble. |
| Im in Ktown too | havoc
Aug 8, 2002 7:18 AM | | thanks for the help...what do you ride now???...i mainly ride haw and concord...occasionally head down to chilhowee or tsali...havent been out to lone mtn what is it like? |
| Im in Ktown too | BrianN
Aug 8, 2002 7:40 AM | | I just got a Hammerhead 100X Its a vast improvement over the Superlight.
I ride concord on occasion. I go kayaking at the Ocoee allot so I wind up riding Tasani a good bit too. I go over Bravard way once in a while and do some Pisgah and Dupont.
Lone Mountain is about half way between Oliver Springs and Wartburg. Its maybe 30 min. from Haw ridge. Its got huge climbs and huge down hills (makes Norris seem flat), about a million stream crossings, lots of rock, and lots of views. Its wide single track from horse traffic. Its one of my favorite places to ride. Hardly anyone there. Its more demanding physically than most rides in the area. Shoot me an Email if your interested in going some time. BrianN@mbiarch.com |
| re: Superlight or Fuel 98? | WarrGuru
Aug 9, 2002 1:58 PM | | I ride a Fuel 98. I've extensively test ridden the SantaCruz SL. They're both great bikes. I chose the Fuel 98 because I prefer a stiffer frame. Also, the Fuel doesn't lock out the suspension quite as much as the SL during climbing. I also race and the Fuel is a better racer, IMHO.
What are your intended uses for the bike? The Fuel is a little better climbing and the SL is a little better at sucking up the bumps on the way down. You really can't go wrong with either.
Warranties are important. The Fuel has an unbeatable lifetime warranty on the frame. Trek is known for good, quick warranty service. Santa Cruz gives you one year on the frame. Beyond 1 year, they will replace the frame (for any reason) for their cost...which is currently about $200.
Whatever you do, make sure you test ride both bikes before making your choice. There are plenty of people that love both bikes. All that matters is that you get what you like.
Some tips when test riding bikes.
1) Test ride both bikes on the same trails and hills
2) Make sure the bikes are set up for your height and weight...shocks adjusted properly.
3) Use the same tires on every bike you test ride. Tires make such a big difference that many people choose the bike with the better tires because it "railed the turns" better. They don't realize that they may have made the wrong bike choice. Bring a set of tires with you and have the LBS mount them on the bikes you test.
The bottom line is that both of these bikes are great bikes. Just choose the one that fits you and your riding style the best.
Good Luck! |
| re: Superlight or Fuel 98? | havoc
Aug 9, 2002 4:29 PM | | thanks for the help....I will be switching from a hardtail so either one will likely be more kind to my rear...i mainly ride semi rooty/rocky singletrack...i'd like to be able to climb almost as well as i can on the hardtail and i dont bomb the downhills (still kind of weary after a concussion from that)not sure i'll be racing yet but maybe in the future...thanks again for the help |
| Comments on Superlight | Martha Stewart
Aug 9, 2002 8:17 PM | | I can't speak for the Fuel, but I can for the Superlight.
I've ridden one for the past 4 months and here are my thoughts...
- Flats are very plush
- Descents are fast and plush
- Climbs are OK. Rear suspension is semi locked out on climbs, but you still get SOME suspension
- Is not automatically light. Name is deceiving. My FSRxc frame weighs the same at 5.5ish pounds. It's only light if you spec it that way.
- No noticable pedal bobbing
- Excellent anodized finish is pretty and durable
- Super stiff read arm
- Performs well, surprisingly, with a Psylo SL fork even when set at 125mm of travel |
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