Do they make 2x mountain bikes anymore? Oppo recommendations?

"VincentMalamute-Kim" (VincentMalamute-Kim)
09/20/2020 at 14:03 • Filed to: None

I’m thinking I might as well spend a lot of money on a new mountain bike before I age out of the sport. I’m looking for a trail bike I believe. I want to go up more than I want to go down. I’m not going to be jumping or anything nutty. Single track and technical stuff but not rock gardens. I can currently handle blue/black trails, not full black.

So fairly short shock travel is fine. Certainly don’t want 16omm travel.

I like the traction of the 2.8/3.0 tires on my 27.5 Plus Scott. So something that could take up to 2.6" tires would be good.

I want low weight. My current Scott is about 35 lbs which is 25% of my body weight. Something closer to 24 lbs if possible.

I think 2x is best for my low torque output, I like the close spacing between gears and want a lower gear than the current 1x drivetrains.

I want color. No black bikes.

I’d prefer Shimano. I’m not used to SRAM and would rather not have to buy an new set of tools.

Looking at a bunch of stuff online makes me think I have to buy a frame and build it up to get what I want. But I’m not even finding a frame with a front derailleur mount.

Cost is not really a limiting factor as far as money supply goes but psychologically I’d have trouble spending more than $9K on a bike.

Am I going to have to forget a 2x drivetrain if I want to buy new?

DISCUSSION (61)

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 14:25

Two bike that tick your boxes for weight but not for travel probably:

Specialized Epic Evo

Transition Spur

Note that you are not going to get a trail bike in the 24 lb range, once you go to a fox 36 or a lyric on the front end everything get beefier, therefore a heavier bike. A really lightweight trail bike is like 28-30 lbs. If you want 2.6 tires you will be in the 30+ lb range, those tires are heavy AF.

2x is gone, everything is 1x12 now, embrace it they don’t even design frames to use a front derailleur since maybe 2015-2016 or so. I run a 32 front ring and have no issues climbing mountain goat steep trails with a 10-52 rear cassette . It’s crazy but it works great. Lots of XC types will run a 34 or 36 while folks that do a lot of steep trails run down to a 28.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/welcome-to-the-2020-pinkbike-field-test-cross-country-bike-edition.html

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 14:28

I don’t have a mountain bike, even though I live at the bottom of the mountain where they invented it. I would like to but I would feel guilty for not doing something with my dog. I notice lots of older gentleman on the new bikes with E assist, so you may not age out of the sport as soon as you think.

Grindintosecond > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 14:32

The whole deal with double or triple front is to aid in the gear spread in back, but with 12 in the back, you no longer really need that help in an MTB arena...you arent too worried about cadence like the roadies are because in MTB it is changing all the time. Nice thing is you can have an extra front ring for where you live. And if you start getting way fitter, throw on a bigger ring.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/20/2020 at 14:36

I’ll go look up those bikes. I’ll go read your pinkbike link too.

But first, d o I have my categories wrong? I thought trail bikes were general purpose and aren’t super beefy, heavy, and long travel? I didn’t think I want a cross-country bike. I don’t think I want a bike in any kind of “race” category which is what I thought XC was .

Maybe I’d be OK with narrower (and lighter) tires if I got better? I find my Plus tires so forgiving in traction and in comfort. But I see Plus tires are on their way out.

Current 32 / 52 gears give a ratio of 0.6 or so. My current 2x with 22 / 36 gives 0.6 and I’m thinking of going to 22 / 46 for a lower lowest gear. I can’t get up your mountain goat trails with a 0.6 lowest ratio.

So basically, the answer is no, there are no new 2x bikes. I might have to accept the 1x and go with 28 or lower in front. But I would still miss the narrower gaps in gearing.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 14:44

All the categories have shifted laterally over the last few years as XC bikes have become more capable and the definition of a trail bike and enduro bike have gotten much more capable, and then there are down country bikes. Geometry plays more of a roll in ride now than travel, a slack angle 120mm bike is going to rip compared to a 150mm bike of 3 or 4 years ago.

TBH I’d look for a bike with 120-140 mm of travel that fits me well, and rides like I like to ride. I have a 2020 Specialized Stump Jumper Pro, and a 2019 Specizlized Epic hard tail. Both bikes have their place and I ride them both a lot. If I had to give up a bike it would be the Epic, It can go down hill but a really blown out trail is not pleasant .

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Grindintosecond
09/20/2020 at 14:53

I like 2x on a road bike but since they have gone 1x on mountain bikes I’m sold. It’s much more simple and it just works, also frees up the left had for the dropper post lever.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 14:59

Also don’t get stuck on SRAM/Shimano, they both work great, I’d run either and frankly prefer the SRAM 4 piston brakes to shimano brakes for reasons... I’ve never broken a SRAM GX or higher level component other than from violent use.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-stick-won-1845121285

nermal > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 15:00

If you prefer pedaling up the hills, don’t get an XC bike that’s good at pedaling. Instead g et a bike that will allow you to get back down as fast as possible. Th at way you can spend more time pedaling up the hill, and less time coming back down . If you’re concerned about not having a low enough gear, just get a different chainring. They’re relatively cheap and easy to change. Personally I run a 30t front with a 10-50t rear and there’s plenty of range on both ends.

Also, if you want traction, you don’t want big balloon tires, you want a high end coil shock and long travel fork . Instead of going from a 35lb bike to a 25lb one, you need to move up to a 40lb one with 170/180mm suspension. Basically this:

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > nermal
09/20/2020 at 15:22

I like your logic. My current bike is probably close to one of the heaviest I’ve ever had and I’ll pedal it up hills all day long... the going down part is just amazballs.

MUSASHI66 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/20/2020 at 15:45

Man, I’m so far behind times... I got 26x2.1 tires, tubes and grips for my new-to-me early 90’s, 3x8 (I think it’s 8, didn’t really check) bike and I dropped it off for a full lube and tune.

I might be better off finding a collector and seeing if they have any interest in a pristine bike which looks like an Alpinestars Mega AL, selling it, and buying something new. I had no clue bikes were 1x now. A lot has changed since my riding days 15-20 years ago.

nermal > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/20/2020 at 15:52

I just put a coil shock on mine last month, and am never ever ever going back to an air shock. My next bike will be coil front and rear.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > MUSASHI66
09/20/2020 at 15:58

What is even 26"? 26 has been gone for about 10 years now... most new bikes have 29" wheels with some having the 27.5 size.

MUSASHI66 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/20/2020 at 16:06

I hate 29ers. I hope I’ll like a 27.5 but I haven’t tried one before. I haven’t been riding for years. I’ve put more miles on my cruiser going around the hood with the wife than I have on a mtb or a road bike in years.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 16:45

Kinja'd!!!

I recently picked up a Trek Stache 9.7 that ticks some of your boxes. 2x is gone from quality mountain bikes as far as I know, but with a 30t ring up front at 10-50t outback I’ve yet to find myself in a place where I needed more gear for climbing. The gear spacing at 12x , especially on the big cogs is closer than you might imagine actually out on the trail. It is an awesome machine, and the pike fork upfront and the 29X3.0 tubeless rubber run at 14/16psi-ish never runs out of grip and rarely leaves me wanting a full squish bike. The rollover is freaking awesome with the 29+ on it. With the carbon fra me it comes in about 28lbs, and I have nothing but good things to say about the GX Eagle drivetrain.

I would encourage you to demo something 29+. There are some light enough tire options out there to make 29X3.0ish way more responsive, and fun than you might imagine. A test ride expecting the bike to be a pig and being astonished at what it actually is was how I came to buy a carbon mountain bike I wasn’t really looking for.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 17:00

Pivots are amazing and a 5.5 or Trail 429 would suit you well.

My Mach 6 is full carbon, carbon wheels too, and weighs a little under 30. You will have a very hard time finding a full squish less than that. Mach 6 is an enduro, but climbs like an XC. I'm sure a 5.5 or 429 would climb even better. Like others are saying, you don't need a 2x.

VincentMalamute-Kim > MUSASHI66
09/20/2020 at 19:31

I don’t remember what bike you have but I bet most old bikes just aren’t worth much.

I’m with you - my riding was >20 yrs ago and just got into mountain biking two years ago. My have to get 2x mindset is left over from the long ago days.

If you ever want to ride a 27.5 Plus, feel free to try mine.

MUSASHI66 > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 19:39

My bike is probably an Alpinestars AL Mega. eBay has them for $400-500, and if I could get , I’d probably trade in for a newer bike.

Maybe we can ride together - my fat ass needs to get back in shape. We’ve started 9rounds a few weeks ago and we go religiously, but I still have 20 lbs to go.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/20/2020 at 19:42

I definitely know I don’t want a hardtail. I have a 1998 Stumpjumper hardtail that’s relegated to gravel roads.

I like the weight of that Transition Spur but reviews of “made for downhill” puts me off. The EVO looks promising. A review of the Spur mentioned Yeti SB130 and that also looks good. I’ll have to go visit those dealers.

What do you mean “ categories have shifted laterally”? And “down-country” means “downhill” bikes ? For my riding style, I don’t think I’d want anything you could remotely call “race”.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Grindintosecond
09/20/2020 at 19:46

yup, I’m very attuned to gearing from a lot of road riding. I have very low torque output so at times I do feel the gaps even in my 2x11 gearing while mtn biking. 1x12 has to have larger gaps than 1x11.

And 1x with a 32/52 low doesn’t go as low gearing as my 2x with a 22/46 low gear .

But it sounds like I have no choice if I want to buy new.

VincentMalamute-Kim > nermal
09/20/2020 at 19:51

My issue with 1x is partly that the lowest gear isn’t as low as my 2x. Chainrings would help. The other issue is that the gaps between gears with 1x12 are larger than with my 2x11.

I disagree, I want a bike that climbs as well as descends.

I definitely don’t want a heavier bike. 40lbs is starting to close in on being 1/3 of my body weight. I can’t lift the front end when I’d like to for some technical features.

High end c oil spring shock? What’s the advantage?

VincentMalamute-Kim > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/20/2020 at 19:52

We may not have similar body builds. And probably different power output curves. My 35lb bike is 1/4 my body weight. I have trouble pushing it over hike-a-bike sections when I’m tired.

His Stigness > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 19:55

All I can do is echo what others have said, like there no more 2x bikes, and 24lbs for a FS bike is impossible.

I just for a YT Izzo Pro. I think it weighs 28. The Pro Race is only a pound lighter, and the Izzo is already a light bike.

I advocate looking at direct to consumer brands like YT and Canyon. They offer such insane value for money, I honestly never see myself buying a bike shop bike ever again.

Also, back the 2x thing. Current Sram Eagle offers a 500% gear ratio spread, so you really don't need a 2x system. Manufacturers have ditched it and instead taken up the left shifter with a dropper post.

VincentMalamute-Kim > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
09/20/2020 at 20:00

I’m definitely not going hardtail. I have a ‘98 Stumpjumper hardtail relegated to gravel roads only. One green trail I rode beat me up thoroughly on my old hardtail (granted not 29" with 3.0 tires) but I was shocked to see plenty of people doing it on unsuspended gravel bikes. I’m probably a lot older than you and comfort is key. My current bike is 27.5 with 3.0 front and 2.8 rear tires running 14 psi. I do like the Plus tires comfort and traction.

For full susp with lower weight, it looks like I’ll have to find a 29er with 2.6" tires.

We may have different opinions on low gears and gaps in 1x12 drivetrains based on our body morphology and power output. But it looks like I have no choice if I want to buy new.

VincentMalamute-Kim > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
09/20/2020 at 20:15

I’ll go look at the 5.5 and the Trail. Thanks.

It looks like I have no choice about 1x if I want to buy new.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 20:16

That makes sense. For me, basically as soon as a trail starts tilting downhill I’m on the dropper getting the seat out my ass so I can move weight around where I need it. I virtually never descend and seldom ride up anything real technical in the saddle on the Stache, so whatever is being transmitted from to the frame from the rear tire is being taken up by my legs and the pedals (and throwing the rear tire around bringing a smile to my face).

Before I bought the Stache I was ridding greens and blues type trails on my Salsa on a 650bx2.2 wheelset running some light, tubeless XC rubber. For a drop bar-rigid gravel bike, it was surprisingly more comfortable than I expected over rocks and whatnot. The carbon front fork flexes more than I would’ve previously imagined and really soaks up a lot more vibrations and smooths out bumps more than you might guess.

VincentMalamute-Kim > MUSASHI66
09/20/2020 at 20:22

wow - $4-500 for an old bike. I have no idea about Alpinestars other than motorcycle accessories but evidently it’s a collector’s item.

Foothills, Old Flowers, forest service roads off of Buckhorn near Pennock Pass, Hall Ranch, Heil Valley, Devil’s Backbone, and Bobcat are my nearby mtn bike routes. I avoid the Open Spaces trails on weekends and do things like Old Flowers if I go on weekends.

Riding together would be great. Your fat ass could be a good match for my genetically poor power output. Let me know.

VincentMalamute-Kim > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
09/20/2020 at 20:28

The trail I was talking about is the Switzerland Trail near Nederland, CO. Old railroad bed with lots of rocks. I couldn’t be on my legs and arms to absorb shock for the 25 miles of it though!

Yes, I am surprised by what you say about gravel bike comfort but I bought a Canyon Grail gravel bike a few months ago with 650b x 40mm rubber and a carbon fork . I’m not doing actual gravel roads on that. It’s my road bike. It’s amazing what “comfort” and “soaks up vibrations” means to different people! LOL

VincentMalamute-Kim > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
09/20/2020 at 20:31

Marin! Mt Tamilpais?

I just started mtn biking since moving to CO two years ago. I really like it. You should give it try if you’re at all a biker.

I know exactly what you mean about going out without my dog. (Luckily?) Rin’s old enough that I can’t take her for long hikes anymore.

VincentMalamute-Kim > His Stigness
09/20/2020 at 20:36

Maybe it’s semantics but 24lbs on FS isn’t impossible. But I probably can’t get 24 lbs without giving up too many of my other criteria.

I don’t care much about the 500% spread and the high gear . I care about the lowest gear and 32/52 isn’t as low as my current 22/46. I also care about minimizing gaps between gears due to my genetically poor torque output. 1x12 has bigger gaps than my 2x11 and I do notice the gaps.

But my opinions don’t matter if I want to buy a new bike. I don’t have a choice about 1x and you guys have convinced me I’ll probably find it acceptable. I still don’t like it.

I’ll put the YT on my To Investigate list. Thanks.

I bought a Canyon Grail two months ago. It’s nice. It works. It does what I expect. It was many hundreds cheaper than any other equivalent brand. I’ll take a another look at the Canyon Neuron. I think that’s their Trail bike.

So I agree about direct brands. But v alue for money is probably lower on my wish list of a new mtn bike.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 20:44

If you're really set on a 2x, you might look at Salsa. They like to do some weird stuff and make excellent bikes. 2019/2020 might not have them, but you might get lucky on a 17/18 if you can find one.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 20:45

That would be a really long ways to be up on the pedals.

My Salsa came from the factory with 700c x 38mm rubber, somewhat similar to your G rail. I rode gravel irrigation ditches and river bank routes in that configuration, but it really wasn’t great on an actual trail. Going to the 650bx2.2 rubber is on the order of a 30% increase in width and transformed the bike over bumps . It hardly rides like the same bike with the different wheelsets.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 20:53

I think you would love the epic EVO and if I was honest with myself that bike could do 90% of the ridding I do with ease. I might opt for 4 piston brakes but otherwise it’s a great spec even at the starting point. I’ve basically turned my hard tail Epic into an EVO build by adding a dropper post and more durable tires. My guess is that it’s in the 25 lb range but I’ve never weighed it.

MUSASHI66 > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 20:56

Will do! My bike should be ready tomorrow

VincentMalamute-Kim > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
09/20/2020 at 22:03

Yup, it’s just like with cars. Tires make a huge difference. I went with the Canyon Grail for my road bike and downsized a bit to 38mm wide tires after finding my 1981 road bike with 28mm tires was just too uncomfortable.

Just found 22lbs for the Epic EVO!?

https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a32935086/specialized-epic-evo-review/

VincentMalamute-Kim > His Stigness
09/20/2020 at 22:05

woah, just found the XC/Trail Specialized Epic EVO is 22lbs in the XL size!

https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a32935086/specialized-epic-evo-review/

VincentMalamute-Kim > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/20/2020 at 22:06

“90% of the ridding I do”

I forget if you mentioned but is your riding similar to me? Technical climbs and descents on the blue/black trails but no rock jumping?

Wow!! 22lbs https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a32935086/specialized-epic-evo-review/ $12K is a lot of money though!

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 22:24

That sounds like it may be the bike you’re looking for.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 22:35

Yeah I am in Larkspur, lots of trails go right up there from here and Kentfield next door.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/20/2020 at 22:59

I ride pretty much every type of terrain depending on what I feel like. Everything from built jump lines to old school remote single track. A technical climb is just another challenge. The blue or black classification is difficult to understand as trail ranking is not standardized. I take friends on trails I think are easy and they think they are really hard...

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/epic-evo/p/187470?color=301280-187470&searchText=94821-7101

VincentMalamute-Kim > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/21/2020 at 00:48

Agree with trail rating variability . For whatever reason, MTBProject’s reader ranked trail ratings for Colorado agree perfectly with me.

Which Epic EVO do you have? I see it’s the S-Works that’s $11.5K with the Pro and Expert a bit more reasonable. After looking at high end bikes, the EVO Comp at $4125 sounds downright cheap.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/21/2020 at 07:58

I have nothing constructive to add, just find it amusing to be going through all these comments about 2x being a thing of the past... and here I am sitting on a 3x8...

...and while I’m happy and have no intention of changing things up, I can definitely say I see the benefits of 1x without ever even riding one. Just ONE derailleur to work black magic on? Sign me up!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/21/2020 at 09:28

I bought the comp then added the parts I actually wanted for much less than paying for a pro build. I added carbon bars, dropper post, good wheels, and X01 shifty bits. The frame, fork and brakes are the only original parts now. I figure I’ve got $5,000 into the bike including it’s original purchase price.

ST80MND > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/21/2020 at 10:39

If you plan on doing more up than down, get a cross country not a trail. Trail bikes are just lighter downhill bikes that you can pedal up hill, but not efficiently. The only bike you will find that still has 2x or 3x drivetrain will be a xc bike. Also, the geometry on trail bikes are way more slack than ever, gearing them towards steep downs and big airs. If this aint your riding forte, trail bike would be a bad fit, xc is the way to go. Not to mention the weight. For the price of that verry spank Pivot in the pic, you can get what you need, at around 24 lbs., and have money left over. You just won’t be able to huck 10 ft to flat.

His Stigness > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/21/2020 at 12:46

Holy son of a bitch that is so stupidly light I can’t believe it. I had no idea that they had full suspension bikes that were so light. Granted, I didn’t do a ton of research. I was limited in not only my budget, but also just selection. And I wasn’t as concerned about weight. But that price is also eye watering. And, I find it ironic that Specialized made the lightest full suspension bike because the Stuntjumper (comparable to my YT Izzo) I tried out, was stupidly heavy for a full carbon bike. I rode a mid level Stuntjumper that was around 32 pounds. My Izzo Pro is 27 pounds, and the Pro Race is 26 pounds. I could have had the Stuntjumper for $3800 new, the same price as my Izzo, but I had to wait for the Izzo. Besides the fact that the Izzo came with better components (Sram Eagle GX vs NX on the Stunty), the weight was my deciding factor. The whole reason I wanted a carbon bike was lightweight. I was coming from a road bike that weighed 16lbs or so. I didn’t want to lug around a heavy bike.

On the 1x vs 2x, you might want to try an oval chainring . It’s supposed to make climbing and such easier. I’m still busy fiddling with my bike so I haven’t actually ridden my bike with the oval installed, but I’m hoping it helps climbing because in the highest gears I have a bitch of a time remaining stable on the bike. I’m really hoping that the odd cadence of the oval solves my issue. My other issue is just lack of stamina, but that’s just going to take time and effort.

VincentMalamute-Kim > His Stigness
09/21/2020 at 14:02

If Specialized can do 22lb FS bikes, I don’t understand why other brands can’ t. Also found four different Epic EVO builds - the next level down Pro is only $8K (!). The lowest level Comp is $4K but that’s 26 lbs and getting towards your YTs.

Big tradeoff of those for me is the 2.3" wide tires. I’d like to get the 22lbs and suffer a few more lbs for 2.6" tires.

I got a Canyon Grail gravel bike recently that I’ve been using for my main road bike and it’s 22lbs!

Interesting thought about oval. I had one on my 92 Trek Antelope and promptly tossed it. Might have to revisit that.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/21/2020 at 14:44

Good idea.

I do wish the EVOs weren’t limited to 2.3" tires. Reviewers say probably at least 2.4". I’d sacrifice a few lbs for the ability to run 2.6" tires.

VincentMalamute-Kim > ST80MND
09/21/2020 at 14:47

hmm, I thought I had a minimal handle on the categories. Carp!

Correct, I’d rather avoid steep drops and air.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
09/21/2020 at 14:51

I know. Bike industry is like the car industry. You have to change things to sell new units every year.

I was riding my ‘81 Raleigh with it’s 2x7 freewheel and even converted it to a triple when I moved to Colorado. Gave it up for a new bike with 38mm tires for comfort and disc brakes after scaring myself on downhills. The new bike with 2x11 has a lower gear and closer gearing gaps than my 3x7 did.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/21/2020 at 15:09

The fork will certainly take a 2.6" tire, the rear is where the clearance issues would be a problem. I am running a 2.3 on the back of my epic and imagine I could go a bit bigger if I want to but a 2.3 on the lighter side is perfect for that bike. I think this is where the Transition I mentioned would be cool, the demo bike they have at the shop has maxxis minions on it, on a 120mm xc bike... it’s really cool.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/21/2020 at 15:40

“The frame, fork and brakes are the only original parts now. I figure I’ve got $5,000 into the bike including it’s original purchase price.”

Now that you’ve got it where you want, w ould you have rather just gone with a frame and built it up?

nermal > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/21/2020 at 15:53

Coil springs behave differently than air springs. A coil shock will have considerably less stiction, meaning that it will move more freely both up and down. This results in a smoother ride, especially in the initial part of the travel. So, with smaller imperfections in the ground, the coil will tend to be much more active and feel more “planted”. The spring rates on coils are also linear rather than progressive, meaning that they don’t get stiffer as they travel like air springs do.

Also, the spring rate on a coil will be consistent, regardless of outside factors. An air spring will change based on temperature . Leave the bike sitting in the sun? The temperature will raise and the PSI will go up. Leave it in the shade? It will go down. Ride a long bumpy section? The movement will create heat, thus increasing the PSI.

Different riding styles - I use the same 3 gears for most of the trails that I run, and could probably get away with 5 total if the option was available.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/21/2020 at 15:53

Just getting the frame and building from scratch is more of an initial investment as the frame only is $2500 . I rode the supplied wheels until the rear hub was trashed. That took about 8 months. So the cost was spread out over two ridding seasons. I did the dropper, bars, XO1 shifters, and beefier tires right away. Now want a new fork now but they are really expensive...I want the new SID, it has 34 mm sliders and moves really well. The reba works but is getting in need of a serious update.

His Stigness > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/21/2020 at 17:09

Well the Epic does only have 100mm travel front and rear. The less travel you have the less the bike is going to weigh. And the top of the line one has all electric components, so that’s going to save a lot of weight. But on the flipside, the new Stuntjumper still weighs over 30 pounds. That’s just insane. YT’s downhill bike, the Tues, only weighs 33 pounds. Outside of e-bikes, that’s one of their heaviest bikes. But it’s not like their frames are made out of eggshells. YT is stupidly popular now. When I went to Big Bear I would say a majority of the bikes were all YT.

My Izzo came with 2.3 tires, and I was running around 24psi and I never struggled for grip at Big Bear, and the tire that comes on it is a fast rolling trail tire, not a downhill or enduro tire. So I think like the transition to 1x, I think you should try out the skinnier tires.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > MUSASHI66
09/22/2020 at 10:44

I’m 100% on the 29er wheel size, the bikes are so good these days, I can ride a tight switchback on my 29" wheeled stump jumper that would have been impossible on my 26" Stump jumper from 2003, it comes down to geometry and suspension technology.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VincentMalamute-Kim
09/22/2020 at 10:45

Down country is a shorter travel bike that has beefier tires to handle more rugged terrain. So basically an XC bike with Maxxis minions.

ST80MND > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
09/22/2020 at 10:50

I am a little envious of you’re bike sir, am absolutly in love with the latest gen Mach bikes. I remember when Pivot first made the scene, and I was just meh, but in the last few years they are making some of the nicest bikes. I have a buddy that almost got one, but he bought a Pole instead, and kinda regretted not getting the Pivot. This year he got a Ibis Rip-Mo, and promptly sold the rest. Says its the only bike he has ever LOVED. I havent ridden them though, because he is 6'6, and I’m 5'8! But boy howdy is that Rip-Mo a super nice ride.

VincentMalamute-Kim > His Stigness
09/22/2020 at 12:46

I just looked up the specs for my Scott. 30.6 lbs with 120mm rear shock travel. I’d weighed it on an analog bathroom scale.

I was just thinking what you suggest. Skinny tires. Possibly buying a set of light carbon wheels.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/22/2020 at 12:51

That sounds like a sensible method.

VincentMalamute-Kim > nermal
09/22/2020 at 12:52

Your explanations makes sense to me. Thanks.

MUSASHI66 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/22/2020 at 15:06

For me, it is all about the feel, and I hate sitting on a 29er. Then again, I am far from a great rider, and my only experience was some 5 years ago on an entry level Specialized hardtail model.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > ST80MND
09/23/2020 at 14:52

I know multiple with pivots now and they so love them. Really fantastic bikes. Ibis was on my list when I bought it, but concerns about frame integrity stopped me. I know a few people with those too and Ibis has screwed them when the carbon had issues, I've heard the same from yeti actually. But pivot is like "Huck it into a tree and we'll take care of you! That's how good our carbon is!"