nwmlarge wrote:
This article puts over a lot of good points as to why you should make that decision carefully.
It even gives you examples or more suited models
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/The-Argume ... -2012.htmlYeah interesting things to think about there - I'm still not sure what bike to get next and regularly change my mind what my next bike will when I have the funds. For now I ride what I have as can't afford three of four good bikes!
I went from learning the ropes on a hard tail round Swinley, Wales etc, a season getting into proper DH on a 200mm rig in New Zealand, then back to 150mm front and rear when I moved home. That works out well for most of the places I ride now. Fine for the likes of Aston Hill light enough for Danbury or similar. I have fancied a bit more travel in the Alps, Scotland and Wales but this is once or twice a year for me so personally just can't justify a DH rig. I guess you have to be honest about what you ride, how fast and how often.
Saying that, I have pretty much replaced every thing on my 150mm bike with burly spec'ed bits because the original ended up bent or not working as needed. The seat post, front chain rings, bash guard and the rear shock (and frame of course as that would count a s new bike I think) are the only original parts. But it is 4 years old so I guess this can be expected on any sort on MTB.
Over all I think it was good to learn line choice on the hard tail and also how to ride aggressively and do bigger drops/ jumps with the extra confidence from plenty of suspension. It enables you to make mistakes and walk away. I remember a couple of times when it did go wrong that the boxers saved me, so maybe having that safety buffer helps mentally. Any one who's had that chest on the bar, forks bottomed out, rear wheel in the air moment rather than flying over the bars knows what I mean.