Full Suspension MTB Suggestions

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Delphinus

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#248656 4-Apr-2019 12:13

Following on the other thread talking about hardtails, what's peoples thoughts on full suspension bikes?

I'm looking for something for fun and fitness, cross country trails and down singletracks. Not super hardcore downhill only runs. Looking at perhaps the Trek Fuel EX 8 29".

Definitely want a dropper post. Other than that not sure what else I should be looking at. What are the drawbacks of getting a dual-suspension bike at the lower end of the price range?

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#2210776 4-Apr-2019 15:01

I had a dual suspension bike in the very mid-to-low range for a long time and to be honest, it lasted me well and was great for doing exactly what you have outlined above.

Pros: cheap, easily replaceable components (i.e. rear derailleur in the Alivio/Deore range is far more affordable to replace than XT or XTR etc when it gets snapped off on a tree), mid range will give you a fairly light bike whilst still being fairly robust, relaxed geometry will suit blasting downhills and around single-track

Cons: cheaper bikes tend to be heavier, components are often mixed, so you might get a decent rear derailleur but front might be rubbish...and forks are often nasty at this price range (although they are so much better than when I bought my last double-banger), relaxed geometry of a dual suspension bike is often not ideal for going uphill (which I did rarely).

Trek Fuel EX was a bike I was looking at, but not the 8 - way out of my price range.

My brother on the other hand is a $10k bike sort of a bloke and having chatted with him, he would recommend a Kona Process 165 (similar price to a Fuel EX 8) - but I suspect it's because he's had such a great run with his Kona, more than anything else. He runs a Kona Process 153 which he's upgraded somewhat...

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Delphinus

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#2210786 4-Apr-2019 15:14

Thanks for the feedback (and for chatting to your brother). Kona is $5k (and bikebarn don't have a shop in Dunedin (and you can't get full bikes shipped it seems)) whereas the Trek is closer to $4k (was on special for $3845, can probably negotiate). I'm thinking the difference of $1k isn't really worth it for a reasonable n00b? I've done some biking around the trails on a terrible old hardtail, and test rode the Trek Fuel EX8 and Specialized Stumpjumper 29, and couldn't tell the difference (from each other).

I did read the forks on the Trek 8 are plenty better than the 7, which is why I thought go for the 8. I've regretted going el-cheapo in the past, but also have a budget that isn't $10k.

Would you go 29 over 27.5"?

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#2210789 4-Apr-2019 15:23

Trek Fuel EX 8

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#2210806 4-Apr-2019 15:30

Delphinus:

Following on the other thread talking about hardtails, what's peoples thoughts on full suspension bikes?

much better than hard tail. but more maintenance if you ride a lot. if not then no difference in maintenance.

I'm looking for something for fun and fitness, cross country trails and down singletracks. Not super hardcore downhill only runs. Looking at perhaps the Trek Fuel EX 8 29".

That's a very good bike. That's what I'd recommend for your purpose.

Definitely want a dropper post. Other than that not sure what else I should be looking at. What are the drawbacks of getting a dual-suspension bike at the lower end of the price range?

The trek model is good. Lower end of price range (ie Fuel EX 7) - for your usage, no difference. If you are a serious rider - then you will notice the extra weight, the less smooth gear shifting, the less supportive fork but these are hardly noticeable for the non hard core. If you buy a bad full suspension bike then you will notice that it feels like riding a concrete barge held up on two pogo sticks, but then again, you may not (notice).

Delphinus

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#2210809 4-Apr-2019 15:31

Batman:

[If you buy a bad full suspension bike then you will notice that it feels like riding a concrete barge held up on two pogo sticks, but then again, you may not (notice).

What models would you put in this category?

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#2210874 4-Apr-2019 18:55

I had a khs 5500 that fits the description. Didn't stop me from mountain biking though. Still had loads of fun on it until I outgrew it.

The ones I see on torpedo7 (giant stance, gt something, trek fuel ex 5) may not be in that category, may be, but you'll still have loads of fun on them until you become very serious about mtb.

Ps those cheap full suspensions were way more fun than the most expensive hardtails, which could go much faster but less fun.

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#2211183 5-Apr-2019 11:08

The number one question is : whats your budget. Go from there

New or used .

Where are you riding ? Lots of fast downhills ? How long is you av ride. Are you going to race, or just ride for fun.

Can sometimes get bargains used , or last years models new at cut down prices.

Weight is the other thing.

Both the full sus bikes Ive had have been heavier than average. Meh, no big deal if riding for an hour or so.

My current bike has long(ish) travel suspension and geometry thats great on steep downhills (its not a downhill bike though). The price I pay is the weight (Im used it it) , but its a VERY comfy ride .

I ride almost every weekend. Maintenance is almost none , Thats a non issue .

I would go for a mineral oil brake setup if buying again . Brake fluid is awefull stuff .

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#2211192 5-Apr-2019 11:23

Delphinus: Thanks for the feedback (and for chatting to your brother). Kona is $5k (and bikebarn don't have a shop in Dunedin (and you can't get full bikes shipped it seems)) whereas the Trek is closer to $4k (was on special for $3845, can probably negotiate). I'm thinking the difference of $1k isn't really worth it for a reasonable n00b? I've done some biking around the trails on a terrible old hardtail, and test rode the Trek Fuel EX8 and Specialized Stumpjumper 29, and couldn't tell the difference (from each other). I did read the forks on the Trek 8 are plenty better than the 7, which is why I thought go for the 8. I've regretted going el-cheapo in the past, but also have a budget that isn't $10k. Would you go 29 over 27.5"?

I'm really old school, so having had 26" wheels for such a long time, I will only ever feel comfortable on 27.5's...I'm sure there are advantages to 29ers but they seem unwieldy to me.

EDIT: I'm only 5'8" tall, so a smaller wheelset doesn't look like a BMX bike with my frame...

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#2211305 5-Apr-2019 12:42

Very short 26"
medium short 27.5"
Tall to very tall 29"
Medium can either 27.5 or 29

Want speed at any cost 29"

All racers now ride 29 regardless of height. Why coz is proven to be faster in any situation.

If you go 26 know that nobody makes things for 26 anymore so your technology is likely old or if second hand likely very worn bits.

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#2211307 5-Apr-2019 12:44

I'd be very cautious buying second hand full suspension bikes. There are a lot of linkages and seals to break. Yes aggressive riders can put a lot of stress into these bits. Or if they were poorly looked after there are a lot of bits to repair. But if you know what you're doing then I'd have no issues with second hand.

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#2211422 5-Apr-2019 16:16

Batman: I'd be very cautious buying second hand full suspension bikes. There are a lot of linkages and seals to break. Yes aggressive riders can put a lot of stress into these bits. Or if they were poorly looked after there are a lot of bits to repair. But if you know what you're doing then I'd have no issues with second hand.

Sure , if its 5+ years old, thats factored into the price. It will be cheap enough to make minor repairsor upgrades no biggie

A lot of people buy mtn bikes and almost never use them , then sell them .

My used bike was only ridden off road a few times before I bought it (he had no car so couldnt easily get to the tracks, rich school kid) . My friend bought a full sus bike that had never been off road .

New is allways nice, its just a matter of money :-)

mudguard

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#2211427 5-Apr-2019 16:52

1101: My current bike has long(ish) travel suspension and geometry thats great on steep downhills (its not a downhill bike though). The price I pay is the weight (Im used it it) , but its a VERY comfy ride .

How much travel and how heavy?

Delphinus

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#2211428 5-Apr-2019 16:54

Popped into Evo cycles today to have another look at the options. They also suggested a Giant Trance 2. It's on sale so a bit cheaper, but I'd prefer the more versatile bike long term. Salesperson rattled off some differences in suspension setup, but what real world difference does that make?

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#2211438 5-Apr-2019 17:35

Delphinus: Salesperson rattled off some differences in suspension setup, but what real world difference does that make?

None. People who are fast, are fast, the bike matters little. The tricky thing with bike buying is trying to work out what the increase in price is actually getting you. The whole wheelsize change has been a little annoying too.

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#2211440 5-Apr-2019 17:44

Delphinus: Popped into Evo cycles today to have another look at the options. They also suggested a Giant Trance 2. It's on sale so a bit cheaper, but I'd prefer the more versatile bike long term. Salesperson rattled off some differences in suspension setup, but what real world difference does that make?

If you are asking this question, no difference.

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