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07-04.-2004, 08:01 AM
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#1 |
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 9
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XC racing! FS vs HT ?
Hi,
I need some input on what would be a wise decision for me to be really compeditive in the Expert MTB catagory. So far I have modified (lightened up 26lbs.) a 98` Cannondale superV400 that has gotten me through the beginner catagory and curantly in Sport catagory soon to move up to Expert by Fall. I need advice on a replacement race rig that will be fast on all types of terrain. I do not need a strong bike. One real light because of all the uphill climbs but stable going down. A description of myself is that I am 5`4" tall at 128lbs and approaching 40 years of age. I have never owned or have ridden a hard tail but will learn if needed. The bikes I have in mind are both Giants but one is the Carbon nrs FS and the other is the alum HT with carbon downstays.  What would you do in my shoes? Or should I just keep the ole superV400.
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SpandexMan |
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08-04.-2004, 08:43 AM
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#2 | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 322
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Re: XC racing! FS vs HT ?
Quote:
The Super V is quite outdated by todays standards and is significantly more inneficient than most moder FS designs. If you are used to FS you should stick to that. A hardtail will beat the crap out of you until you get used to it. A lot of racers are now using FS exclusively since designs have come such a long way. The NRS is a great choice. Also consider the Trek Fuel, Titus Racer X, Specialized Epic, or Intense Spider. Those are some of the ultimate racing designs around. |
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08-04.-2004, 10:07 AM
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#3 |
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 9
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Thanks for the repley Hecubus. You are right about the superV being outdated (My bike gets alot of comments like, "I used to have one of those superV`s!")
The biggest inprovement that I have done to the superV to keep me compeditive was to replace the coil frame shock for a Cane Creek Cloud 9 air shock with the air pressure set at 1.25 x my body weight to help keep the bob under control. Same goes with the HeadShok. Thanks for the warning about a HT beating the back up. The higher the catagory, the more laps they make you do and the HT is deffinetly not an option now. OUCH! I have seen soft tails and have neither rode one. Not that much lighter than the FS of today but more forgiving than a hard tail? I will set my mind on FS and checkout those bikes you have mentioned.
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SpandexMan |
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08-04.-2004, 12:07 PM
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#4 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 322
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Softails ride, feel and handle like hardtails for the most part. The aleviate small bumps and vibrations a bit but the travel is too little to be truly noticeable. Its more for someone who insists on riding hardtails but needs to take a bit of the edge off. The still hit hard on most normal bumps. It was a good idea a while back but its time has really come and gone.
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19-04.-2004, 11:45 AM
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Malaysia
Posts: 49
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But over here in Southeast Asia, most people still like hardtails at MTB events. I'm not sure whether it was because of our weak currency (making the FS very very expensive), most people seems to be using hardtails. I am now using an Giant NRS 3, and I'm loving it. I will not go back to my old hardtail anymore. NRS 3 with its 'non-sag' settings make it pretty easy to cycle and a decent climber too at that price.
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12-05.-2004, 05:40 AM
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#6 |
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3
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Re: XC racing! FS vs HT ?
If you are looking to upgrade the bike you need to take into account the courses you ride on and how well you handle abuse if you want to make the call on a FS or HT. I am a 36 yr old racer and I have a 2002 Giant NRS Air with SRAM and XTR and it weighs right at 24lbs and I love it. It is firm, does not bob on climbs and has enough travel to make the going easier. I just received a ti hardtail and it is very nice too. Its a little harsher but the ti has some forgiveness and the bike weighs in at 22 even with the same level of specs. Much nicer than aluminum.
So the decision is which is more important to you? Do you want to save 2-4 lbs with the HT or do you want a more compliant ride you get with the FS. The better of a technical rider you are the less need you have for a FS. I am faster uphills on my HT but I am much faster down the hills on my FS. It is really personal preference and which you think will be better on the terrain you ride. Good luck |
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