"Westie" <
[email protected]> wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> "B a r r y B u r k e J r ." <
[email protected]> wrote in message
>
news:[email protected]...
> > On Fri, 26 Sep 2003 15:37:09 +1200, "Westie" <
[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >
> > >Has anyone got anything relevant to say about the VT's or will I be the first to guinea pig it?
> > >I've taken what mtbrrrrrreview says with the
> usual
> > >grain of salt.
> >
> > I've got one and several of my riding mates do as well.
> >
> > Great bike for New England. I don't know where you are or your skills or style, so I don't know
> > if it's right for you. The geometry my be too slack for some areas.
> >
> > Mine is modified with a Bomber Z1-FR fork and heavy spring kit, as I hate Rock Shox forks. I've
> > enjoyed the Crossmax XL's so far. The Scorpions are great tires, but very fast wearing.
> >
> > Barry
>
> Thanks Barry I'm in New Zealand - not New England
The NRS suited me very well for the most
> part. I often ride a lot of tarmac and gravel to get to the trails so having the lighter, race
> styled bike was nice. I'm 95% XC rider, however some of the riding I was beginning to draw a bead
> on would have been a bit much for the NRS. I think that something a little heavier and more
> robust like the VT1 is in order. I'm not 100% sure what New England terrain is like, but I
> suspect that it's probably got a similar sort of mix as I've got here. My skills are very average
> - but like everyone,... any excuse to 'practice'...! Probably my biggest concern is that I'm
> going to end up with a big weight and geometry penalty and suddenly find that a 10km ride on
> tarmac is hell on wheels.
It sounds like you want to go for more like the Titus LocoMoto. The Giant is going to be heavy. I
would say a Trek Liquid, but my test ride showed me that the rear was REALLY flexy. I liked the
Klein Palomino, however. A little bit more expensive than I like, but it was OK.
Now, if you want a solid XC/AM bike, maybe a Marin TARA bike is where you are headed? With a Manitou
Swinger SPV shock, you'd be ready to rumble with the new stuff you want to try.
Spider