"Tony W" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Paul Hutchings" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
>
news:[email protected]...
> > Went hunting for shades today and ended up in a big bike shop in Wolverhampton - it's been a few
> > years but it made me realise how much I used to enjoy riding, so I'm chewing over getting
> > another bike.
> >
> > Likely uses would be canal-paths and that sort of thing.
> >
> > Any thoughts on what I should be looking at? Guy in the shop suggested something like a
> > Specialized Hardrock would be a good start point as
it's
> > half-decent to begin with but if I stuck with it and so wanted it's good enough to stand a few
> > upgrades...
> >
> > Early days and it may be a fad but any thoughts?
>
> For tow-paths & similar the main question is to bounce or not to bounce. The guy in the shop has
> pointed you at an OK entry level mountain bike.
>
> For the same sort of money you could get a good entry level hybrid.
Lighter
> because of the lack of front suspension forks -- somewhat more efficient since you're not bouncing
> the forks up & down while riding.
>
> Last time a similar question came up we had a flame war between those who advocated bouncy bikes
> -- suggesting anything rigid was just eastern European scaffolding poles for old foggie masochists
> -- and the sensible faction who suggested that suspension is nice for some things (going over real
> rough stuff or throwing yourself down mountains) but unnecessary for nice smooth tracks and
> country lanes -- and that the fan of bounce had
just
> swallowed the marketing hype lock, stock and suspension unit..
>
> I would recommend you go somewhere where you can hire a bike or two for
the
> day and cycle a bit to get the feel for what you want and what you will be comfortable with -- and
> to see if you really want to get back in the
saddle.
>
> Have fun.
>
> T
>
>
Here we go - you just don't need bounce. It adds weight, takes away power and causes you maintenance
headaches. Cyclists have been going off road (rough stuff) for years before the bounce fad. Now if
you want to try and kill youself by trying downhilling then wieght and bounce is what you need. If
not, then forget it. If you need any further convincing just sit at the side of the road and watch
all those cyclist on suspension bikes bouncing up and down but going slow.
If you need some suspension off road, on a hybrid or a rigid mountain bike, then I recommend fitting
the excellent Brooks Conquest saddle. It will last you a lifetime and will be your back's friend.
"But what about all those ruts?" I hear the suspension fans saying. Well get out of the saddle and
use your elbows and knees. With those joints and decent bike handling skills you'll be able to
tackle all but the silliest off-road stuff.
There. Flame away.
