Shocks w/lock out?

M threezy · 07-17-2006, 10:58 PM

I am looking for a new bike. First off, I am from Marin and the South Bay, I would to do more DH/freeride climbing and less XC (climbing) riding...I want a bike that can be plush down hill and handle things, while still being able to climb some hills when needed. I would love to ride trails where I can shuttle, but it seems most trails around here need to climb like crazy.

My question is.....if I get a somewhat plush bike, would I be able to get the shocks w/ lock outs and still be able to climb somewhat? I was interested in the Kona Coiler or Howler, possibly stinky but way too heavy for any trails around here.

Any suggestions would be awesome!

cvmex7 · 07-18-2006, 09:56 AM

I would sugest a SX trail with a Fox 36 talas or maybe even a boxer on front. Then if you want too you could make it a 36lb bike that rips downhill and can pedal uphill. I can ride up and down almost any trail in SC on my SX trail with a Fox 40 on it, its only 35-37 lbs(depending on tires), the low/highspeed compression adjusting helps pedaling. Just a thought if you have hella money to blow on a bike. Oh yeah, get some mavic 823 rims too, they are strong as sh1t and pretty light, they roll fast.

n8nate · 07-18-2006, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvmex7

I would sugest a SX trail

2nd that, or maybe a SC Nomad? Just a thought.

-Nate

Raacerx · 07-18-2006, 10:52 AM

Yeah the Specialized SX or Enduro are probably the 2 most popular 6" travel bikes out there. The SX is a little more aggressive, coil shock, 6.7" travel. Enduro has 6" travel, air shock, slightly less aggressive. No need really for a lockout with the Propedal. A Fox Talas 36 up front would be nice, dial it down to 4" for the climbs, steepen up your angles, or go with a Rock Shox that has Motion Control (only a few clicks to lock out).

M threezy · 07-18-2006, 05:26 PM

Thanks for the reply guys. Never thought about the SX trail, but it looks like it is out of my price range. I want to spend around 1500 and def under 2000. Might look into piecing it together, should be cheaper? if done right?

Any other suggestions? I wanted something from Kona, but I am fully open. I used to have a Giant NRS1 that had "anti-bob" technology, but it didnt work that well.... So no need for a lockout as long as I get the right setup and shocks?

oneil003 · 07-18-2006, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M threezy

Might look into piecing it together, should be cheaper? if done right?

No, you could probably not put a light dh bike together from scratch for 1500-2000. Your best bet i think would try and buy used. You might be able to get a used sx trail for around 2000.

bikerguy · 07-18-2006, 09:02 PM

Piecing a bike together would take more money and time and be frustrating, because it sounds like you haven't done it before. It is a great way to learn about parts though. You would end up spending more money on parts, tools, and installation at bikeshops for things like the headset and other things you get confused about. If you are not sure about what you are doing, it would suck to get the wrong size bottom bracket, or headset, or bars, or tire not fitting, or wrong axles, or whatever else could happen. If you know your way around a bike, go for it because its fun building to the specs you want and satisfying riding something you put together. I would reccomend buying a used bike because of your price range. You can get a year or two old model year and pay thousands less. SX trails are amazing bikes, the 2005 and 2006 are both very nice. The coiler is definitly a cheaper alternative, and you could probably get one new for your price range. The advantage of buying new is you have a bike shop that is happy to help you out usually, with all your questions, and if they have a good service plan they will give you adjustments or tuneups for at least a year. I am riding an enduro, and I am very happy with it. The new enduros are more aggressive with 6" travel. Go ride a ton of bikes and see what you prefer, and keep an eye out on craigslist and ebay. There are some great deals to be had. good luck.

vinceliberatore · 07-18-2006, 09:54 PM

from my experience with bikes I've found out that Kona's style of 4 bar linkage is awful for pedaling uphill. My shock has propedal and it helps a little bit. Maybe I just need a new spring but the sc nomad (i know too expensive) is a great pedaling bike compared to the coiler or stinky.

M threezy · 07-19-2006, 05:35 PM

this is little off topic but I just came across Versus Blitz II, even the I is nice. The geometery of the frame looks like it would be okay for climbling. I fell in love with this frame when I first saw it and it looks like everyone has really good reviews on it. This would be the bike, but the price is out of my range....maybe it will be worth it.....hmmmmmmmm :13:

greekfreak420 · 10-16-2006, 08:30 AM

get a coilair