Full suspension or Hardtail freeride bikes.

[overdonefood]

okay, so I almost made up my mind on getting a new Kona Coiler. But then a new bike (hardtail) the .243 FR frame. http://www.twofortythree.com/html/bi...6/frframe.html

So anyways, now I am considering not gettin the Coiler, and going with the .243. What The main reasons are, is weight, i've heard that the Coiler is quite heavy, and I would like something that Can take the good ol' dirt jumps once in a while. And i like something that i could flick around. That is one reason why I want the hardtail, for weight, etc.

Well now to the personal specs. of me. I weigh about 110 pounds and I am about 5 foot 8, and still growing ... I free-ride. I like to Downhill often (id say about 40% of the time) and I like to do some technical stuff too, ( id say about 20% of the time), and jump about 30% of the time. I Wouldnt consider myself super aggressive at riding, but I do like to push my limits, and I am planning to try a 8 foot drop next season.

Another reason why a hardtail might just be better, is that I could save a bit of moolah, and maybe upgrade it, whilst if i get the coiler, it would be stock for quite awhile.


So Id just like to hear your opinions on these two bikes. Thanks, if there are any questions ill be here.

[JimC.]

the DH/FR forum, you'll likely run across a better response there. Jim

[perttime]

If you want a HT for FR style riding, while keeping the frame budget in check, the .243 is probably one of the good choices.

They are frame-only from the factory, so you do not get the OEM discounts on the parts.

[overdonefood]

Thank-you. I think a Full suspension would be better for the Downhilling part, but it would probably better to have a hardtail on the jumping parts, thats my problem. But I could do it all on a fully, while It might be a bit tough going to ski hills, like whistler etc. in the summer with a hardtail..

[wickerman1]

Well whatever it is you're going to spend on the Coiler, you can probably build the HT with better components for the same price. thats the beauty about HT you can spec the snot out of it and cost less than a FS.

[todd_freeride]

Well whatever it is you're going to spend on the Coiler, you can probably build the HT with better components for the same price. thats the beauty about HT you can spec the snot out of it and cost less than a FS.

well said.


as far as the FR hardtail, I reciently built one up. I ride it as hard as I ride my fully, hasent even come close to giving in.

[overdonefood]

as far as the FR hardtail, I reciently built one up. I ride it as hard as I ride my fully, hasent even come close to giving in.

how's your hardtail cope with the downhills?

[wickerman1]

how's your hardtail cope with the downhills?

I'm sure he would say the same I would. a$$ end is all over the place but it makes you a better rider

[overdonefood]

So the final verdict is, is that to get a hardtail and spec the shizz out of it?

[wickerman1]

So the final verdict is, is that to get a hardtail and spec the shizz out of it?

Thats what I would do. 243 is an awesome frame... put a nice Ti Travis TC on that

[perttime]

In technical sections a HT is harder, in terms of skill and effort. It forces you to "get it right" and makes you work harder. It does not make things unridable.

[Hardtails Are Better]

Thats what I would do. 243 is an awesome frame... put a nice Ti Travis TC on that

Holy chopper. Maybe a 36 Talas.

[dogonfr]

Holy chopper. Maybe a 36 Talas.

Ba Humbugg

[zul]

I am a devoted HT rider and spent 6 years on a Surly Instegator. The .243 looks sweet. My main set back with the Surly was the 6.6 lb frame. The specs on the .243 shows 7 lb frame weight. You best be prepared to have a heavy bike and no rear travel (sorry to state the obvious there).

Over the years, I had the Surly beefed upto 35 lbs for geared riding and down to 30.5 lbs as a single speed hucking machine. The Surly could ALMOST do it all, as I'm sure the .243 would. The challenges came on longer rides (not sure if you plan on riding any xc) and downhilling where EVERYONE is on a FS rig (hard to keep up at times).

I like perttime’s comment: “In technical sections a HT is harder, in terms of skill and effort. It forces you to "get it right" and makes you work harder. It does not make things unridable.”

It is so hard to explain why HT bikes are so great. That comment is right on the money. There is nothing that you can’t ride on a HT, including drops and technical sections. In my experience, it is just a bit harder to keep up with other riders at times.

The best answer to your question is $$ get both bikes $$, but who can afford that? It took me over 10 years of riding to get two sweet bikes parked in my garage. Now, I just need one more bike …