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687 views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  jamez 
#1 ·
asked this question in the cannondale forum...thought id also post here to try to get unbiased advice................

Hi,

Im looking to purchase a bike for general riding and a bit of downhill work. Am a newbie so am finding it difficult to make a good call with what bike to buy. Im 33 and 14.5st, done a lot of bmx racing in my younger days followed by mountain biking when the sport was still in its infancy.

In a delima at the moment and dont know which bike to choose.

Narrowed it down a little between a Specialised SFR XC 2007 and a Cannondale Prophet 500 SL 2006. See below:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=5854
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60536

Any pointers advice and/or comments on these 2 set ups would be much appreciated.

Cheers
James
 
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#3 ·
From what you describe....

as your riding style, general trail with some down hill tossed in. I'd say the Prophet would be the better bike all around. While back in the day you had 2 choices, Cross Contry and Down Hill, todays bikes have become a bit more "specialized". There are DH bikes, All Mountain, Cross Contry, and Freeride. Each having it's own characteristics. DH = big heavy long legged (8+ inches of travel) bikes that don't pedal well up hill, but SCREAM going down. Freeride = Almost a DH bike, around 6 to 7 inches of travel, but still capable of being pedaled up hill, just don't expect to do it fast, heavy duty frames for jumps, drops and fast down hill runs. All Mountian = 5 to 7 inch travel bikes, but built more to XC specs, lighter than the previous bikes mentioned, usually in the 30lb range. Kind of a "jack of all trades" type bike. Pedal well up hill and descend well, built strong enough for moderate drops and jumps. A good all around "trail" bike. And of course, XC = light weight 3 to 4" travel bike, built to climb like a billy goat, but usually quite a bit slower on the descents. Not built to take the abuse of a steady diet of jumps or drops. Jut enough suspension to take the edge off the rough stuff. Now here's the spot where things get a bit blurry. There is a style of bike that is an in between. It's a gray area between All Mountain and Cross Contry that has become known as a "Trail Bike". They are usually 4 to 5" travel platforms built with XC geometry, but a bit heavier duty than a pure XC bike. Basically they're designed as an all day epic XC bike. The current crop of Stumpjumper FSRs is a good example and the FSR XC falls into this catagory as well, but is more slanted to the XC side of things.

Just as a side note, each one of the above listed "styles" of bikes has it's own geometry as well. Usually specifically designed to fit the "riding style" it's intended for. Confused yet? Don't feel alone! It gets worse!!! Because EVERY manufacturer has their own idea of what constitutes an XC, Trail, All Mountain, Freeride, and DH rig. So the lines often blur.

The FSR XC is just what the name implies, an XC bike with trail bike leanings. They climb well, are reasonably light and fast on buff single track, but are not made for the abuse of a true down hill run. It would serve your purpose, but wouldn't really shine on the descents.

The Prophet is more of an All Mountain bike, even though Evans touts it as a Freeride bike. The frame construction and parts spec say AM! The Gemini is actually Cannondales Freeride bike. Anyway, the Prophet would allow you to do XC type riding with reasonable weight and efficiency on the climbs and still have the legs (read travel), stability and strength for the down hill runs. It would shine on technical sigle track and rougher terrain. And with you're BMX back round it would be the better bike should some of that old BMX "I'm gonna jump it!" feeling work it's way out! :D

Just think about your riding style and the terrain that you are most likely to ride. Get the bike that best fits. Where the difference between the two bikes will show is in how fast you wanna go in the rough stuff and down hill. The Cdale will be a bit slower on the climbs, but it'll float the rough and descend better. But you'll pay for that in weight most likely.

Good Dirt
 
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