FS to HT?

[nitrousflame]

Let me first give a little background to my riding. I've been riding for as long as I can remember. At first, I was really into BMX and currently have a Specialized Hemi BMX bike that I still ride. It could use some upgrades, but it works. After riding a decent amount of BMX, I got into a full suspension k2 with 5" of travel. I thought it was the coolest thing around. I'd take it off jumps, drops, trails... it didn't matter.

Even though I got the mountain bike, I still rode BMX -- and still do. The thing is, my k2 has pretty much reached the end of its life. I need a new back rim, I'd like to upgrade the fork, and the rear shock isn't much good either.

With that said, I'm looking for a new bike and I'm torn between getting another FS or getting into a HT. My main problem in deciding is the fact that I do all sorts of riding: road/commuting, singletrack, dirt jumping... etc.

Those of you who have gone from a FS bike to a HT, did you really miss the rear suspension? Should I get a HT and upgrade my old bike or buy another FS bike?

I realize this is pretty much a stupid question that only I can answer, but I'm interested in your opinions.:)

[crux]

Started with a HT and fell in love with the sport, then upgraded to a FS ElFuego and what a ride it was (Still is). Few months later to improve my riding got a Single Speed hard tail again from Ventana and really like both bikes. Found myself flipping coins to see which I'd ride for any given trail hills or not.

Then longer travel bikes wer coming into vouge and picked up a Switchblade with the acclaimed 4" of travel, but really did not care for the way it rode and has only seen a few miles, now mainly collects dust. BTW know anyone who is in the market for a fully blinged Titus?

Few years passed and got hooked up with a Ti single speed, oh so nice. And because I had collected so many spare parts over the years picked up a X-5 with 6" rockers and fork. This time I really liked the longer travel and keep switching between the two single speeds and X-5 while ocasionally taking out the Fuego.

To me it really does not matter if it is a HT or FS and can either way depending upon my mood. If you in the market for a new ride go out and test ride everything you can and ask around to seee which bike that people most enjoy and base your decision off that. I am a bit bias towards Ventana, but that is only one view.

[stoneage]

Go with the higher animals and upgrade to rigid single. You won't look back. :)

[nitrousflame]

I appreciate the input.:)

I set my bike's rear shock as hard as I could make it (as close to rigid as I'll get for now) and rode some trails. It wasn't too bad. I think I may be in the market for a HT.:cool: I don't think a full on rigid single is in my near future though...

[Mountain Jam]

I'd look into a xc racing full suspension, if you want an all around ride. I have a Fuel 98 and can set the shocks really loose for downhill rides but I'm still able to pump those suckers full of air and it rides very similar to my hardtail on fast singletrack, I don't think it would hold up if used for huckin huge jumps, but it would satisfy all other needs your looking for.