Going from FS to HT

[stefan]

Hey folks,

So I think that I'm ready for a change. I want to transition from my full suspension Weyless XP frame to a good, sturdy hardtail. I'm sick of trying to tweak that ridiculous Progressive Air shock on the rear, as well as having to make adjustments on the frame itself to accomodate a new setting on the suspension. I want something that's lower maintenance, and less bouncy.

A friend has made a few recommendations that I like, but I wanted to pick people's brains here as well. I'd really like something that has geometry that would be friendly for singletrack, but also decent for doing things like riding down stairs, off of ledges a few feet high or less, and that won't explode like the death star if I crash into a tree or rock.

Any suggestions? I can really only afford a frame right now, but most if not all of my components should work with it.

[Kingbozo]

Have you thought about just getting a better shock?

[Matthew]

Cove Stiffee would be a perfect ride for that.

[stefan]

I thought about a better shock, but instead of replacing one of the problems with another potential problem, I thought I'd like to get a good hardtail frame instead for a little more money. The Weyless has been a great bike for me, but I want something a little lower maintenance. I like to just grab my bike and go ride, instead of pumping air into a shock, checking pressures, checking lube levels, and making sure the bolts that keep the shock in place aren't too loose or too tight, or the frame gets a little weird.

[Lezgo Cycling]

OK just come out and say it....your keeping and fixing the weyless, your just trying to comvince your wife or gf that you need a new ride :D I ride a Stumpy HT and love it. I cant say I have ever taken it off a couple foot drop but I do urban, XC, some DJ and its my just all around beat it up bike. I really like it but you could also go with a rockhopper. Specialized for me seems to be a bombproof frame so far and there fairly inexpensive.

[Inspiribomb]

I found that when I transitioned from a fully to a hard tail, that I didn't even miss the rear suspension, the suspension fork takes up a lot of the jarring. I have a Jamis Exile SS with a steel frame and love it. Although, I think the geometry isn't the greatest for DJ type stuff, its still a tough bike.

[ibismojo2001]

Anything made of steel. :D

[Shawno]

I switched to a Stumpjumper hardtail last year, and love it. The weight savings is huge. That hasn't necessarily made me a faster rider, but the bike feels more responsive. Climbing is easier now. I do feel a little beat up after a couple of trips through the expert loop at Lebanon though. I will probably add a full suspension ride to my arsenal next year. But that is a discussion for another thread.

Good luck with your decision.

[kikinik]

I happen to have a 18" Ti hardtail that I am parting with. Its nimble, bombproof, and sexy.

Its built up as a eno ss right now, but I would part with the frame only.

[Guest1]

A steel frame is less harsh, but only old men would worry about that.

[danger!]

I'm selling an On-One Inbred 456, and would consider parting it out. It's meant to do exactly what you are looking to do.

http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_456_30.html

[ibismojo2001]

A steel frame is less harsh, but only old men would worry about that.

I am one of them:D

[soupboy]

5th Elements blow, literally. Find a good used Fox air damper on MTBR classifieds. My RP23 has been set it and forget it. A "bouncy" bike is a bike with poor(ly set-up) dampers.

Beyond that, a nice transition back to HT would be a 29er, particularly for around these parts but not sure what your budget is.

[gordanfreeman]

i'd suggest looking at the cove stiffee or santa cruz chameleon.