Best XC Bike, which one?

[recon]

Howdy, ahhh, it's time for my favorite type of discussion, what's the best XC ride.

I have had tons of XC FS bikes. I gave my Racer X to my wife because I didn't care for the rear suspension, and it was kinda plat on double track type climbs. I currently have a Santa Cruz Superlight, but for my weight 225, the rear end flexes, and now the seatpost won't stay put. Rode it at snowshoe, and the stiff single pivot left me looking for something better. I had a 99 FSR, and loved the 4 link pivot, but the squeaking drove me batty.

So....for a plusher rear end, not a ton of weight, 4" front and rear, what is the general opinion? Some have pointed me for the Ellsworth Truth, other have me looking at a Titus Switchblade (but it's a bit porky)....so, what do y'all have to suggest??

Thanks guys, this should be an interesting subject.:D

[crazybastard]

look into the cannondale scalpel and the specialized s works fsr
and my specialized rep showed me the new designs of the comming up epic which will be one of the sickest xc fs out there the fastest sprinter on rough terrain. check it out at specialized (http://www.specialized.com)

[mr_dove]

Your in a bit of a predicament as a bigger guy looking for a good xc bike. Most xc bikes tend to be too light for guys our size. I'm 6' and 220#. They just are not made for guys our size.

I would look at your riding style/terrain in addition to your weight. I'm riding in colorado where the terrain is rough and very rocky. Thus, I'll need a heavier frame.

XC bikers also want a bike that pedals efficiently. Obviously some rear suspension designs are better than others and create less pedal bob.

That being said, the Truth could be a good choice for you, depending on your terrain. If your terrain is very rocky or rough, I'd probably go with the Ellsworth iD. It has more travel(6") than the truth but is only a little heavier. It also has a higher bottom bracket for clearing obstacles. The main thing is that it's much stronger.

My other choice would be a Giant NRS frame. I believe it has the 4" of travel, it is very efficient pedaler and a good sturdy frame. It's also super cheap compared to the Ellsworth.

[kitchenware]

I was there, right were you're at, 6'1" and 225. There really isn't a light XC bike that fits the bill for 225#. You really have to go with a 'trail' bike and build it to suit your riding style. When you're 225, a pound or two doesn't matter much anyway, just get something that will last and not flex all over the place. I'm down to the low 180s now and XC type bikes still squirm under me. I'd look into some 'trail' bikes if I were you and just cut what weight you could without sacrificing strength.

Look at the Giant AC, it's a pretty sweet trail bike, and cheap too.

jim

[indieboy]

Originally posted by crazybastard
look into the cannondale scalpel and the specialized s works fsr
and my specialized rep showed me the new designs of the comming up epic which will be one of the sickest xc fs out there the fastest sprinter on rough terrain. check it out at specialized (http://www.specialized.com)

the scalpel wouldn't hold up to someone of 225 lbs. pllllease trust me on that one.... my buddy has cracked 3 rear ends, and trashed the bb within 5 rides, and he's my size about 6 ft 145-150 range.

[Zonic Man]

FSR type suspension.

Just rode one today...I'm always amazed at how well the suspension works on those style bikes.

[JonnyBravo]

Hey,
I just got myself a rocky mountain carve. Now I know that Its got less travel thatn you would like, so thats not what im suggesting you buy. Rocky mountain, in their dual xc bikes, have 2 that have youe kind of travel: Instinct and the Element.
http://www.bikes.com/bikes/bikes.asp?group=epicxc .
The element is the one that I suggest. The 3d link is effective on climbs, and awesome for flyting down technical downhilld. Its an awesome ride. I strongly suggest it. If you dont like the Rocky Mountain, you can always try out the new line of sugar +'s. They also might be the kind of ride you are loking for.

Let me know what you think, Jonny

[RideMonkey]

I only have 2 rides on this so far but I love this thing.... and its beefy. I'll post more later when I have more time on it.

[RideMonkey]

Originally posted by RideMonkey
I only have 2 rides on this so far but I love this thing.... and its beefy. I'll post more later when I have more time on it.

Nicolai makes a freeride version of this with full bearings throughout, extra gussets, and a coil over shock. Might be the thing for someone that is hard on frames.

[MtnBikerChk]

Originally posted by JonnyBravo
Hey,
I just got myself a rocky mountain carve. Now I know that Its got less travel thatn you would like, so thats not what im suggesting you buy. Rocky mountain, in their dual xc bikes, have 2 that have youe kind of travel: Instinct and the Element.
http://www.bikes.com/bikes/bikes.asp?group=epicxc .
The element is the one that I suggest. The 3d link is effective on climbs, and awesome for flyting down technical downhilld. Its an awesome ride. I strongly suggest it. If you dont like the Rocky Mountain, you can always try out the new line of sugar +'s. They also might be the kind of ride you are loking for.

Let me know what you think, Jonny


:thumb:

[KrusteeButt]

Hey RM, is that old mildewy carpet in your yard or is it a roll of astro-turf to replace the brown grass? :p

Curious...why is everyone always talking about having lot of rear travel on XC bikes? Do you really want that in a XC bike?

[Zonic Man]

Originally posted by KrusteeButt
Curious...why is everyone always talking about having lot of rear travel on XC bikes? Do you really want that in a XC bike?

Good call.

It's not the amount of travel that the bike has, but the quality of travel that it has.

[Green Giant]

Well, unfortunately you didn't like the Racer X. I have a version of it called a Hammerhead 100X, a few tweaks to a standard X. Taller BB, built for 100mm up front, straight gauge downtube, boxed rear. 3.85 inches in the rear. I love it. I started the season at 230lbs, down now to 210, but I find it to be fantastic. That extra bit of travel just rocks up front. Plus Charles at Hammerhead cycles was great. He carries a bunch of brands. My guess if you didn't like the X is the Turner XCE would be a great option for you. Call Charles at Hammerheadcycles.com He carries and has ridden darn near everything out there.

[RideMonkey]

Originally posted by Green Giant
Well, unfortunately you didn't like the Racer X. I have a version of it called a Hammerhead 100X, a few tweaks to a standard X. Taller BB, built for 100mm up front, straight gauge downtube, boxed rear. 3.85 inches in the rear. I love it. I started the season at 230lbs, down now to 210, but I find it to be fantastic. That extra bit of travel just rocks up front. Plus Charles at Hammerhead cycles was great. He carries a bunch of brands. My guess if you didn't like the X is the Turner XCE would be a great option for you. Call Charles at Hammerheadcycles.com He carries and has ridden darn near everything out there.

I've seen one of these here in Boulder. Very nice.

[dirt diggler]

recon,
haha you can't hide ..
buy the new cannondale motorcycle. lots a travel for your weight and it help you climb better..


dirt diggler

[LostBoyScout]

I still feel the best XC bike is a hardtail ;)

Dem new Specialized Enduros look pretty fly, though!

[Merwin5_10]

As a guy who runs a bike shop, I kinda hate this question because there is no correct answer. There best advise I can offer is this;

The best bike is the one that fits your body type, made by a reputable company that you are familar with and that has an authorized service center in your area, has a component package that matches well to your riding style and riding goals, and offers all these things at a competitive price. Trust me when I tell you that any other answer will be based on individual oppinion and experience and not YOUR NEEDS.

In any case, find a dealer and grill the sales guy. Tell him what you need, what you want to be able to do. Tell him what you liked and disliked about your previous bikes. And make him give you an honest comparission (hopefully based on first hand experience) between the models you are looking at.

If you want a non-biased oppinon, from someone who gains nothing by bs'ing you, PM me and I'll give you my honest oppinion about bikes you are condsidering, and "fair market prices" for bikes you like.

[Ventanarama]

Take a good look at Ventana. Top notch build quality and they are some of the strongest & stiffest XC frames on the market. If you like the basic design of the Superlight but want more stiffness then the Pantera would be a good choice. The frame itself is stiffer to begin with, plus they double up the bearings on the pivot (total of 4 instead of 2), much stiffer than the SL. Double-bearings are an option on all of their 4-bar bikes as well, stiffest XC bikes I've ever ridden.
Larry
http://www.mtnhighcyclery.com

[MDN]

I have the hardtail Scott Team Issue 2002 . It weighs only 9,5 kilograms :eek: and is very rigid and agile. If what you look is a full suspension also I have tried the Strike Limited and I love it, also very light (to be a FS) and rigid.

In FS for XC I think that the Scalpel, Trek STP or Fuel and Giant NRS looks good.

:monkey:

[ohio]

Originally posted by Ventanarama
Take a good look at Ventana. Top notch build quality and they are some of the strongest & stiffest XC frames on the market. If you like the basic design of the Superlight but want more stiffness then the Pantera would be a good choice. The frame itself is stiffer to begin with, plus they double up the bearings on the pivot (total of 4 instead of 2), much stiffer than the SL. Double-bearings are an option on all of their 4-bar bikes as well, stiffest XC bikes I've ever ridden.
Larry
http://www.mtnhighcyclery.com

Hey Larry! Welcome to the monkey!

I hope you stick around. I remember you well from MTBR and have always been impressed with your advice.

:thumb:

-ohio

[Rustmouse]

< 235# guy... I liked the AC air a lot!, but wound up with a Santa Cruz Bullitt because i liked the all around versatility of it...

The 5th element shock that they put on it is a beauty, i can climb nearly as good with it as i did on my hardtail, and as long as i stay in my saddle, it doesn't bob...

the bike shop guy had it right, tho... you gotta keep riding different bikes till you find one that feels "fast" and fits...

good luck

[dwnwrd]

You're using a Bulllit for XC? How do you have it set up? Tires, fork...

I'm going to get a new bike this fall (hopefully) and I can't decide what to get. Bullit's seem so sexy and I'd like something more suited to downhilling than my hardtail, but I don't relish the idea of spending a crapload of money on a bike I can't really ride on the local XC trails.

I know a heavier Bullit can't possibly be as good as a Sugar or Fuel or... for XC but if it's ridable I may go with it as I can always fall back to my hardtale for epics.

[NRSracer]

mine.

[Ventanarama]

Originally posted by ohio


Hey Larry! Welcome to the monkey!

I hope you stick around. I remember you well from MTBR and have always been impressed with your advice.

:thumb:

-ohio

Thanks Ohio. I've been trying to pop in here a little more often lately and keep up with what's going on.
Larry
http://www.mtnhighcyclery.com

[James]

Originally posted by Merwin5_10
As a guy who runs a bike shop, I kinda hate this question because there is no correct answer. There best advise I can offer is this;

The best bike is the one that fits your body type, made by a reputable company that you are familar with and that has an authorized service center in your area, has a component package that matches well to your riding style and riding goals, and offers all these things at a competitive price. Trust me when I tell you that any other answer will be based on individual oppinion and experience and not YOUR NEEDS.

In any case, find a dealer and grill the sales guy. Tell him what you need, what you want to be able to do. Tell him what you liked and disliked about your previous bikes. And make him give you an honest comparission (hopefully based on first hand experience) between the models you are looking at.

If you want a non-biased oppinon, from someone who gains nothing by bs'ing you, PM me and I'll give you my honest oppinion about bikes you are condsidering, and "fair market prices" for bikes you like.
God bless you, whoever you are. This is one of the best answers to this question I have ever read. You're more concerned about getting the customer on the bike that best suits them than moving a certain brand/model, and I applaud you!

Thanks,

James

[Rustmouse]

Originally posted by dwnwrd
You're using a Bulllit for XC? How do you have it set up? Tires, fork...

I'm going to get a new bike this fall (hopefully) and I can't decide what to get. Bullit's seem so sexy and I'd like something more suited to downhilling than my hardtail, but I don't relish the idea of spending a crapload of money on a bike I can't really ride on the local XC trails.

I know a heavier Bullit can't possibly be as good as a Sugar or Fuel or... for XC but if it's ridable I may go with it as I can always fall back to my hardtale for epics.

You still cant beat a hardtail for climbing, and there are drawbacks to trying to use the bullitt for straight xc.. wider tires means more rolling resistance, heavier bike, etc... but my normal sunday ride is a 6 mile climb followed by a 6 mile downhill... and the bullitt is just great for that (matter of fact, it takes some of the choppy climbing sections better than my hardtail did) With my Marzocchi Z1 fork, it's not extraordinarily heavy (35 lbs or so.. bathroom scale) and it's far burlier than most xc... I wouldn't race xc on it, but for everything else, I love it....
For an XC full suspension, I probably would have gone for the AC Air over a Fisher, but that has a lot to do with geometry, for me..

[Rustmouse]

whoops.. lemme add the tires are intense 2.35, i have the freeride disk R kit on it, Z1 freeride forks (5" travel, but they have a rebound lockout that you flip and the fork stops rebounding and compresses down for heavy climbs)
The rear shock is adjustable enough that you can set it up for freeriding, downhill or XC... so you probably won't have any trouble setting it up for your style.... (there's a lot of adjustments, so you can spend months just "dialing it in")

< course, as a new bullitt owner, i'm biased, anyhow

[dw]

Give yourself a test ride on a 2002.5 or 2003 Iron Horse Hollowpoint or Hustler. The bikes ride VERY well, pedal awesome, and sport 5 inches of rear travel. I know it sounds like a lot for an XC bike, but it doesn't feel like 5" at all. There are pictures and a bunch of info on this site, here are a couple posts i dug up.

a big discussion about the spec on the bikes
http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24675&highlight=hollowpoint

a rider review from an owner
http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23493&highlight=hollowpoint

pictres and discussion of how it works here
http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21110&highlight=hollowpoint

Like the others above sid, you are only going to find out what you like by riding different bikes. It does sound like the Hollowpoint is right up your alley, especailly if you need something that can tak abuse. Heck, I built mine up as a light DH bike and heve been beating the hell out of it all summer ;) :thumb:

Hope this helps!

dw

[MikeD]

I have a Titus Locomoto, which is a SWEET and stiff trailbike. It might not be as XC-race oriented as a lot of the bikes you've mentioned, but worth a look as an all-round trailrider. It's definitely light. Suspension is single-pivot, but very active compared to the high-pivot bikes.

I cracked my 1st Loco frame, but I rode it in a few DH races and did routine 4-5' drops on it. (As the frame was advertised to do...) Titus warranteed the frame, no questions asked. Took a while, but everything does with Titus. Glad I chose my Loco over a Superlight.

Turners are also worth considering...a very large friend of mine has an XCE, and it's incredible. Very solid, very reassuring on the trail, very fast, comfortable, and efficient. Might also look at the O2 if you want something with an air shock.

Personally, I'd go for a Turner over an Ellsworth just due to hearsay customer-service issues. Plus, Turner's just up the road from me...

Good luck!

MD