Buying the right bike for the right reasons

[Gubbins]

I am still looking at buying a Full Suspension bike.

Initially I was swayed by the "pretty" bikes but cant get to grips with other members comments regarding their own.

From a cleaning and maintenance point of view I see that some have the rear shock just in front of the back wheel (Haibike, KTM etc) and some have it just under the crossbar (Lapierre, Scott etc). Common sense seems to suggest that the former will cop more dirt than the latter and so be harder to keep in order.. but is there another reason for the difference in placement?

 

[paul20v]

Ive had both positions on bikes
Cube ams pro had it under the cross bar and my current ktm has it behind the seat post
I have also had an orange five and a commencal with it behind the seat post ,
Personally the under crossbar type for me always got in the way lifting the bike
Operation wise it didnt make a difference that i could tell anyway

 

[EddiePJ]

Hi Phill, my comments were based upon using the bike perhaps three to four times a week, in some fairly harsh conditions.

The soil conditions here are particularly aggressive in composition, as in forest clay which has a make up of sand as fine as flour, and is also very corrosive.

With those type of conditions, the bushes are going to wear. To be fair though, in my time of ownership, I have only had to perform one rebuild, which was very recent. In the case of KTM ownership, if you were to budget £80.00 every couple of years, it doesn't then seem so bad. http://www.flidistribution.co.uk/parts-accessories/bearing-kits

From posts on this forum, and other forums, I wouldn't touch a Haibike with full suspension.
With many comments and photos from Google images showing bikes held together with cable ties, clearly there is an issue somewhere.
The next issue with Haibike is the cost of consumable parts come rebuild time. It would appear that Haibike owners get stung big time. https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/eBike-Spare-Parts/Haibike-xDuro-OEM-Swingarm-Kit

It would be interesting to know what the bearing/bush and bolt kit costs are for say Cube, Scott and Trek. I'd imagine them to be comparable to the KTM cost.

For a fair bit of my local ridng, other than summer use, I don't feel that I get the full benefit of an FS bike, the exception being on the South Downs.

The reason being that if I averaged my winter off road riding speed when riding close to home, I suspect that it would come out below 10mph. This is due to both the generally muddy conditions and tight technical terrain.
I love tight single track/or rather no track riding, where a lot of time is spent exploring and weaving in and out of trees at low speed. Obviously enjoy speed as well though.
There are a few limited places here where FS has a clear advantage, but as said, it is quite limited. Riding my hardtail mtb with low tyre pressures takes care of roots and rocks, and climbing is easy.

The appeal of zero rear suspension maintenance and slightly reduced weight, are quite a plus to hard tail bikes.

I also personally think that a lot of bull is spouted about benefits, pros and cons etc. I doubt that many FS riders even own a suspension pump, or even know how the system should operate and be set up. Many have enough trouble marinating correct tyre pressures!

I'm not trying to dissuade you from buying one, and any added comfort is a welcome addition, but I do wonder if you would really see any major benefit.

 

[soundwave]

just dont buy parts from martin everything is over priced not just haibike parts have a look at his seat posts at 300 quid

i bought a 3 quid plastic ring for my motor and was charged 5 quid postage and came with a first class stamp on it and a padded envelope dont cost 4 quid lol.

you can get most of the parts from germany but the 1 thing that cost is the haibike sprockets @70 euro for a 16t and a connex 1 from germany is 13 quid.

you can get rear shock cover to solve that problem for 10 quid.

a seal kit for the rear sus is only 20 quid and can be done easy enough by just unscrewing it and replacing them.

i have a sus pump as well

for sduro
https://www.adrenalinatv.co.uk/shop/components/sduro-performance-emtb-ebike-pedelec/haibike-sduro-oem-swing-arm-bearing-set/

 

[Gubbins]

You and my son as well!!
The thing is..
I have a carbon road bike and the trusty steed (Scott/Bosch Hardtail). The roady I enjoy on a nice windless day for 20 to 30 miles, and the Steed is set up with pannier bags and mudguards for my daily eBay trips to the post office and to pop to the off licence for a bottle of wine when required.

I dont go far off road because.. I am an old man and feel a bit ... at risk on my own, plus the bike is heavier than it should be, so tend to ride the moor roads around here when I can.
The canal is ok but the surface is poor and I soon get fed up being bounced out of the saddle if I dont spot a tree root or big hole, so am tending not to go.

I could afford to buy a third bike , just to play on, no mudguards or panniers, and the new 500 battery would take me to Leeds and back without issue...
But in the past I have bought expensive items and regretted it later.... especially as people like you are telling me just what I dont want to hear!

I find I go to bed thinking I will order one in the morning, and get up thinking .. what am I thinking??

Is this normal?

 

[Croxden]

From posts on this forum, and other forums, I wouldn't touch a Haibike with full suspension.
With many comments and photos from Google images showing bikes held together with cable ties, clearly there is an issue somewhere.
The next issue with Haibike is the cost of consumable parts come rebuild time. It would appear that Haibike owners get stung big time. https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/eBike-Spare-Parts/Haibike-xDuro-OEM-Swingarm-Kit

It would be interesting to know what the bearing/bush and bolt kit costs are for say Cube, Scott and Trek. I'd imagine them to be comparable to the KTM cost.

For a fair bit of my local ridng, other than summer use, I don't feel that I get the full benefit of an FS bike, the exception being on the South Downs.

I have only managed 2000 miles on my All Mountain Pro but apart from having to replace the chain early there are no signs of anything amiss.

I prefer the Delite, the suspension gives a better ride for me but they designed for different kind of riding. To reduce the rear suspension from getting dirty, I have used a front half of a front mudguard reversed to shield the piston.

 

[EddiePJ]

I used to use an old front mudguard as well, but quickly realised that the seat tube prevents the rear shock from getting mucky.
I don't really see any difference between the rear shock or the front forks, which remain open to all conditions and survive without issue. I am very fussy about cleaning the components properly though, and regularly check front seals etc, and also apply Fork-Juice after every wash and clean.

 

[Gubbins]

I used to use an old front mudguard as well, but quickly realised that the seat tube prevents the rear shock from getting mucky.
I don't really see any difference between the rear shock or the front forks, which remain open to all conditions and survive without issue. I am very fussy about cleaning the components properly though, and regularly check front seals etc, and also apply ForkJuice after every wash and clean.

Fork Juice??????

 

[EddiePJ]

You can shop around and get it cheaper. http://www.juicelubes.co.uk/fork-juice.html

 

[martin@onbike]

You and my son as well!!
The thing is..
I have a carbon road bike and the trusty steed (Scott/Bosch Hardtail). The roady I enjoy on a nice windless day for 20 to 30 miles, and the Steed is set up with pannier bags and mudguards for my daily eBay trips to the post office and to pop to the off licence for a bottle of wine when required.

I dont go far off road because.. I am an old man and feel a bit ... at risk on my own, plus the bike is heavier than it should be, so tend to ride the moor roads around here when I can.
The canal is ok but the surface is poor and I soon get fed up being bounced out of the saddle if I dont spot a tree root or big hole, so am tending not to go.

I could afford to buy a third bike , just to play on, no mudguards or panniers, and the new 500 battery would take me to Leeds and back without issue...
But in the past I have bought expensive items and regretted it later.... especially as people like you are telling me just what I dont want to hear!

I find I go to bed thinking I will order one in the morning, and get up thinking .. what am I thinking??

Is this normal?

Hi Phill,
It's very normal to fully consider such an expensive purchase, and to take your time doing it too.
The old "pro's and con's" list usually helps...but sometimes the heart steps in and complicates matters-coz it's nice and shiny!
It's worth taking the time to see the bikes you're considering in the flesh, and to test ride them one after the other to narrow it down and solidify your thinking before jumping in.

 

[Gubbins]

Hi Phill,
It's very normal to fully consider such an expensive purchase, and to take your time doing it too.
The old "pro's and con's" list usually helps...but sometimes the heart steps in and complicates matters-coz it's nice and shiny!
It's worth taking the time to see the bikes you're considering in the flesh, and to test ride them one after the other to narrow it down and solidify your thinking before jumping in.

Easier said than done..... LBS wants a non returnable £50 to try one!!!

 

[soundwave]

id get 50 quids worth out of it

 

[martin@onbike]

Strange way of operating...
Come and see us for a few test rides if possible.
I try to accompany the riders if able to on the day, usually with a second choice bike that we swap over for the return leg. If the customer wishes to venture out on their own, we get them to pay for the bike which is fully refunded when they return with it in good order.

 

[soundwave]

add 10-12kg for a electric bike and full sus whould win, as got power for the up hills to much mass for the down hills and can soak up the bumps going 60mph.

 

[Gubbins]

add 10-12kg for a electric bike and full sus whould win, as got power for the up hills to much mass for the down hills and can soak up the bumps going 60mph.

Interesting video.. thanks.[emoji605]

 

[Gubbins]

add 10-12kg for a electric bike and full sus whould win, as got power for the up hills to much mass for the down hills and can soak up the bumps going 60mph.

You need to change your name from soundwave to bow wave

 

[DAJ]

Phil I wonder if you are overlooking what appears to me to be the most suitable bike for your needs, have a read of this article:

https://www.evanscycles.com/coffeestop/advice/give-it-a-try-in-2016-fat-biking/?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=native_ads&utm_campaign=eslmedia-theindependent&utm_content=Beginner's+Guide+to+Fat+Biking

Increased confidence due to better traction, softer ride & lower maintenance. It isn't just a fashion thing!

 

[Gubbins]

Phil I wonder if you are overlooking what appears to me to be the most suitable bike for your needs, have a read of this article:

https://www.evanscycles.com/coffeestop/advice/give-it-a-try-in-2016-fat-biking/?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=native_ads&utm_campaign=eslmedia-theindependent&utm_content=Beginner's+Guide+to+Fat+Biking

Increased confidence due to better traction, softer ride & lower maintenance. It isn't just a fashion thing!

I have seen a couple when out and about and first impression was they look a bit on the small side...
Would need an electric version as well.

 

[soundwave]

http://www.bulls.de/en/bikes/show/monster-e-fs/

 

[Gubbins]

http://www.bulls.de/en/bikes/show/monster-e-fs/

Singing... wish I was a rich man. Da da da .......