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Just going to build my first short travel full suspension bike after a string of 6 inch beefy bikes. Previously had hard tails before that, natch. Got my self a Giant Anthem to build and park next to my faithful Pitch. I'm pondering what riding will be like with considerably less travel? Will be using the Anthem for Lakeland blasts and I'm wondering, will I die?
You'll probably think "why the heck didn't I think of this sooner?", as shorter travel bikes tend to have a much more "connected" feeling. I've run a Wolf Ridge on 160mm forks for the past 18 months or so and while it's a hoot to ride, I do love riding my 130mm Enduro for the reason that it's lower, longer and lighter. It's far easier to drift and it rarely seems to wallow when I need traction.
Don't get me wrong, there are occasions which demand a big bike, I have even clocked up a lot of London commuting miles on mine, but I'm sure that you won't regret it.
PJM1974
You'll probably think "why the heck didn't I think of this sooner?"
Exactly this. I've not had a bike with less than 150mm's of travel since 2004. Got myself a ghost amr (120mm) a few weeks ago and I am literally raving about it to anyone who'll listen. Even on internets.
There were plenty of reasons I wasn't able to justify having a second bike but now that I do it's totally reinvigorated my love of mtbing. I am riding everything on it....just riding more. I'm not relishing full on dh trails in the wet, but I am riding everything I've been riding on the sx trail and it's wild fun.
I'm wondering, will I die?
No, you'll just have fun.
Ha! As I said, I rediscovered my 2004 Enduro recently and thanks to some Revelations, 710mm bars and XT kit it feels bloody amazing. To be completely honest, the Wolf Ridge has gathered a lot of dust lately.
Shame I've just broken the shock mounting bolt on it, so she'll be out of action again for a little while 🙁
I took my anthem to the lakes and the only thing I died on was the slippy board walks in Grizedale.... other than that no problem!
(Giant Anthem x3 2010)
I went:
Rigid
75mm HT
130mm FS
100mm FS + RigidSS
130mm HT + RigidSS + 130mm FS + Road Bike + Trials bike.
I have a disease.
But by far my best fun bike at the moment is the hardtail due to feeling connected, as above.
150mm Full Suss for fun and games
150/160mm HT for more fun and games
Both perfect lakes bikes until Max comes wizzing past on the short forked Kona HT