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Took my 456 out last Thursday, and now I'm laid up with a bad back.
I ruptured a disc 2 years ago, and since then I've taken the 456 out 3 times, and each time I end up laid up for a week or so. Suffering today! Basically the compressions of sitting on a HT cause my disc to re-rupture. I'm fine on a bike with rear suss.
I really enjoy the 456, and it seems to suit how I ride, so I need a FS that rides in a similar way, but provides the protection that I need.
Normally ride Peaks, with a bit of Lakes, Wales etc, mostly natural, not much trail centre. And I'm 6'4" so need a large-ish size range.
Any suggestions for a 456-a-like?
I'd suggest keeping the bike you have but radically changing your riding style. IMO you must be doing something very wrong to be damaging your spine. Sitting down when riding over rough stuff is not clever.
Will a suspension seatpost not help?
It will have to be something short travel with longer forks and a slack headangle... nothing is springing to mind right now. and realise that (imo) nothing comes close to a hardtail.
to answer the question......
i have a 456 and a Spesh Enduro, the enduro is slacker and has more travel than my 456. I'd recommend one for your problem.
If you do get one a hemlock is an option. Had quite a few full sussers Inc an st4 and it's the bees knees. It got a bad review with the old chainstays but the new ones are immense. Very flexible design too - I run long travel up front and short at the back .
specialized camber.
it's cheap.
'only' 120mm travel.
long top tube.
similar not-slack geometry to a 456.
cheap.
(in a good way)
SBZ - I'm no ace that's for sure, but a HT exacerbates an existing problem, rather than causes it. I can ride a FS no probs. I think the long climbs with small bumps is the problem. I'm a "sit and spin" kind of rider.
DB100 - I'm a Gravity Dropper user, so a suss post is out too - I did think about a thudbuster at first.
Like the sound of a Hemlock. Max height on Cotic site recommends 6'3", I guess I'm close enough to that to not worry about it. Might need to find a demo somewhere in a couple of weeks.
Get the back fixed?
Just had disc removed myself and been off the bike for 3 months and likely to be another 2 before i can start to ride proper. Not too bad as i miss all the wet and cold part of the year.
Investing in a new FS myself - specialised camber looks good - no other real competitors at that price range. Did look at lapierre x control 210 - but no one has a good word to say on them.
My Gary Fisher HiFi Pro 2008 frame is excellent, i was apprehensive when swapping with my 456 as i enjoyed riding it so much but it feels just like a FS 456 ,very fast.
120mm out back and 140mm up front, excellent bike
Cubed - Had all the physio etc which works a treat, and have some good exercises that I do, so I don't think I need an op at this point. It's only when I ride a HT off road.
Commuting on the CX bike is fine.
The Camber does look a good option. I've got decent kit on the 456, so I could buy the cheapest version, swap the kit over and flog off the new stuff, and the On-One frame.
Googling HiFi Pro 🙂
I know a good physio who sorted my back out (good for a 456 now... 8) )