OK. I’ve been riding for 6 years. My first proper MTB was a Spesh Rockhopper. I upgraded to a full susser about 6 months after buying the Spesh but never got rid of it and still ride it.
The trouble is whenever I ride my HT more than on the occasional offroad ride I get back trouble. I’ve been working away recently and so have been taking my HT with me to ride to work and for a couple of off road rides in the evenings. I don’t really want to take 2 bikes away with me and certainly wouldn’t be very happy riding my full susser on the daily ride to / from work when away.
It also breaks my heart riding my full suss pride and joy into the ground in the winter mud I have locally.
But the back jip is back and I am trying to justify a cheap long travel steel HT to myself (most likely On-One 456 or Summer Season).
As far as I can tell there are 2 schools of thought. ‘Steel is real’ – nice compliant ride – etc etc. Other friends have tried to talk me out of it. Too flexi, not very responsive etc etc.
One thing – I am certainly a Clydesdale. Fighting weight somewhere around 16.5-18st depending on how much riding I am doing. A quick responsive ride is not important to me. Something comfy, OK on the climbs and fun / confidence inspiring on the downs is.
I don’t want to get in the Full Suss v HT debate. I enjoy riding both for different reasons.
Will steel give me an easier ride? Or should I be looking at forgetting the HT and getting a cheaper full susser as a 2nd ride (or maybe just a bouncy seatpost?!).