What X-Country bike for a fatty?

[fourmotion]

Ok, as the title suggests, I'm a little on the heavy side . My current bike (2001 Rockhopper) has taken a battering over the years, with I don't know how many fixes on the rear wheel, and will cost too much to fix, so needs replacing.

I'm looking for a complete bike, but don't mind speccing the odd bit for strength. However, my first question is: will a full suspension bike be easier on the rear wheel, and negate the need for a strong but heavy hub? This feeds into my second question: Can anyone suggest a bike that won't buckle quickly under weight (either hardtail or full-sus)? I don't really want to spend any more the £1k, but may push it a few hundred if its likely to last a few years.

Any help appreciated. Thank you!

[Roman]

Kona Hoss - speciafically designed, specced & built for heavier riders.

[fourmotion]

thanks, just been looking at the Deluxe Hoss 2007. I like the idea of the strong frame, but the forks don't look a good spec. What would you recommend they are upgraded to? I am now considering buying the frame and building it, but I can't find the latest frame for sale! Anyone know where I can gt one (short of contacting Kona)?

Thanks again.

[pvapour]

Back to square one for me as my bike was stolen whilst away on holiday

but..... I get the chance of a shiney new one

so after much research I've tied it down to the following, but being an ameteur, which one would you guys go for? they are all about the same price £1000-£1200

'06' Norco Six 1
[pic][URL=http://rides.webshots.com/photo/23434][/URL][/pic]



'05' Scott Nitrous
[pic][URL=http://rides.webshots.com/photo/23434][/URL][/pic]



'07' Mongoose Black Diamond Single
[pic][URL=http://rides.webshots.com/photo/20818][/URL][/pic]



'06' Giant Faith 2
[pic][URL=http://rides.webshots.com/photo/22943][/URL][/pic]



'06' Kona Stinky
[pic][URL=http://rides.webshots.com/photo/27496][/URL][/pic]

Thanks for any input!

[fourmotion]

you trying to hi-jack my thread?!?!?

[Roman]

£200 off 06 Hoss Delux here:

www.rutlandcycling.com/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/1111/groupID/1/categoryID/4/v/36b4e461-05af-43de-a282-b3f698cb14a0

Plenty of cash left to upgrade forks (standard look OK to me tbh)- plenty of 'hardcore' fork options to choose from if you want to though.

Quite like the Sarracen Zen bikes I've seen too (hardcore HT)

Afraid I don't know much about full suspension apart from Scott Genius I tried was very nice.

[Roman]

Here you go

This is a real bargain!:

www.wiggle.co.uk/Default.aspx?Main=ProductDetail.aspx&W=0&Manufacturer=Saracen&UberCatName=&Cat=cycle&CategoryName=&ProdID=5360018561&UberCat=0

[mat205125]

fourmotion said:

you trying to hi-jack my thread?!?!?

Body slam him!

[pvapour]

fourmotion said:

you trying to hi-jack my thread?!?!?

yes fatty


there are some great deals on 05 & 06 bikes at the mo...... to many

Edited by pvapour on Monday 8th January 16:38

[fourmotion]

pvapour said:

fourmotion said:

you trying to hi-jack my thread?!?!?

yes fatty


there are some great deals on 05 & 06 bikes at the mo...... to many

Edited by pvapour on Monday 8th January 16:38

Yeah, I’ve seen a few good deals about. My initial thought was I might be able to specify the components on a new model, but it seems they all come complete. That 2006 deal looks like it could be a winner. Just got to find one to test.....

thanks guys.

[neil_cardiff]

fourmotion said:

pvapour said:

fourmotion said:

you trying to hi-jack my thread?!?!?

yes fatty


there are some great deals on 05 & 06 bikes at the mo...... to many

Edited by pvapour on Monday 8th January 16:38

Yeah, I’ve seen a few good deals about. My initial thought was I might be able to specify the components on a new model, but it seems they all come complete. That 2006 deal looks like it could be a winner. Just got to find one to test.....

thanks guys.

Dont bother - you'll be wasting your time unless you REALLY want something specific.

For fatties, just don't buy a skinny XC bike - you'll be fine on anything you pick. Bikes don't buckle, and they certainly don't snap/break. They only fail due to mis-use or manufacturing defects. Don't be swayed into buying DH stuff just because the kid in the shop reckons you'll never break it. You will if you ride like an elephant.

Most warranties I ever saw come into the shop were a result of some clot stacking it into a kerb or mislanding a jump. Frame failures were usually some plonker riding the bike into the ground constantly (i.e. DHing a XC bike) - few were actually dodgy frames.

So buy with confidence, and makes ure you get the right length stem IN SHOP if you want to be comfortable - frame sizes can't easily be changed after you brouht the bike, but stems can...

Deals on last years bikes are stunning, and to be honest, the only way to buy new...

PV though, he's ed, he's a proper lardarse.

Edited by neil_cardiff on Monday 8th January 19:52

[pvapour]

neil_cardiff said:

fourmotion said:

pvapour said:

[quote=fourmotion]you trying to hi-jack my thread?!?!?

yes fatty


there are some great deals on 05 & 06 bikes at the mo...... to many

Edited by pvapour on Monday 8th January 16:38

Yeah, I’ve seen a few good deals about. My initial thought was I might be able to specify the components on a new model, but it seems they all come complete. That 2006 deal looks like it could be a winner. Just got to find one to test.....

thanks guys.

Dont bother - you'll be wasting your time unless you REALLY want something specific.

For fatties, just don't buy a skinny XC bike - you'll be fine on anything you pick. Bikes don't buckle, and they certainly don't snap/break. They only fail due to mis-use or manufacturing defects. Don't be swayed into buying DH stuff just because the kid in the shop reckons you'll never break it. You will if you ride like an elephant.

Most warranties I ever saw come into the shop were a result of some clot stacking it into a kerb or mislanding a jump. Frame failures were usually some plonker riding the bike into the ground constantly (i.e. DHing a XC bike) - few were actually dodgy frames.

So buy with confidence, and makes ure you get the right length stem IN SHOP if you want to be comfortable - frame sizes can't easily be changed after you brouht the bike, but stems can...

Deals on last years bikes are stunning, and to be honest, the only way to buy new...

PV though, he's ed, he's a proper lardarse.



quote]

Least I'm not Welsh and in need of Sheep removal

oh yeh, how are things? and how about something constructive like; whats the least worse bike outa that lot

Edited by pvapour on Monday 8th January 23:23

[neil_cardiff]

pvapour said:

neil_cardiff said:

fourmotion said:

pvapour said:

[quote=fourmotion]you trying to hi-jack my thread?!?!?

yes fatty


there are some great deals on 05 & 06 bikes at the mo...... to many

Edited by pvapour on Monday 8th January 16:38

Yeah, I’ve seen a few good deals about. My initial thought was I might be able to specify the components on a new model, but it seems they all come complete. That 2006 deal looks like it could be a winner. Just got to find one to test.....

thanks guys.

Dont bother - you'll be wasting your time unless you REALLY want something specific.

For fatties, just don't buy a skinny XC bike - you'll be fine on anything you pick. Bikes don't buckle, and they certainly don't snap/break. They only fail due to mis-use or manufacturing defects. Don't be swayed into buying DH stuff just because the kid in the shop reckons you'll never break it. You will if you ride like an elephant.

Most warranties I ever saw come into the shop were a result of some clot stacking it into a kerb or mislanding a jump. Frame failures were usually some plonker riding the bike into the ground constantly (i.e. DHing a XC bike) - few were actually dodgy frames.

So buy with confidence, and makes ure you get the right length stem IN SHOP if you want to be comfortable - frame sizes can't easily be changed after you brouht the bike, but stems can...

Deals on last years bikes are stunning, and to be honest, the only way to buy new...

PV though, he's ed, he's a proper lardarse.



quote]

Least I'm not Welsh and in need of Sheep removal

oh yeh, how are things? and how about something constructive like; whats the least worse bike outa that lot

Edited by pvapour on Monday 8th January 23:23

Think you missed a quote out ther old beam

Without delving through the specs and reviews, I couldn't tell you. However, based upon what I've seen and heard, the Norco is pretty sweet, and very well made. Additionally the Scotts are meant to be pretty snazzy.

Otherwise, what you using it for, what you after etc? this will pin down your choice further.

p.s. I'm actually Canadian, not welsh

Edited by neil_cardiff on Tuesday 9th January 07:39

[pvapour]

Sorry old beaN just got back from your lovely home country, would never have thought you were Canadian, they seem such lovely people seriously, Happy New Year Neil

Test road the Norco and Scott yesterday, very nice, plumped for the Canadian Norco in the end so just need to go and find a wood to kill myself in momentum and weight... watch out DHers