Discussion
I have finally decided to get a new bike to work alongside my commuter (14 year old Orange Clockwork) for getting into off-roading again. Unfortunatley, the bike I really wanted was the Scott Scale 10 2007 model but sods law that when I made my mind up all the mediums in the country seem to be sold 
However, I am also looking into Full sussers but have a niggling question to ask. Now, I used to be a bike mechanic so know my way aorund maintanence but the time it spends to do my rigid bike properly annoys me. With a full suss-er, disc brakes and shocks added to the mix I get the impression I would spend more time setting up and maintaining the bike then riding it.
How do the rest of you find the schedule of keeping the bike in good nick? Also, I have never ridden a proper full susser of any quality and like the feel of a hardtail but perhaps it's time?
However, I am also looking into Full sussers but have a niggling question to ask. Now, I used to be a bike mechanic so know my way aorund maintanence but the time it spends to do my rigid bike properly annoys me. With a full suss-er, disc brakes and shocks added to the mix I get the impression I would spend more time setting up and maintaining the bike then riding it.
How do the rest of you find the schedule of keeping the bike in good nick? Also, I have never ridden a proper full susser of any quality and like the feel of a hardtail but perhaps it's time?
I prefer a hard tail as less to go wrong, and i like the feel of the ride, but a decent full supension bike is a whole different ride, and can be worth the hassle of maintence, if you get a good handling bike.
The scott scale 10 is a really nice bike though, you might missed the boat on a Med 07, but if you are intrested in a fantastic deal on a 08,PM me i may be able to direct you in the direction of a deal.
or what full suspension were you thinking of.
The scott scale 10 is a really nice bike though, you might missed the boat on a Med 07, but if you are intrested in a fantastic deal on a 08,PM me i may be able to direct you in the direction of a deal.
or what full suspension were you thinking of.
The only additional service items are pivot points and the rear suspension on a full suss but the Full suss's i've had have been single pivot so that reduces the issues and i've had no issues with them any way. I like to get the forks and rear suspension serviced yearly other than that it's ride it, check it, lube it, ride it, check it, clean it, lube it, ride it etc....... I don't maintain the full suss in any different way to the hardtai. Bikes a bike just keep the drivetrain in good order and cleaned regularly with checks on whether the chain has streched. Oh and keep an eye on the brake pads
lingus75 said:
Now, I used to be a bike mechanic so know my way aorund maintanence but the time it spends to do my rigid bike properly annoys me.
To be blunt, you can't be that good a mechanic if you think it takes too long for you to service a rigid bike so I can see why you're apprehensive about getting a FS.There isn't anything special about FSers that should worry you. As previously stated it's just a case of additional pivots that need attention if they come loose. Although there are some pretty compicated systems out there (I'm thinking Marin initially). You don't need to strip them down after each ride.
As for discs, if you're worried about hydraulics they go for Avid BB-7 cable discs. They're the only cable opperated discs that are as effective and reliable as hydraulics. The only issue you need to be careful with all disc systems is not contaminating the surface of the disc or the pads with oils or lubes. You just need to be careful when lubing other items that's all. Panel wipe is a good cleaner for brake discs, and cheaper than the bike specific stuff.
atom111 said:
In your opinion Shimano is just as easy.
That's not my opinion, it's yours. No attention to detail as ever.Shimming the calipers into alignment is easy but only allows set incrimental adjustments. Whereas, Avids Tri-Align system offers infinite adjustments. It also allows the user to adjust the alignment trailside if needed. It takes me about 2-minutes to align the Avid Juicy's on my bikes.
If you have had a hardtail for so long and get on with it I wouldn't bother with full suspension unless you are going to attempt some serious fast descents. Hardtails are much easier to ride in most cases.
As for brakes, don't worry about hydraulic brakes, they are no hassle. I have some Hope brakes on mine, and apart from changing the pads (5min job at most) and replacing a hose (accident on the Fort William Downhill course), I hace had no need to do anything with them in 4 years!!
As for brakes, don't worry about hydraulic brakes, they are no hassle. I have some Hope brakes on mine, and apart from changing the pads (5min job at most) and replacing a hose (accident on the Fort William Downhill course), I hace had no need to do anything with them in 4 years!!
mk1fan said:
lingus75 said:
Now, I used to be a bike mechanic so know my way aorund maintanence but the time it spends to do my rigid bike properly annoys me.
To be blunt, you can't be that good a mechanic if you think it takes too long for you to service a rigid bike so I can see why you're apprehensive about getting a FS.There isn't anything special about FSers that should worry you. As previously stated it's just a case of additional pivots that need attention if they come loose. Although there are some pretty compicated systems out there (I'm thinking Marin initially). You don't need to strip them down after each ride.
As for discs, if you're worried about hydraulics they go for Avid BB-7 cable discs. They're the only cable opperated discs that are as effective and reliable as hydraulics. The only issue you need to be careful with all disc systems is not contaminating the surface of the disc or the pads with oils or lubes. You just need to be careful when lubing other items that's all. Panel wipe is a good cleaner for brake discs, and cheaper than the bike specific stuff.
When I moved on from the bike shop front suspension was only just coming into mainstream and being any good (Manitou's) so have no knowledge of the FS. I know Leisure Lakes in Cheltenham will hire me a FS Stumpy for the weekend and give me £50 credit in the shop when I return it. I think that will be the best route.
Another thing about FS bikes is that the majority of them are dam ugly! The lines on a hardtail are far nicer and what is it about a lot of the FS bikes and making them look like they have Shopping bike geometry?!
I really would not worry too much about time spent maintaining. I really have had no need to do anything on my full suspension bike in 3 years apart from change some pads (5mins) and adjust the gears when the cable gets a bit slack (will happen on any bike!). I would never go back from hydraulic disk brakes because they take all the hassle out of maintenance (there almost is none).
What is your budget anyway?
If I were getting a cross country style full suspension, I would probably go for something like the Santa Cruz Blur. Have ridden a mates and it is a very capable bike. http://www.santacruzmtb.com/blurxc/
What is your budget anyway?
If I were getting a cross country style full suspension, I would probably go for something like the Santa Cruz Blur. Have ridden a mates and it is a very capable bike. http://www.santacruzmtb.com/blurxc/
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