When it comes to mountain bikes, what's better hardtail... or softtail?
486136
Assuming you are a novice off road rider, then deffo a hardtail!! \n\n2 main reasons,\n\n1, You can pick up a decent hardtail that can take some abuse for the same price as a cheap full sus that will fall apart in 5 Min's.\n\n2, Buying a full sus if you are new to downhilling is like getting a computer game with all the cheats!!\n\nYou can go down a hill on a hardtail and probably fall off but you will learn why you fell off and what to avoid or look out for the next time around,\nWhere as you could go down the same hill on a full sus and wonder what all the fuss is about!!!\n\nHardtails help you hone your skills
917441
I own a Haro X1 backtrail and a F-2....that f-4 is nice...highest of the line in the f- series...good bike, haro makes good bikes, but don't try flatland with them or you will snap the axle or yourself. they have been around for a few years, they arent just really old, but as long as its in good condition, great..if you want any upgrades go to flatlandfuel.com...great site for bmx bike upgrades....that where i got my parts to build my $1,500 khe equilibrium bike.
232523
Gary Fisher mountain bikes or Trek mountain bikes would I say. Just have a look at some options from these two brands.
100285
The best bike is the one that fits you and fits your style of riding.  Specialized has made lots of improvements to their frames.  Giant gives you good value for your money.  Trek has their approach. Bianchi has put some good stuff together.  They all offer great products and the marketplace is so competitive that they all have to keep around the same price point.  They all are using primarily the same component groups.  Given this, in my mind it comes down to fit.  What works best for you?
14925
Hard tails are best, unless you are riding on really rough terrain.  It's difficult to suggest a bike if you don't give a price.  But Trek makes a very nice entry level bike for about $400 in its 4300.  Gary Fisher makes some very nice entry level bikes in the $250-$400 range.  And the Specialized Stumpjumper can be had for less than $500.\n\nI'd stay away from anything you found in a deptament store, and instead head right to one or more of your local bike shops.  They can be very helpful in choosing the right bike for your budget.  And they don't sell crap that will fall apart in a year.  :)
305874
That is a very personal question.  You will need to ask yourself, after riding on a 7100FX do i feel as if I am experiencing upper body soreness?  Do you experience numbness while riding?  Do you experience lower back pain as you ride?  All of these questions could lead to a suspension fork issue.  Words such as bumpy, muddy, and flat are all reponses that require a great deal of context and personal input.  I have been on mountain bike trails that I would not consider "bumpy" but would use a suspension fork.  So the question becomes are you experiencing problems after riding your 7100FX?  If you are, perhaps you should move to the 4500.  Be aware however that the more suspension you add, the increased possibility of performance loss.  No suspension system is perfect and will obviously cause a loss in pedal stroke power when it comes to suspension "bob."  If you are unhappy with both models, you could perhaps look at a cyclocross bike.  Most come without suspension but will dampen some of the bumps via the frame.  Therefore, you need to ask yourself, am i experiencing problems with the current bike I am riding or are these issues fine and do not want to risk the loss of performance.
492053
Of the brands you've mentioned (and presuming the $500 budget from your previous question still stands), I'd be looking seriously at Specialized and Giant.\n\nThe Specialized Hardrock range do really well in reviews, as they have geometry that makes them handle as nicely as some of the more expensive models. With Giant you alsways get a lof of bike for your money, and I like the way thhey ride too. I think the Yukon is probably in the region you're looking for price-wise, but also look out for a 2005 model called the Terrago, which is a great bike.\n\nAlternatley, Mongoose have seen a real resurgence in recent years. Their Amasa model does superbly in reviews, though the slightly less expensive Tyax range are also worht a good look apparently.\n\nTrek do make great bikes, though at the entry level price point I find that their frame geometry is quite conservative - an upright riding position. This is great for comfort and confidence when gently cruising along undulating trails, but if you want to get a bit gnarlier or faster, you may find the bikes a bit limiting.\n\nDo your research, then try sitting on the bikes you like. Test ride the most comforable, and then pick the one that feels like it suits you best.
185274
You're going to want a hardtail if you'll be pulling a trailer, and definitely front suspension if you'll be doing long rides, a longer seat post, with either a high rise stem, or a riser bar, or maybe both, after all comfort is the most important part of the trip, and you don't want your neck and back to be stiff and sore after a good ride, just your legs. Some semi slick continental tires will do you good also. Rocky Mountain Bicycles are the way to go to get a quality ride, hand built in Canada! check them out at http://www.bikes.com
331105
Personally I would go with the 40c tires. But!!...that's me.  I use the fattest tires I can when off road no matter the trip or whatever. More tire to use,raise and lower tire pressure without pinch flats. I think the fatter tires take more of the dirt road abuse factor out of the ride also. With the tire sizes so close it would only make sense to go with the wider of the two. I wouldn't even notice the difference in effort pedaling on the road between the two I don't think, but would for sure feel the skinnier tire sink into the dirt. Good Luck and have fun
79408
if $$$ is issue here, check out the DOUGLAS bikes at coloradocyclist.com, for 1500, you can get a full ultegra douglas fusion with easton wheels and fsa extras.  the frame weights only 2.5 pounds.  compare that with any other brand...you cant....i have a 4200$ tcr comp, but this douglas is so well equipped, i thinkin about gettin it for my commuter/rainday bike......1500$ and >17 lbs..not bad.
274137
full suspension is not really needed front shocks are nice thue I use a Trek 4300 its a hard tail but its a graet bike and I'de recamend it for anything I've used it to mountain bike and I've ridden it on the road and getten up to 45.1 mph and it cost only 460 bucks new incloding tax so thats my two cents hope it helps
471251
The advantage of a hybrid is its combination of versatility and durability. Its pretty good on the road and in the city. Its comfortable to ride and probably a little faster than a mountain bike on roads. But its broad tyres, greater weight and upright stance mean it is not as fast or fun as a dedicated road bike.\n\nUnlike a road bike however, the hybrid can be used off-road. Its tough and it'll take it. It isn't as good as a mountain bike in the rough but it'll serve you well on a long multi-terain ride. A hybrid is also good for touring and will happily take panniers. \n\nSo its a bit a Jack-of-all-Trades - it does most things well, but it excels at none. A good all-rounder.\n\nI owned a Cannondale H600 Hybrid some time ago. It was a great bike and served me well. I gave it to a friend about 3 years ago and although its about 12 years old now, its still going strong.\n\nA hybrid is a good choice if you want only one versatile bike. Go for a good make though, the best you can afford and always look for good componentry - I recommend Cannondale, Trek or Specialised.\n\nHappy riding!
848444
Bindings these days aren't really rated as "freestyle" or "freeride" much. Most bindings have a "response" rating and it is generally the case that freeriders want a more responsive binding and freestyle riders like a softer binding. The bottom line is, go with whatever works for you.\n\nI'm more of a freerider but I find that really stiff bindings hurt my feet so I usually go with a binding that is a bit softer. This year I'm using Burton's CO2's. They rate fairly high on Burton's response rating sytem but has just enough give to be more comfortable for my feet.\n\nEDIT: My experience with Flow is limited but I remember them being very comfortable. I would suggest getting the stiffest/highest-end model you can afford as Flow bindings are notoriously soft (unless of course soft is what you're going for, then Flow should be about right). I personally did not like Flow bindings for the simple reason I couldn't get the strap tight enough to give me the response I needed.
237183
i too love that bike and want to buy ,well every mechanism has both advantages and dis advantages . well what matter is your taste if u like that bike ,in my oppinion dude just go for it
861695
Totally dependent on riding style and personal preference although i would say shimano xt and a ferw months ago MBR magazine did a comparison test (august or sept issue) and came up with the same result i think it was 9 for shimano and 8 sram (out of 10) If you check the mbr website you may be able to find a copy of this review on there however if not you may find they could give you a back issue or if you know ne1 into cycling they may still have a copy you need to read reviews though as both systems have some rather bad shortfalls and therefore you need to see which will cause least problems for you
827574
Trek bikes  are the truth........frame design and specs are just better than giant ...buy the trek you wont be dissapointed
752490
forget the choices you have I'd suggest a Giant STP..you can get a 07 frame for $300 or talk to your local Giant dealer about a 2006 stp complete bike, I know right now giant is blowing them out to make room for the new stuff. the STP (Street,Trails,Park) is a sweet bike, the geo. is perfect for street or DJ and it rides well on the trails\nI have owned a P bike and a Cowan before and will never go back now that I ride a STP