2006-10-19 12:07:22 · 6 answers · asked by jamzmor 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Lighter, yes. Faster, it depends. The rider will determine how fast a bike is, but generally the lighter the bike the easier it is to accelerate.
2006-10-19 12:23:00 · answer #1 · answered by CM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Acceleration and speed are primarily a function of the rider, not the bike. With MTB's there is a threshold where the frailty of weight saving outweighs the requirement of strength.
That being said, if you had two bikes identical in every respect with the exception of tires and tubes, the one with lighter tires would be the faster, better performing one. Rotating mass is the bikers enemy...the farther out on the wheel the weight is, the worse it is. So, first consider tire/tube/rim weight, then work towards the center. It is my contention that a aluminum or ti axle does nothing for performance except break more readily.
I would sooner have a Stumpjumper with good light wheels than an Epic with stock ones.
So, look for a bike that has a really good wheelset and forget the brand name. Avoid full suspension unless you are riding extreme trails. Shop in more than one place and ask the exact same question... if their answer starts with "Dude!" run the other way.
2006-10-23 05:48:52 · answer #2 · answered by bikeworks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about lighter. I think that mostly you will find that the Epic has steeper geometry wich makes it beter for racing, and the Stumpjumper will be more confortable to ride longer distance, and will take trails better.
About faster, that depends on the component that goes above the saddle.......
2006-10-19 18:22:39 · answer #3 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the specialized website: www.specialized.com..
The epic: Full suspension.
Stumpjumper FSR: Full suspension.
Stumpjumper: Hardtail.
My pick of the bunch: Epic.
It will definately be a softer ride than a hardtail stumjumper and a bit lighter than the full suss stumpjumper.
You will definately decend faster with a full susser, depending on your handling abilities...
And remember that todays technology has made that full suspension bikes are sometimes lighter than hardtails....
2006-10-19 19:54:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
even still today most full susp. bikes are still heavier than a hardtail. last time i was in my lbs i picked both up and the hardtail is lighter than the epic full susp. even though the epic is still light for a full susp. faster depends on how the hardtail handles while pedaling especially uphill. hardtails generally accelerate quicker. i love mine.
2006-10-20 00:55:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
heck yes its lighter. faster depends on how strong you are. generally the lighter the bike, the faster you can pedal and its also less effort.
2006-10-20 04:55:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋