what is a good hard tail bike with good front suspension movement(for semiserious free riding)?

Question

Must handle 5ft drops....$700

Answer 1

For that price range there isn't much to look at that will handle the abuses of freeriding, unless you look into used bikes (not a bad idea at all).

If you're serious about some rough stuff, you want at least 5" front travel with a good fork, some are made to handle 6" forks ok. I use a Jamis Komodo for my urban drops, and it's handled 5-footers onto flat concrete many times....I have it set up with a 4" fork because I like the handling better that way. For trails and rocks, you want more travel. Be sure to get strong pedals and seatpost, and a chainguide or tensioner is a great idea.

www.jensonusa.com has some '05 Jamis Komodo FX bikes made up for sale at around $700 (maybe a tad more, I can't remember). Right now I'd say that's your best deal and it's an awesome bike. The geometry is slack for gravity, and it's a kick-butt frame as far as durability goes. I built mine up beefy from a frame, but a friend here got the Jenson build and it's pretty good for the price! Definitely worth looking at.

Other than that, if you can spend more or buy used, look into some of the Kona models, Specialized P-series, Trek Jack, Santa Cruz Jackal, Cannondale Chase, etc. Actual freeride-hardtails will have a slacker head angle (67° to 68°) and a longer top tube, along with 17.25" or longer chainstays. Steeper geometry and shorter stays are great for jumps and stunts, but less stable for gravity riding.....they'll still do it, though, with adjustment on the part of your style and skills. If you think you may get really serious about hardtail freeride, look for a frame that will accept 12mm rear axles and rear hubs that will have that or convert to it. Jenson still has a super deal on some Sun Rhinolyte wheels with Saint hubs AND a Saint rear derailleur for like $140. You'll have to buy Saint rotors, but it's a sweet deal if you can use it. Just something to consider if you end up building a bike instead of buying one complete.

Good luck, have fun! And don't sprain your ankles on the drops. :o)

Answer 2

i commend you for wanting a HT but if you are going to do drops like that with a HT i suggest you get a cup or some kind of crotch protection, it can be a little more hairy with a HT. also dont let anyone tell you you cant freeride with a HT, get something with a front shock with at least 120mm of movememnt, some nice fat tires and go to town.

Answer 3

I don't know about the price, but you could look at Banshee, Santa Cruz (Chameleon), Cove (don't let their bike names daunt you), and others.