Full or front only suspension mountain bikes?

Question

Full or front only suspension mountain bikes?

Hi, looking for a mountain bike. Into road bikes really, but fancy one for up in the 'Lakes' {UK Cumbria}.

Also may go to the Alps summer 08, go up on some of the cable cars and back down on the bike.

Want to be able to fit rear mudguard as I do not want to spoil my Lycra - will use it in the rain / mud on and off road.

I had a go on a full suspension jobber, felt very odd, bouncing up and down, even when pedaling and the flay, so may just go for front suspension only, plus that way I can also fit my youngest's tow along bike and a pannier rack too. Don't think you can do so on full suspension ones?

Looking for disk brakes too.

Sale at Halfords - they look OK at £400.

What the best mountain bike / best place buy?

Ta!

Answer 1

If you want to go to the alps you want a good big hitter bike like this kona dual suspension http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20841
Or even this bike http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20840

it is a bit pricey but worth it not a very good bike to start on so i would say get a nice cheap hardtail like this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=24063

some more bikes I like are :

Hardtails:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=14963
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17830
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=14974


Full sus:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17824
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20820
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17826


Chainreactionctcles.com Are goo and cheap

go to these lists :http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=164&CurrentPageIndex=0&SortExpression=PRICE_ASC

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=163

Answer 2

Be very careful what you buy,the gear clusters and chain wheel setups are very important.There is a vast difference between Shimano and Zone gear clusters.You get what you pay for.If you dont want rear suspension you could go for a rear wheel with a bigger (fatter) tyre size,which will take more of the road shock out and enable you to tow a trailer with the nipper in it.The pedals also need thinking about,it is best to use a normal type instead of the specials which need you to wear special footware,you may wish for a wider,more comfy saddle,especially when towing,with the modern racing/competition saddle you can end up with bifurcated buttocks,to say the least.It is normal to have a front disc and rear calliper,the front brake being the most efficient,your choice.If,however,you can afford the full setup with front and rear susp. and the rear disc,then all the better,you can have the suspension adjusted to your weight at the supplier if they are any good,you can still tow a trailer but it will be on a swan neck from the saddle mounting area.

Answer 3

Well... your budget says that you could get a better HT than a full suspension.

A good FS will be better for the riding you want to do, and wouldn't lent itself to too much bob (or bouncy) when adjusted properly, but cheap full suspension bikes are not that good.

I don't know wich brands you could get at England, but check Orange and others. Also, probably a mtb would not be the best option to put panniers on, but if so, I guess you need a hardtail for that.

Answer 4

The kind of trail you describe to me sounds like you most definatley need a full suspension bike. Also you should take in the fact that a fairley decent bike should cost about £700+. Try to get a bike from a proffesional retailer, not halfords or any shop like that. Try shops like: "the bike factory"or "the edge" or even try bike websites such as Chain ReactionCycles. Remember, it may look good and cheap but you will only end up continuously going back to the shop for repaires. Get proffesional help and most importsnatly, get a good quality bike. Best of luck with your bike. Thanks. =]

Answer 5

Any full suspension you get at that price will be crap.

Not familiar with European courses, but it sounds like the Alps trip would be some serious downhill, for which full suspension would be advisable.

I only have a hardtail, but I don't do anything with a lot of rocks or more than minimal jumps.

Answer 6

both is better for your bike and for you but you should not be bouncing up and down as you describe. when your suspension is properly adjusted (or tuned) it reacts to your individual weight and to road conditions. the suspension is supposed to absorb shocks and dampen that bouncy feeling. you will have to talk at length with a knowledgable person in your area to find the right suspension set-up for you. when done right you will love it and never ever try anything else especially front only suspension because that is very hard on your body and on your bike. though i guess front only is better than none at all.

Answer 7

the type of cycling you have described looks like a full jobbie

a hardtail (front suspension) would be too little