New MTB bike advice

[magicmerve]

Evening all,

I'm looking for some advice on full suspension bikes. My routes are a combination of roads and rocky tracks all in one. There are some fairly big hills to deal with as well. I want a bike that is able to give me a satisfying ride on the tracks without being massively heavy. I want to feel in control and at the same time have confidence in the bike to push it hard on the tracks. I'm a huge fan of the Orange Five, but heard it's very heavy. I'm looking at a 26" wheel (although I'm open to being swayed bigger) and would like some decent brakes (hope?).

Can anyone offer some advice or experiences there had with different bikes. At the moment I'm in a Whyte 801, but it's not that great to ride.

 

[Cyclist33]

Budget?

Why full suss?

 

[magicmerve]

Ummm full suspension because the tracks can be horrendous and my backside can't take it ha ha. Would a full suspension bike be hard to ride on the road for work etc?

Looking between £600 and £1500.

Been thinking of buying parts and making my own from donor bikes.

 

[Drago]

Why an Orange 5? Single pivot non rising rate died with aircooled 4s in the late 80s. Next thing they'll be fitting four chrome exhausts as well.

 

[magicmerve]

Why an Orange 5? Single pivot non rising rate died with aircooled 4s in the late 80s. Next thing they'll be fitting four chrome exhausts as well.

Seen how they are made and I like that it could take me. I'm 17st.

Sorry but I lost you after that.

 

[Cyclist33]

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Stance-27-5-2-Mountain-Bike-2015-Full-Suspension-MTB_73877.htm

 

[magicmerve]

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Stance-27-5-2-Mountain-Bike-2015-Full-Suspension-MTB_73877.htm

Ok that is pretty decent and the price is good.

Any idea what the brakes are like? And why is the larger disc always on the front? Could I swap the discs over to have the bigger one at the back as I use it the most?

 

[Drago]

I'm porkier, erm, more muscular than you and I haven't found a mainstream MTB yet that couldn't manage me, although I can overwhelm Suntour XCR forks.

 

[Pale Rider]

Ok that is pretty decent and the price is good.

Any idea what the brakes are like? And why is the larger disc always on the front? Could I swap the discs over to have the bigger one at the back as I use it the most?

The majority of braking on a bike is done by the front.

When you brake, all the force and your weight is thrown forward onto the front wheel, which in turn is pressed into firm contact with the road.

The back wheel is all but lifted, so in unable to provide much braking before it skids.

Hence a properly designed - and ridden - bike needs a more powerful front brake.

 

[magicmerve]

The majority of braking on a bike is done by the front.

When you brake, all the force and your weight is thrown forward onto the front wheel, which in turn is pressed into firm contact with the road.

The back wheel is all but lifted, so in unable to provide much braking before it skids.

Hence a properly designed - and ridden - bike needs a more powerful front brake.

That's me told them ha ha, but that makes perfect sense

 

[Crackle]

How rocky is rocky and what's wrong with the Whyte, I'm trying to gauge why you need to change so i can offer any advice?

 

[magicmerve]

How rocky is rocky and what's wrong with the Whyte, I'm trying to gauge why you need to change so i can offer any advice?

The rocky parts are full of rocks I'd say are roughly 7" in diameter, but it's the fact they are in tractor tracks and very divoty. They are on steep hills as well so I tend to find I'm leaning on the back a lot which makes it uncomfortable.

I'm not saying it's a bad bike, but it feels a bit worn and it's just not as fun to ride. I could upgrade for better forks, brakes etc, but to be honest I think I've just outgrown it. It's also a tad to small for me

 

[Crackle]

I don't know a lot about full sussers but if you like the Orange 5 I'm guessing you've got about 2 grand to spend in which case you should get a pretty decent bike. The immediate things that spring to mind are climbing efficiency, especially out of the saddle and component wear if you're using it as a commuter, suspension links and things. Someone like @Cubist , who has an Ibis will almost certainly be able to help more.

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Ummm full suspension because the tracks can be horrendous and my backside can't take it ha ha. Would a full suspension bike be hard to ride on the road for work etc?

Looking between £600 and £1500.

Been thinking of buying parts and making my own from donor bikes.

I don't know much about MTBs but I understand from commuters that they avoid full suspension bikes mainly for the added weight. If the distance to commute is not too long then I don't see why not......

 

[Cubist]

Why an Orange 5? Single pivot non rising rate died with aircooled 4s in the late 80s. Next thing they'll be fitting four chrome exhausts as well.

SIngle pivot has its place, for those who ride on proper trails with proper rock'n'schitt. Tell these chaps their bikes don't work any more. NSFW, they aren't called the Sweary Northerners for nothing. Pour yourself a nice shandy and enjoy: (oh, and spot the hardtail Cotic at 05 32 !)

View: https://vimeo.com/43723718