I'm looking into getting a differnt mountain bike. I currently have a Schwinn Mesa GSX with front Rock Shox fork. I'm wanting a full suspencion bike for the next one. From looking around, the one that appeals the most to me is the Trek Diesel Freeride. It has around 7" of travel, disk brakes, and all. Any opinonions on this bike, or others. Any help would be appreciated.

 

That's a great choice. I"m goin to upgrade to that from my Fuel 90.

 

Kona Stinky Delux is the way to go for full suspension.

 

would that much suspencion travle hender anything on the trails?

 

unless you do alot of downhill, full suspension bikes seem to use more of your energy. call me old fashion, I like a hardtail. I rode a full suspension over some muddy rocks, and couldn't manage to cross to the other side, while I did the same run with my Cannodale (Delta V 1500) very easy. also going up hill seemed more of an effort, with bobbing up and down I had a hard time maintaining a smooth accent. The tire would sometimes spin. Maybe they have come a long way, it was a while back. Still my moneys with a front suspenion only.

 

Jstang is on the money, IMHO full suspension is designed for downhill riding. You use a lot energy going up hill with the full unless you are a small person. I prefer a front only but that is me and what style I have to ride.
One thing ya gotta love is the technology and price for today's bikes. I remember the old days of when high end gear was that, high end and untouchable $$$$$$. The odd thing is road bikes and gear has never come down in price like mtn bikes have. You still have to drop at least 1K for a decent bike for the road.

 

I've got a '94 model Trek 930 hardtail, rock shocked front. Let me tell you that bike has taken a beating and keeps on going. I wouldn't risk my $$ on any other brand. Although, I'm not up to speed on the bikes made in the last 3 or 4 years. That Trek Diesel does look like a great piece though. How much $$ for that one. The full suspensioned bikes back in '94 or '95 were about 2K when I looked.

 

retail is 4700, but you can buy it for less than 4k. I guess I will just try and ride some, see what I like. On my hardtail, I seem to bend rims easy, guess they dont like the 4-5 foot jumps onto concrete. At our local trails, they arn't too rough, but in summers when we head to colorado to play, going down the 4-wheel drive roads, you are worn out just trying to keep the bike straight and under controll.

 

I've been riding my GT Avalanche LE hardtail for years and LOVE IT! Of course, I upgraded all components to XTR as soon as I bought her...



RP

 

I have a full suspension Warp. Not as hi-end as a Trek but it's light, reliable, quality components, and has that 'trick' factor. I ride a bike for exercise so if the full sus requires a little more work, ok. At least it's easy on my butt.

 

The Trek Diesel is nice, but if you're not racin', just fast woods cruising, why not check out the remaining stock of Fuel's, the Trek dealers around here are closing them out and cutting some deals. I have an old full suspension, and a hardtail. I like both for different reasons. For technical stuff, it's hard to beat the full suspension, but for fast woods riding, the hardtails is still the most fun.
Of course, most of the real riders around here are roadies....

 

Check out the K2 Disco Monkey or Razorback at (www.k2bikes.com.

The Disco Monkey is a 'freeride' bike (a little heavy, but more travel and super-plush). The Razorback is an XC race bike, very light for full-suspension and handles excellent on climbs.

Personally, I'm still using a hardtail - here's my ride:



It's also 'WHAT I DRIVE WHEN I'M NOT DRIVING MY TRUCK!"