No suspension bike

CramCycle

So my last 29er had no suspension at all. I used it for commuting, a few trails, even a few small jumps (and I mean tiny) and I am happy with that. I never do anything overly complicated, alot of what I did do was off the beaten track paths that have been abandoned for years down along the coastline in Wexford, so a few technical bits but overall reasonably bumpy but flat.

Anyone any recommendations for a no suspension bike. I may go Fat or 29+ as the shoulders can be tired but would be happy with the same set up again.

Morgan

https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/mountain/mountain-and-trail/longitude/longitude

'68 Fastback

I can't recommend a bike but I have a few neck, shoulder issues too and, more recently, elbow issues so I took a gamble on the Surly Open Bar for my commuter. It has tonnes of backsweep and a really nice(for me) hand position. I think it has really helped me out.

CramCycle

Morgan wrote: »

https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/mountain/mountain-and-trail/longitude/longitude

I like it, one to add to the list

'68 wrote:

I can't recommend a bike but I have a few neck, shoulder issues too and, more recently, elbow issues so I took a gamble on the Surly Open Bar for my commuter. It has tonnes of backsweep and a really nice(for me) hand position. I think it has really helped me out.

Not really a hand position issue, no issues when commuting or on the gentler trails, more from pounding round paths less travelled without suspension like I am on a track bike in a velodrome. Really fun but sore on occasion

rollingscone

Are you running tubes?

steamsey

I might be missing something but would you not get a hardtail? If it had a decent fork, they can be locked out / fully dampened for commuting.

Suspension is not just about taking the bang out it, it provides traction by keeping the wheel on the ground - I think you'd enjoy your offroad spins more with say an 80/100mm travel 29er.

CramCycle

rollingscone wrote: »

Are you running tubes?

I was, also ran at far higher pressures than I should have been when off road but like I said, nothing too technical.

steamsey wrote: »

I might be missing something but would you not get a hardtail? If it had a decent fork, they can be locked out / fully dampened for commuting.

Commuting is not the main aim, I actually enjoy the regular fork and the lack of weight penalty.

Suspension is not just about taking the bang out it, it provides traction by keeping the wheel on the ground - I think you'd enjoy your offroad spins more with say an 80/100mm travel 29er.

I find that part of the fun, and like I said, not hugely challenging courses for me. If I was going for anything more technical I would need suspension as it would be borderline dangerous. I may get suspension but just spitballing based on my last bike which I loved.

CramCycle

Taken from the OT thread, but this is pretty much the level of stuff I do as my 29er, single speed with breaks is not far off a giant BMX. Better tyres and brakes of course but I love it.

CramCycle

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/HUNnohY0WRM

TooObvious

Can't recommend a bike, but can make some suggestions as to spec. 29er if you can, aim for 2.4 on the front and go tubeless, spec a quality carbon handlebar and for grips get some Ritchey Foam. This was what i used to run on my Cannondale SS and it made a big difference to the standard set up.

CramCycle

Cheers, definitely will go tubeless eventually whatever I get.

I might go cheap first and then slowly move over. Considering suspension now but it will be an add on at a later date if I feel the need to try harder.

My last bike was a Vitus Vee 29, so much fun. Considering the Vitus Dee with Disc and then maybe upgrade tyres and other things over time as the frame seems decent.

TooObvious

If i was to make one change to my SS when I had it, it would be to add gears! I could live without the suspension but the one gear only made cycling to the off road trails a right pain, it also limited any big mountain cycles i might have otherwise done.