Suggestions for a full suspension mtn bike under 24 pounds?

[Attornatus_Oregonensis]

I really want to get a new mountain bike that's both full suspension and light weight for some cross-country riding this year. I haven't seen anything that is under 24 pounds ... any suggestions?

[steelsreal]

These will get you close, depending on pedals and which travel you want. Probably aren't going to like the $$$ though... If I were to get one, I would do it as a Project One build. Costs more but the bike will be personalized and much cooler looking. You can spec all the approprite parts that way too. Stem length/rise, bar width and type, crank length, etc.

http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1148600&f=11

http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1169600&f=12

The Fuel Ex will weigh a bit more than the Top Fuel, but that extra inch of travel will make the bike a lot more fun.... I think it is more fun to ride myself. Unless you are racing three inch platforms are sort of dead technology.

The top fuel will be around 21 pounds. The Ex, well under 24.

[Attornatus_Oregonensis]

Wow, that is an incredible amount of money. But, I suppose that's what it takes. I do like the Fuel and I'm addicted to the singletrack, so...now I guess I need to start a fund.

[steelsreal]

Bear in mind the price in the shop will be way lower than on Trek's website! If you don't mind a few more pounds you can still get a very, very nice bike by stepping down in the line-up a bit.

[superstator]

Take a look at the Giant Anthem too, if you haven't already. I love mine to death - it's fast almost to the point of being twitchy, and I've found the 3" suspension to be enough for anything I'm willing to ride anyway. It might be a little more than 24lbs with stock components, but less (mass) is always more ($).

[fetishridr]

the problem with a 25 lb limit is that some pros ride bikes that heavy. that means that the top end bikes are aroud 4-6K. you can get the same platform with lower components at around 28 lbs.
salsa and moots make an interesting bike that has a supesion damper thing a ma bob in the seat stays. they call is the soft tail. its neither a hard or a suspended rear end.

but as for buying a new bike, get a 29er, and you dont need any suspension. big wheels take the sting out of bumps. my fully rigid cromoly frame on 29 inch wheels is way more comfortable than my aluminum gary fisher hardtail with an 80 mm fork.

[Attornatus_Oregonensis]

Thanks for all the great info.

My tax return came in and, what with the nice weather, it's burning a hole in my pocket!

It's down to the Trek Fuel and the Giant Anthem. Any points of comparison there? Any other bikes comparable to these two?

I'm interested in hearing more on the 29er. Can I really get something just as light that will perform as well without suspension? Why is it that the larger wheels are able to absorb shocks as well as a 26er with suspension?

[steelsreal]

29'ers are awesome.

That being said, I would never encourage someone to buy one instead of a full-suspension. They are not interchangeable, no matter what fans(like me) may say.

The reason they ride more like a full-sus is that you have a greater angle of attack on obstacles. Picture a 10 foot diameter wheel, everything is smaller in relationship to it.

Trek vs. Giant is a no brainer for me. The Trek will have a higher quality aluminum frame. If you are going carbon there is no comparison. The Trek suspension platforms were produced for the fuel ex specifically by rock shox.

The Trek will be made in Wisconsin. The Giant in China/Taiwan. Union wage workers here, slave labor over there. Much cleaner environmental regulations over here as well.

The components on the Trek are the same spec you would buy off shelf in the store. Giant OEM's parts. Meaning the pay a fee to make lower quality parts and then apply that companies sticker to the part.

On top of all of that, the Trek rides better. In my obviously not so humble opinion!

If I were you I would spend that cash on a fuel ex 7. Then I would buy a rigid 29'er for fun. We have 29'ers starting at $400 bucks, so both bikes should be easily obtainable.