I'm looking to replace my Specialized Epic _frame_ for next season. I will be competing in expert level mountain bike racing & 5 or 6 xterras in the midwest next year. Most trails are hardpack non technical. I noticed you are on a hardtail. What are your thoughts on the choice between hardtail and full supsension?

Thanks!

I have ridden a hardtail at the World Championships for the last three years. I love that setup... it is so light and responsive on the uphills that I feel like the climb was effortless. That is why I like it so much. I find that on the Maui course the technical is more finesse than just jarring bumpiness, so a hardtail is sweet. Getting tire pressure and shock pressure right is the key to riding a hardtail comfortably there.

For the rest of the tour, often you can toss a coin to decide what is better, but I often will choose a hardtail. This is probably because of 10 years of mountain biking which left me with some good skills on the bike. Without those skills, there probably would be a number of courses that you would have some advantage having a dual suspension.

However, keep in mind that power to weight ratio is important. If you don't have unlimited power, weight will be a factor. Especially for women, who are naturally limited compared to men for power, the weight of the bike really makes a difference.

This year I am rolling out the dual suspension Oiz and the hardtail Alma. Likely I will ride the Alma at more races but I know of a few that the Oiz would be good. My feeling is that riding a light hardtail like the Alma, which you can buy just as a _frame_, during the year would be a good bet. The carbon is very comfortable to ride and you can't ask for lighter. You will thank me on any long climb next year.

The other bonus for the Orbea geometry is the long top tubes. This is an absolutely perfect geometry for cross country racing. Gets you way back behind the front wheel for descending and gives you a comfortably low position for climbing. Perfect bike for XC racing. Not enough companies make bikes like this. Compact geometry of any sort totally sucks for most people.

Mel

Thanks for the detailed answer! Other than the race at Ace in WV, I don't encounter much in the way of what most people would consider to be climbs. Most courses I race have some short, very steep climbs, followed by a similar downhill. Momentum is the key. There are also a lot more roots than rocks. The course at Milwaukee would be somewhat typical. I am used to a stiff bike with the "brain" rear shock & fox terra logic on the front. My conern over going to a hardtail is how much energy is given up in absorbing the bumps, there are quite a few opinions on this. As for riding technique, I favor a very aggressive position on the bike & produce good power. What do you think _base_d on this?

I have asked some very knowledgable people about this subject, and find it remarkable that I am able to get such good advice this easily from a world champion!

Thanks!