kill.cactus

I searched for "jumps + hard + tail" and I couldn't find any threads related to this topic.

I have a Trek 6000. It is an aluminum hardtail with a RS Dart1 fork (pretty crappy, I know). I'm getting clipless in the mail soon (I've had them on my road bike for a while) and I'm anxiously anticipating the added control and maneuverability when it comes to jumps on the bike.

That brings up the question What jumps can one do safely on an entry level Hardtail bike with 100mm front suspension? I weigh about 160 pounds.

Not to be a worry wart, but will stresses on the crank arms and components reach dangerous levels? My crankset is an unbranded Shimano model. Hm...

Thanks for the info.

mtnbk3000

if you want to do jumps, 100mm is a very good place do be, except when it is a fork that is soft like poo. most djing bikes have 100mm of travel

kill.cactus

But what about the frame and components (mainly pedals and crank arms)? What is the limit with a hard tail when it comes to drop/jump height before you get to putting stuff in danger?

Servo888

How big of a jump of we talking about? I'm 225lbs, riding on a basic hard tail (HardRock J1 100mm front), and it's been holding up well. In general thought hard tails are just as reliable as soft tails (if not more) as there is no rear suspension to break, only aluminum to bend ;-) .

kill.cactus

hm

so I guess four foot drops wouldn't be bad on the components and crank arms?

Icey_rr1

obviously there is no defined limit someone can stamp on your bikes limitations.

a 4 foot drop to flat is going to stress your ride much more than the same drop to transition.

a 6000 isn't built to be jumped, but don't let that stop you. frequently inspect the welds on your frame for cracks and try to be smooth

scelia

You could snap a crank arm riding off a curb... If you are really worried about snapping a crank arm, get a Profile crank (the best $200 you could put into a crank): https://www.profileracing.com/product...p?productid=43

It is what I have on my HT. BTW, I weigh 290lbs and do not fear jumping or several foot drops at all...

My HT:


My Power Plant:

mtnbk3000

you will probably end up replacing the fork or its internalS(probably not worth it) much earlier than you have too. I build a dj bike, and skimped in the fork area and after two months it needed replaceing, i weigh about 195lbs.

kill.cactus

Hm...

Crankarms in danger? Sounds like it could be a catastrophe.

I'll be careful and talk to my LBS. No offense, but I'd rather trust a mechanic

KiaTia

Hey, great looking cranks old school style I might have to upgrade to to those babies!

Mike

brad06ag

Thats laughable. Its rare to find a bike shop mechanic who actually is knowledgable, especially if its not something that is totally mainstream. When i've been out of town with my DJ bike, i've had LBS mechanics look at me like i'm crazy with the bike i have in there and telling them what I need. They always try to tell me things won't work, etc. That is why i do all of my own wrenching unless i'm out of town and even then rare is the occasion I don't have the tools/parts to fix something ordinary.

Cyclist30907654

How many lbs' have you been to. Just wondering if your cynicism comes from experience or just bad apples.

kill.cactus

Hm, yeah. The LBS I use is rated top 100 in the USA so I'm going to go with the assumption that they at least know enough to help me out with this. I'll be suspicious, though.

I'm just incredulous to how you say that the crankarms could be in danger of failure. I really expected people to suggest I don't worry so much XD

JIB

Sweet setup! I don't think I've ever seen a Profile set up as a triple before. I was always more of a Flight Crank guy, but that is trick.

Dannihilator

For cranks, the profiles are nice, but I'd save more and get the Saint crankset or the Race Face Evolve DH/Diabolous crankset.

wethepeople

Probably the dumbest statement I've heard in this forum in a while.

mcoine

Its a toss up between these two:

scelia

The point being that if you are hard on your gear, it can fail at any time. Not just on a jump, but almost anytime. It goes back to the original post: If you are worried about your gear not being up to the task, do not jump it... If you want advice... Seek out a bike store that specializes/caters to your riding style.

I do appreciate your cynicism though (Pete and mcoine).

Dannihilator

If lighter cranks were to fail, then I'd be doomed with the xt cranks. You know what bends easier than Aluminum?

Chromoly.

mcoine

Whats with the aluminum GT (walmart brand) frame then? Aren't you worried about it failing?

I've cracked 3 frames in my lifetime, never a crankset...

unrlmth

That wasn't his bike.

01amberfirewv

Do they really sell GT's @ Wal*Mart now? My GT is 15 years old and I have been looking for a replacment

mcoine

Honestly I don't know, I don't shop at walmart.

DickyJ

Wouldn't the pedal spindles, or frame/wheels be more likely to snap before/instead of your crankarms?

Either way, you're F'd.

Tappets

Ride it like it isn't broken!