U.V.

i've just recently sold my light-weight fully rigid MTB and brought a full suspension bike, i've never rode a full-sus before and i'm having a hard time getting used to the change, mainly i think because i've been riding fully rigid since the early 80's

any help full tips on riding a full-sus?

JonnyV

ride...alot.

U.V.

helpfull

ed 

Sit'n'spin...don't stand and pedal up those hills. Sit'n'spin through the rough. You'd be surprised at how much momentum you can keep up during washboard'y crap with a good dually. Keep your weight centered. Don't keep your butt planted over too big'a'bumps though or you'll mess stuff up

dminor 

Don't pick around obstacles in the trail; let the suspension do its job. More often than not, the direct line between corners is the fastest and will keep you in better control even though it might be rougher. If you keep at this and 'tune out' the little undulations you used to swerve around or brace yourself for, you'll find yourself carrying more speed and enjoying almost any ride more because of it.

ed 

Man, I wish I had a Heckler frame, D.

dminor 

I wish you did too, Ed - - or a 575. Either one would be good match for you.

ed 

I'd be more apt to love on the ASX...I'm liking the single pivot idea these days.

dminor 

AS-X is old news; but there is the ASR 7 .

victim

Yea make sure bike is set up for your weight, ready to ride. Adjust rebound and compression settings as desired. What exactly are your problems and what type of bike and suspension components? More info gets better answers.

U.V.

normaly with a fully rigid bike i would be standing up most of the ride, fighting the trail trying to get the smoothest/flatest line, although its only a XC full-sus the bike is heavyer and moves while i try and weave around the trail, i think i realy need the bike to do the work now rather than me

victim

That's how I like to ride my full suspension bikes, unless I'm climbing. Sounds like a set up issue or you may just need more ride time on the new bike. Good luck.

dminor 

Then he definitely needs to stop listening to 'advice; from you.

victim

That was crappy advice. Good job bagging it.

mystolenbikes

Is your bike moving around while you are climbing? if it is I say check your rear shock set up you might have not enough air in it, also check for your rebound adjustment, it is important have the right rebound during climbing not just descending.

U.V.

this bike i went from:



the bike i have now:

W Cole

Thats funny, I have trouble going from a full susp bike to a hardtail.. but other than having to go slower on the downhills and some occasional leakage and bruising I've never had any major problems with the transition.

My best advice would be to let the suspension do the work as long as you balance your weight correctly its amazing what a good suspension can soak up. Make sure to set up the pressures for your weight and then get into the compression/rebound dampening.