Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25122
All-MOUNTAIN FUll-SUSPENSION CUTlERY: CHEF'S KNIFE Ideal For: Rugged terrain with long climbs. Lightweight full suspension. It used to be an oxymoron. In '99 it became a household term. Using stronger, lighter material s, com- panies are now able to make a bike with up to three or more inch- es of travel at a svelte 25 pound5-{)r less. Unfortunately, that fact alone does not a World Cup racer make. Sure, suspension makes riding mare comfortable, but it also robs energy. These bikes are for the recreational racer who doesn't want to feel as though they need back surgery after two-and-half hour's worth of killing themselves on a cross-country course. GTs revolutionary I-Drive (independent drivetrainl frame has done much to define this velo terra species. The funky bottom bracket contraption allows the suspension to move independently of the pedaling input, which means the suspension isn't working against you. Also, the I-Drive features a fail-safe system for setting up one's suspension, a process which can be a pall to riders of any level. The STS carbon-framed models are GTs finest offering, weigh- ing in at just about 25 pounds. A RockShox SID fork (80mml and rear shock are employed for their lightweight nature. Top to bottom, noth- ing has been compromised at this level: XTR, Xl, and Mavic-brand components make it glow like a prom queen. GT STS XCR 2000, 800-RIDE-A-GT, www.gtbicycles.com $3,439 @'ii'lMJm~ ®@@lQ) IPO~~li): Klein Mantra Race: $2,700 800-52-KLEIN, www.kleinbikes.com Giant XtC DS1: $1,500 800-779-BIKE, www.giant-bicycle.com @'ii'lMJm~ ®@@lQ) IPO~~li): I-Drive XCR 2000: $2,121 800-RIDE-A-GT, www.gtbicycles.com Jamis Dakar Comp: $999 800-222-0570, www.jamisbikes.com Ideal For: Riding abusive terrain for long periods, where addi- tional comfort, speed and confidence are gained with a few extra pounds' worth of componentry. The bread and butter of those who like to go fast and far in a furious way. These bikes strive to stay in the 25 to 29 pound range with up to four inches of suspension. Rise bars, can- tilever brakes, a single-crown fork, and moderate set of tires allow these bikes to function in all types of mountain terrain, thus their namesake. They climb somewhat efficiently and descend with utler confidence over the gnarliest surfaces. Specialized was one of the first to identify this full - suspension sub category, dubbing it The Enduro Line. Based on one of the best full-suspension platforms the world has ever known, it boasts just over four inches of rear wheel mis- ta ke. The shocks are a front-rear pair of air-dampened RockShox SIDs. Although they can handle most hits, this is a compromise in this category, as air shocks don't wark as well, nor are they as reliable, as coil ones (which are, in turn, heav- ierJ. The spec package, on the other hand, is a reliable mix of Specialized house-brand (good stuff), XTR and XT compo- nents. Specialized FSR Enduro PRO, 800-245-3462, www.special- ized.com $2,500 Ideal For: Riding aggressively and descending as fast as passible, while still being able to pedal the ascents. These were ance termed Hski area bikesH for their burning desire to be chair-lifted. They're heavy, sturdy and roll down- hill like an avalanche. If you find one that's less than 30 pounds, you're either living on a planet with different gravita- tional forces or have lots of cash. In any case, these bikes typ- ically have five inches of suspension, often utilizing a dual- crown fork. Rear ends tend toward Fox-brand coil over shocks, and to stop these beasts, hydraulic disc brakes are practically a necessity. Smile factor on descents, though, is well-worth spinning them up hill, which is now accomplished via Shimano's Mega-9 drivetrain and the addition of an eas- ier (ninthl gear. Chair lifts are also an option. Built by the soul riders of Vancouver, British Columbia, Deep Cove G-Spot bikes are built for abuse. The G-Spot frame is a honed version of the immensely popular four-bar linkage suspension design, first pioneered by Dave Turner (Turner BicyclesJ. What this means is that you can have five inches of travel and still pedal it without losing gobs of precious energy or sanity. Unlike other frames of this type, the low pivot is around the botlom bracket via two monster bear- ings' which keep it smooth, laterally stiff and to a minimum of pedal bobbing. Not for Hsoft-coreH riders, the G-Spot demands aggression. And why is it so-called? Cuz it's hard to find and costs about a grand. Deep Cove G-Spot, 604-929-1918, $1,049 (frame onlyl www.covebike.com @'ii'IMJ§~ ®@@lQ) IPO~~li): Santo Cruz Sullit: $1,099 frame only, 831-459-7560, www.santacruzbicycles.com Kona Stinky: $1,900 360-366-0951, www.konawortd.com