bike geometry

[alleyoop]

When I was looking to move up from my rigid bike to a FS, I tested an insane amount of bikes. There wasn't one 5inch travel bike that I felt comfortable on. It was exactly as Irulan described: I felt 'on top' of the bike, not 'in' it. I didn't feel like I had the power transfer that I was used to, and they were esspecially scary going down hills! I needed to be on a bike that was more like my rigid; aggressive geometry, leaning over more, lower center of gravity. If the bike you have fits you well then I would try out a couple 4inch travel bikes (classified as XC race) like the Spec Epic, Santa Cruz Blur XC (not LT), Trek Top-fuel, Yeti ASR-sl to see if they are more to your liking. I ended up with an Ibex Asta, which is pretty comperable geometry-wise to the Blur XC. BTW, I am 5'8" ride men's Medium and have proportions that just do not fit on women's bikes.

HTH!

Edited to add: Now that I read your last post...The butt-back, squeeze the thighs method is exactly what you should be doing with your new bike(to let the suspention do the work), except in the most extreme downhills. On the same terrain, I would think that you would be 'back' as much as your old bike. There shouldn't be THAT much of a change from a HT to a FS that would make you go over the bars or even feel like you will. If I was you, I might go to your LBS and try try try bikes. I would start with a medium Stumpy (mens), to see if you feel better and if that doesn't do it start trying the 4inch bikes. You will know it when you feel it.