Giant XTC 2

[Aggie_Ama]

Deb- I started on a Scott Contessa hardtail with very basic components I found on Craigslist. Other than the disc brakes, it seems comparably equipped to your new bike. I kept her drivetrain clean and rode the heck out of her to discover I love the dirt. I was able to ride anything I wanted to try with that bike. I now have a FS but I wasn't about to spend $2k on a bike at the beginning only to hate it. Enjoy your new bike and have fun!

[ridebikeme]

Although it isn't cost effective, there is a possibility of changing a hardtail frame into a FS. A friend of mine is also a bike shop owner, and wanted to take a frame building class. He got the idea that he would take his favorite hardtail and make it FS. Needless to say, with a lot of work and patience, he was able to do this. His bike is indeed an awesome bike and rides really well. However, for the most part, I would agree with Irulan that it simply isn't the best choice. Although, I still in my mind tend to think that "nothing is impossible", but it certainly can be not practical

[Trek420]

Vocabulary question: hardtail means no suspension whatsoever, right?

I love my old commutermobile yet it is really heavy. I've toyed with ideas that could make it lighter. The power train is all original (thanks Chris for replacing the brakes last time) and that'll go someday. Darn TE for teaching me a little maintenance so it's lasted about 12 years. If you gals weren't so smart it'd be worn out and I'd have new shifters .....


Is front suspension be lighter than an alloy fork? I think when the remodel expenses get paid off I'll look at the power train or ....

Of course I could make the engine lighter build up the upper body strength for lifting the bike what fun is that?