Giant XTC 2

[ridebikeme]

Generally a hardtail means a mtn bike with front suspension, simply because most bikes come at least with that now. It's very difficult to find a bike (mtn) without a suspension fork nowadays.

It sounds wonderful to me that you take such good care of your bike(s)... I wish everyone were like that Regardless, by taking good care of your bike, in the long run, you generally save yourself some money. However, I do agree with you, keeping the engine in shape makes a HUGE difference! That's my goal for this upcoming winter season!

As for lightweight bikes, they are definitely out there, although as I'm sure you are aware, a bit more expensive. I think if I were looking for a lightweight mtn bike(hardtail) I'd look into Luna, Margo definitely has a very good reputation and is very knowledgeable as well. And of course, a fellow TE"er doesn't hurt

[Irulan]

hardtail - front shock
rigid - no shock at all ( rigid front fork, and yes people still mountain bike on these)
Full suspension : front and back suspension. Front suspension is a fork, back suspension is a shock or spring integral to the frame, built into the rear triangle.

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

wow, that is the first time I've ever heard of something like that. Takes all kinds I guess. Most normal people wouldn't consider it.

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 ....

You'd have to pay a LOT of money for a light fork. Comparing rigid alloy forks to suspension forks is like comparing apples to potatoes. They are two different things.

[Trek420]

hardtail - front shock
rigid - no shock at all ( rigid front fork, and yes people still mountain bike on these)

Got it, I'm rigid

I love my bike, I'll never look at another bike (yeah, really).

She's pictured here:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...bradley&page=2

She sports Shimano Altus power train circa '97. Over time I've replaced the rear cluster a couple times, the chain, front brakes and Chris says next time I bring her in they'll match the rear brake just to keep it shiny and stuff.

The shifting is great but a tough reach for my tiny mouse-like paws. Someday maybe as reward for weight loss, new job, move ..... new cranks, gears, shifters.

[ridebikeme]

That's a beautiful paint job Trek! Did you have someone local do it?

[Trek420]

Yes, whoever Chris Robinson uses. The actual painter/shop is somewhere else is in the Concord, Walnut Creek area, not sure. He's repainted my commuter, Knott's beautiful lugged steel thrift store find Giant, Roguedog's Bridgestone, and I think he painted one of Jobob's bikes too?