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> - Chain stay length - does 16.75" vs. 16.9" make any difference?
> Climbing? Descending?
That amount probably won't make that much difference to the casual
rider. Generally a shorter chainstay gives you better climbing ability
due to having more weight proportioned on the rear end. It also gives
a harsher ride, since you're closer to sitting where all the action is.
Descending, I don't believe chainstay length plays the same part. If
your flying down a rough decline, you want stability. That is achieved
via longer wheelbases, and more relaxed frame angles. The chainstay
will effect wheelbase, with everything else being equal.
It all comes down to compromises. You can't have hands-off stability,
and lightening quick reflexes, or excellent saddle comfort, with
supurb climbing abilities (then again, I haven't ridden a suspended
MTB bike).
> - Frame material - Aluminum vs. steel alloy. I don't care on a
> fat tire bike that Al rides better, but does it dissipate less
> energy due to flex? Does it save enough weight to make a
> difference?
Al can be stiffer or more flexible than steel depending on the grade
and thickness of the given materials being compared. Generally, Al
is stiffer and only marginally lighter than quality steel.
> Are these too costly a range to start out ($700-$825*)? Not
> costly enough? I would prefer to buy something that I'll be
> happy with and won't have to upgrade later. I expect to get
> enthusastic but not race.
Hard to say. The best bet is to try each one for as long a time as
possible. Try to put them through what you expect to use your bike
for. Choose the one you like best!
John
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| The only way to know is to ride. Of the bikes I tried at that price,
the low-end Specialized Stumpjumper (Shimano DX, I think) was the
nicest off-road, especially on tough descents.
MATT
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| One thing mentioned to me at shops is that a bent STEEL frame can
usually be repaired much more easily than an aluminum frame. Having
just bought my first MTB myself, I found that I was able to get a good
spec bike (Tange frame, Deore LX, Araya rims) relatively cheap - around
$400. My plan is to ride it long enough to find out 1)do I enjoy this
type of riding (so far so good), 2)what do I like and what do I dislike
as far as components, geometry, features, and 3)I will have a reference
to really judge other bikes if I want to change or upgrade.
I suspect it's easier to unload a mid-range bike without loosing
too much than a high end one, if you decide you want something
different. Hope this helps.
Tom
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