Hardtail questions.

[ebonbetta]

I got the basic idea that a hardtail version is not going to ride as shock proff as a full suspension. But I only plan to drive in the city and am wondering how that would be. What do you think. I am still considering the Jamis capri.
Do you think the 279 is worth it. What am I gaining over a cheaper/24-Inch Polaris Ranger Dual Suspension as an example ?

 

[buyagain]

Hi ebonbetta;
You'll get more action if you post photos. JMO.

 

[Doug Burton]

ebonbetta wrote: I got the basic idea that a hardtail version is not going to ride as shock proff as a full suspension. But I only plan to drive in the city and am wondering how that would be. What do you think. I am still considering the Jamis capri.
Do you think the 279 is worth it. What am I gaining over a cheaper/24-Inch Polaris Ranger Dual Suspension as an example ?

Hi ebonetta,

Hardtails work fine; I've built two and I think DefJack has built two also.

The older Jamis Capri should work and convert to 26" wheels if you change the fork and rear brake:

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?ItemID=92472&Type=bike

Isn't the newer Capri 2.4 a 20" bike?

Another good choice is the older Trek MT220 - MarkB built an excellent 650c bike from one of those...

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?ItemID=12896&Type=bike

Similar is the Giant MTX 250

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?ItemID=31405&Type=bike

Also Fuji Blaster Comp:

http://richmond.craigslist.org/bik/1349727029.html


BTW, BikePedia is a great place to survey frames that are frequently availble used. $279 seems a little pricey...

Best,

Doug

 

[Reku Papa]

Hi everybody, an outsider here.

I am just thinking about a hardtail conversion:
http://picasaweb.google.com/reku.papa/Techno#5368955138475713922

It requires a seat support alu tube, but it gives a lot of freedom to finetune position.
Just an idea...

 

[John Tolhurst]

hi Reku Papa,

I think I have seen that done with a conversion kit before. Watch your chainstay length is enough to keep the boom clear of the wheel. Also, tranfer of torque from handlebars to BB is important. It is something the kit is engineered specifically for and does well. If there is flex in this it becomes pretty ordinary to ride - some 'expert' commentators over at BROL have been reporting on homebuilds with flex in this area, I suspect!!!!!