rock on hardtail...rock on

My luddite tendencies are gaining ground on me again.

Last year I was fully converted over to the dark side - 5" of travel front and back travel - hell yeah! I still love the heck out of the Safire but I'm finding for xc riding - I'm totally into the hardtail.(again)

On the FS I can just sit and spin on the uphills and point-and-shoot on the downhills. The bike takes care of everything for me. I was able to clean a lot of techy stuff without having to think. And I definitely descend faster on a FS.

But I have lots of reasons for loving the hardtail. I feel more connected to the trail with the HT. On the HT if my rear tire is losing traction i have to finesse my weight to get traction, if I have to get my rear wheel over a step-up - I have to throw my bodyweight forward instead of relying on the rear shock to absorb the hit. I have to admit I *love* the fact it's "me" (ok and the 100mm front fork and gears too) nailing the techy bits...not the suspension...not big 29" wheels that 'will roll over everything'...just mostly me.

The 3lbs less is nice on the climbs (esp for all the climbing we have to do) and even the descents...the bike is more flickable. I am finding that i have to slow down on the downhills to pick better lines but I still like the fact I don't have to rely on massive suspension to ride the techy bits. I still can ride the descents a good pace.

Everyone has their reasons for riding and how they like to ride. My way isn't the "right way" - it's just "my way" - the way that suits me.

Maybe because I'm a nerd and love technique, finesse, and skill and this bleeds through loud and clear on my xc mtn biking.

rock on hardtail...rock on...