Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Mountain Bikes (continued)

It depends on the shop, but as long as you appear serious about buying most would let you ride around (some will even let you borrow the bike for a day with a minor deposit). You don't need to ride on a trail to test a bike. Fist of all, just feel how it fits you, are the dimensions comfortable, etc. Second, pedal hard sitting then standing, how does it feel. Then try to go over some bumps and stuff, are you happy with the feel of it. Most bike stuff is very subjective, I always say go with what feels best to you and is made by a quality company.

Just my $.02, but if you're in Ohio, you probably won't be downhilling, so no need for the softail - unless you just really like comfort. IMHO - if you're not a crazy downhill guy - dual sus is like driving an old LTD - comfortable, but heavy. But then again - if you can get it for a good price that you're willing to pay, and you like the bike, that's all that really matters. For comparison, like the others say - hit a local bike shop and get a feel between hardtails and dual sus and see what you like before dropping the cash.

Many manufacturers have gotten away from the Unified Rear Triangle design, but hey schwinn has also gotten away from NOT being sold at Toys R' Us too. Overall, for 3-4 hundred dollars, I think that schwinn is a decent buy, just make sure that the wheels, pivots and fork are in good shape.

Also do NOT count on any kind of warantee from schwinn. Like I implied earlier, both Schwinn and GT are owned by Pacific cycles now, warantee coverage of past product is minimal if at all. This past week I have worked on 5 schwinns that were built by some untrained jackoff at Toys R' Us, and what a headache.

And for those doubting full suspension, the weight has come down and the efficiency has gone up. Systems like the Giant NRS, the Specialized Epic, Trek's Fuel, and others like them virtually eliminate the problems of pedal bob, and the frames with rear shock only weigh about 2 lbs more than a comparable hardtail.

I don't know about you, but I have at least 10 lbs of weight I need to lose off my body before I start worrying too much about a 2lb difference in the weight of my bike.