XC Soft tail

[Laps]

Ok XC types, I am starting to believe that my '97 f3000 hardtail is a bit outdated and that full suspension isn't just for DH anymore. I can get a deal on these three bikes, but have been out of the loop for a bit.....which would you buy, and why?

[Laps]

The first is the Dakar xc comp, the second is and Iron horse azure comp, and the third is the KHS xc 204. And yes, I do suck at the internet.

[truth]

Yeti ASR sl

http://www.yeticycles.com/1_bikes/asr_team.html

[homerjay]

Yo, laps, can you put up the component specs for those bikes?

I'd say the framesets are a wash, buy it based on best bits (wheels, shock, etc.).

[gravitylover]

If you mean a real soft tail KHS has a sweet full cro-mo model. Light, fast and rides great. If you mean a full suspension ride there's plenty of good info out there...

[Laps]

Here are the specs, for the Jamis and the KHS. I think the Iron Horse looks hokey.
KHS Specs:
Deluxe alloy 4-bar pivot frame with sealed bearings and a Rock Shox Bar-Adjust rear shock
Rock Shox Pilot SL 100mm front suspension
27 speed drivetrain with Sram X9 shifters, rear derailleurs and chain
Truvativ FireX crankset
Kenda Karma 26 x 2.0" folding tir
Kore riser bar and stem
Hayes cable actuated disc brakes

By softail, I did mean full Suspension. Homer, how has the skiing been out by you, I heard you guys just got dumped on.

[Laps]

Ok, here are the specs for the Dakar

FRAME Kinesium alloy main triangle and 7005 rear, cartridge bearing pivots, fully-active 4-bar linkage design, 90mm travel, Fox FLOAT R shock, replaceable derailleur hanger,
international disc brake mount.

FORK Manitou Black Super, 90-120mm RTWD adjustable travel.
HEADSET WTB Race, Internal Cup type, 1 1/8”.
WHEELSET Mavic XM117 disc rims, 32H, with Shimano Deore front and rear disc hubs, WTB 14g stainless steel spokes.
TIRES Hutchinson Bulldog Airlight,
26 x 2.1”, wire bead.
DERAILLEURS SRAM X-9 rear, X-7 31.8mm conventional
clamp/top pull front.
SHIFTERS SRAM X-9, Impulse Trigger-shift, 27-speed.
CHAIN Shimano CN-HG73.
FREEWHEEL SRAM Powerglide PG-950, 9-speed, 11-32.
CRANKSET TruVativ Fire-X SL, 44/32/22, 170mm (13-15”), 175mm (17-21”).
BOTTOM BRACKET TruVativ Giga-X, pipe billet.
PEDALS Shimano M505, clipless.
BRAKESET Avid Juicy 5 hydraulic disc brakes with Avid Juicy levers.
HANDLEBAR TruVativ XR Riser Bar, triple butted AL-66 alloy, 25mm rise x 680mm.
STEM TruVativ XR, 90mm x 5° (13” - 15”),
100mm x 5° (17”), 110mm x 5° (19”),
120mm x 5° (21”).
GRIPS WTB DC Trail, dual DNA compound.
SEATPOST TruVativ XR Double Clamp, 350mm x 27.2mm with alloy clamp and QR.
SADDLE WTB Pure V Race with SL top & sides,
chrome scuff guards and cromo rails
SIZES 13”, 15”, 17”, 19”, 21”
COLORS Ano Black
WEIGHT 28.75 lbs

[homerjay]

Unless the KHS has a very nice wheelset, I'd go with the Jamis.

When something breaks, replace it with an upgrade.

Skiing was great this past w/e at berthoud pass, but all this snow isn't very good for road biking. Fun skiing with ya out here, next time you're around I'll free myself from the office for more than one run.

good luck w/ the bike!

[Laps]

No, thank you. I went up to the bald spot a couple more times, and it was almost as good as that first run. I will let you know when I am headed back out that way, let me know if you are in East and I can show you around.

[El Chupacabra]

Unless the KHS has a very nice wheelset, I'd go with the Jamis.

X2, if the prices are comparable. The Jamis spec is better than the KHS you listed.

-Karl

[Laps]

That settles it. Jamis it is. Thank you guys for your help, and for not exploiting my bike jong-ness.

[Rippinsick]

You will not be disappointed with your choice. I picked up a Jamis last year and I totally love it.

[Laps]

Is it full suspension? If so, how does it climb? I have had my hard tail for so long, I am a bit suspicious of the whole rear suspension=bad climbing report.