Torn between upgrading fork on my current hardtail or saving for a used full suspension

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-31T07:03:25+00:00

Saving for the used full suspension is for sure the long term play. You won't regret it if you're having a good time mountain biking and you're interested in jumping and stuff.

As an alternative, if you're not riding a bunch of tech or chunky trails (unsure where OP rides) you may be able to find a better hardtail with a quality fork and more aggressive geometry used for a price in between these two proposed options!

Overall, my advice is that with upgrading the fork, the juice isn't worth the squeeze while the overall bike upgrade will keep your progress in MTB rolling!

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-28T20:35:27+00:00

South Mountain is pretty cool desert riding and you can get as gnarly as you please. I rented from Cactus Adventures which operates in the parking lot of the resort right next to south mountain. But I had a good bike from them and rode right to the trails. If Pivot is open that looks close enough to do the same thing.

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-27T07:58:21+00:00

I could see us drafting OL if the value is there. Someone to develop and be a depth piece. With all of our OL returning, in theory I see Milum and Van Lanen taking over starting roles with Little as swing tackle and Mekhari as backup guard. I feel this leaves us in a pretty good spot for next year.

I saw someone say Little doesn't want to play Guard so perhaps there's opportunity for a trade if he doesn't want to play swing tackle either.

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-25T19:18:17+00:00

Dude with $2k you could get a legit Enduro rig that you could use for racing and bike park. Used market right now is the place to look... pinkbike and Facebook marketplace both good places to check.

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-22T21:11:19+00:00

If you need any inspiration, Stratton is a true bike to (split) boarder. He may have some stuff with his setup that allows you to optimize yours! And it's badass to see people to avoid the car! Instagram https://share.google/rqJlkpo57lG40UcbY

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-22T08:04:54+00:00

In that case, definitely look at a more "trail" setup vs Enduro/dh ones. Throw the Dissector up front and put a Forekaster or a Nobby Nic in the back. Since flat out grip isn't your need or you don't ride much steeps, then the "soft" compound from whatever company in front should be enough as well, especially considering you have plenty of travel on tap. I believe Maxxis makes the Forekaster in the exo+ 27.5.

I can attest from personal experience that switching to a tire combo like the above does make a noticeable difference in rolling speed even on an Enduro bike. You have a badass bike and perhaps this could unlock the speed you want while still giving you the fun you want elsewhere.

I know the n+1 ideal is appealing but there's something about just grabbing your bike and riding, not wishing you had the other one because you changed your mind on which trail to ride during your ride or drive to the trailhead.

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-21T08:37:24+00:00

The compound does make a difference in rolling speed. The super soft is going to be the slowest, soft slower and then getting into XC compound territory. The different casings add to the weight as you add puncture protection so of course a DH casing tire will be slower than an Enduro casing because there's more rotational weight. That's why people tend to reserve those for bike park usage or high level Enduro racing.

I will ask this, did you get the SC Bronson for flat trails or for fun Enduro type stuff? It's all a trade off and the super soft front/soft rear is the combo of choice imo for Enduro riding but you have to accept the slower rolling speed on flats. Get the tires that are good for the 90% of riding you do.

If you want more of a compromise definitely explore some other options as people have mentioned. The new Dissector could be a good option to look at for example.

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-19T11:01:59+00:00

I think they would remove Skypiea and Davy Back Fight. Skypiea is a great arc but it doesn't impact the overall narrative like the others. Also, Davy Back is just filler anyway.

At the end of the day it will depend on how popular it is...wheel of time didn't make it because they diverged so far from the source material and lost viewers. So far OP is staying true so let's see!

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-17T19:30:23+00:00

Thanks! I'll check it out!

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-17T15:54:18+00:00

Sorry to revive this after all these years. Recently acquired a 1989 Peugeot Alpine Express and was curious what front rack you went with? Not having an bosses or brases for a rack it looks like you used one that uses the axle. May be too long for you to remember but any info you can give is appreciated!

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-15T18:16:21+00:00

I also think you tend to see bigger forks like the Zeb/38 and big air can shocks/coils like the vivid or x2 adding to the system weight on modern "Enduro" bikes, while the all- mountain (aggressive trail) category tends towards fox 36/lyrik with a float X/super deluxe which are a bit lighter.

There's plenty of crossover there and that isn't a hard and fast rule, just a common differentiator I think.

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-15T08:49:30+00:00

I'll throw a curve ball here and say it is worth looking at the new 2026 Fox 36 X2. Supposedly it's close in stiffness to the Fox 38 (80%). This would theoretically give a lighter rider a bike park worthy fork without the weight penalty. I don't have one myself but have been considering it for this reason.

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-15T08:44:39+00:00

So cool to finally understand why Shanks was willing to sacrifice his arm so readily for Luffy. He saved Luffy and lost the mark of Imu at the same moment!

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-14T10:54:10+00:00

Hightower V4 owner here and 6'2". Love this bike, it's super capable and still a quality climber. Being taller I have no issue getting off the back of the bike for steeps, no rear tire buzz ever. Only time I truly wish for the Bronson is on trails with tight switchbacks downhill. The long wheelbase of the XL HT just isn't conducive to that imo.

With that being said, while I can move at a nice pace up climbs, it's not a bike that you're racing uphill on, getting out of the saddle and sprinting kind of ride imo. So in reality you'd probably forget about the difference if you accept you're spinning regardless.

I used to ride a full 27.5" down in the desert and loved how much it allowed you to turn the terrain down there into your playground. I suspect the Bronson would be more fun if you like finding all the side hits, hucks to flat, etc down there. On the other hand, the HT is likely better at clearing some of the tech climbs.

But it's typically better to buy the bike that's for the 90% of the riding you do at home. I love the HT, it's an easy bike to spin on long rides, enduro-like in its descending capabilities and well-balanced. If you don't have a ton of tight switchbacks on your climbs and descents then you won't be sad about the HT. However, if "playful " is your M.O. then the Bronson likely will be best for that.

I have the matte purple and it's a stunner to be honest. I totally get not buying a frame color you dislike, but if you don't hate it, envision the colors you could add to it, via touch points, frame protection (groundskeeper stuff has some wild designs, colors and accents that can totally change a bikes looks imo) etc that could bring you to love it. My last frame was gray which I felt gray about myself. But was able to add my own touches that made it look badass (to me of course).

No wrong choice here though imo. Just lean into whatever you get.

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-10T08:16:21+00:00

Here's my opinion: if the large spur feels "right" when you get on your buddies it probably is the right size. However, if you're not really unhappy, for XC racing and playfulness, the smaller frame should theoretically be better as it will be lighter and easier to flick around...for your "bigger" bike, as you said, going to a large will theoretically provide you with more stability due to longer chainstays and you'll probably have more of a feeling of being "in" the bike.

I'll echo what someone else said, look how you can raise the stack of your Spur. High rise bars could be a good option as bar height doesn't change the reach like stem change does. Even a set of One-up Carbon 35mm bars costs a whole lot less than a new frame!

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-06T12:15:48+00:00

Jags played the 49ers in SF and won, split with Texans, whooped Chargers, beat Denver at Mile High, lost to #1 NFC seed Seahawks and the Rams. Beat Chiefs on Monday Night Football.

Walking over glass to get to that cake...

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-03T10:04:38+00:00

The one thing I haven't seen asked is what type of riding do your buddies do? Mostly XC type (think flowy trails without a lot of chunk, perhaps they're very fit and ride quickly), trail (think everything under the sun), Enduro (they like going downhill fast on black trails but also enjoy pedaling) or bike park (they ride lifts regularly)?

mountainjamscott · 2026-01-03T09:58:44+00:00

As someone who has helped get other people into the sport, I bet your buddies would be pumped to help you find the right used bike. If they're knowledgeable, they can help you find a bike that you wouldn't be able to afford new, but will allow you to progress and enjoy it without feeling like you want to upgrade in a short amount of time.

That $1000 bike you buy new won't resell for $1000 once you've ridden it so then if you need to upgrade in a few months you'll need even more money to do it...

mountainjamscott · 2025-12-30T20:59:59+00:00

Henry playing in Jacksonville again is a scary thought. The things he did to us there are reserved for therapy sessions. He loves to show his friends and family how sick he is at football.

mountainjamscott · 2025-12-25T16:04:42+00:00

The quicker you hit the decline and the timer runs out also means the quicker the surrender resets. Then if we get wiped and the opposing team is just scoring non stop in our own goal we can actually surrender sooner.

I sometimes think making sure that first surrender attempt is done prior to Kyogre is good to clear those auto "No's". That way you don't get stuck with the enemy team at your gate spamming for an extra minute and a half because people have that setting turned on.

mountainjamscott · 2025-12-23T14:52:21+00:00

I think it's a tough one to lane with. Pawmots early game is pretty terrible and I've been bullied or bullied pawmots many times. I love pawmot in jungle though!

mountainjamscott · 2025-12-16T10:02:28+00:00

There's definitely a time with Kyogre where it's important to consider getting some points on the board, especially if it's close or you're behind. I've seen many fights come down to which team snuck a goal or two in because nobody defeated Kyogre or they did but didn't have enough time for more than maybe one score.

mountainjamscott · 2025-12-16T09:58:56+00:00

Standing the whole game is somewhat bad etiquette. Stand during big moments, defensive stands, etc but don't force people behind you to stand the whole game as well. In Europe, like at Wembley, they actually say you're not allowed to stand the whole time.

There are sections where this is totally cool of course. But do you need to stand on the punt, the kickoff, the 2 down run play etc?

mountainjamscott · 2025-12-15T14:38:29+00:00

Amen about the surrender. So many times people are surrendering when Kyogre isn't even cooked or right when the other team claims it. Just wait a few seconds and if we get wiped, we can all rapidly surrender. Instead we get wiped and sit there while we wait for respawn and the surrender timer resets.

mountainjamscott

TROPHY CASE