So my frame is coming up on 3 years old, and past history suggests I'll probably break it soon. Trouble is, I can't for the life of me figure what I want, even in a "money no object" situation.
I recently moved to Vancouver, and want something suitable for the technical trails here, but I'm also keen on hitting some BC cups next Summer, so want something that will (more than) cope with racing and high-speed stuff like Whistler.
I'm pretty big (6'4", 185lbs). On the usual RM scale of "plough" to "finesse" I'd consider myself more of the latter, but don't think this makes me any lighter on components than a plough rider. Pumping through rock gardens and technical root sections seems to me like it puts a fair bit of stress through a frame. That said, I'm by no means a weight-weenie. I'm more than happy to carry an extra pound or two if it has benefits in terms of stiffness and durability, so long as weight remains reasonable.
I've been in this game a while, and don't buy into much of the marketing hype and general BS that companies and individuals distribute. Desirable characteristics:
7-8.5" travel
12*135mm back end*
low weight placement
Good product support
Not a straight forward single-pivot arrangement
1.5 headtube (ideally)
*Perhaps I'm being old fashioned, but I don't see any advantage to a wider spaced rear hub. I appreciate the theoretical benefit, but many 150 rear hubs have the same flange spacing, and I'm not convinced having an 83mm BB is a good thing, both for ergonomics and due to the limited choice of cranksets. My Middleburns are 4 years old. I don't feel any need to run something as excessive as Saints or Diablous.
So people, am I asking to much?! I figured you guys more than any would be able to inspire my decision!
I recently moved to Vancouver, and want something suitable for the technical trails here, but I'm also keen on hitting some BC cups next Summer, so want something that will (more than) cope with racing and high-speed stuff like Whistler.
I'm pretty big (6'4", 185lbs). On the usual RM scale of "plough" to "finesse" I'd consider myself more of the latter, but don't think this makes me any lighter on components than a plough rider. Pumping through rock gardens and technical root sections seems to me like it puts a fair bit of stress through a frame. That said, I'm by no means a weight-weenie. I'm more than happy to carry an extra pound or two if it has benefits in terms of stiffness and durability, so long as weight remains reasonable.
I've been in this game a while, and don't buy into much of the marketing hype and general BS that companies and individuals distribute. Desirable characteristics:
7-8.5" travel
12*135mm back end*
low weight placement
Good product support
Not a straight forward single-pivot arrangement
1.5 headtube (ideally)
*Perhaps I'm being old fashioned, but I don't see any advantage to a wider spaced rear hub. I appreciate the theoretical benefit, but many 150 rear hubs have the same flange spacing, and I'm not convinced having an 83mm BB is a good thing, both for ergonomics and due to the limited choice of cranksets. My Middleburns are 4 years old. I don't feel any need to run something as excessive as Saints or Diablous.
So people, am I asking to much?! I figured you guys more than any would be able to inspire my decision!