[the_prozac_kid]

i know that soft tail bikes have been around for a while, but was is the durability of them like. to me the stress put on the chain stays would cause them to fatigue and fail much quicker than a equivalent hardtail. (i don't know if trying compare apples with oranges here). Any comments or real world experience with soft tails would be great!

 

[the_prozac_kid]

anyone?

 

[Westy]

I know a few people that have had softails for years without problems. As long as a bike is designed propery there should be not problems in the flexing of the chainstays. They are usually made from Ti, steel or carbon fiber which can be designed to have an infinite fatigue life. Personally I would recommend going for a full travel bike though. Comparing weight and price, a 4" travel bike can be cheaper and only 1/2 pound or so heavier. If you don't want all the travel just put more air in the shock than recommended.

 

[The Toninator]

stay away from aluminum ST. I've been looking at them for a while. Trek made a nice one, the stp, but doesnt make that anymore. Personally i'm looking into highend Ti models.

 

[oldfart]

Wasn't the STP a Carbon bike? I looked at one briefly and the 9.8 too but neither came small enough for me. Even the small 8900 was a bit longer than I like. But I think the softail idea is a wasted effort. Full suspension is the way to go. Why carry around the weight and complexity of a shock without any real travel? That said, if your typical trail riding is mainly rough gravel with few bumps bigger than a inch, a softail might make some sense. Or a hardtail with a suspension post.

 

[The Toninator]

The soft tail's shock is way more active than a suspension seat post. I think it's just enough to take the edge off of the bumps without having 3/4 inches, i don’t see the point of that if you can do it in a SIMPLE pivotless design.

 

[The Toninator]

yes the stp was carbon.

 

[spincrazy]

Originally posted by oldfart
I think the softail idea is a wasted effort. Full suspension is the way to go. Why carry around the weight and complexity of a shock without any real travel?

I couldn't agree more.

 

[buttychunkster]

hmmmmmm.....why carry around the weight of a softail or a FS when you could have a hardtailhey spin mate!

 

[The Toninator]

Originally posted by buttychunkster
hmmmmmm.....why carry around the weight of a softail or a FS when you could have a hardtailhey spin mate!

Butty! how goes it down under???

 

[buttychunkster]

it goes very well thank you Ton...Im havin a blast down here...looks like you may have seen some photos already...get some more goin soon....this place is amazing.....sweet FA riding tho but you gotta make some compromises.....and yourself?

 

[spincrazy]

Hey butty. good to see you man. Glad you're enjoying your spot.

 

[The Toninator]

working and riding man, summer is just about to get into full swing. ummmmm speghetti straps and bikini's

 

[buttychunkster]

yep well Imm just kissing summer goodbye down here and sendin it to you,,,seen some bikinis which is good considering my latitudinal and longitudinal position...this is the weather today but it has been peretty til now

 

[srf]

I'm happy with my softtail (KHS); it's far less complex than full suspension rigs (pivotless, elastomer shock), climbs much better of course, and isn't too harsh. I don't do drops though so I can't really comment on its durability.