[miuan]

My bike must inspire confidence. No skinny/hard compound tires, loose parts, no soft/sticky suspension, no weak brakes, slack enough not to throw me OTB plowing thru steep rocky trails, being able to pedal efficiently is nice too. It really depends on terrain though.

 

[dante]

1. Geometry
2. Suspension (set-up)
2. Suspension (design)
4. Tires/Grips/Gloves/Shoes
5. Weight

I basically can't ride with gloves that have any padding on the palm or grips any thicker than ODI Ruffians. Neither can I keep my feet on the pedals without 5.10's. Rather important IMO.

This 100%. I've ridden bikes with sub-par suspension design but felt comfortable as long as the Geo was spot on (Kumicho, for example). I've also ridden bikes with a good suspension setup/design, good weight, good everything but a bad geometry and it was just *terrible*.

 

[Tedman]

I think the overall package is the most important part, not any single item.

 

[kidwoo]

Tires

Geometry

That little fin that troy lee makes that I can put on the back of my helmet.



All in that order.

 

[Wa-Aw]

That little fin that troy lee makes that I can put on the back of my helmet.

So that's why I lost that race!

 

[William42]

Pedals

Handlebars

In that order.