Finally my brand new Bike! Options

[mtymtb]

Guys it's official, after a month and a half of absolutely no riding (I sold my previous hardtail) I now have a new ride. I went for the Specialized FSR Comp for a great discount price cause the 2006 are on their way. Although Im 1.8mts and most tables put me in the Large frame I bougt a Medium cause it just felt right. I had doubts about the Avid B5 mechs but after test riding and comparing them vs. Hayes Hydraulics I decided I prefer the simpler mechanicals...plus they break just fine (although the Avid B7s would have been much better). Im new to the double suspension world and the whole external adjustment thing so now I have to learn how to set my bike right (any suggestions?). Im 1.8mts fluctuate between 87 and 90kg and ride aggresive rocky long rides.

Any way Im happy now and I'll be riding long and hard now...just wanted to share the experience since I dropped quite a few questions to you gys always answered with great stuff.

Keep on riding!

[Rockymtnway]

Congrats mtymtb!

Now get out there and get that thing dirty! A clean bike is a sign of a sick mind. Also, if you ride often enough, you won't have to worry about bouncing between 87-90kg, you'll drop under 85.

As for suspension, most suspensions are best adjusted based on sag rather than your weight. That means that you need to get a zip tie and tie it onto your shock so when you sit on the bike, the zip tie is pushed to where your shock sits static. Get on the bike gently while doing this. Most shocks are most efficient (bob the least) at about 25% sag (relative to full stroke). Most shocks are the most comfortable and allow the full range of suspension stroke with about 33% sag. But that's the place to start. Ride for a week, see how much of the suspension you're using on a regular basis. You don't want to bottom out very often, but you want to come close every once in a while, so adjust accordingly.

As for rebound, I like mine fairly slow, usually only 2-3 clicks from as slow as you can go. You don't want the suspension to pack up (have to absorb another hit before it's returned), but you can also gain efficiency by simply having it slow enough that it can't quite keep up with your cadence while pedaling. That way you just ride flat and steady without bobbing. The Specialized is a pretty stable platform anyways, so you shouldn't have to go to extremes on rebound, the design will prevent most bob.

The best way to get the most out of a full suspension bike is to ride it a lot and learn it's unique characteristics. Push yourself once you feel comfortable on the bike, climb thinks you don't think are possible, descend with a little less braking and you'll probably be very pleasantly surprised at what you and she can do together.

Most of all, smile When you smile it releases endorphins. Endorphins help you relax. When you're relaxed your body acts like one big shock absorber and helps you float over the ground. When you float over the ground it makes you smile... Pretty fun cycle to get caught up in. 8)

[brf]

Yep - congratulations!

Don't forget to post lots of photos of you & your new partner out on the trails!

[mtymtb]

Ive taken her out for a couple of spins just to feel her out and make the full aquiantance. Ive been playing around with the suspension but I need a real ride to really get to know the parameters. Unfortunately that ride will have to wait until Aug. 13th since Im traveling this coming weekend. I'll post up some pics next week so you guys can take a look at the great backrounds we ride with over here.

Ride on!

[Rockymtnway]

Ive taken her out for a couple of spins just to feel her out and make the full aquiantance.

I generally get slapped if I try to feel her out before I make her full aquiantance. :shock: