Hi folks,
I'd appreciate your thoughts on the following matter:
I've been riding mountain bikes for the last 15 years and am now approaching my 32th birthday. I've had a great season on the bike this year (big BC trip etc.), but while I still feel that my riding skills are progressing and I am fitter than ever, I think that I don't really descend and jump as good and fast as I "should". I enjoy riding tremendously though. I know it is 90% rider and less than 10% bike, I got smoked by crazy kids on various contraptions over the years. But it's not that simple, I promise!
I very, very rarely crash and that's probably part of my problem, I tend to ride too safe and shy.
If I am not absolutely sure about a move/stunt, I won't try it. When I do, I feel exceptionally great. Often I lack the courage. I've spent most of my riding life on ENDURO style bikes, I like descending, but also like pedaling. I am not a bad rider, I can ride trails like Microclimate or steep techy trails in the Alps and really enjoy them, but big doubles and longer jumps which require a lot of speed (more than 8-10 meters from lip to landing) often let me shy away. And I often feel kind of slowish when descending, compared to other "experienced" riders.
For 2016 I want to become faster and do bigger and longer jumps. I'll visit several skill clinics and am planning a lot of riding holidays all over Europe, that includes bikepark riding and built trails riding - with a slight bias on pedaling then descending as gnarly as possible. It's mainly a fear/mind game probably, so riding lots and with skilled riders should help.
But now I am in kind of a dilemma in regard for proper gear.
I recently got a Canyon Strive CF as my main ride. I really love it. Compared to my Specialized Enduro 26 (sold) it is much more confidence inspiring. I got faster and gained security, because I trust the bike more. So that'll serve me well. I do however ride a lot and bikes break and have niggles. So I need/want a second bike, because I really can not stand NOT riding because of a defect or some other hiccup. Life is too short for such nonsense and I saved up for second bike.
Also while I enjoy the Strive in the bike park, it'll just wear out too quick and pedaling full on DH tires is overkill on my home trails.
I am now deciding between three things:
1. Buy a full on DH bike. Have the pedally Strive and a really sturdy 650b DH bike for shuttling and full on park riding. Never owned a full DH bike. Always wanted to. Might be ridiculous, because I am such a pansy. Might give me a reason to finally go for all these bigger jumps. I find the idea of a bike which can not climb at all pretty ridiculous though. Incredible deal on those: http://www.yt-industries.com/detail/index/sArticle/443/sCategory/78
2. Buy a nice second 170mm Enduro style bike with the new Lyrik and burlier wheels and tires. Ride all the resort days on this bike and enjoy the nimbler handling and lower weight. I'd be able to pedal a bit and ride this bike on my home trails when the Strive has an issue. Still it's slacker than the strive and shouldn't hold me back too much in the park. (Remember, I am not a WC pro) http://www.radon-bikes.de/bikes-2016/mountainbike/superenduro/swoop-170/swoop-170-90-1x11/
3. Build a transition Trans AM 27.5 hard tail single speed, buy a new 170mm Lyrik and swap the current 160mm Pike from the Strive, travel change it (for the Trans am) and then improve my riding skills and finally really master the Manual.
And become faster every time I return from the hard tail to the full suspension Strive? I like the idea and did enjoy a trial HT I had ten years ago, back wheel hopping it and goofing around obstacles, but somehow hard tails don't really tickle my fancy on the trails. Too uncomfortable and I am really used to the rear suspension doing some wierd stuff while cornering, hopping, wheelieing and jumping. The HT could be a total letdown?
In the long run I could see three bikes. But let's not get too decadent. Money wise the hard tail build would be almost as expensive as the mail order bikes, components are pretty expensive nowadays.
What are your thoughts?
Any input is appreciated.
Greetings across the pond to the country with the beautiful trails.
I'd love to have a couple of runs on Leopard, Oil Can or CBC. Maybe in a couple of years again :)
Znarf