Here's another perspective on the weight vs. frame stiffness vs. stem type:
I think I would probably prefer the stouter tubing and not-inconsequentially-bigger frame size of the large sized Gus over the equivalent Susie, but I got the later instead. Ironically, I chose this precisely because of concerns I have regarding *overall *stiffness when paired with my intended *handlebar* selection. Without having the opportunity to try the bike first, I'm about 85% certain I want to use Bosco bars. But I know from experience that the aluminum version in a traditional stem is way, way too flexy for me, whereas the steel, quill-mounted, bullmoose version is just great. I'm probably not going to ride this as a rough trail bike (especially since I'm pushing the weight limit), but I DO like to use the leverage afforded by those wide bars for throwing a bike into corners, or while standing to accelerate. So I'm taking a calculated risk that the benefits of the stiffer handlebar will trump the the disadvantages of a less-stiff and less-durable frame. If I discover that the bike works or fits better with a different bar shape, I'll likely be looking to swap for the other model. If anybody has had a chance to ride a prototype with bosco bars and has impressions about their appropriateness and/or cockpit cramping, I'd love to hear them while I might still be able to change my order. Another general comment, as someone who already rides rigid bikes with plus-size tires most of the time, is that once you get to a 2.8" tire the "comfort" benefit of a flexier frame becomes pretty negligible. The tires, if aired properly, absorb the most commonly offensive vibrations. If you're relying on the frame to absorb "big" hits, you're probably pushing it harder than you should. Conversely, it can be really annoying on a trail bike when the fork is so flexible that it twists in hard corners enough to affect steering/tracking, or when the whole frame twists enough that your tire rubs on a chainstay during hard climbing or acceleration. So in a nutshell, my experience regarding trail bikes with fat enough tires leads me to believe that ANY flex is basically a bad thing. In fact, I think that if I could have made one suggestion on these bikes, it would have been to make the fork spacing 135mm OLN, so that we could have a stiffer front wheel too. The 100mm-hubbed 29er wheel on my clem, which this bike will replace, has a lot of flex and shimmy that is NOT a good thing. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/0933b21e-ee33-4cae-a1d3-25dc44a23105%40googlegroups.com.
