Longer travel bikes have become the norm these days, rewind to 2004 and my 170mm bike (weighing in at over 40lbs) was a monster. Despite costing around £3,000 (a fair amount at the time) it was pretty terrible and not much fun anywhere without an uplift, “big fat wallowy mess” is how I remember it.
Anyone who has been riding for a decade or more has probably noticed how much more flexible bikes have become. This has in part led to the popularity of Enduro racing, bikes that soak up the big bumps with ease can now be pedalled back up a hill too. Most frames of 140mm and above have sufficient clearance for a piggyback, the bigger question is whether you need one? So apart from appearance what are the main differences and why make them in the first place?Continue reading