What bike? Coil or Air? Good bikes?

Question

Im about 5 foot 1 and im saving up for a new bike. I was looking at the new trek fuel ex 5.5 2009, with a rp2 back shock and a tora front coil shock. I'm not very heavy ( 95- 100 pounds, i forgot.) and i was wondering if the coil would be to stiff, and if i could swap the spring for a different one. Also, does anyone know if that looks like a good bike? If not what would some other options be. Im looking for full suspension, I do a lot of climbing, but also downhill bombs and jumps, so I still want some good suspension. Thanks!

Answer 1

That's a fine bike, but the Fuel really isn't designed for downhilling or jumps.  Are you done growing?  If you will be around 100 pounds for a while it would probably hold up to some moderate freeriding, but if you're still growing you would probably want something more burly...

Answer 2

The Trek looks like a decent bike, but I don't think I'd choose it for the price. Fox Shocks are the best. You can buy a Cannondale Prophet 3 for slightly more than that http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/... It is an all mountain bike and should hold up well to everything you could put it through for around $1700. I looked at this bike and almost bought it, but decided to go a little lighter for a more XC bike, but also would make a good bike for you, the Specialized StumpJumper. http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel... The StumpJumper cost a few hundred dollars more, but has an amazing ride. I don't know much about Iron Horse. I don't believe the Fox Float R has a lockout or Propedal. Propedal is awesome by the way. I don't even use my lockout on the road. I haven't had a chance to do climbing yet though.