How Much Suspension Do You Need? | Over-Biked Vs Under-biked
Choosing the right amount of suspension travel for your bike and the trails you ride can be a challenging task. Today on Find Best Bike, we dive into this topic and explore the concepts of being over-biked and under-biked, testing different bikes on various terrains to find the perfect fit.
Understanding Over-Biked and Under-Biked
Mountain bikes are categorized into cross country, down-country, trail, enduro, super enduro, downhill, and more. These categories are often aligned with manufacturers’ descriptions, helping riders choose the right bike for specific terrains. However, this categorization doesn’t guarantee that a bike will suit every trail.
If a bike has too much suspension travel for mellow trails, it is considered over-biked. Conversely, riding a short-travel bike on technical, fast, or challenging terrain is termed under-biked. But how does this theory hold up in practice? At Doy Bike Park in North Wales, with its diverse and gravity-focused trails, we set out to test this.
Selecting the Test Track and Bikes
The chosen track at Doy Bike Park mimics an enduro World Cup stage. It’s a long and physical top-to-bottom trail that includes bike park sections, high-speed stretches, pedaling zones, technical challenges, and downhill features. For the test, three bikes were selected:
Enduro Bike: A versatile bike with 167mm rear travel and 174mm fork travel. It features modern geometry with a 63.5-degree head angle, mixed-wheel compatibility, and weighs 16 kg. This bike is considered the most suitable for the test track.
Trail Bike: A shorter travel bike with 150mm rear travel and 160mm fork travel. It has a 64-degree head angle and trail tires, making it lighter at 15.3 kg. This bike represents the under-biked category.
Downhill Bike: A specialized bike with 200mm of travel, slack geometry at a 63-degree head angle, and a triple clamp fork. It’s heavier, at 17 kg, and represents the over-biked category.
Testing Each Bike
Enduro Bike
The enduro bike proved to be highly capable, with its suspension travel and geometry offering confidence on all sections of the track. From rough terrain to technical descents, it felt balanced and efficient. The timed run for the enduro bike was:
- Top Section: 1 minute 17 seconds
- Middle Section: 2 minutes 8 seconds
- Bottom Section: 2 minutes 13 seconds
- Total Time: 5 minutes 38 seconds
Trail Bike
The trail bike, while slightly under-biked, performed impressively. Its lighter weight and shorter travel made it quicker on smoother sections, but caution was needed on rough and rocky terrain. The run times were:
- Top Section: 1 minute 16 seconds
- Middle Section: 2 minutes 7 seconds
- Bottom Section: 2 minutes 20 seconds
- Total Time: 5 minutes 40 seconds
Though just two seconds slower overall, it highlighted the trade-offs of being under-biked in technical sections.
Downhill Bike
The downhill bike, with its longer travel and robust build, excelled on rougher, high-speed sections. However, it struggled in flatter areas and felt less agile. The times were:
- Top Section: 1 minute 14 seconds
- Middle Section: 2 minutes 12 seconds
- Bottom Section: 2 minutes 20 seconds
- Total Time: 5 minutes 46 seconds
While it was the slowest overall, the downhill bike showcased its strengths in specific scenarios.
Results and Insights
The enduro bike emerged as the fastest overall and provided a versatile riding experience. The trail bike proved surprisingly competitive but required careful handling in technical sections. The downhill bike, while fun and stable on rough terrain, felt less practical for a variety of trails.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the rider’s priorities. Enduro bikes stand out as all-rounders, offering confidence and efficiency across different terrains. Trail bikes appeal to those who enjoy lively handling and lighter setups. Downhill bikes are ideal for gravity-focused riders on dedicated tracks.
Choosing the Right Bike
Riders often overestimate their trail demands, leading them to buy bikes with more travel than necessary. While this provides confidence, it can result in sluggish performance on mellower trails. Conversely, riding under-biked requires skill and can be thrilling but might not suit every rider.
Consider what you ride most often and balance your aspirations with practicality. The perfect bike is one that aligns with your actual riding habits while allowing room for occasional challenges.
Frequently Asked Question
What does it mean to be over-biked?
Being over-biked refers to using a bike with too much suspension travel or capabilities for the terrain, making it sluggish or less agile on mellow trails.
What does it mean to be under-biked?
Being under-biked means using a bike with insufficient suspension travel or capabilities for challenging terrain, requiring more skill and caution from the rider.
What is the best bike for varied terrains?
Enduro bikes are versatile and perform well across a range of terrains, from technical descents to pedaling sections.
Should I choose a bike for the trails I ride or my aspirations?
Choose a bike that matches your typical trails while considering occasional aspirations. Avoid over-biking unless your regular rides demand it.
How important is suspension travel in bike performance?
Suspension travel significantly impacts a bike’s handling, confidence, and comfort on different terrains. The right amount ensures an enjoyable and efficient ride.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments on Find Best Bike. What’s the perfect bike for you? Share your experiences and preferences below!