Hi guys
I know there are a lot of knowledgeable bike people on here and I wondered if anyone could spare some wisdom.
I've been mountain biking for years and thoroughly enjoying myself whenever I get out and dirty. However this hasn't been so much fun over the last year or so as every time I go out I come back in severe pain due to an overly hard, teeth shattering, bum bruising experience (ooh err). My riding style has changed a lot and I even signed up to a club who go out on various different routes across Dorset. I'm now finding that my hardtail really is too hard and it's ruining my enjoyment of what I used to love . I'm starting to take on more bumpy routes that go on for longer and it's really getting me down with how uncomfortable my bike feels.
I've been out of touch with current bikes for years and really don't want to buy anything which isn't suitable.
I currently have a GT Zaskar race (explains some of the hard ride) with a XTR drive train, Pace RC38 LT forks, Hope Mono Mini's. I'd like to move as many parts as I can to a new frame (having spent a lot over the years) but obviously whilst I'm at it I may as well change some parts like the chain, BB etc. I'm really torn between buying a frame or perhaps a whole new bike but to be totally frank I am clueless when it comes to full suspension.
I would like something that's a lot more comfortable, can handle some bumps but most importantly can climb without me feeling like I'm treading jelly. I know bikes have changed since I last tried a full suss but I really want to make this a good buy.
Does anybody have any recommendations or thoughts on the matter?
I guess I need a budget, which is probably round about £1500. Is this going to be feasible for that amount?
Thank you for reading
I know there are a lot of knowledgeable bike people on here and I wondered if anyone could spare some wisdom.
I've been mountain biking for years and thoroughly enjoying myself whenever I get out and dirty. However this hasn't been so much fun over the last year or so as every time I go out I come back in severe pain due to an overly hard, teeth shattering, bum bruising experience (ooh err). My riding style has changed a lot and I even signed up to a club who go out on various different routes across Dorset. I'm now finding that my hardtail really is too hard and it's ruining my enjoyment of what I used to love . I'm starting to take on more bumpy routes that go on for longer and it's really getting me down with how uncomfortable my bike feels.
I've been out of touch with current bikes for years and really don't want to buy anything which isn't suitable.
I currently have a GT Zaskar race (explains some of the hard ride) with a XTR drive train, Pace RC38 LT forks, Hope Mono Mini's. I'd like to move as many parts as I can to a new frame (having spent a lot over the years) but obviously whilst I'm at it I may as well change some parts like the chain, BB etc. I'm really torn between buying a frame or perhaps a whole new bike but to be totally frank I am clueless when it comes to full suspension.
I would like something that's a lot more comfortable, can handle some bumps but most importantly can climb without me feeling like I'm treading jelly. I know bikes have changed since I last tried a full suss but I really want to make this a good buy.
Does anybody have any recommendations or thoughts on the matter?
I guess I need a budget, which is probably round about £1500. Is this going to be feasible for that amount?
Thank you for reading