2011 GT Force 3.0 or 2009 Norco Stryk Freeride DH 6"

[litespeed]

This will be my first full suspension bike and both can be had for about the same price. The GT is brand new and the Norco is used but in very good (read low time!) shape. The GT ( http://www.giantnerd.com/gt-force-3-0-m ... ntain.html ) is on sale for a hair over a grand and the Norco ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/160797807546?ss ... 1438.l2649 ) is right under a grand. Both are 6" travel bikes. As far as my decision goes I'm interested in which would do better at higher speeds. I'm going to electrify this bike (DUH!) and it will be in the high 40 to low 50 mph range. I'm not sure which head angle would be better. Also I'm 6' 4" and 205 lbs and the Norco is only a large but the GT can be bought as an XL. Stand over height is the same but the XL GT is 15 mm longer on the top tube. Everything else is very close (3mm either way!) and both run 26" tires. I mostly ride street and the Katy Trail here in Missouri. I live about 3 miles from it. Reason to go FS is I have a front suspension electric bike now ( viewtopic.php?f=6&t=21516 ) with a Thud Buster LT seat post but just doesn't cut it on a 35 mile ride. I want some more cush for my tush! Looks like the Norco may have better components but I'm really new to all the "what is good and not good" with bike parts. I'm either going to cut the frames or add the batteries in a box below the riser tube that goes from the lower bracket to the head tube. Prolly also add some more in another "box" under the main tube above the shock.

I also want to do more off road track as there are many great riding spots here in Missouri but the hard tail and skinny tires just doesn't like to do trails much. So to sum it up a nice relatively "cheap" 6" suspension bike that will stay together with me and 35 to 40 lbs of electric stuff and handle speed well. Simple enough huh?

Any help and/or insight would be greatly appreciated! Not sure what other details to add to help responses?


Tom

[Tench]

Hi, i would go for the Gt Force for 2 reasons;

1. The frames tubes are straighter which would make battery/controller monting far simpler and look neater.

2. There looks to be greater clearance between the front tyre and the frame tube for battery space.

Simon.

[litespeed]

Good points......

This is the type of info I need!

Thanks for your input.

Tom