Today I’m gonna talk about one of the most hotly debated topics in mountain biking – is 120mm of travel enough for trail riding?.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Jerry, you’re just another opinionated blogger spouting off nonsense.”
But hear me out, because I’ve got some real-world experience under my belt.
See, I used to be a hardcore XC rider, the kind of guy who thought anything more than 100mm of travel was for wussies.
But then I took a spill on a gnarly descent and realized that maybe, just maybe, a little extra squish in my suspension could make a big difference in my overall ride experience.
So, I took the plunge and upgraded to a bike with 120mm of travel.
And lemme tell you, it was a game changer.
But, the question remains – is 120mm of travel enough for trail riding?
Well, the answer, my friends, is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.
The Pros of 120mm Travel for Trail Riding
There are several advantages to having 120mm of travel on your trail bike.
Firstly, it’s a good balance between efficiency and capability.
With 120mm, you’re still able to pedal efficiently on flatter sections, but you’ve also got enough suspension to handle the rougher stuff.
Another pro of 120mm travel is that it’s versatile.
With this amount of travel, you can tackle a wide range of trails, from smooth singletrack to technical descents.
It’s a great choice for riders who want to do a little bit of everything, without having to compromise on performance.
The Cons of 120mm Travel for Trail Riding
Of course, there are also some downsides to having 120mm of travel on your trail bike.
The first is that it may not be enough for the absolute gnarliest terrain.
If you’re a downhiller at heart, or you regularly find yourself on the most technical trails, you may want to consider a bike with more travel.
Another con is that a bike with 120mm of travel may not be as efficient on long, climbing-heavy rides.
If you’re the kind of rider who spends most of their time grinding up steep climbs, a lighter, XC-oriented bike may be a better choice.
Unleashing the Trail Warrior Within: Understanding Suspension Travel
Let’s get on the same wavelength when it comes to suspension travel. Picture your bike’s suspension as a superhero, tirelessly battling the forces of rough terrain.
Suspension travel refers to the distance the superhero’s cape (or rather, the shock absorber) can move up and down.
When it comes to trail riding, the amount of suspension travel you need depends on various factors. Let’s break it down:
1. The Type of Trail
Not all trails are created equal.
Some trails are as smooth as a baby’s bottom, while others are as wild as a bull in a china shop. The rougher the trail, the more suspension travel you’ll want to have in your arsenal.
2. Your Riding Style
Are you a speed demon, craving adrenaline-fueled descents? Or do you prefer a more mellow approach, savoring the scenic beauty of the trail?
Your riding style plays a significant role in determining how much suspension travel is right for you.
3. Your Body Weight
As much as we hate to admit it, our body weight influences the performance of our bike’s suspension. If you’re a lean, mean trail machine, you might get away with less suspension travel.
But if you’re packing a few extra pounds (we won’t judge), you might want to consider beefing up your suspension.
4. Your Tolerance for Discomfort
Think of your suspension as a comfy recliner. The more travel it has, the more it cushions you from the bumps and jolts of the trail.
If you’re a fan of a plush, smooth ride, you’ll lean towards more suspension travel. But if you enjoy feeling every nook and cranny of the trail, you might find 120mm to be just right.
5. Your Skill Level and Confidence
Let’s be real here: not all of us are born with the skills of a mountain biking pro.
If you’re a beginner or still building your confidence on the trail, 120mm of travel can provide a forgiving ride while allowing you to develop your skills.
As you progress and tackle more challenging trails, you may consider upgrading to a bike with greater suspension travel.
The Goldilocks Dilemma: Finding the Right Balance
Now that I’ve explored the factors that influence your suspension travel needs, it’s time to find that sweet spot, like Goldilocks seeking the perfect porridge.
Here are a few tips to help you strike the right balance:
- Test Ride: Don’t be shy to take different bikes for a spin and see how they handle the trails you love. It’s like trying on shoes—some will fit like a glove, while others might pinch your toes.
- Consider Upgrades: If you’re rocking a 120mm travel bike but craving a bit more cushiness, you can explore upgrading the suspension components to improve the overall performance.
- Experiment with Tire Pressure: Adjusting your tire pressure can make a surprising difference in how your bike feels on the trail. Play around with it and find the sweet spot that maximizes comfort without sacrificing control.
- Master Your Technique: Remember, technique plays a vital role in conquering the trail. By honing your skills and learning to read the terrain, you can make the most of your bike’s capabilities, regardless of its travel.
Choosing the Right Fork and Rear Shock: Unleash the Trail Beast!
Let’s talk about something that can take your ride from ordinary to extraordinary—the fork and rear shock.
These two components are like the dynamic duo of suspension, and getting the right ones can make your trail experience out-of-this-world amazing.
Buckle up and let’s dive into more details!
Travel Options: Finding Your Suspension Sweet Spot
When it comes to travel options, it’s like choosing the perfect dessert—it has to be just right. You want enough travel to soak up the bumps and keep you comfortable, but not too much that you lose efficiency.
For trail riding, a common range is around 120mm to 150mm of travel. If you’re tackling gnarlier terrain, like technical descents or enduro races, you might lean towards 150mm to 170mm or more.
Remember, the right amount of travel can make a world of difference in how your bike performs.
Adjustability: The Secret Sauce to Customizing Your Ride
Adjustability is like having a personal chef who can cater to your every culinary whim.
With forks and rear shocks that offer adjustable features, you can fine-tune your suspension to match your riding style, the trail conditions, and even your mood.
Want a plush and forgiving ride? Dial in more compression and rebound damping.
Craving efficiency and snappy handling?
Firm up your suspension to reduce bobbing and maximize pedal power. Adjustability allows you to tailor your ride like a custom-made suit, ensuring optimal performance and comfort.
Compatibility: A Match Made in Suspension Heaven
Compatibility is like finding your perfect dance partner—it’s all about harmony and synchrony.
When selecting a fork and rear shock, you need to ensure they are compatible with your bike’s frame, wheel size, and axle standards.
Check the specifications of your bike and the suspension components to ensure they match up.
Some forks and shocks are designed specifically for certain frame geometries or wheel sizes, so make sure you choose components that play well together.
A well-matched fork and rear shock create a seamless connection, allowing you to unlock the full potential of your bike’s suspension system.
The All-Mountain Marvel
You’re tackling a rocky, technical section of the trail, feeling like a superhero defying gravity.
Your bike is equipped with a 150mm travel fork that features adjustable compression and rebound damping.
As you hit a big drop, the fork effortlessly absorbs the impact, smoothing out the landing and keeping you in control.
The rear shock, with its air-sprung design and adjustable sag, keeps your rear wheel glued to the ground, providing traction like a gecko on a glass window.
This combination of a well-matched fork and rear shock ensures a plush and responsive ride, allowing you to confidently tackle the most challenging all-mountain trails.
The Cross-Country Cruiser
Now imagine this: you’re pedaling through a flowy singletrack, effortlessly climbing those hills like a mountain goat on espresso.
Your bike is equipped with a lightweight 120mm travel fork with a lockout feature, allowing you to firm up the suspension for efficient climbing.
The rear shock, designed for cross-country riding, offers a platform mode that minimizes pedal-induced bobbing, maximizing your power transfer.
As you navigate tight corners and technical descents, the responsive fork and rear shock keep your bike nimble and agile, allowing you to maintain control and carve through the trails with precision.
This combination of a lightweight, adjustable fork and a responsive rear shock ensures a fast and efficient cross-country ride, perfect for those who want to cover long distances and tackle varied terrain with speed and finesse.
So, my friend, remember the importance of choosing the right fork and rear shock—it can be the key to unlocking your trail beast potential.
Consider the travel options that suit your riding style and the type of terrain you’ll be conquering.
Embrace the adjustability that allows you to fine-tune your suspension for optimal performance and comfort.
And don’t forget about compatibility—ensure that the fork and rear shock you choose are a perfect match for your bike’s frame and wheel size.
Now go out there, be bold, and conquer those trails like the legend you are!
FAQs
Can I ride technical trails with a 120mm travel bike?
Absolutely! While a bike with more travel may offer additional forgiveness, a 120mm travel bike can handle technical trails just fine.
It may require more finesse and precise line choices, but it’s all part of the challenge and fun.
Will I be slower with a 120mm travel bike?
Speed is more than just the amount of travel your bike has. It’s about skill, fitness, and overall bike setup.
While a bike with more travel may excel in certain situations, a skilled rider on a 120mm travel bike can still tear up the trails.
Can I still do big jumps and drops with 120mm of travel?
A: It depends on your riding style and the size of the jumps and drops.
For most riders, 120mm of travel will be sufficient for smaller jumps and drops.
However, if you’re looking to huck yourself off massive jumps, you may want to consider a bike with more travel.
Is 120mm of travel better than 100mm or 140mm?
A: It’s not a matter of better or worse, it’s a matter of what’s right for you. If you’re looking for a good balance of efficiency and capability, 120mm of travel may be the sweet spot.
What is the difference between 120mm travel and longer travel?
The main difference between 120mm travel and longer travel is the amount of suspension travel.
Bikes with longer travel have more cushioning and can handle bigger hits and drops, while bikes with shorter travel are lighter and more nimble.
Is 120mm travel enough for downhill riding?
No, 120mm travel is not enough for serious downhill riding.
These bikes are better suited for cross-country and trail riding, not for high-speed descents and big jumps.
Can I upgrade my 120mm travel bike to have more travel?
Yes, you can upgrade your bike to have more travel.
You can install a longer travel fork and rear shock, but keep in mind that this will likely result in a heavier and less nimble bike.
Should I upgrade to a bike with more travel?
That depends on your personal preferences and how you feel on your current bike.
If you find yourself consistently pushing the limits of your bike’s capabilities or tackling more demanding trails, upgrading to a bike with greater travel could enhance your riding experience.
Is 120mm travel suitable for all riders?
No two riders are alike, and individual preferences vary.
While 120mm travel can be sufficient for many riders, if you seek more aggressive or extreme riding experiences might opt for bikes with higher travel.
It ultimately comes down to your specific needs and goals.
Can I use my 120mm travel bike for other disciplines?
Indeed! While 120mm travel is commonly associated with trail riding, it doesn’t mean your bike is limited to that.
With some adjustments, you can explore cross-country adventures, light enduro trails, or even dabble in bikepacking. Your trusty steed is versatile!
Finding Your Trail Bliss
So, dear friend, is 120mm travel enough for the trail?
The answer lies in the dynamic interplay of your riding style, the trail’s terrain, and your personal preferences.
While a bike with more travel might offer a bit more cushioning and forgiveness, a 120mm travel bike can still be a trusty companion on your trail adventures.
Remember, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the joy of riding, the thrill of conquering obstacles, and the freedom to explore nature’s playground.
If you’re looking for a light and nimble bike for cross-country and trail riding, then 120mm travel may be perfect for you.
But if you want a bike that can handle the most technical terrain, then you may want to consider a bike with more travel.
It’s important to find a bike that meets your specific needs and allows you to ride at your best.
So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try different travel lengths until you find the perfect fit for you.
Remember, it’s all about having fun on the trails and finding the bike that allows you to do just that!