At present,
double suspension mountain bicycles They are fashionable and copied the market. In addition, it seems that everyone longs for one, discarding rigid as a new bike option. But does this mean that rigid bicycles are already outdated, as happened at the time with MTB with 26 ”or 27.5” wheels when 29 "arrived?
We answer this question, increasingly recurring in recent months, reviewing the main attributes of rigid bicycles. Also what can and cannot be done with them and if, in short, they are still worthwhile as a purchase option.
Rigid mountain bicycles: what are main characteristics and features
First of all is to clarify the concept of
rigid mountain bike and the elements that best define it. It is the most conventional and classic mountain bike that exists. The box is completely rigid except in the front axle, in which a suspension fork is installed, usually short -travel (100 mm or 110 mm). Actually, its correct name would be the semi -rigid mountain bike and the rigid would be the MTB without suspension in any of its axes. But in the last two decades the semi rigid have adopted the word 'rigid' because they have almost completely displaced the total rigid in the market.
Lighter carbon rigids move between 8 and 9 kg and 11-12 kg aluminum
It is also the simplest mountain bike in design and mechanics. It presents a standard front and rear triangle without suspension elements, such as connecting rods or anchors of the shock absorber. This makes them lighter and more rigid than double suspension. Properties that translate into better acceleration and rise and curves agility. In general, and in favorable, flat or rise field, the rigid offers better benefits than a double suspension.
What can be done and what not with a rigid mountain bike?
Taking these elements into account, the current rigid are quick and light Mountain bikes, although they are still limited in technical sections. You will have to have a good level of handling with the bicycle to be fast and agile in this field.
Thus, its versatile character is less than a double suspension, especially for the XC modality. In this sense there are also rigid trail or even enduro, although these bicycles are not so popular and there is less market offer. But they can become very useful for certain biker profiles, as we explain later.
In rigid MTBs, a good part of the vibrations and impacts of the terrain are absorbed by the biker
With a rigid mountain bike, therefore, we can complete rolling routes without too many declines or technical stretches with very prominent benefits. They climb well and are excellent rolling, being able to maintain a good average speed for a long period of time. But they are more limited in descents, obstacles, rocks, etc. They are also less comfortable and absorbent. In the rigid, a good part of the vibrations and impacts are assumed by the cyclist, something that is mitigated more with a double.
In addition, another aspect to take into account is the mechanical simplicity of the rigid. Usually, you need less maintenance than a double. We will not have to maintain the shock absorber, whose revision is more expensive than that of the fork, or the caps of the swinging.
Rigid trail or enduro, are they worth it?
Semi -rigid cross country bicycles remain the most demanded in the market and when talking about rigid bike mountain we usually refer to them. But in many brands, trail or enduro models still survive only with front suspension.
It is a type of bicycle more than
niche, for those bikers who do not look for speed or high performance on their routes. It is a more versatile rigid, with a fork route of 120 mm to 140 mm. It thus has better capabilities for the descent, but it is more demanding in terms of handling, heavier and less comfortable.
Also, current models such as
Trek Roscoe wave
Orbea Laufey They incorporate very wide covers (2.6 "or 2.8") and telescopic shell to improve impact absorption, grip and adopt a more effective control posture.
Conclusion: Do I pass to a double or do I continue with rigid?
It is a question that you should answer taking into account your needs and type of tours you make. We recommend you not to guide you for the current fashion of doubles, valuing the strengths of a rigid: lightness, stiffness, low maintenance and also more tight prices.
But if with your rigid you continue to feel clumsy in the descents, or do not find how comfortable you would like, maybe it may come to go to a double suspension. But always consider what technical and physical level you are, as well as the type of routes you make.
Mountain Rigid Bike: Recommended models
Next, we highlight the reference models in the market, with a wide range of assemblies in both carbon and aluminum.
Orbea Alma
It is one of the rigid best selling in recent years. Its high -end monocoque carbon box (OMX) only weighs 850 grams, although it also offers many versions with somewhat heavier and affordable carbon (OMR), but very reliable. In addition, there are soul models in hydroform aluminum that are authentic superventas.
Mondraker Podium Carbon
It has been the rigid carbon manufactured for years manufactured as standard, with a picture weight of 775 grams. Its stylized tubes and fine straps are synonymous with extreme rigidity, without adding a gram of more to the set. If you like this bike but your budget is more tight Mondraker also offers aluminum versions, inheriting part of the design and geometry of the carbon models.
Specialized Epic HT
Another of the rigid pen weight of the market, common for years in competition and in all types of MTB events. Its high -end versions fall from 8.5 kg with the standard assembly. In addition, they incorporate the Intelligent Management Technology of the Brain suspension. With it it is not necessary to have remote blocking control in the handlebar.
Cannondale Scalpel ht
One of the great novelties of recent months in rigid XC. The HT scalpel comes to replace the famous F-SI, with an unprecedented picture (895 g in the upper version), more launched geometry, absorbent pods and assembly with the Lefty 8 of 110 mm monobrazo fork.
Trek Procaliber
The
Trek Procaliber It is still faithful, for several seasons, to the ISOSPEED microsuspension system. A cap that joins the armchair tube with the superior, although with a slight decoupling. This achieves a small flexion in the area, which absorbs vibrations and prevents them from reaching the shell or armchair. The procaliber picture with Isospeed is available both in carbon and in aluminum. Although complete bicycles are only offered in fiber.
