Should I purchase a 2009 Giant Boulder SE in XS/S Frame with front suspension?

I am looking for a mountain bike. I haven't ridden a bike in years. My fiance and I will be riding occasionally on trails in parks, etc at a great distance. My fiance is 6' 1' and has a Trek 3 which is 5 years old. He bought it used for $300.00 and it has full suspension which he says is great for cushion when you hit a bump. I am 5' 1" and need a small framed bike. I went to a local family owned bike shop and they recommended the 2009 Giant Boulder SE in a XS/S frame with front suspension. The salesman said that mountain bikers prefer the front suspension and have more control when they hit a bump as opposed to a full suspension. The 2009 went for $380.00 What is your opinion on front and full suspension. Would the Giant be a good deal or should I go with a Trek? Should I look and try and buy a used Trek with full suspension?|||The irony here is the Trek bikes you would be looking at are made by Giant, Trek only makes their hi-end carbon fiber bikes.


Now not knowing what "great distance" means, i believe what the salesman was trying to say in a kind way is most people do not need a full suspension bike. For most casual riders a hard tail is more in their price range and will get better spec'd components for the same amount of money. Unless you plan on riding very rough way off the beaten path trials a hard tail will be the better choice. One small note unless you buy a full suspension bike in the $1500+ price range you will find you will be using more energy as these bikes will not have any suspension lock-out systems.





EDIT: If the trails are the wide jeep type trails then the bike will do fine, I am assuming you are doing a scenic ride and taking pictures along the way. While 108 miles is a long ride it's not that bad at a casual pace.|||You don't need a full suspension bike for trails. If you just want to ride on the road and bike paths like rail trails I would get a comfort mountain bike. Forge makes a Devon in a 15" frame now and it's a great bike for the money. I have the men's Saranac and have over 3,000 miles on mine riding rail trails. I would put it up against any entry level shop bike. If you know someone with a AAA membership you can get a 10% discount by going through their site.





http://www.forgebikes.com/devonmount.asp|||108 miles is an extremely long distance. You'lll have to be healthy and fit enough to safely complete the course. I wouldn't recommend attempting such a distance if you have not ridden in years. Consult with a medical professional.





108 miles is usually considered a "marathon" distance by mountain bikers. At that distance, you have to consider the toll that the constant jarring would take on you and you will have to consider your energy usage during the ride.





You need a good bike with a good suspension from a good manufacturer such as Fox, Rock Shox, DT Swiss, or Marzocchi. Many mountain bikers use a full suspension bike. Lance Armstrong used a Trek Fuel for the Leadville 100. Manufactures also make marathon specific bikes such as the Cannondale RZ120. Mountain bikers may choose a hard tail mountain bike if conditions allow for it. Hard tails are more efficient and are usually lighter but can wear you down due jarring, have less control over bumps, and are slower downhill.





In either bike, you will need a good front suspension and good disc breaks. The front suspension plays a critical role in steering and control. Good breaks are important for stopping and cornering.





You will also need a good lightweight frame with the proper geometry, a good drive-train, good wheels, and good tires. You will also need clipless pedals. They are all critical in transferring power and conserving energy. You will need every last drop of energy in order to complete the 108 miles.





As for the amount of suspension travel, you need the proper amount of travel for the trial's terrain. You do not want to hit a rock that is too large for your suspension and then seriously injure yourself or die. The longer the travel, the less efficient your bicycle will be. The less efficient you bicycle is, the less likely you are going to complete the ride. Trails down here in the Cleveland National Forest can get rough enough at certain locations to require a downhill bike. Most people can't ride 108mi on a downhill bike.





As for the Giant Boulder SE, I would not recommend it for a 108 mile trail ride. It has a heavier frame with a more slack geometry. It does not have a quality drive-train, clipless pedals, or a good front fork.