best amount of travel for an all around FR bike

[bike187]

as an all around FR bike i mean for around here. not a FR bike setup to do a bit of XC. i mean a FR bike set up only for the actual FRing around here. not to accomodate getting to the good riding spots. i leave the definition of freeriding up to you. it could be anywhere from LAR (lift-assisted-riding) to just riding off stuff.

[bike187]

can anyone validate their choices? i'm looking for something to backup why someone would need(or desire) a certain amount of travle for certain terrains.

I just bought a Gemini 900, Cannondale. It has 6 3/4 inches rear travel. Manitou Sherman Breakout in front with 6 inches. I do 8 foot drops with no problems. If your going to jump off houses get more sus..

[CouchingTiger]

If by freeriding you mean hucking and dropping, then around here, the more travel the better. It seems that a lot of the local drops are to flat landings. Those are torture on equipment so more travel is a better thing.

If, however, your idea of FR is the same as mine, you need a bike that climbs and that you can get up onto obstacles with. I know, most folks idea of FR is a little different. I'm not into pushing my bike though.

Currently I've got a Bullit w/ an 8" Risse in the rear and a 6" Jr T up front. It's fine for what I do and still climbs like mad.

-Couch