I've ask questions about using a FS MB for city pavement riding (road/MUT/Sidewalk/Etc) on various boards over the years and have never really gotten useful replies. Often because most people feel there are better bikes for the task. While "in theory" I agree, I have found that I really enjoy riding my K2 Evo 4.0 (The Pig) on many pavement rides. Both solo and with groups. Additionally, I do like to make a couple of MTB trips a year to Williamsburg on trails that would be considered fairly tame Single Track. Without question I prefer a FS bike here than a hardtail

However, my K2 is starting to have "issues" (Fork won't hold pressure, ghost shifting, flex?) and since I don't want to invest too much time into resolving them, I'm thinking that maybe I should buy a new bike vise investing cash into the Evo.

I don't ride it all that hard. Up and down curbs, thru small dtiches. Sometimes smooth but other times by plowing thru. At 250 lbs + I still worry about the durability of the rims and rear end of the bike.

I'm I correct to assume that the Asta series would be well suited (in relative terms) for this?

Would the any real advantage to the higher level bikes in the series?

If you (or anyone) has any other suggestion/comments please fell free.

Thanks

I've ask questions about using a FS MB for city pavement riding (road/MUT/Sidewalk/Etc) on various boards over the years and have never really gotten useful replies. Often because most people feel there are better bikes for the task. While "in theory" I agree, I have found that I really enjoy riding my K2 Evo 4.0 (The Pig) on many pavement rides. Both solo and with groups. Additionally, I do like to make a couple of MTB trips a year to Williamsburg on trails that would be considered fairly tame Single Track. Without question I prefer a FS bike here than a hardtail

However, my K2 is starting to have "issues" (Fork won't hold pressure, ghost shifting, flex?) and since I don't want to invest too much time into resolving them, I'm thinking that maybe I should buy a new bike vise investing cash into the Evo.

I don't ride it all that hard. Up and down curbs, thru small dtiches. Sometimes smooth but other times by plowing thru. At 250 lbs + I still worry about the durability of the rims and rear end of the bike.

I'm I correct to assume that the Asta series would be well suited (in relative terms) for this?

Would the any real advantage to the higher level bikes in the series?

If you (or anyone) has any other suggestion/comments please fell free.

Thanks

Of the IBEX FS offerings, the Asta series will certainly be best for use on pavement. Those are 4" travel XC (cross-country) bikes. Longer travel than that will definitely work against you on the street. Common wisdom would say that a hardtail is a better choice for paved riding, but that's also advice that's typically meant for beginners who want one bike for off road and casual use on paved bike paths and neighborhood streets. For a roadie with high-efficiency arrows already in the quiver, I don't see anything wrong with FS for the occasional jaunt, paved or not.

As far as higher-end models go, the answer really is a two-sided coin. Each step up through the hierarchy of models gets you better, lighter drivetrain parts... more powerful disc brakes with better modualtion... and more sophisticated suspension. The drivetrain upgrade is good, but at a certain level you're already into the good stuff... and that will include virtually any bike in the Asta line. The same can be said of the brakes and suspension, but there are factors to consider here. The brake issue is a neutral... you won't need the best-of-the-best for the street and won't suffer much off-road either. The suspension is the place where I see the highest level bikes actually being a drawback for paved riding. "Smart shock" platform technology like Manitou's SPV, Rock Shox Motion Control or Fox's Pro-Pedal take a great deal of patience to set-up properly and you would be better off with manual lockout. Lockout is designed to aid in climbing steep trails and will be equally valuable for the street. A lot of folks use their lockout whenever they ride on paved surfaces, but that won't be the case if you're purposefully choosing FS for this mission. You will, however, find it quite useful for long, steep climbs.

So, my bottom-line is, from the IBEX line pick something from the Asta series, but don't go to the top Asta Pro model with its' pure platform fork and rear shock.

Best regards,
Jack A.
IBEX Bicycles

The Asta may be the ticket. Perhaps put on some high volume/easier rolling tires such as the maxxis hookworm, holy roller, a fat semi-slick, etc. Road bikes are much faster on the road, but when riding a mountain bike, you can be a total hooligan with it and go places you can't on a road bike.

Thanks for the replies. I may start saving my pennies.

I knew it generally falls on deaf ears; but IMO anyone not taking advantage of a MTB (or at least a cross bike etc. with fat (35+) tires) is missing out on some great riding.