why tampons?

Hi Mike, now, some month into the riding season whats your opinion on stability and durability regarding your style of riding on a carbon AM (or in European, Enduro-)bike. How does it take the usual "klonk"-hits one gets riding rougher/rockier (alpine) terrain? I´m looking into building up my perfect Endurobike, and being a very satisfied Specialized rider (2004 FSR XC/big hit) the Enduro comes into my considerations naturally. As my style of riding changed over the years I set the goal to 6" travel, handling like the old bike (i consider it playful, short chain stay and wheel base, the fsr) but better downhillskills (I blame the stem). Though you metioned that weight shouldn´t be the main goal in my opinion spending a hell a lot of money on a carbon bike it should be well under 30 lbs as i can build up that weight also on the old-old-enduro/sx-trail frame. So 26,5 lbs is my ultimate goal after some tuning when riding it a while. Not sure yet if this will work with the hammerschmidt although i love the idea. I´d be very thankfull for any thoughts on it, or alternative frames to built up? (old/new remedy/scratch, uzzi, nomad...) cheers Helmuth

I´m with you - about to have my second knee surgery (ACL) end of may. No trainer too, but with cedric returning to wc-racing I should be able to recover for my afterworksessions that I love so much. Keeps me going. All the best