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I think I may have decided to get new F&F and swap all the bits off my 26" hard tail, I can't imagine I'd ride it much if I got a full sus enduro type thing.
Any thoughts on a suitable frame?
Is there such a thing as a locking rear arm for the uphill bits?
Hefty-
You're actually better off with a bit of compression on the up hills as it allows power to transfer to the ground instead of spinning the wheel. You can get plenty shocks with lockout but you're probably better off going with a really well damped shock.
I tried a Manitou McLeod recently and frikking loved it. Felt much more progressively damped then the Factory Float I was eyeballing and much cheaper to boot.
If you can find one, Trek Slash's from past few years made fantastic all rounders. -
Most shocks have a lock out. Mine has 4 positions. Lock - not quite locked- pretty open - very open.
I doubt I'll use it much unless I ride along the road to get to a trail.
I bought a commencal frame on clearance. No logical reason. Just always wanted a meta back in the day.
Can you use your hard tails fork? If it doesn't limit frame options it could save you a fair bit. I bought a new x-fusion fork. Well priced for the quality.
Worth looking here for 26" frames and bits.
Chak
Smallfurry
If you're patient a 26" can be bought or built up pretty cheap. Mines coming along nice and cheaply.
At under a grand you're best served looking at complete bikes though.