I have a Blurr LT and it is a pretty decent ride on the street.
It will never be a 23 lb bike but it is a great handling cross country/trail bike.
Not a lot of movement from the rear suspension while peddling.

Thanks for all you input!

Well, I decided to go with my gut and try the full suspension thing. I am keeping my road bike for the interim. I ended up buying the Santa Cruz Blur. I am replacing the stem with a Thompson 90 mm, so the reach is not quite as far as the stem pictured. Otherwise, it is a good fit.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1396360416.jpg

Nice scoot, Scoot. If you think about it, let us know how it works out for you!

I will definitely update.

I am also swapping the cranks out. I am short and the 175mm cranks are just going to be too long.

Pretty excited. I've actually wanted a full suspension with disc brakes for quite some time. I have some additional plans for the bike, if it works out. I should know pretty quick if this is the right bike for me.

Byron, being an ex-BMX guy, I definitely thought about another 24" (I've had a few in the past), but I really should have a few gears for the different terrane around Seattle.

JYL, I thought about a recumbent trike a while ago. I think it would be great for the STP.

Are you riding STP?

Doubtful. Given my back issues, I did not sign up and I will probably not be up for a 200 mile ride.

Welcome to the full boinger club! The Santa Cruz Blur is an absolutely great cross country bike. The bike below is my 24 hour bike. Never have a backache on it. I actually stopped racing my hardtail after I did the first 24 on this bike and have never looked back.

That said...I would have probably picked up a 700c disc 'cross bike for your duties. My cannondale 'cross bike is my "go to" bike for everything. Rolls pretty fast, handles mud, snow, light to medium trails, with good tire clearance. Pretty comfortable bike as well. I found that as I've gotten older, the low/stretched out position just isn't terribly comfortable for me. Hey, at last I can still ride, right?

angela

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1396370779.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1396370878.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1396370972.jpg

nice choice, the Santa Cruz.