Give me some good info on what's a good dualie.

[manual63]

I am currently looking at a Banshie frame. Some of you who ride big hit dualies, can you give me some input on what your experience is with frames.

I rode Adams bike and liked how the suspension is set up. I could actually compress it and then bunnyhop using the suspension to help get that heavy @ss thing off the ground. It was cool. His frame is a Specialized of some sort.

Throw some info my way if you have any......thanks.

[Buck]

Hey Shad,

THe banshee is not a bad bike at all, are you looking at the scream???

Anyway I ride a 03 Bighit Expert, decked out with dual 24s and a 888, the bike is anything but stock...anyway here is my advice, go to every bike shop and test ride as many different suspension set-ups as possible, along with that be sure to fiddle with rear shocks, b/c with new SPV type rear shocks, the bike may feel like **** but that is b/c it isn't set-up for you style, weight etc..etc.. from there you will find that every big bike has a different feel to it and different charateristics...ride them all, specialized, ironhorse, giant, banshee, Tomac, Turner, ROcky Mountain, Kona, etc...the more you ride the better idea you will get of what works for you...the one thing that alot of people see as a drawback to the Bighit is its 24" rear wheel, other than I that I think the bike kicks ass!!! Hope this helps some...I'm no suspension guru but I'll try!!! :p
L8R
Buck

[EmL34]

I rode Adams bike and liked how the suspension is set up. I could actually compress it and then bunnyhop using the suspension to help get that heavy @ss thing off the ground.
...to all the people who doubted me! If Shad says it's so, IT'S SO!

[Buck]

Oh yes Pre-load is your friend on a big bike...:D

L8R
Buck

[crashnburn]

Screams are tanks, especially good for big people. Have 2 friends who ride them... I can't really give you info about how they ride though because the ones I've ridden were setup for people who had 30-40 lbs on me. Only negative thing I've ever heard about them is that the top crown on Dorado forks hit on the frame, not sure if this is the case for new ones though, this was a few years old.

How much suspension are you looking for and what do you want to spend?

[Magic]

You might want to look at the Banshee Chaparral, it's lighter than the Scream. Not a true huck bike but north shore worthy. Check out Banshee's web site: Bansheebikes.com. I know Pioneer cycle sells Banshee, you might want to check with them, or call Banshee direct.

[manual63]

Screams are tanks, especially good for big people. Have 2 friends who ride them... I can't really give you info about how they ride though because the ones I've ridden were setup for people who had 30-40 lbs on me. Only negative thing I've ever heard about them is that the top crown on Dorado forks hit on the frame, not sure if this is the case for new ones though, this was a few years old.

How much suspension are you looking for and what do you want to spend?

I am not sure. I don't know if I need the 7 or so inches on some of those bikes. I think something like 5 would do me good, but then again, I am not sure. I would want the suspension to be fairly stiff and I weigh about 180 pounds or so. I would want the bike to be able to be preloaded like I was able to do on Adams bike. It made it nice so you can hop better. If I would need more suspension to do that, then I guess I would need 7 or so inches, otherwise I would rather get a lighter lower travel bike if I don't really need it. Also keep in mind my BMX background. I am used to using my body to absorb landings. So combined with landing softer than your average rider and having suspension, I probably don't need all that much.

I also would want a single crown fork so I can still do X-ups and such. I think the biggest travel in a single crown is like 5 inches, so would it be normal to have more travel in the rear than in the front?

[Magic]

You want to balance out your front to rear shock travels. The closer the travel for both the better the ride. In reading your want list I'd look at the Chaparral. I also agree with the use of a single crown fork. That is my debate on the Scirocco, should I go with a single crown or double crown. Most double crown forks use 20mm axles, which means I'd have to shell out more money for new front wheels. With your background in BMX you could get away with a 5 or 6 inch rear travel bike.

[Kosk]

Shad,

If you want the extra pop for the bunny hop, make sure the rear shock has a coil. I had a air shock on my full and it didn't help at all, in fact, I still think I can jump higher on a hard tail. Tuning is definately key here.

As far as travel goes, 5 inches is kind of the magic number from what I understand, less is XC, more is freeride. My frame was a 4" single pivot. Felt sweet and allowed me to ride harder becuase it soaks up more and you get better hook up, thus, you go faster. I did alot or hard XC riding and alot of urban/freeride and I broke the thing last week. I would advise you to go with a bigger travel, made-to-be-beat frame and stay away from the XC type frames, they just cant take the pounding.

I really like single pivot designs, for the simplicity, less pivots to maintain. If I had a bottomless wallet I'd go for a SC Bullit, they rock, I know a handful of guys that rally those bikes.

[manual63]

I certainly don't want a XC bike. There are a bunch of All-Mountain bikes, but I don't know if those are beefy enough to do the trick. Some look better than others. I like how the Kona Stinky's and Coiler's look. The Coiler has a single crown fork, so maybe I would like that one.

I will have to try one and see for myself. Are the shocks that are contained within a big spring the good kind....as in not air.

[Kosk]

Yup; Coil = Big Spring

The inside contained inside the coil is the damping element.

You're on the right track, I was just trying to get across that a bike with more travel is MORE likely to be built beefier, although there are plenty of beefy frames that aren't 8". Mine was supposed to be all mountain XC, light freeride bike and I found that the "light freeride" was lighter than my interpretation of the phrase. I'm finding that to get the quality, you pretty much have to throw down the $$, relatively speaking.

[Magic]

Coil shocks are on the big drop bikes, they are heavier than air shocks. Air shocks will not hold up to drops and jumping. So you would like to look at coil over shocks rather than air.

[crashnburn]

Actually you can get some pretty long travel single crowns. Mazocchi will make a 170mm travel sc in 2005... Called the 66 or something like that. Sherman Breakout Plus is also a single crown 170mm travel.


Someone suggested a Santa Cruz Bullit, a SC Heckler would be good too and a little lighter (5" rear, 6" front).

Some more to consider:


Cannondale Gemini
Kona Stinky (you already listed this one)
GT Ruckus
Yeti ASX (I really like these)

[Kosk]

The thing with the long travel single crown forks (like the Breakout Plus) is that most if not all have a 1.5" steerer. This dumps one into that not-yet-standardized world of new freeride equipment, limiting your frame options. So watch out!

[noise_is_life]

Actually you can get some pretty long travel single crowns. Mazocchi will make a 170mm travel sc in 2005... Called the 66 or something like that. Sherman Breakout Plus is also a single crown 170mm travel.
Don't forget about the RockShox Boxxer "John Holmes" BigFoot 12 inch single crown fork:

http://www.nsmb.com/gear/rockshox-bigfoot_04_03.php










(sorry, I couldn't resist)

[manual63]

Don't forget about the RockShox Boxxer "John Holmes" BigFoot 12 inch single crown fork:

http://www.nsmb.com/gear/rockshox-bigfoot_04_03.php










(sorry, I couldn't resist)


John Holmes..... :laugh:

I wonder if the young guys know who that is.....wait....hey you....what are you doing in the Freeride section.......

You know, we are gonna be like gangs and stake out our territory now!!

Cool thing is, I belong to all gangs.....even the Road bike one.....

Just Kidding........ :p :eyeroll:

[crashnburn]

I already belong to a gang :etard:

[Buck]

ok ok.

You are looking for an all mountain bike btw 5-7" of travel with a single crown fork...contrary to popular belief what ever bike you may choose, you will probably end up having it come with about an inch less travel up front...the next point, leaning towards your BMX back round, I would seriously consider the new specialized SX series bikes...they come with SC forks, they rock coilovers in the back, and have short chainstays(something that a BMXER would appreciate!) And they are a for the most part a revamped horst 4-bar design...and they look cool...They sound and look like unbelievable bikes, I would expect to see them soon after interbike if not earlier...but get one early, sounds like lots of people have there eyes on them!
L8R
Buck

[noise_is_life]

I'm here because I'm in the "bike nut" gang, doesn't matter, any flavor, gimme, gimme.:)

Anyway, the fact that I'm not a freerider isn't for lack of desire, just lack of skill, fitness and guts, whataya gonna do...

[Buck]

HAHAHAHA...I'm not part of any gangs, I was grown up with impression that gangs are bad...:cryin: ...I want to be in a gang...:eyeroll: ...

hahaha
L8R
Buck

[rowland]

The thing with the long travel single crown forks (like the Breakout Plus) is that most if not all have a 1.5" steerer. This dumps one into that not-yet-standardized world of new freeride equipment, limiting your frame options. So watch out!
the marzocchi's use 1 1/8

[Buck]

the 66 is really a 888 body with two inches less travel and SC, sounds uber awesome to me, i am thinkin about gettin one myself, but what I really want is one of the new SXs...:cool:

L8R
Buck

[McConket]

Shad,

I would stay away from the Coiler if you are from a BMX background. They sit a little to high. I had a Stinky five(pretty much the same as this years Coiler) and just moved to the 04 Specialized Enduro, with Sherman Firefly and beefier wheels. The handling is way better. Shorter chainstays and lower BB make it corner better. It has an air shock in the rear. I can bunnyhop the same or higher with it. We will have to see how the shock holds up in the long run. I also have an Iron Horse Dh bike. If you are looking for a good all around bike go with 5-7 inches travel. If you want a DH bike go more. My Enduro just doesn't suck up the big stuff at high speeds like the Dh bike does. But then it also weighs 12 pounds less. Check out next years Specialized Enduro SX line. Another thing you may want to look at is a DS-FX style frame. Made to rail corners and suck up the bumps and still half way light, depending on the build up.

A single crown fork is nice for weight and turning radius. And the new Marzocchi 66 is a 1 1/8th steer tube. I like both DC and SC forks. Try to ride Brownie Lake trail with a DC sometime. I have my eye on the new Fox DC.


Another thing is you can't always just look at weight. My Iron Horse SGS Team is probably 6-10 pounds lighter then the Demo 9 but the Demo 9 seems to corner better and feels lighter when pedaling.


I do agree with Pete that the Santa Cruz Bullit is a real solid all around bike. You can set it up with a Single Crown or go longer with a Dual Crown.

Hope some of this helps. All of us "freeriders" should get together one of these days for some riding. Maybe do some urban then hit Monkey Village? Or, we could head up to Duluth and ride Spirit with Adam?

Tracy

[Buck]

I agree with tracy..

But did you know that in 2005 one model of the SX(which is in some part replacing the enduro line) comes with a coilover, hold out for it I am tellin you!!!! Anyway, I am game for anything...put up a date and I will see what I can do, i don;t have school on Fridays either so...we should find a hill and diddle with those ramps sometimes!!! hahaha I liked those, damn were they fun...anyway the best advice is to go to shops and shop for bikes, ride every thing, even get on some xc bikes, hardtails, bigbikes, little bikes, everything so you get exactly what you are lookin for! Shop now or pay for it later, these bikes are spendy and you want to make sure you get what you want on the first try!
L8R
Buck

[manual63]

I agree with tracy..

But did you know that in 2005 one model of the SX(which is in some part replacing the enduro line) comes with a coilover, hold out for it I am tellin you!!!! Anyway, I am game for anything...put up a date and I will see what I can do, i don;t have school on Fridays either so...we should find a hill and diddle with those ramps sometimes!!! hahaha I liked those, damn were they fun...anyway the best advice is to go to shops and shop for bikes, ride every thing, even get on some xc bikes, hardtails, bigbikes, little bikes, everything so you get exactly what you are lookin for! Shop now or pay for it later, these bikes are spendy and you want to make sure you get what you want on the first try!
L8R
Buck
I rode an 04 Specialize Big Hit expert today. It was a nice ride, but the suspension was not set up as nice as yours. I am sure that is just a matter of trial and error. One thing I noticed on your bike is that it makes an air sound when you spring up on it. Why does it do that and the ones I rode today don't. Keep in mind, I am fairly clueless about these bikes and the suspension.

I plan to do a lot of research and shopping before I buy. I want to find and ride a Banshee. I hear a lot of good things about them and also about the Cove. I guess both come from Canada and are made there.

[Standard]

I missed ya when you stopped in. Saw you take the BH for a spin, but didn't realize who it was till after you left.

First thing to figure out.. how much do you want to spend. The Enduro SX Trail (6" travel, 5th element coil-over, 'Zoke 66 fork) will retail for around $3300.

Banshee is based in Canada, but the frames are welded in Taiwan. I'm not the hugest fan of them.. just way too overbuilt, even then, I've seen pics of cracked Banshee's..

I had an '03 BH Expert, it was awesome. The Demo 9, even though it has a longer wheel base, has shorter chainstays and a lower center of gravity. Very easy to flick around, point and shoot. You also may want to look at the Demo 8. Lighter than the 9. SPV technology has made bikes like these very easy to pedal. My D9 is much easier to pedal than my BH, which came with a Fox RC. Anywho, I'm a Specialized whore...

You may also want to look at the Cannondale Prophet. 5.5" travel, sub-30 pounds. They come with a lefty, but as long as you spin the bars clockwise you can do x-ups :D

[Standard]

And while I got the freeriders here... anyone planning a last trip up to Lutsen? I'm thinking about heading up this weekend, or next.

[Buck]

Hey Shad,

The shock is actually not supposed to make that noise, I got some air build up in the chamber, from what I assume to be big fast impacts from racing at Westby, that is where it started anyway. Fox tells me it does no harm but get annoying occasionally...as for the set-up... diddle with the it I would suspect that if you act like you want to buy the bike they will let you set it up to you, and my suspension is also well broken in, all these fork and rear shocks do take some time to break in. Also if I am correct the 04s came with a swinger 4 way right??? or was it a vanilla R...anyway the swinger is a rockin shock in my opinion...but again it is all in the set-up!!!
You might also want to look at reviews on MTBR.com, but take them with a grain of salt as always...good luck findin a cove they are fairly hard to come by, but for fullys the hooker is a cool bike.
Keep postin questions and we'll keep tryin to answer them the best we can!
L8R
Buck

[Buck]

And while I got the freeriders here... anyone planning a last trip up to Lutsen? I'm thinking about heading up this weekend, or next.
Hey if you go to Lutsen this weekend give me a shout I might be able come for a day!!!
L8R
Buck

[Standard]

That '04 BH comp came with a Swinger 3-way coil. Basically, you can adjust the air pressure for the pedaling platform. More PSI = less bob, but also less small-bump sensitivity. Less PSI = more bob, but more supple.

The loss in sensitivity is more noticable when you have SPV in the front. The Swinger 6-way on my D9 works beautifully.
I'll let ya know, Adam. If I do go, it would be friday and saturday.

[manual63]

That '04 BH comp came with a Swinger 3-way coil. Basically, you can adjust the air pressure for the pedaling platform. More PSI = less bob, but also less small-bump sensitivity. Less PSI = more bob, but more supple.

The loss in sensitivity is more noticable when you have SPV in the front. The Swinger 6-way on my D9 works beautifully.
I'll let ya know, Adam. If I do go, it would be friday and saturday.

Are you working tonight?

Wednesday?

If so, will you have your bike there? I get done with work around 5 or so and would like to try your ride.

[yetirider]

...

Some more to consider:


Cannondale Gemini
Kona Stinky (you already listed this one)
GT Ruckus
Yeti ASX (I really like these)
YETI!!! Could be biased... (and know next to nothing on Freeride bikes..)

Rode the ASX once, and although I am a fat XC guy, the ASX was a riot on some of the SoCal trails!!!!!

This guy is awsome.. used to be my LBS...

www.adrenalinebikes.com (http://www.adrenalinebikes.com)

Built my AS-R... Some amazing deals right now on '03 and '04 frames!

[Buck]

Hmmm, How's about a VPP Free, by santa cruz, oh man those things are awesome!!!! anyway the yeti asx is also a good all around... I'm a also a speicialized whore, so I would still say the SX is your best bet...hahaha, but what are you lookin to spend? That will limit you options down some, and you said you want a single not a dual crown fork correct?
L8R
Buck

[Kingbozo]

You may also want to look at the Cannondale Prophet. 5.5" travel, sub-30 pounds. They come with a lefty, but as long as you spin the bars clockwise you can do x-ups
I saw one of those at your shop a few weeks back. That is the first CDale that has caught my eye in a long time. Very nice bike. But I am, like you, a Specialized whore.

[Rocky Mountain]

For what they are selling Santa Cruz and Rocky Mountain FS frames for these days I would take a lot at either. Yes, they are main stream and somebody down the street could own one but there reputation is solid from what I have heard. You can get a Bullit frame for $1100 new and probably alot cheaper on e-bay.

[manual63]

I am possibly looking at this bike.

2005 Big Hit SPEC

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9400&JServSessionIdroot=jjiedn64zf.j27009

It seems to be fairly decent and only costs $1,100.00. I know I am supporting the off-shore manufacturing, which sucks @ss, but it seems even the others are doing it too, like Banshee.

Heck, my UK One-On is made in Taiwan......I just can't win.

So what do you think about this bike? Mainly the frame, because I can always upgrade parts as I bust 'em.

[yetirider]

It seems to be fairly decent and only costs $1,100.00. I know I am supporting the off-shore manufacturing, which sucks @ss, but it seems even the others are doing it too, like Banshee.

Heck, my UK One-On is made in Taiwan......I just can't win.

Yeti... Golden, CO ;)

Just jokin' around a bit... but they are US made!? Not to mention, great road trip out to Colorado to check out the facility and get a bit of riding in while you are there!?

[transplant]

It seems to be fairly decent and only costs $1,100.00. I know I am supporting the off-shore manufacturing, which sucks @ss, but it seems even the others are doing it too, like Banshee.

Heck, my UK One-On is made in Taiwan......I just can't win.
I believe Rocky Mountain still welds, assembles, etc. all their stuff in Canada. You're still crossing a border to get what you want, but it's closer to home. And it's almost American. I can vouch for their product, as I have a Blizzard that's approaching 9 years of age, and still gets beat to hell. The only original parts are the frame and cranks. Now that's durable for a steel frame. Besides, the Maple leaf fade paint schemes look cool!

[Crash]

Yeti... Golden, CO ;)

Just jokin' around a bit... but they are US made!? Not to mention, great road trip out to Colorado to check out the facility and get a bit of riding in while you are there!?
Not to get technical on you but Yeti has the 575 made in Taiwan. Assembled in US - yes.

That is why the 575 is about $500 cheaper than the as-r (which is made in Golden). At lease according to dirt rag. Not sure about the asx

[Buck]

DO NOT get the SPEC...piece of ****...we sold a number of them at the shop use to work at with in the week all were broken, mostly the crappy rear shocks... Seriously spend the money now and be happy later!!!

L8R
Buck

[manual63]

DO NOT get the SPEC...piece of ****...we sold a number of them at the shop use to work at with in the week all were broken, mostly the crappy rear shocks... Seriously spend the money now and be happy later!!!

L8R
Buck

Yeah, so can't I just upgrade the shock once I bust it? I don't mind if some stuff is lower end. 2 things in my mind. I can upgrade stuff that breaks and I land smoother than a lot of riders because of my BMX experience and knowing how to absorb landings with my body too. I don't know, I can't bust out $3000.00 like I would want to. But if I do $1100 (fine, I fixed it) and the later another few hundred here and there, it's not so bad. I just would like to know if the frame is pretty decent. It looks cool, but I do notice the swing arm is configured differently. Maybe it's not that good of a set up.....I don't know.

[transplant]

I don't know, I can't bust out $3000.00 like I would want to. But if I do $11000 and the later another few hundred here and there, it's not so bad. .
Man, I wanna shop with you. $11,000 on a bike? It better pedal, launch, land, clean, lube and repair itself. :laugh:

[crashnburn]

SPEC's are single pivot rather than the fancy smancy rears like other Big Hits, no? Never ridden one, but have heard real great things about them...

Also saw something about Rocky Mountains. I've have an RM6 w/ Marz Z1 and I've successfully worn out the 2nd set of suspension bushings on it. Great bike when it is riding okay, but I have some issues with it. Don't know if they've fixed that problem on the new RMX's... I am a bit big for the bike and beat the hell out of it though.

[manual63]

Man, I wanna shop with you. $11,000 on a bike? It better pedal, launch, land, clean, lube and repair itself. :laugh:
:p :p That's what the Edit button if for.

[pwpatton]

I am possibly looking at this bike.

2005 Big Hit SPEC

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9400&JServSessionIdroot=jjiedn64zf.j27009

It seems to be fairly decent and only costs $1,100.00. I know I am supporting the off-shore manufacturing, which sucks @ss, but it seems even the others are doing it too, like Banshee.

Heck, my UK One-On is made in Taiwan......I just can't win.

So what do you think about this bike? Mainly the frame, because I can always upgrade parts as I bust 'em.Shad, I saw a 2002 Giant DH Team (I think it was a 2002 Team) at Penn Cycle in Woodbury. I don't know if they still have it but they say it was raced by a giant sponsored guy. It looks to be in really nice condition. They wanted about 1700 or 1800 or so I think. Don't know if this would be considered more of a DH or a FR bike.

Here's the link to the one I think it was:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2002&bikesection=8793&range=54&model=10455

Also, my nephew bought a Giant VT which I was really impressed with. It has 5.7" in the rear and comes stock with a 5" fork. It rode lighter than it's 30lbs but I suspect it might not stand up to the beating you might give it :)

[FSSS]

You're better off buying a nicer last year's model locally, or off the web, than getting a Big Hit SPEC. Wheel World has Kona Stinky frames for $700. You'd have to build it up, but that way you can spread the cost out over a longer period of time.

[yetirider]

Not to get technical on you but Yeti has the 575 made in Taiwan. Assembled in US - yes.

That is why the 575 is about $500 cheaper than the as-r (which is made in Golden). At lease according to dirt rag. Not sure about the asx

Thanks... I didn't know that... I knew my AS-R was built there and I assumed that they were all built there. That is too bad but I guess somewhat inevitable anymore!? :(

[manual63]

Shad, I saw a 2002 Giant DH Team (I think it was a 2002 Team) at Penn Cycle in Woodbury. I don't know if they still have it but they say it was raced by a giant sponsored guy. It looks to be in really nice condition. They wanted about 1700 or 1800 or so I think. Don't know if this would be considered more of a DH or a FR bike.

Here's the link to the one I think it was:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2002&bikesection=8793&range=54&model=10455

Also, my nephew bought a Giant VT which I was really impressed with. It has 5.7" in the rear and comes stock with a 5" fork. It rode lighter than it's 30lbs but I suspect it might not stand up to the beating you might give it :)
Thanks for the info, but Giant? I don't know, I have never really liked Giant bikes. I know they have come to be a competitive brand, but I remember the days when they made crap.

I am thinking of a frame maybe. Maybe I can get a frame and put my P.2 parts on it. I like my On-One and I can street and jump that when I get disk brakes and some new wheels. So, I am still shopping. I could order a Banshee through One On One Bicycle Studio's, which is my favorite shop, so I am still undecided and just looking for info. I would like to ride a Banshee.

As far as frame breaking, I think any frame can break. Some BMX companies make really good and strong frames, but I have still seen riders break them......so I don't know how much of a deal that is. I do want a stronger frame, but it doesn't mean it can't be broken......if I try hard enough that is.

[pwpatton]

Shad, you are welcome to meet me at leb or where ever and ride my Jamis. I know you are looking for more of a free ride. The jamis is on the more free ride end of the 5" travel bikes. I would consider the Giant VT to be more on the XC end of 5" travel bikes. My issues with the Jamis are where it's weighted (to the rear), but that might be the kind of feel you are looking for, and it's overall weight (32lbs). I don't know how the spv suspension would react for the preload you are looking for but like Adam says, you should ride everything you can before you decide...

I'm looking to buy a turner 5-spot so I would sell this frame if the right price came along. I'm not looking to make money, just recoup a bit of the cost of the turner frame I'm looking for.

Let me know...

[crashnburn]

I am thinking of a frame maybe. Maybe I can get a frame and put my P.2 parts on it. I like my On-One and I can street and jump that when I get disk brakes and some new wheels. So, I am still shopping. I could order a Banshee through One On One Bicycle Studio's, which is my favorite shop, so I am still undecided and just looking for info. I would like to ride a Banshee.

Bro deal? Banshee's are nice, solid bikes... But you said something about weight originally, even if you try to build it light, it will be a tank (if you go the Scream route).

[manual63]

Bro deal? Banshee's are nice, solid bikes... But you said something about weight originally, even if you try to build it light, it will be a tank (if you go the Scream route).

I was thinking the other Banshee, the one with less travel. When I say lighter, I know it's still not going to be XC light. But I would like to keep it in the 40 some range. My freestyle bike used to weight about 37 pounds. I think I have it down to about 33 now. So I am expecting something in the upper 30s or lower 40s if I can do it.

[manual63]

Shad, you are welcome to meet me at leb or where ever and ride my Jamis. I know you are looking for more of a free ride. The jamis is on the more free ride end of the 5" travel bikes. I would consider the Giant VT to be more on the XC end of 5" travel bikes. My issues with the Jamis are where it's weighted (to the rear), but that might be the kind of feel you are looking for, and it's overall weight (32lbs). I don't know how the spv suspension would react for the preload you are looking for but like Adam says, you should ride everything you can before you decide...

I'm looking to buy a turner 5-spot so I would sell this frame if the right price came along. I'm not looking to make money, just recoup a bit of the cost of the turner frame I'm looking for.

Let me know...

I think your Jamis is more of an All-Mountain frame isn't it? It's designed to run 27 gears and be climbed with. I guess I am still looking for a true freeride bike, 1 chainring up front and 8 or 9 in back. I want about 5-7 inches of travel and yes, it should be able to handle drops. I don't plan to do 12' drops to flat, so I don't think I will have issues breaking things. I only like drops if they have a nice downside. Drops to flat don't appeal to me.

[pwpatton]

I've seen quite a few jamis dakars modified to have a chain guide up front. But yes it comes stock as a 27 gear bike.



I think your Jamis is more of an All-Mountain frame isn't it? It's designed to run 27 gears and be climbed with. I guess I am still looking for a true freeride bike, 1 chainring up front and 8 or 9 in back. I want about 5-7 inches of travel and yes, it should be able to handle drops. I don't plan to do 12' drops to flat, so I don't think I will have issues breaking things. I only like drops if they have a nice downside. Drops to flat don't appeal to me.

[JSkater127]

shad, i feel you on the not finding dropping to flat appealing. takes no skill. but any way... have you checked out the 2005 konas? i have several friends back home who ride stinkys and coilers and they all love them. you may have even seen my mom on a dawg at the buck hill party. they are really solid bikes, worth looking into atleast. I'm not sure about the nearest dealer tho. well hope i helped.


later
james.:etard:

[Buck]

Hey shad,
In my vid there was a guy that is a semi-pro 4x/ds racer for Jamis, he has a chainguide on his, and he F'in rips!!! after watching it I think he even has a MRP on there, maybe like the world cup...anyway if you go with jamis, they aren't exactly beefy bikes, and he is only runnin a 4 travel fork...but it is for DS/4X not freeriding...
L8R
Buck

[manual63]

shad, i feel you on the not finding dropping to flat appealing. takes no skill. but any way... have you checked out the 2005 konas? i have several friends back home who ride stinkys and coilers and they all love them. you may have even seen my mom on a dawg at the buck hill party. they are really solid bikes, worth looking into atleast. I'm not sure about the nearest dealer tho. well hope i helped.


later
james.:etard:

We kinda lack on Kona dealers around here. Gravity Labs and The Alt carry them, but they always have a small selection and certainly no freeride ones. Who else knows of good Kona dealers.......I miss Bennetts.

[rowland]

i think now still carries them

[noise_is_life]

i think now still carries them Yeah, they do, I'm sure their inventory is pretty XC oriented though.

I think they had some Coilers though.

[manual63]

i think now still carries them

So, where are they located these days? All the Now stores from the old days seem to have gone bye bye.....

[noise_is_life]

So, where are they located these days? All the Now stores from the old days seem to have gone bye bye.....
There's one in Arden Hills and one in St. Paul.

http://nowbikes-fitness.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=12

[Magic]

Hey Shad, you might want to check out the Mountain Cycle Sin, great freeride bike. I was just looking at the add from Cambria Bikes last night. Check out the web site for Mountain Cycle.

[manual63]

http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/images/04_dakar_xlt3.jpg

Wow, one look at the geometry on this Jamis All-Mountain and I already know I would not want one. Look at that loooooong stem.

Maybe they need to get with the program.

[Buck]

yeah and look at the air shock, ***** wheelset, and crank set...27 gears, what is that...I thought bikes only came with nine!?!?! :D

L8R
Buck

[noise_is_life]

Yeah, they have a long stem, but the more I learn about bike geometry, the more I realize that the stem length is only one part of a complex system.

In fact I think that one of the reasons freeride bikes always have short stems is to cancel out some of the effect of an extremely slack head angle.

I would like to try a shorter stem some day though just for giggles.

And as far as gears go, don't get me started, gears are evil.

[mtnbykr]

We kinda lack on Kona dealers around here. Who else knows of good Kona dealers........
ski hut in dulluth. they really don't stock anything freeride but will order anything you want. can't see how a dealer would stock a big selection of these type of bikes. it's not a big market and w/ technology changing, you could be stuck w/ a showroom of outdated bikes...

kl

[manual63]

Yeah, they have a long stem, but the more I learn about bike geometry, the more I realize that the stem length is only one part of a complex system.

In fact I think that one of the reasons freeride bikes always have short stems is to cancel out some of the effect of an extremely slack head angle.

I would like to try a shorter stem some day though just for giggles.

And as far as gears go, don't get me started, gears are evil. There are two Geometries that are nice with a shorter stem. I have both now. My P.2 has a more slack head angle and a longer travel fork. Keep in mind, the more slack head angle is because of a longer travel fork. As the suspension compresses, the head angle gets steeper. The last thing you want when landing on a big jump or doing a big drop is your steering to get real quick on you, so that's why 68 degrees isn't so bad. But, in singletrack it sucks, even with a shorter stem.

The other one I have is my On-One, which is sweet! I like the quicker head angle(71 degrees) for single track and the long frame short stem combo make it so I am not positioned too for over the front wheel.

The bad things about longs stems are these:

- You don't turn the bars, you sway them from side to side.
- Your weight is too far over the front wheel and the front wheel in under you making it easier to go over the bars, which I see a lot of mountian bikers do.
- The stem is not as strong when it is so long.
- Having a long stem makes the frame shorter, if you want the bikes sized to you correctly, which makes a shorter wheelbase and makes the bike more squirly.

For XC and Freeride, a longer frame and shorter stem is the best way to go. It just makes logical sense. Gary Fisher, Kona, and others figured it out awhile back. Now companies like On-One are perfecting it. Take one ride on my On-One and you will see. People who rode it through the stunt course at the MORC party loved how it rode.

Stop swaying and start steering!!!!

:p:p

[Magic]

http://www.mountaincycle.com/images/view_larger_image/sin/view_larger_sin.jpg (http://www.mountaincycle.com/frames/sin/index.html#)
Here is the Sin, I'd check out the website. This would be one of my top choices.

[manual63]

ski hut in dulluth. they really don't stock anything freeride but will order anything you want. can't see how a dealer would stock a big selection of these type of bikes. it's not a big market and w/ technology changing, you could be stuck w/ a showroom of outdated bikes...

kl It's not a big market yet. I know a lot of freeriders and they all have to order mail-order because no one here stocks stuff. It's the fastest growing segment right now and the first shops to jump on the bandwagon will be the first ones to benefit from the growing sales.

They are just chicken......no one wants to take risks......which is why most shops just chug along comfortably and don't have much appeal. I like progressive bike shops. Skateboard shops are very progressive and that's the appeal. There is always something new when you go into them....always something cool. Walk into most bicycle shops and they still have that hum drum family appeal.

I will give Erik's in St. Louis Park some credit. Not often I throw credit their way, but they had 5 or so freeride bikes ready to ride. I bought my P.2 from them because they have many bikes for me to try out and compare. They have a high chance of scoring another purchase from me if I go Specialized. It pays to have bikes in stock and have a cool appeal. Look at One on One, that shops rocks and has a cool Atmosphere to boot. If I do any ordering, I do it through them. I am not gonna give some mail-order or huge money shop my money if I have to order it and wait. They have the money, they better stock it. One on One is small and has a small budget, I don't expect them to stock everything. The big budget shops, they can afford it, but they still refuse to stock the cool high end stuff.

We used to carry cool expensive high end stuff at TC BMX. Even if it didn't sell, we stocked it because it got customers in the door. Just because an item doesn't sell, doesn't mean it doesn't make you money. Image and appeal makes a lot of sales and that is why I made TC BMX so successful. Now only if the owners would have wanted to invest in it's growth........yeah, they were conservative which is why they just let it go out of business.

Man, I wish I had the money and time to open a shop......it would ROCK!!!!

[noise_is_life]

Are Norco bikes worth anything, I know Eric's SLP had a couple is stock a while back.

[SuperClydesdale]

We kinda lack on Kona dealers around here. Gravity Labs and The Alt carry them, but they always have a small selection and certainly no freeride ones. Who else knows of good Kona dealers.......I miss Bennetts.
Shad

Chuck Cowan at Behind Bars is a Kona dealer. However, don't expect him to have anything is stock for you as he just opened recently.

he is at Interbike roght now, but will be back open on Tuesday: (612) 436-0255.

SC out

[Buck]

ski hut in dulluth. they really don't stock anything freeride but will order anything you want. can't see how a dealer would stock a big selection of these type of bikes. it's not a big market and w/ technology changing, you could be stuck w/ a showroom of outdated bikes...

klHey Kurt,
They have a couple Bighits on the floor and that is it as far as freeridey style bikes.
L8R
Buck

[Buck]

Norcos rock dude!!! Same design as specialized! great bikes that are tough as hell!!! I'm lookin at one their hardtails.

L8R
Buck

[McConket]

As of last week Gravity Labs still had one 04 Stinky left. It was down stairs. I bet you could get a pretty good deal on it. They also have a Tomac DH bike with a custom paint job and Shiver, not sure if it is for sale or not.

Tracy

[homebrewbiker]

We kinda lack on Kona dealers around here. Gravity Labs and The Alt carry them, but they always have a small selection and certainly no freeride ones. Who else knows of good Kona dealers.......I miss Bennetts.
There is a new shop in NE Minneapolis called Behind Bars thet sells Kona.

[manual63]

There is a new shop in NE Minneapolis called Behind Bars thet sells Kona.
I will have to check them out. When will it be up and running and where is it? Do they have a website?

[manual63]

As of last week Gravity Labs still had one 04 Stinky left. It was down stairs. I bet you could get a pretty good deal on it. They also have a Tomac DH bike with a custom paint job and Shiver, not sure if it is for sale or not.

Tracy
The dude didn't tell me they had bikes downstairs. I will have to go check it out. I liked the shop there and they seemed well informed, which you know I like.

[manual63]

Does anyone know about these?

http://www.transitionbikes.com/Bikes_Overview.cfm

I would probably want the Preston FR with the ($100 upgrade) 5" travel option. I don't know anything about this company, but they look good.

[nigel]

Does anyone know about these?

http://www.transitionbikes.com/Bikes_Overview.cfm

I would probably want the Preston FR with the ($100 upgrade) 5" travel option. I don't know anything about this company, but they look good.
Never heard of them before, that hardtail looks pretty sweet though. Wonder who makes their frames?!?! The design is not original and they dont say that they make em and aluminum is hard to do one offs of sooooo.

[crashnburn]

Heard okay things about them, but never known anyone that rides one, so only from things I've read. Why wouldn't you go for the Dirtbag? For the same price you can get 7" of travel... Only 2 lbs heavier too. Even with only 6", it would still be a good setup (and $100 cheaper) with a z150 or 66 fork (you wanted to stay with a sc, right?).
Which would you rather have?

partial radness
http://www.transitionbikes.com/images/Photo_PrestonFRGallery6.jpg

or

super radness
http://www.transitionbikes.com/images/DirtBagGallery_2.jpg

[manual63]

Heard okay things about them, but never known anyone that rides one, so only from things I've read. Why wouldn't you go for the Dirtbag? For the same price you can get 7" of travel... Only 2 lbs heavier too. Even with only 6", it would still be a good setup (and $100 cheaper) with a z150 or 66 fork (you wanted to stay with a sc, right?).
Which would you rather have?


Yeah, I want a single crown so I can do X-Ups and such. Since an X-Up is one of the few cool jumping tricks I can do, I don't want to not be able to do them.....:)

I thought about the Dirtbag. I guess you have a point. If I don't get the longer travel upgrade, I would have 6" for $100 cheaper and a stronger setup. I would probably throw my P.2 parts on it at first. The fork on my P.2 is a EXR and I like it. Specialized states it has 100mm of travel, but when I bought my bike I was told it had 135mm of travel. The fork has a lot more travel then my 80mm Rock shox on my On-One and it seems like a lot more than just 20mm more. I don't know how to measure it. I guess I can just mearsure the dirtline and see how much I have compressed it. I am sure I have hit max.

Anyway. I would probably end up upgrading the fork someday. Maybe my fork will make the geometry funny, I don't know. I should measure stuff up to see or Email them and ask what fork the recommend as far as size.

[JSkater127]

i have never actually riden one of those dirtbags, but i hear they are modeled after the kona stinky, they look pretty bullet proof, my guess is that its probably a pretty dope bike. I was half way tempted to order that preston also when i saw it. I still may some day.

[Buck]

check out nsmb.com they had a review of both the dirtbags, and the transitions a while back if you poke around you may be able to still find it...or maybe it was hcor.net, damn I can't remember but there is a review out there, I've heard nothing but good things about them, they seem to be getting more popular as a good cheap alternative to the big boys.

L8R
Buck