Freeride Rig?

[Wolfchimp]

Ok, I have been pondering the idea of a freeriding rig. I am not sure what I shoud be considering for frames, components etc. I plan on building it from the frame, up. Any of you freeriders have any words of wisdom for me? Thanks.

[Trialsdave]

Are you looking for a hardtail or full suspension? What type of riding? City/street, dirt, big drops, dh??

[Wolfchimp]

Hardtail, probably SS, mainly dirt riding but I want to be able to hit bigger drops than I can with my XC bike. I weigh in at about 190lbs.

[guest_s]

I heard the On One Gimp is a really good frame....and good Geometry too.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/products/gimp.shtml

Check that one out for sure.

[Wolfchimp]

I heard the On One Gimp is a really good frame....and good Geometry too.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/products/gimp.shtml

Check that one out for sure.
Thats a pretty sweet frame. When they say 'bmx size bb' does that mean only bmx cranks or will any standard bb fit?

[Tetreves]

I'm pretty much in a similar spot. I want/need a new bike. But I have a HT XC bike that I love (stumpie), and I'm not sure what direction I want to take my riding yet. Initially I was thinking XC FS, then I thought about a trail bike, now I'm considering something like this just to play on. Really I want them all, but can't afford it...

:eyeroll:

[Trialsaddict]

I would get a hard tail frame. FS is nice, but depending on where you go, it can be more than you might really need.

A hard tail will be more usefull for many types of riding. Look at frames that might work for a suspension fork, or rigid too...

The Planet-X Jack Flash and On-One Gimp are both good ideas. I like the Jack Flash better IMO (Even thought they are the same company). Any local bike shop DOES have access to getting you one of these. Trust me, I know. :cool:

Good luck in your search!

[Kosk]

No suspension is better than crappy suspension. If you are on a tighter budget, you will definately want to go hardtail,and spend the extra money on a nicer fork.

If you have more money to play with a "trail" bike would be a sweet do everything bike. Something around a 4"-5" travel frame, slightly beefed up tubes, and then a Z1, AM1, or Pike. It would be light enough to still rallly Leb and such, but able to stand up to trips out west, spirit, lutsen, marquette, etc..... Transition Preston FR, Spec SX trail, to name a couple.

I had a Surly Instigator paired with Ryhno-Lites and a Pslyo for about 3-4 months last year, until it got stolen. That was an awsome ride. I could still jack the seat up and hammer thru Leb or Theo, and when it came time, I could put the seat down, dial the fork up and know that it was ready to handle more than I was. D-jumping, Urban, anything. I miss that bike, it was really a great "do-everything" bike. Seriuosly consider something like that. A hardtail with middle of the range components can really go a long way as far as versatility on the dollar.

[Magic]

Porter,
Hey, so you want into to the FR scene. Well welcome. You seen my HT (Banshee Scirocco). Well now it has a 7" front travel fork and is a dream to ride. My vote is go HT to start, then pick up a FS frame off of ebay or pinkbike. You will be a better rider on a HT. You have more trail input that travels up to your body. It's weird, but it's almost like you can feel the trail. These are just my rambles, good luck in your choice.:D

[guest_s]

Thats a pretty sweet frame. When they say 'bmx size bb' does that mean only bmx cranks or will any standard bb fit?

Well, the reason they do this is because it's a dirt jumper and BMX cranks are much stronger and more able to handle dirt jumping. My friend has a Norco frame which also has the American BB (BMX style) and chromoly tubular BMX cranks.

http://www.danscomp.com/products/BOTTOMBRACKETS/455117.jpg

They do make adaptors to convert an American BB to a Euro BB and it's a pretty simple and straight forward device. But, if I were you, I would run the American BB and a set of Profile chromoly BMX cranks. But, all options are availble and Profile does make a Euro BB for those who don't have an American BB frame.

http://www.danscomp.com has a good selection of BB's and cranks for dirt jumping.

[Wolfchimp]

So...as far as frame size goes...FR frames are generally smaller correct? I ride anywhere from a 17.5 -19 in an XC frame. So would I be looking for something like a 15-17 inch FR frame then? Thanks.

[Magic]

Smaller is better for moving the bike around. Find one that fits and put a short stem on it. My Scirocco is a 17.5" and fits nice. Just look at the top tube length and see if it works for you.

[guest_s]

Just look at the top tube length and see if it works for you.

Top tube length is the most important measurement. A top tube length of 22" is pretty good for a dirt jumper. Then throw on a short stem, like what most FR bikes have (a BMX style one). It is gonna seem short to you if you are used to a longer XC bike with a long stem. But, once you get used to it, you will see why you want it so much shorter, especially if you do jump it. James rode my P.2 on the technical course at the Chaindrive. He thought it felt funny at first, he runs a fairly long stem on his XC bike, but seemed to get used to it pretty fast. I think he started to really see the benefit of the shorter setup.....I know others have.

[danger!]

I just finished building up my Gimp, and it is pretty nice. Let me know if you have any specific ? about them, I may be able to help. I have mine setup singlespeed with a Planet-X superlight rigid fork on it. It's a big BMX bike with disc brakes! :D

And, I also have a DS/DJ/FR hardtail frame for sale if you're interested. It's listed in the For Sale forum- Cortina 4130 hardtail.