Salsa or Surly

[SPR]

Anyone ride either of these?
Salsa Moto Rapido
Surly Instigator
Likes/Dislikes
Post up
Thanks :)

[Wolfchimp]

Those are two completely different frames. The Instigator is a do-it-all frame but works best for urban assault. It is steel and will take a beating. It won't be a super light build if thats what you are looking for. The Moto Rapido is a lightweight XC frame. The frame is durable but scandium is paper thin so it can only take so much abuse. Both are nice bikes built up. You just have to decide what types of riding you plan to do.

[berrywise]

Are you looking at getting one or the other? I ask only because those are pretty much completely different from one another bikes.

[Kosk]

Wow, never thought I'd see those two frames in the same thread!!!

I've got an 18" Instigator. It's a great do-everything frame, but I wouldn't say it is particularly best at any one thing like "urban assult". What it is good at is doing just about everything, OK. One thing it will never be is light-weight. Built up as a rigid single, mine still weighs in around 30ish.

But it'll dirt jump, it'll rally Leb or Theo as and XC bike. With gears it'll climb any trail out west and bring you back down with confidence.

Things that the Instigator shines with are: adjustable forks, like anything with U-turn. (down for quick handling, xc stuff, and dj - up for FR,DH, & descending)

It's also good at fitting studs, fatties, or fattie-studs. (I use 2.5 homebrew studs on mine in the winter.) It'll also fit a 2.7 WTB Timberwolf on a Large Marge rim if the dish is *perfect*.

Things I don't like:
- It's SUPER stiff for a steel frame. That is good for agressive stuff, but bad for a nice comfy ride. Your lower back will complain. (Thudbuster?)
- The slacker spec'd seattube angle when used with a longer fork results in the BB pushing forward, resulting in a choppered out pedal stroke, but the HTA rocks for descending. (Again, an adjustable fork compensates for this)
- Downtube cable routing, but the swept TT made that a must.
- Older frames used "tube" cable stops, pita for hydro lines, if you get one, get a new one with the standard clip-on cable guides.
- Short stays suck for climbing (an adjustable fork helps big time) - but are awesome for the rest of the bike's overall handling.

Right now I have it set up as a rigid single. It's wicked fast and very quick handling, real "carvy". I really like the short stays paried with the conservative HTA and shorter cockpit, makes it feel like a large BMX bike.

[SPR]

Without reading specifics for either of these frames I was searching out
options for a HT frame.
Discovered last night while working on my curent HT that it has a cracked chainstay.
(gosh the bike is only some 15 yrs old, why would it break :shocked: ;) )
The Salsa is probably not what I am looking for. I'm also not sure about a 29" either.
If I went for that size I might be inclined toward a cyclocross bike.
Wouldn't that be a gas at Leb.
Anyhow thanks for the feedback thus far.

[tedsti]

If you wanted to stay with Salsa/Surly, the Salsa Ala Carte might be a good option for you.

[manual63]

Simple:

Instigator if you are planning on needing a heavier bike for jumping, street riding (aka: urban assault), or if you weigh a bit over 200 pounds and need a sturdy frame.

Moto Rapido if you are looking for a lighter bike for XC use, don't abuse frames much, and plan to spend a good chunk of change.

So yeah, two completely different frames.

[stoneage]

cyclocross bike at Leb
It works. The only problem are are the backside of steep log piles. Doable, but you better get back quick with the more aggressive front end. Very fast though. More fun than at Theo with one.