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DJ or XC?

Vance

Chimp
May 6, 2006
4
0
I am currently trying to figure which frame to go wtih on a new single speed project. Here is my dilema -- I want to do some jumping (and maybe even some urban, given that I'm in Los Angeles), AND I want to use it for some typical XC trail riding. If I could give you percentages, that would make it easy, huh? I want to do more jumping, but I suspect I will end up doing more trail riding.

So, which would you do:
Choice 1: go with the a traditional ss XC frame, like a Santa Cruz Chameleon, and maybe get one size smaller than I normally would?

Choice 2: go with a DJ (fetish fixation, mc rumble, banshee morphine), and maybe get 2 sets of wheels... 24 for jumping, 26 for trail rides (I have geared mtb for longer rides).

I guess the not-so-hidden questions in there are how well can I expect to jump with something like a Chameleon... and how well will a bigger DJ bike do on the trails?

Thanks,
Vance
 

aznfreerdr08

Monkey
Aug 26, 2004
167
0
Concord, CA
i know a lot of people that bought chameleons strictly for dirtjumping. that is a frame you could definately dj on and have no problem riding xc as long as you have a long seat post
 

Vance

Chimp
May 6, 2006
4
0
Wow, thanks guys. Sounds like my instincts were right for once. Scurban -- I am 6' as well, and was really torn between a M or a L. How much does your buddy jump vs XC? And he really doesn't mind the M when he's out on the trail?

Thanks,
Vance
(Those DJ frames are so purty, though!)
 

skurfer333

Monkey
Apr 21, 2005
249
0
Raleigh, NC
I vote Chameleon too. They're really versatile and ride well for trail and jumping. Like you said, just go one size smaller and you'll be fine.
 

erastusboy

Monkey
Mar 5, 2003
470
0
I have a doc and think its more fun on xc trail rides than my xc bike. It loves the turns and all I have to do is raise the seat to get all efficient.
 

Vance

Chimp
May 6, 2006
4
0
Thanks for all the feedback. For those who do a little of both, what do you use for pedals? A hybrid (platform with clip in the middle), or do you swap out pedals depedending on what kind of riding you are going to be doing?
 

erastusboy

Monkey
Mar 5, 2003
470
0
I swapped for a while, but decided its not worth the effort and just run flats for everything, it seems like a combo would not be a very good idea because the clip always sticks out a little which makes for a poor platform for dj
 

bikenweed

Turbo Monkey
Oct 21, 2004
2,432
0
Los Osos
I used this exact set up to win two cross country races a year ago:
Medium 2005 Chameleon (I'm 5'9" and thought it was a perfect size)
Fox Talas R
175 Holzfeller Cranks
36t w/Truvativ Box guide
35 or 40mm stem with some wide riser bars
WTB cross country front wheel
Mavic XM321/Shimano XT rear wheel
Plenty burly enough to jump biiiig stuff
28lbs of XC goodness.