This is my new 09 Corsair Maelstrom Hammer, large - dirt. I am so stoked on this new rig. Corsairs' attention to detail and frame refinements are some of the best in the industry. These are my favorites points: Rearward Axle Path - Idler Pulley for Pedal Performance (mix in Hammerschmidt compatability with the pulley too) - 2:1 Leverage Ratio - Super stiff frame - Adjustable Head Angle - 150mm Rear end - Full length seat tube - 180mm Travel to perfectly match FR forks to. It's the only bike on the market to come stock with a 3.5" Stroke - Roco World Cup. Hell Yea! The snow is now piling up here in Denver, so its only been urban riding so far. I am in Love. Great balance point and very stiff throughout. Some friends and I are planning a trip to head over to the Lunch Box in Grand Junction. This will be the real test to date. I'll be sure to get some photos and update my review. The build is 40.07 lbs currently. I work at Treads Bicycle Outfitters in Lakewood, so that is how I could pimp out my ride. Stop by to see some sick rigs. I consider myself a MTB tester so I'm ready to have a go at her. I believe this could be the best FR bike on the market. Alrighty... I think that is enough for now. ....Ohh, I almost forgot about the locking pivot hardware. later
Corsair Maelstrom Hammer - Built and Ready to Ride - Review - Lets see your 09 FR Rig
- Thread starter ColoradoDirt
- Start date
nice man, i jsut built up a marque for a customer. super super nice bike. the corsair lineup is pretty tight for sure.
That thing must brake squat like crazy.
Because of its mid-high pivot position, the Maelstrom does not suffer any brake squat or brake jack during braking.
The combination of pivot placement and the idler pulley result in very active suspension during both pedaling and braking. Very unique attributes when combined with rearward axlepath.
Just recently got back from my trip to Grand Junction. I have to say, I am inspired by the Maelstrom's ability to devour rough terrain. I believe this is praise to the rear axle path, combine this with the idler pulley and you have great pedal efficiency. Stoked. My build is stout and she comes in right now at about 41 lbs with Hammerschmidt. So after 15 miles or so of up and down, I was spent. Ribbon, Free Lunch (x4) and down Eagles Wing to Holly Cross. Pretty darn sick. 2:1 is very supple and small bump complient, while still feeling bottomless on drops and such. Idler pulley sounds like your running a chainguide; a little fuzzy velcro inside and wet chain lube helps keep her quiet. I keep my reviews flowing in on the Maelstrom. So for now, I feel that for bike park riding, chairlift and shuttling this bike is one of the best single crown options out there. Low center of mass makes it very flickable for tricks in the bike park. If I swap out Hammer for a LG setup, she would be 39 lbs. All day, epic Freeriding gets tough after 15 miles with a 41 lbs rig. Sick bike, pedals great, bulletproof frame, so far so great! Ohh yea, my buddies complete Hammer Maelstrom weighs in at 38 lbs! Thats with some sweet components, so the weight could be down there. His is the frame in the picture.
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More saddle time on the Maelstrom. Still very impressed, very plush ride yet still having excellent pedalling characteristics. It seems as though the idler pulley system is running quieter with more break in time. I'll keep you posted, today, it was quieter than any guide that I have ridden yet. So that was very nice. The low mass deffinately lends itself to railing corners and quick weight transfers. This rig has performed as one of the best FR bikes on the market. Ohh yea, I just got the KS i900 dropper post on the rig also. I get new photos soon....
So, how does it feel under braking?
Very nice bike.
My only question... what's the reasoning for using a 2:1 leverage ratio on this bike? Especially when it requires such a large shock? IMO due to the increasing quality of shocks and their tuning quality, I don't think the extra weight from a shock of that size (10"x3.5") is worth the trade off for the increase in suspension performance, especially for a bike that is designed to be somewhat pedal-able (AFAIK).
My only question... what's the reasoning for using a 2:1 leverage ratio on this bike? Especially when it requires such a large shock? IMO due to the increasing quality of shocks and their tuning quality, I don't think the extra weight from a shock of that size (10"x3.5") is worth the trade off for the increase in suspension performance, especially for a bike that is designed to be somewhat pedal-able (AFAIK).
My Corsair Crown is at 39.5 lbs with a very standard, down-to-earth build: Boxxer WC, MRP G2, FR600s, Hadley hubs, Elka shock + 2nd blow-off shock, 31" Fatboy bars, Elixir CR brakes, Kenda Excavator tires (w/ HD tubes), Saint cranks, Synchros seat and post. And it pedals as well as your Maelstrom !
There's no way to answer that without getting techy, but try one and you'll understand right away. The damping is more sensitive without being over-reactive, the effect of the adjusters is much more precise and the range is wider. Using a lower spring rate also helps getting more sensitivity.
I riden many new bikes in this category and the Corsair is up there with the best of them (Neck and Neck with Treks ABP) No noticable brake jack when riding the rig in rough terrain when braking hard or light. Rode this morning and the more I ride the Maelstrom, the more inspiring it is. Hell yea! Can't wait for my day off. Over and out..............
I've ridden some Foes that use the 2:1 ratio, so I know the improvement (minus the curnutt bias), and I understand the shock technology. But with that much of an increase in i2i on the shock, you're gaining about 1/2lb over a 3" stroke shock (which would still give you a reasonably low 2.36:1 leverage ratio). And IMO 1/2" is a pretty fair amount for a bike that's designed to be somewhat pedal-able.
Jeez louise I sound like a total weight weenie.
I can't tell for other shock brands, but the 10.5x3.5 Elka shock on my Crown is only 32 grams heavier than the 9.5x3.0. I can use the same spring on both, which is an Elka 300lbs x 7.25" long x 3.5" stroke.But with that much of an increase in i2i on the shock, you're gaining about 1/2lb over a 3" stroke shock (which would still give you a reasonably low 2.36:1 leverage ratio). And IMO 1/2" is a pretty fair amount for a bike that's designed to be somewhat pedal-able.
Jeez louise I sound like a total weight weenie.
Hi, this is Doug from Corsair.I've ridden some Foes that use the 2:1 ratio, so I know the improvement (minus the curnutt bias), and I understand the shock technology. But with that much of an increase in i2i on the shock, you're gaining about 1/2lb over a 3" stroke shock (which would still give you a reasonably low 2.36:1 leverage ratio). And IMO 1/2" is a pretty fair amount for a bike that's designed to be somewhat pedal-able.
Jeez louise I sound like a total weight weenie.
I havent done an exact study on the weight of various shocks and the resulting spring rates versus the leverage ratios. But here is what I can tell you.
Most riders who ride a Maelstrom will use a spring rate of about 250 pounds. Even in steel, these springs are very light. I encounter many riders who use shorter E-E shocks, but due to higher leverage ratio are stuck with springs in the 500, 600,800 range. These springs really add weight. And if you were to use an Elka High Tensile steel spring, you would really be surprised by the weight savings!
However, from an even broader perspective, if efficiency and pedaling are what are important to you, then the story gets far deeper. The Maelstrom uses an idler pulley mounted to the swingarm. This technology greatly improves the pedalling efficiency of this bike. And again, while I havent done a scientific study, by riding the bike it is really easy to understand that the benefits of this bike's pedalling efficiency far 'outweigh' any performance advantage that may exist due to weight differences between this bike and many/most/all other 7" travel bikes on the market.
If a rider wants a bike that is very efficient in climbing the mountain and then offers very high quality suspension for an all out descent, I suppose there are very few bikes that compare to the Maelstrom.
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Unique bike for sure.
Thanks for the photos.
Thanks for the photos.
That thing looks great!
Doug, thanks a TON for the explanation. Makes a lot of sense now. I didn't know how much weight difference there was in the coil weights.
BTW it is a great looking bike. The shock activation link combined with the BB shell is sweet, but I could imagine it must've been a real PITA to execute. And the hidden idler/chain routing is REALLY slick.
i would like to hear about the shock tuning, Dropnzone has one built up and playing with it in the shop the shock had too much rebound damping with it turned all the way out! this made it hard to feel the bike but of course i was only playing in the shop. luckily it was a Roco so you could just replace the oil with lighter but i would love to hear more on what shock setup/tuning you are running! i really want one of these but i'm gonna have to wait a year or so to pull the trigger
Slower rebound is a high performance result of a 2:1 leverage ratio.
Almost the perfect bike, but managed to screw it up by doing something that didn't need to be done.
The tuning on the Elka shocks for the Corsair bikes is highly different from any other shocks we do. The valving on the rebound and compression is much lighter and more progressive because they have such a low leverage and linear progression. Shaft speeds can get impressive but forces remain kinda low.
Corsairs designs are actually the closest I've seen so far to what is being raced successfully in other sports. That's part of why I bought one for myself. The other main reason is that the Crown has so many suspension options.
I am not holding out on anything..... I've been riding and working. Check it. I am still running the stock Roco WC with very little preload and low air pressure in the bottom out valve. She is very plush and small bump complient while still being one of the best pedaling bikes out there. If not the best in the true Freeride catergory. I keep my compression all the way open and have been playing with the rebound, she gives a very usable range. I am loving it. Climbing strong and destroying the downhills. I am running the RC3X 66 all the way open with excellent results. My rig weighs 41.9 with KS dropper post and Hammer; she feels like she is 35 or less. I have ridden many of the top bikes and this one is at the top in nearly every catergory. Ohh yea, one more of my favorite things about it, is the ability to run very low handlebars, without running a flat bar. A low cockpit really helps rail and climb too. I am not running the stock headset, it is a FSA zero stack. I'll keep in checking and answer any specific questions that you may have. So far....A+
later
later
How is that crank system working out for you. One of the guys in my crew was eying it up and then saw the price. Is it worth the tag?
Yep. The way I ride, most deffinately. Instantaneous shifting with a nearly perfect gear range. I build my rigs biased to the DH. I get to the top; I may not beat everyone here in Colorado, but I can deffinately hold it down. Riding hard DH with confidence requires a chainguide and the hammer delivers. Plus, with the extra clearance I have less hang ups and the climb and descents. Hammerschimdt!!
Cheers for the update Colorado
This rider is desperate for info! If you been holding out cause of riding then you off the hook, if its work then no excuse.
I have transferred the funds so I can pay for my new frame and its a neck and neck between the Maelstrom and Delerium T. I have a few issues with the Mealstrom but mostly part swapping from my Wildcard wont be possible so it means investing in a few things, mainly cranks and wheelset. I have read some exploding idler issues on the Marque, how is the Maelstrom looking. I got some word that it is more the Marque that suffers from this.
I am constantly looking for rough sections in the mountains to develope more skills for DH type runs but the Wildcard really struggles in 5" setting and braking through the rough it skips all over the place. I have tried correct breaking but in Korea the trails are steep and often no run out or good breaking sections to setup for the upcoming rocks etc. With that in mind I would definatley say I am more Freeride orientated with a strong bias towards building shore type trails. The WC holds up really well till I hit rough sections, would you say the Maelstrom is a bike that would ride well on shore type trails? I would be looking at a head spacer for keeping a 67* head angle as I think that would be the best setup for 80% of the trails. I would then have the standard spacer for a 66* HA.
I am working towards one 15-20mile ride a week with no emphasis on speed, only to look forward to the next down section. I plan to try my regular route on the hardtail and if all goes well then I can afford to sacrifice more milage requirements from the Mealstrom. Most of my riding involves pushing cause it so dam steep but when I relocate things might change. Both are great frames and there really isn't enough feedback on the Maelstrom.
Do you have another bike for longer rides or is the Maelstrom your only rig?
Any reason for changing the headset?
Cheers in advance
This rider is desperate for info! If you been holding out cause of riding then you off the hook, if its work then no excuse.
I have transferred the funds so I can pay for my new frame and its a neck and neck between the Maelstrom and Delerium T. I have a few issues with the Mealstrom but mostly part swapping from my Wildcard wont be possible so it means investing in a few things, mainly cranks and wheelset. I have read some exploding idler issues on the Marque, how is the Maelstrom looking. I got some word that it is more the Marque that suffers from this.
I am constantly looking for rough sections in the mountains to develope more skills for DH type runs but the Wildcard really struggles in 5" setting and braking through the rough it skips all over the place. I have tried correct breaking but in Korea the trails are steep and often no run out or good breaking sections to setup for the upcoming rocks etc. With that in mind I would definatley say I am more Freeride orientated with a strong bias towards building shore type trails. The WC holds up really well till I hit rough sections, would you say the Maelstrom is a bike that would ride well on shore type trails? I would be looking at a head spacer for keeping a 67* head angle as I think that would be the best setup for 80% of the trails. I would then have the standard spacer for a 66* HA.
I am working towards one 15-20mile ride a week with no emphasis on speed, only to look forward to the next down section. I plan to try my regular route on the hardtail and if all goes well then I can afford to sacrifice more milage requirements from the Mealstrom. Most of my riding involves pushing cause it so dam steep but when I relocate things might change. Both are great frames and there really isn't enough feedback on the Maelstrom.
Do you have another bike for longer rides or is the Maelstrom your only rig?
Any reason for changing the headset?
Cheers in advance
I am six foot with a long inseam. The bike fit for me is exceptional. I am running the zero stack headset for lower cockpit setup. My bars are lower with a 66 than most of my friends with 160mm forks. Railer. I believe the Corsair would be a better choice from what you have described. --> Rearward Axle Path doesn't hang up on square edge hits and allows for much better flow in rough terrain. Let alone, the idler pulley creates pedalling anti - squat for the best pedaling characteristics in the industry - similar to the DW link!! The new parts will be worth it also, style it out. As for the pulley, I have the new hardened silver pulley and haven't had any issues since its install. All bikes are shipping with the new pulley so there is no reason to worry about this. This bikes shear quality and adjustability will blow any rider away. The Maelstrom is designed in the Pacific Northwest and is one of the best bikes in the industry for northshore style stunts and freeriding. Its raining like BC here in Colorado and that means no riding today. I am going to install my 888 on my Maelstrom........... I'll get pics....
C-Dirt
I am so keen on this rig. My last 5 bikes have been 23.5" TT or less and 18" seat post max. My Wildcard is 23.2"TT and 15" seat tube, not ideal for long rides but I survive, I am 6'1" ish and measuring myself I get 33.5" inseam. I run a 65mm stem to get the fit I need and 70mm would be nice. I would prefer a slightly bigger TT so I can switch to a 50mm stem. My last 4 bikes have been purchased with the ability to pedal well, cover 25km rides but jump really well, hence the smaller frame.
If you are running a Zero head set wouldnt that steepen up your head angle a fair bit? Personaly 67* will cover most of my riding here since its so rediculously tight with trees on the corner apex which prevent serious leanig at times. I havent yet ridden a 66* rig but I will have both spacers so I can switch. Just curious about your bars being lower with a 180mm fork than others with 160mm. Is this due to head angle and BB changes from your head set? Are there any other considerations regarding the frame set up I need to know about before I choose my size. Yes I will pedal this for some longer rides but really is mostly for freeride and jumping around. The Wildcard feeling is in my blood now so any root gets boosted.
Thanks for posting. This bike seems to be elite as I have only found 3 riders posting so far.
I am so keen on this rig. My last 5 bikes have been 23.5" TT or less and 18" seat post max. My Wildcard is 23.2"TT and 15" seat tube, not ideal for long rides but I survive, I am 6'1" ish and measuring myself I get 33.5" inseam. I run a 65mm stem to get the fit I need and 70mm would be nice. I would prefer a slightly bigger TT so I can switch to a 50mm stem. My last 4 bikes have been purchased with the ability to pedal well, cover 25km rides but jump really well, hence the smaller frame.
If you are running a Zero head set wouldnt that steepen up your head angle a fair bit? Personaly 67* will cover most of my riding here since its so rediculously tight with trees on the corner apex which prevent serious leanig at times. I havent yet ridden a 66* rig but I will have both spacers so I can switch. Just curious about your bars being lower with a 180mm fork than others with 160mm. Is this due to head angle and BB changes from your head set? Are there any other considerations regarding the frame set up I need to know about before I choose my size. Yes I will pedal this for some longer rides but really is mostly for freeride and jumping around. The Wildcard feeling is in my blood now so any root gets boosted.
Thanks for posting. This bike seems to be elite as I have only found 3 riders posting so far.
Hey guys, two questions for happy owners of this gorgeous frame or maybe rather for FreshwOOd.
1) What's the outer diameter of the BB-shell ?
2) Which Alu is it made of ?
1) What's the outer diameter of the BB-shell ?
2) Which Alu is it made of ?
The Maelstrom, Marque and Crown all have antisquat designed into the suspension through the idler pulleys and without the use of a four-bar. The Maelstrom/Marque idler systems are not placed at the pivot and are concentric allowing for the load on the chain to load the swingarm with a specific value. It can be very hard to notice how the pulley is positioned without a close up into the swingarm tunnel.
The Crown has the first ever adjustable antisquat suspension system allowing the idler pulley to be positioned for more or less antisquat depending on what the rider believes is the right amount.
Hope this helps a bit..
The Crown has the first ever adjustable antisquat suspension system allowing the idler pulley to be positioned for more or less antisquat depending on what the rider believes is the right amount.
Hope this helps a bit..
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=524732&highlight=corsair
theres a pics of the idler on this thread
theres a pics of the idler on this thread
Hi Kamanchi, you wasn't answering on my question, was you ?
Regarding the pulley integrated into the swingarm, it has fixed position and without changing pulley diameter you aren't able to change the chain-line in order to change the anti-squat.
Regarding the pulley integrated into the swingarm, it has fixed position and without changing pulley diameter you aren't able to change the chain-line in order to change the anti-squat.
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I'd like to answer your question concerning the diameter of the BB, but I am not sure exactly what you are asking. Why do you want to know this information and/or what exactly are you asking about? There are many dimensions.
concerning the materials used; most linkages, etc on the corsair bikes are made of 7075 aluminum. We use 6061 for the frame tubing.
Concerning 'Chain-line', I would define chainline as the measurement between the chain and the center of the frame. It is not related to anti-squat. It is true you can not change the amount of anti-squat on the Marque or Maelstrom. You can change it on the Crown and it is an appropriate feature for this bike as it is a high-performance race bike.
Thanks.............Doug
Just to let everyone know in case you dont know already, my name is Pablo Tafoya and I am the designer and co-founder of Corsairbikes. If you have any specific questions about any of the technologies we use or questions about setups of your new Corsair feel free to ask away.
Here is a small rendering of the Pulley offset from the main pivot that creates the Corsair anti squat value.
Here is a small rendering of the Pulley offset from the main pivot that creates the Corsair anti squat value.
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Looks to me to have just the right amount of anti-squat. If it were any lower, then there would be no point in having the idler. It would kick the pedals constantly.