Another DH'ers Trail bike Dilemma

slowitdown · Dec 9, 2009

The Joker said:
I just did a 23 mile 4k vertical foot, with race-able DH sections on my '09 575. Amazing... Just wow. I've got it setup with a fork that's too short now so the angles are kinda steep and it still descends like my DH bike (vintage 2003 DH9). It climbs amazingly as well.

Yup. My '08 575 is excellent in the same way. I have an '09 36 TALAS on it and I find it handles best for all-round riding at the 130mm travel setting, unless it's really steep or super chunky/techie and then the 160mm setting is good. Punched down to 100mm, it feels like an XC race bike and climbs extremely well. I plan to try it with a Pike 454 to see how it works with the shorter front end.

I know it's all personal preference, but the cries for Santa Cruz and Giant trail bikes with their barge-like extra-long chainstay lengths leave me bored. Those long-chainstay bikes feel like driving a 1970s Cadillac... long, slow-turning barge-like handling. Not many bikes have a sub-17" CS length at 5" or more of rear travel. Yeti, Specialized, Knolly, Turner are the only ones I can think of.

FlipFantasia · Dec 9, 2009

dropmachine.com said:
I didn't crack mine, cause I hated it and refused to ride it.

that's cause you suck! aaahahah, I still don't get how you didn't like it....everyone I know who rides one thinks its the best bike they've ever ridden, aside from the cracking part....which is a big negative, especially when the company takes forever to get a new frame to you....

Orfen · Dec 9, 2009

al-irl said:
I know its off topic but every one i know who has owned a commencal of any shape/description has cracked it. Anyone know one who hasn't cracked one

some crack....
some fail (http://www.avalanchecup.com/newlang_2.html)

the new Crack'n Fail?

bcblur · Dec 9, 2009

Intense Uzzi VP with two forks and wheelsets might do the trick.

Since you like the Blur 4x, these are interesting as well:
http://blog.thepathbikeshop.com/2008/08/ventana-el-ciclon-special-edition/

RE the Blur 4x: I own one setup with a Pike U-Turn and a Push'd Vanilla RC and it's a sweet bike, but it gets overwhelmed in any serious chop and is too compact for all day pedaling rides.

I decided to build an enduro style bike this year and ended up with an Intense SS off of ChainLove (Lyrik SoloAir + Elka + Gravity Dropper = 34lbs). I love my SS, but it's no enduro style bike. A Blur LT, Nomad, 5 Spot might have been a better choice for me.

dropmachine · Dec 9, 2009

I've attached a pic of mine. It was an older one Flip, a couple generations before yours.

It was stupid tall. I couldn't stand over it, and if you remember I am not exactly short.

It was basically an xc bike, and rode like one except that it didn't pedal well. Even sitting you would see it bobbing a decent amount. It didn't descend so well, especially when you pulled the brakes and it tried to tip you over the bars. It just wasn't an inspiring bike in any way.

with yours, they changed a bunch of the angles, so that must have helped.

dropmachine · Dec 9, 2009

Oh, and the key question now is:

Do we call them Crackencal, or Commencrack?

FlipFantasia · Dec 9, 2009

dropmachine.com said:
Oh, and the key question now is:

Do we call them Crackencal, or Commencrack?

definitely commencrack! I forgot yours was that old, and can see why you didn't like it....

dropmachine · Dec 9, 2009

And for threeway post action, I can contribute this.

I am looking for something similar. What I have come up with is the new Inense SS with a KSI post. If I put something brilliant up front like a Lyrik 2step or Talas, I should be able to climb it just fine, although not at any astounding rate of speed. It should also descend like mad, and be an all round kickass bike.

profro · Dec 9, 2009

mattmatt86 said:
Maybe chair lifts and XC rides just don't mix.

No way man, I have blasted Windrock (even Southern Rocks) and Snowshoe on my Mbuzi while the next day I'll do a long XC ride. The only thing to change is DH tires for XC tires. However I would suggest a dual ring guide.

Dogboy · Dec 9, 2009

al-irl said:
Anyone know one who hasn't cracked one

I've owned a 2008 Meta 6, 2009 Meta 55, and now a 2010 Meta 55 carbon. None of mine have cracked and I ride the p!ss out of them.

FlipFantasia · Dec 9, 2009

Dogboy said:
I've owned a 2008 Meta 6, 2009 Meta 55, and now a 2010 Meta 55 carbon. None of mine have cracked and I ride the p!ss out of them.

lucky you....
'08 m6 mainframe #1

mainframe #2, crack on shockmount weld

swingarm #1 multiple cracks...

Ithnu · Dec 9, 2009

al-irl said:
I know its off topic but every one i know who has owned a commencal of any shape/description has cracked it. Anyone know one who hasn't cracked one

I have the Meta 6 and the Supreme DH bike. Both purchased last spring. No cracks. I'm 200 pounds and race CAT 2.

My Meta 6 was creaking a lot, but it turned out that the linkage was really dry. I took it apart, greased it up and now its silent. I don't have as many miles on my Meta 6 as I'd like, I only rode it once a week this summer. And I broke my collar bone at the end of DH season so its been sitting around all fall.

The DH bike has some bad bearings but it was a demo. I replaced the bearings and its been great all summer.

Dogboy · Dec 9, 2009

FlipFantasia said:
lucky you....

I am in no way denying that they have had quality issues, just that I haven't had any issues.

haromtnbiker · Dec 9, 2009

I just bought a large white blur 4x a little over a month ago. So far, I can't say enough good words about it. My goal was replacing my cracked xc frame with something I could use all around. I am about 6'1" so it is a little small for all day xc rides, but it never has felt too large for dh action as it is the same size as my large morewood izimu.

I originally had it built up with a 100mm fox float rlc. The fork was super light and gave it more of an xc feel, but I just replaced it with a pike 426. It adds around 1.5 pounds to the bike but I can still lower it to 95mm and (essentially) lock it out. The rear shock is a rp23 so I can lock that out as well. I'm running a 1x9 gear with a 34t up front with an lg1, and a 11-34 cassette with an x.9 shortcage. Only on the long gravel climbs to I feel like I want a smaller gear, but with clips and my seat post raised it isn't too bad. On the dh the bike rips, although I've never gotten to ride it on any true dh. My favorite bike thus far!!! :thumb:

Eastern States Cup · Dec 9, 2009

How bout a rewelded commencial. It won't crack again. But it is somewhat heavier.

chromagnus · Dec 9, 2009

nmjb said:
Good point.

On a side note. I think two wheelsets - one for DH and one for XC - are a necessity if you are going to have one do-it-all bike.

Agreed with this. I have a set of transition 32's that i can take DH and a set of Transition AM's that i ride trails with. I ride an 07 RM switch and while it is heavy for a trail bike i wouldnt trade it for a light ride. My Cannondale Prophet felt like a noodley piece of crap compared to the RM.

FCLinder · Dec 9, 2009

Matt you should be able to find many 09 Trek Remedy’s still on close out. It is the best mix of a All Mt and DH bike I have had. I rocked mine on DH trails with no question on what it would handle. The bike climbs like a XC bike too. My build was 31lbs. I know of 2 brand new 2009 Remedy8's I can get you hooked up on. The 2010's have been changed up on build specs would not suggest one for DH riding. Now you can pick up a 2010 frame set and build it up a little better for DH riding. May go this route again when I can afford a new bike.

Here was my 08 build:

The new Morewood Mbuzi with the right parts would be great too. I have heard great things about it.

Good luck man!!!

Cecil :thumb:

JCL · Dec 9, 2009

New Enduro would be my pick of the bikes mentioned. Especially the carbon/S-Works versions. 27lbs :eek:

JCL · Dec 9, 2009

Stronger that the aluminum and almost as dent resistant. Apparently.

If I had the cash I'd have one for sure.

NoUseForAName · Dec 9, 2009

Honestly, find an older SX Trail >08 and roll on. Great Geo, coil shock can be built to 33Lbs pretty easily.
Two sets of wheels and you can handle any day.
That's what i did, and i work for a Spec dealer!

BBBSwan05 · Dec 10, 2009

sx would be a good choice but i think they only have sm and lg size frames, and the large would definatly be too small for me on all day xc rides (at 6'1) but if you are smaller and dont mind the tighter cockpit it is a very fun bike. another spec to check out would be the pitch, 13.8~" bb and 67*~ HA. 150mm. light enough for all day, big enough for mtns...

ivanfiestas · Dec 10, 2009

NOMAD.

That thing is amazing.

dropmachine · Dec 10, 2009

Not meant as spam just as help, but I am putting up a banner tomorrow for an advertiser on Dropmachine that has Trance X0 frames for 800 bucks canadian. Killer frame for aggressive trail riders!

davec113 · Dec 10, 2009

FCLinder said:
Matt you should be able to find many 09 Trek Remedys still on close out. It is the best mix of a All Mt and DH bike I have had. I rocked mine on DH trails with no question on what it would handle. The bike climbs like a XC bike too. My build was 31lbs.

Here's my 31 lb Remedy, even with 1000g cranks and 900g tires. I'll add that this bike is FAST.

Bicyclist · Dec 10, 2009

mattmatt86 said:
After reading Punkassean's new thread I think I'm going to lean more toward the trail bike side of what I'm looking for. I'm going to try to find myself a Blur 4x frame and build it up 1x9 with a pike upfront. Now I have to find one...

That's EXACTLY what I have...I should get some decent pics of that thing this weekend.

Iridemtb · Dec 10, 2009

I would suggest trek remedy. Good at pedaling, can still be ridden very aggressively. My next suggestion (if you don't intend to do TOOO much climbing) is the 2009/2010 SX. Not the trail, the 4x version. I have one, pedals pretty good, rails turns like mad, jumps very well, and if you get a telescoping seatpost, it would work well for am. I am 5' 7" and like my size large. If you are any taller, I would not suggest it for AM/XC, it will simply be too small.

drkenan · Dec 10, 2009

If I were in your shoes, I would get an Mbuzi hands down. That thing rips so hard.

And if I couldn't get one for some reason, I'd go with a Remedy.

jncarpenter · Dec 10, 2009

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!

bobsten · Dec 11, 2009

BBBSwan05 said:
sx would be a good choice but i think they only have sm and lg size frames, and the large would definatly be too small for me on all day xc rides (at 6'1) but if you are smaller and dont mind the tighter cockpit it is a very fun bike. another spec to check out would be the pitch, 13.8~" bb and 67*~ HA. 150mm. light enough for all day, big enough for mtns...

If you can grab a frame, the pitch builds up quite nicely with a lyrik and coil over. there's some guy in phoenix or sedona that has one, he's always up here in flagstaff. The pitch is a super fun bike but the stock componetry is just lacking.

DORO · Dec 11, 2009

FCLinder said:
Matt you should be able to find many 09 Trek Remedys still on close out. It is the best mix of a All Mt and DH bike I have had. I rocked mine on DH trails with no question on what it would handle. The bike climbs like a XC bike too. My build was 31lbs. I know of 2 brand new 2009 Remedy8's I can get you hooked up on. The 2010's have been changed up on build specs would not suggest one for DH riding. Now you can pick up a 2010 frame set and build it up a little better for DH riding. May go this route again when I can afford a new bike.

Here was my 08 build:

The new Morewood Mbuzi with the right parts would be great too. I have heard great things about it.

Good luck man!!!

Cecil

did you have any issues switching to coil over for the frame? I have been thinking about doing it. I blow through the float rp too easily. I have heard the spring wieght is tricky to get dialed.

Prettym1k3 · Dec 11, 2009

Zumbi F-22.

Look it up. It's what you want.

kOlsen · Dec 11, 2009

If they were available now, I would get an Evil Sect.

FlipFantasia · Dec 11, 2009

random comment....I know a lot of dh'ers coming to the pedally scene think it's cool to run single rings with tensioners, short seatposts with angled up seats, flat pedals.....do yourself a favour, put on a front der and granny gear, get a seatpost that gives you full leg extension, use clipless....you knees and back will thank you and you'll find the climbing part a LOT more enjoyable....its okay, no one will think you're any less core!

LOOnatic · Dec 11, 2009

FlipFantasia said:
random comment....I know a lot of dh'ers coming to the pedally scene think it's cool to run single rings with tensioners, short seatposts with angled up seats, flat pedals.....do yourself a favour, put on a front der and granny gear, get a seatpost that gives you full leg extension, use clipless....you knees and back will thank you and you'll find the climbing part a LOT more enjoyable....its okay, no one will think you're any less core!

ouch , you just called out a bunch of dudes ! .......

Jeremy R · Dec 11, 2009

FlipFantasia said:
random comment....I know a lot of dh'ers coming to the pedally scene think it's cool to run single rings with tensioners, short seatposts with angled up seats, flat pedals.....do yourself a favour, put on a front der and granny gear, get a seatpost that gives you full leg extension, use clipless....you knees and back will thank you and you'll find the climbing part a LOT more enjoyable....its okay, no one will think you're any less core!

Good advice. The only one of those rules that I break is the single ring up front, but I either run a 32t or 34t up front and an 11-34 in the back.
I have noticed doing this really helps with building the power in my legs, as my natural tendency is to spin my brains out. It has come back to bite me in the ass on a few overly muddy and/or cold rides though where I am crawling back to the car.

FlipFantasia · Dec 11, 2009

Jeremy R said:
Good advice. The only one of those rules that I break is the single ring up front, but I either run a 32t or 34t up front and an 11-34 in the back.
I have noticed doing this really helps with building the power in my legs, as my natural tendency is to spin my brains out. It has come back to bite me in the ass on a few overly muddy and/or cold rides though where I am crawling back to the car.

true, and it does depend on your local terrain....I have a bunch of buddies here in whistler that tried the single ring, then finally realized that 45 minute face on the bar climbs were not conducive to single rings, they've since switched out and are much happier! that being said, I spent all fall riding a 32x16 singlespeed hardtail, and ended up walking a bunch on steeper climbs! hahah

edit.....for most pedally stuff, I just don't think a tensioner is warrented....last year on my commie and this year on my hustler I rode both in the bike park a lot, and without a tensioner and had no issues ever with dropping chains, I think it's something people think they need, that they really don't....just my prespective though...

Another DH'ers Trail bike Dilemma

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