a bullit replacement?

gmac · Aug 15, 2004

Tough call.

You're asking quite a bit to replace a Bullit.

I think Transition Bikes are looking pretty promising as an alternate.

Here is why:

1)"Any Reason" crash replacement policy (pretty fair deal $ )

2) Rider owned

3) Claims of very little pedal induced bob...

Worth checking out IMO

Otherwise stick w/ what works. Get the shock tuned....

roee · Aug 15, 2004

Ventana El Chamuco. Can't beat the craftmanship on that one, and I heard it's a very nice upgrade from a Bullit.

b-man · Aug 15, 2004

New Bullit? The 5th element shock does wonders for the pedaling performance of the frame, and it got beefed up for '02+. My 4" hardtail has more bob than my Bullit, no joke. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. There's a reason why there are so many Bullits out there.

dexterq20 · Aug 15, 2004

b-man said:
New Bullit? The 5th element shock does wonders for the pedaling performance of the frame, and it got beefed up for '02+. My 4" hardtail has more bob than my Bullit, no joke. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. There's a reason why there are so many Bullits out there.

HELLBELLY · Aug 15, 2004

You know the old saying, "The grass is always greener..." I suggest that you consider sticking with the venerable Bullit. I recently have tried a number of Horst-link freeride bikes, walking beam 4-bars, link driven single-pivots, and VPP bikes. Some of them were pretty damn impressive, but I intend to get another Bullit. I like its proven track record, simplicity, and predictability. I do not find any of its negative traits very bothersome. It just works and you cannot beat it for value. In the Bullit's five year history the lowest average rating on mtbr.com product reviews was a 4.85 outta 5. There is no other bike with as many reviews in this category that comes close.

ink:

mcA896 · Aug 15, 2004

yeti asx i would think. 5th element, pedals fairly well, 6-7", also the swing link helps reduce side loading on the shock

dexterq20 · Aug 15, 2004

HELLBELLY said:
You know the old saying, "The grass is always greener..." I suggest that you consider sticking with the venerable Bullit. I recently have tried a number of Horst-link freeride bikes, walking beam 4-bars, link driven single-pivots, and VPP bikes. Some of them were pretty damn impressive, but I intend to get another Bullit. I like its proven track record, simplicity, and predictability. I do not find any of its negative traits very bothersome. It just works and you cannot beat it for value. In the Bullit's five year history the lowest average rating on mtbr.com product reviews was a 4.85 outta 5. There is no other bike with as many reviews in this category that comes close.ink:

Holy crap, get rid of that horrible font before my head explodes. No bueno. :stosh:

ckooi · Aug 15, 2004

HELLBELLY said:
You know the old saying, "The grass is always greener..." I suggest that you consider sticking with the venerable Bullit. I recently have tried a number of Horst-link freeride bikes, walking beam 4-bars, link driven single-pivots, and VPP bikes. Some of them were pretty damn impressive, but I intend to get another Bullit. I like its proven track record, simplicity, and predictability. I do not find any of its negative traits very bothersome. It just works and you cannot beat it for value. In the Bullit's five year history the lowest average rating on mtbr.com product reviews was a 4.85 outta 5. There is no other bike with as many reviews in this category that comes close.ink:

has the paint work of 04bullit improved? for my 03bullit, it is vulnerable to sracthes. this is the only drawback of my bullit. other than that it's a greagreat bike

Jm_ · Aug 15, 2004

foes inferno.

travel like a bullit...stiffness like no other...

me89 · Aug 15, 2004

i would suggest stayin with a bullit but if you really must get a new frame just to change things up a bit go with the vp free. its still supposed to have good pedaling(not as good as the bullit) but still good. it not supposed to be the greatest down fast flowy sections of dh corses or dh runs but i dont think you really need to worry about that. but i suggest stayin with the bullit got a friend with one and today was the first ride and he loved it. and its a mtb its gonna get scratches deal with it. if you want a bike to look pretty go road bike. lol im just messing peace and ride hard.

The Kadvang · Aug 16, 2004

Jm_ said:
foes inferno.

travel like a bullit...stiffness like no other...

Werd. Seems perfect for what you are looking for. Curnutt is real nice for pedalling, stiff as JM said with swinglink, still has seven inches for bombing back down.

Ice Bullit · Aug 16, 2004

I really like my dirtbag, I guess it all depends on how much money you have in the bank- but you cant beat the value of a dirtbag. I pedal it everywhere and it only bobs when you hammer out of the seat wich would happen to any longer travel bike that I have had experience with.

manhattanprjkt83 · Aug 16, 2004

HELLBELLY said:
You know the old saying, "The grass is always greener..." I suggest that you consider sticking with the venerable Bullit. I recently have tried a number of Horst-link freeride bikes, walking beam 4-bars, link driven single-pivots, and VPP bikes. Some of them were pretty damn impressive, but I intend to get another Bullit. I like its proven track record, simplicity, and predictability. I do not find any of its negative traits very bothersome. It just works and you cannot beat it for value. In the Bullit's five year history the lowest average rating on mtbr.com product reviews was a 4.85 outta 5. There is no other bike with as many reviews in this category that comes close.ink:

can you say "no respect" unless you change that font :think:

manhattanprjkt83 · Aug 16, 2004

me89 said:
its still supposed to have good pedaling(not as good as the bullit) but still good. it not supposed to be the greatest down fast flowy sections of dh corses or dh runs but i dont think you really need to worry about that.

where are you getting your information from dude...

me89 · Aug 16, 2004

well you guys can laugh but from mba i know its not the most reliable source but thought i would tell him anyways. but still the bullit is the best you cant beat it unless you want the foes.

iljicS · Aug 16, 2004

I think the Yeti AS-X is a bit better, 7.5" travel, no bob, dogbone and adjustable travel, Easton tubing, 1.5" headtube. :heart:

dropmachine · Aug 16, 2004

Iron Horse SGS Freeride.

Echo · Aug 16, 2004

VP Free?

Jm_ · Aug 16, 2004

bullet replacement;

Tully · Aug 16, 2004

If you don't want a VP-Free, stay with the Bullit, but get a 5th Element (it sounds like you don't have one).

Joey · Aug 16, 2004

A sweet bullit replacement?

*

ink: SPAM WARNING

ink: *

24 Bikes Le Dude, totally sweet, super adjustable, and I just happen to have one for sale.

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93121

Guard · Aug 16, 2004

How about a VPFree or Intenses new V8. I also heard that Iron Horse is coming out with a 7" travel dw-link frame. I haven't ridden any of these so I can't comment but they should be worth researching.

OGRipper · Aug 16, 2004

If you're really happy with your bullit other than pedaling performance you definitely should check out a 5th Element or other "platform" shock, it will transform your rig, especially if you take your time and learn how to set it up right.

If you want a change and want to stay with SCB I'll put in my vote for a vp-free, it will be slightly heavier but a big change in pedaling performance and rear end stiffness.

Or, if you want to stick with a single pivot design, I'd say go for an ASX. I'm not too familiar with the Foes but the Yeti is a clean, strong, well-made rig that (based on what friends of mine are saying) is pretty much a lot like a slightly beefed-up bullit.

b-man · Aug 16, 2004

dexterq20 said:

I'm putting my opinion in...the Bullit is a very burly frame and pedals pretty well. :blah:

erikkellison · Aug 16, 2004

Don't get an Inferno if you plan to abuse your bike - they are not built for it. They are long travel aggro-xc bikes.
I'd get a Bullit with a 5th Element if I were you, but you could also spend twice as much and get an Orange Patriot 7+. A Yeti ASX isn't a bad idea for only a little more money, nor is one of those Horst (FSR) link frames if anyone actually makes one in the 6-7" travel region (be careful of underbuilt bikes if you get one though... IH's suck).
I wouldn't get a VP-Free because of the weight issue.
My $.03.

MMcG · Aug 16, 2004

erikkellison said:
Don't get an Inferno if you plan to abuse your bike - they are not built for it. They are long travel aggro-xc bikes.
I'd get a Bullit with a 5th Element if I were you, but you could also spend twice as much and get an Orange Patriot 7+. A Yeti ASX isn't a bad idea for only a little more money, nor is one of those Horst (FSR) link frames if anyone actually makes one in the 6-7" travel region (be careful of underbuilt bikes if you get one though... IH's suck).

What do you base your IH's suck opinion on - did you own one? They certainly don't look underbuilt to me - especially the 04s - hell the downtube looks like a cut in half aluminum baseball bat to me.

To put my two cents in to this thread - I know personally I'd love to give a Ventana El Chamuco a proper thrashing - the price is pretty damned compeititive with a Bullit or an ASX as well.

HELLBELLY · Aug 16, 2004

manhattanprjkt83 said:
can you say "no respect" unless you change that font

dexterq20 said:
Holy crap, get rid of that horrible font before my head explodes. No bueno.

Jeez, what a bunch of whiners. :blah:

erikkellison · Aug 16, 2004

MMcG said:
What do you base your IH's suck opinion on - did you own one? They certainly don't look underbuilt to me - especially the 04s - hell the downtube looks like a cut in half aluminum baseball bat to me.

I know that the linkages on IH bikes are poorly built and will fail. I didn't mean to imply that they were underbuilt (I was actually thinking of Giant AC's when I wrote that). I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings by saying it, but it's not even my opinion. It's the opinion of every rider/racer/shop mechanic/informed person I asked find when I was shopping for a bike similar to what this guy is shopping for. I was serious about an IH until EVERYONE unanimously (unanimous to the point of collusion) agreed that I wouldn't like it because the linkage would cause too many problems.

MMcG · Aug 16, 2004

erikkellison said:
I know that the linkages on IH bikes are poorly built and will fail. I didn't mean to imply that they were underbuilt (I was actually thinking of Giant AC's when I wrote that). I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings by saying it, but it's not even my opinion. It's the opinion of every rider/racer/shop mechanic/informed person I asked find when I was shopping for a bike similar to what this guy is shopping for. I was serious about an IH until EVERYONE unanimously (unanimous to the point of collusion) agreed that I wouldn't like it because the linkage would cause too many problems.

Didn't hurt my feelings one bit - just wondered where you based your decision on and now I know.

lonewolfe · Aug 16, 2004

I own a 2003 Bullit and it has been an amazing bike. I would never trade it for an ASX. I just can't be convinced they are any better than Bullits and I doubt they are as good. The VP Free bikes are great bikes too. I'm not sure of the frame weight on those but everyone I've ridden has been at least a couple of pounds lighter than my Bullit. I think that would be the logical choice to move up to after a Bullit. I'm constantly thinking of getting one but everytime I ride my Bullit I always come home with a smile on my face. I just installed the Santa Cruz rebuild kit which was a whopping $25.00 to purchace. It comes with bearings, all bolts and spacers and it just tightened the rear end up perfectly. It took less than an hour to install everything including time spent cleaning all the hard to get to spots. There is something to be said for simplicity and that is what you get with a Bullit.

I do like the Transition Dirtbags a lot and think they are an incredible value too. Personally, I'd love to have one of the Transition Prestons as a trailbike. They are SWEET frames!

gmac · Aug 16, 2004

Keep in mind too. SCB should be coming out w/ a lesser travel VPP trail/4x bike soon. Didn't a few people see the VPP Blur/4x bike in hydro formed V-10 type tubing ?

dropmachine · Aug 16, 2004

I wonder how many of those stores with poor opinions of IH are stores that carry brands that can't compete witht eh value IH offers?

My whole team has been beating the holy hell out of those SGS DH bikes, with no so much as a squeek out of the pivots.

Supergo has crazy pricing on thier IH bikes right now. For the price of some of the frames mentioned, you could have a complete bike.

a bullit replacement?

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