[chillindrdude]

so...i moved into NYC with my GF and space is alittle tight. I really can't fit more than 2 bikes in our apartment.

I hope that i can stay in the city next year for residency so i can just commute to work via bike. So i need to put together a commuter. (most likely an evil D.O.C)

however, i currently have a 04 chumba F4 and 04 Tazer....2 pretty purpose specific bikes. i was thinking about getting rid of both of them and building a "do-it-all" bike. This is where i need your help guys.

i understand that a "do-it-all" bike won't be as good as a DH-specific or a MTX-specific bike. but i gotta keep the bike count at 2. I was thinkin about a variable travel frame with 4"-5"-6" of travel with a 5-6" SC fork.

specific frame i've been thinking about is the SC Heckler...granted it's 5" but with a 5Th ELEMENT coil shock i can vary the progressiveness to shorten the travel. OR perhaps a giant AC...variable travel, fairly light.

what are your thoughts about my proposals? suggestions or insights would be appreciated. I would use the bike for alittle DH, DJ/MTX, and trail riding.

thanks!

 

[1soulrider]

You will miss your bikes......

Are you giving up racing? It would be hard to find a bike you could be competitive in both 4x and dh on.
If you aren't going to race weight your decision towards the type of riding you will be doing most.

 

[chillindrdude]

yes...i've retired from racing this season..

 

[ohio]

specific frame i've been thinking about is the SC Heckler...granted it's 5" but with a 5Th ELEMENT coil shock i can vary the progressiveness to shorten the travel. OR perhaps a giant AC...variable travel, fairly light.

I think the hecklers a good choice. I think an even better one would be a cannondale gemini. It's relatively light, adjustable from 5" to 6.5" (the right spring is nice and firm at 5" for DS, and sags just right for trail/dh at 6.5"), and a 6" firefly or 7" breakout+ would be very versatile (I'd go with 6" and pick up an original breakout for ridiculously cheap). Get a newer through-axle version and you can even use your current chumba wheelset.

 

[OGRipper]

Not sure about varying the travel via the 5th element, but I think the Heckler is a great choice if you can only have one FS bike. For a fork get something like the new Fox 36, adjustable travel up to 150mm. With burly tires and a 6" fork you'll be able to hit the nastiest stuff out there. I had a Heckler set up with a boxxer race (6") that was way fun on a trip to Whistler, yeah on the bigger drops more travel would have been nice but no big deal. Great call: simple, reliable, cheap, light...all good.

Or just buy a garment rack and hang your bikes, I've got five in about the space of two.

 

[Zark]

How about an Azonic Saber? 5-6", FSR, full seat height range. Then keep two forks around (you got enough room for another fork right?) and swap out the SC fork to a DC for big DH days.

 

[speedster]

How about the new Specialized SX trail?

 

[Matt D]

If you're getting a DOC, why not just sell your Tazer and keep the DH rig? You're never going to find a bike that will take the place of the DH bike, so I'd say keep it.

 

[chillindrdude]

i dunno...i would put slicks and a rigid fork on the DOC....i'm a wimp when it comes to DJ/MTX...i need a FS for those frequent situations when i case sh!t

 

[joelsman]

transition dirtbag 5.2, 6.2 or w/ dangerboy plates 7.2inches of travel, have 2 forks and rear springs? could do both dh and mtx. I heard they are great jumpers.

it is very similar to the giant ac.

transitionbikes.com I think
dropnzone.com sells them and may give instore credit too. ya shameless plug!

 

[TheInedibleHulk]

I find whenever I get rid of a bike thats when I end up wanting to ride it. Id have to agree with matt D, why not keep your F4 and build a dj/mtnx/commuter HT? Dirt jumping on a hardtial is easier in my opinion, a chameleon would make a gret mutiluse bike, you can even ride XC on it if you want. BTW, stay away from giant AC, it stands for absolute crap. I had one. If you do decide to build a medium travel bike the heckler is a good choice, I also a big fan of the turner 5 spot.

 

[chillindrdude]

yah....i forgot about the 5spot and prophet

 

[Peete]

I would look for a used Uzzi SLX w/ a 5th element or propedal. I have the propedal with the 7" travel linkage and it pedals great and feels bottomless on big hits. If you had the bucks get 2 forks, a triple clamp for DHing and a single crown with adjustable travel. Just order an extra headset bottom race to put on the other fork. Then it wouldn't take much time to swap forks and change frame geometry for what you plan to do that day.

 

[TheInedibleHulk]

Thats also a good call, although I get tired of part swapping. theres the VP free too, maybe a bit heavier than you want, but also an option.

 

[Wingnut]

What about a Giant VT? Or hold out for them there Maestro type things.

 

[chillindrdude]

i'm afraid the VT wouldn't hold up to sustained FR...something with an uninterrupted seattube would be better

 

[Enginerd A2]

Think you're ever going to make it to mt creek/diablo? It looks and sounds like it's pretty freakin' sweet. What would you rather ride there? A full on DH bike? A mid-travel FR? A short travel DS/Jump bike? I totally agree on the DOC for livin' in the city except for a few things. I've always thought if I moved downtown in a major city, I'd ride nothing but street, but it's right there and I'm all about convenience. However, I don't know if you can realistically plan on using the DOC for transportation. It's too nice and I feel like it would get stripped or stolen. I think a full on beater that can stay outside and still function in crappy weather is more realistic for transportation. Especially something that you wouldn't shed a tear for if it were stolen. Like a scavenged fixed gear. Use it get around when you need to get somewhere. Rock the Evil when you want to RIDE. And I would probably keep the F4 if there was a chance that I could hit Diablo more than a few times a season, because I think I'd need all the squish I could get at a place like that.

 

[Enginerd A2]

By the way, I'd like to pick up a DOC in the offseason also. If I end up getting one, it will be replacing a Planet X Compo. I'll be rockin' it in the streets, maybe the skatepark, and on all the local singletrack. I only have room for two bikes, too, and I have a fixxie locked up outside where my girlfriend can't bitch about it. Now I need to unload this road bike so the Compo can stay.

 

[Mumbles]

i'm afraid the VT wouldn't hold up to sustained FR...something with an uninterrupted seattube would be better

there's a new Sinister comin' out that would be *perfect* for what you're looking for! look for info on it after the big show!
ok, so i whore myself to companies, is that bad?

 

[Toshi]

my vote goes to the f4 + d.o.c. combo. my current digs are more roomy, but pressed to cut down to two bikes i'd probably pick my evil and canfield. who needs cardiovascular fitness anyway?

 

[Sir_Crackien]

hey look at the banshee chapparel. that thing looks sweet. i konw one really big guy that uses it for what you meantioned before. he ride dh and fr on it, he also really likes the way it rides. as for the fork i would look at the marzocchi 66 or Z150 both are up to the task. i heard that the new manituo are not up to the task of heay fr and dh, but i would still like to try one. as for other frames the dritbag sounds like a winner, the new giant fr bike. the ac are not that good in my opinion (too flexy). also check out the 24 la dude that thing looks sweet and i don't even like their style. there are about 100 other frames that would fit the bill but i can't think of them right now.

 

[Smelly]

How about an Azonic Saber? 5-6", FSR, full seat height range. Then keep two forks around (you got enough room for another fork right?) and swap out the SC fork to a DC for big DH days.

as someone who tried that with my Saber, i wouldn't recommend it. the bb is already kinda high on that bike and the headtube is pretty long. i tried putting a 7" super T on the front of mine and the bike was a skyscraper. bb was a little over 15".

 

[Funky Monk]

If you still want to replace the two bikes with just one, the new turner 6-pack seems to fit the bill.

With a burly long travel (spv?) sc (fox 36, sherman etc.), two rings up front, and a solid tubeless wheelset you would have a great do-it-all rig, capable of ripping no matter the place.

As for the commuter, just look around for some old but quality roadbike and maybe turn it into a singlespeed.

 

[Zark]

as someone who tried that with my Saber, i wouldn't recommend it. the bb is already kinda high on that bike and the headtube is pretty long. i tried putting a 7" super T on the front of mine and the bike was a skyscraper. bb was a little over 15".

15" is on the high side isn't it I stand corrected, that doesn't sound like a good call.

So its about 14" with a 6" fork? Perfect For a bike to do a little of everything with I'd rather have a 6" SC. Its still a sweet ride, I like those Sabers.

 

[Toshi]

Zark, do keep in mind that a 6" SC will likely be as tall if not taller than a 7" DC...

 

[MikeD]

New Turner 6-pack? Put a 6" SC up or a 6" Sherman Slider up front? Maybe have a light wheelset and a heavy wheelset...I did that for a while with my RFX.

MD

Edit: Oops. Already been suggested. Consider this another vote. Best thing is, it's not *really* a new bike for Turner...been making this type of bike for years already, with various tubesets. So you're not getting unproven design in the 1st model year...

 

[SuspectDevice]

there's a new Sinister comin' out that would be *perfect* for what you're looking for! look for info on it after the big show!
ok, so i whore myself to companies, is that bad?

What he said. We have protos built up right now with breakouts, breakout plus's and Super T's. 4, 5 and 6" of rear travel (Probally, might change a little bit towards more travel). Word from Bootleg is that they are pretty damn fun! :devil:

 

[Instigator]

Don't listen to any of those guys................trade the F4 for a heckler

 

[Jesus]

I would look for a used Uzzi SLX w/ a 5th element or propedal. I have the propedal with the 7" travel linkage and it pedals great and feels bottomless on big hits. If you had the bucks get 2 forks, a triple clamp for DHing and a single crown with adjustable travel. Just order an extra headset bottom race to put on the other fork. Then it wouldn't take much time to swap forks and change frame geometry for what you plan to do that day.

Since I don't race anyway, I am getting rid of my DH bike, and will use my SLX for everything. I got the 5th on mine, and I keep it in the 6" setting all the time, with a Flick on the front.

The only problem I encountered was limited seatpost adjustment. But I got a Titec Scooper and solved that problem. 70mm stem also seems to be a good comprimise. Mine weighs in the 34lb range, and I am slow anyway, so it doesn't bother me much. Also got a front der, with 2 chainrings, and a bashguard.

The only thing that is a little sketchy are the FSA Carbon cranks. I just don't feel comfortable jumping or dropping with them, so i'm selling those and going with something beefier, and an E-13 DRS.

 

[MMcG]

Since I don't race anyway, I am getting rid of my DH bike, and will use my SLX for everything. I got the 5th on mine, and I keep it in the 6" setting all the time, with a Flick on the front.

The only problem I encountered was limited seatpost adjustment. But I got a Titec Scooper and solved that problem. 70mm stem also seems to be a good comprimise. Mine weighs in the 34lb range, and I am slow anyway, so it doesn't bother me much. Also got a front der, with 2 chainrings, and a bashguard.

The only thing that is a little sketchy are the FSA Carbon cranks. I just don't feel comfortable jumping or dropping with them, so i'm selling those and going with something beefier, and an E-13 DRS.

That sounds like a tasty set up Jesus!

 

[Zark]

Zark, do keep in mind that a 6" SC will likely be as tall if not taller than a 7" DC...

Bah! I give up! A Z150 is that tall? I know 66's are tall

Get a fukkin townie bike and let it rot outside, keep your good bikes you have now. Do-all bikes do nothing well anyway

 

[SDH]

I am kinda in the same boat now living in a apt.

here were my options...............all would have a DRS on them

Hi-end options:
Uzzi SL (very good trail rider and really nice free rider that will get you thru a race at Platty)
The new Titus (forgot name) that can transform from a DH rig to a trail frame
really the best of both worlds but big$$$$$$

Mid-range option:
Gemini, adjustable travel, top pro in the East schools on a gemini in MTX and tough enough to handle the rigors of Diablo

Bullit with 2 shocks. Coil for free riding and racing. The bullit will handle almost any east coast race course outside of the moto speed Mount snow course but for the tight and twisty nasties of P-kill it should hold its own. Then get the manitou SPV air shock that will drop the bullits travel down to 5.6" (or somewhere around there) and wham you have a trail bike that is as light as a heckler but stronger.

Low option:
'03 IH expert SGS, adjustable travel 5-7". In the 5" mode it is a pretty stiff ride and is GREAT for Djing, urban and MTX
Pop it into the 7" mode it really softens and is fine for all your Diablo exploits

PS
FYI for what it is worth....................
I have ridden and raced extensively all of the bikes listed except the Titus and as you say no bike will do both exceptionally well but all will be "good enough". IMHO, the bullit option or the SGS option is the best choice(s)