[CSkolnick]

Ive been mostly looking at rocker style bikes to fill my big-hittable yet still trail rideable needs in a frame for this coming season. ive also thought a fair bit about straight up single pivots as a good, lightweight (relatively) alternative to the heavier rocker style bikes (Dirtbag, Chap, etc). We all know the Bullit is the standard by which all SP bikes are judged and they have proven themselves time and time again to be as durable as they are versatile. However, this sounds bad, i HATE the looks/sizing on the large size frames. Gemini's (FR, not the DH) on the other hand, look great to me. They are longer (so i can get a medium as opposed to a large), have more standover (the double diamomnd design makes sense to me) and just plain look better (IMHO)
However, a bike can look great and have all the right numbers on paper but if it does not hold up, i wont get it. better yet, i CANT get it because i no longer afford to put my safety at risk because of catstrophic failure (front end snapping off a 15x15 stair gap, for instance).
What do you all feel about the gemini as compared to say, a Bullit regarding strength and stiffness?
is the Gemini a btter bike for a XC rider wanting more cush or FR/DH rider wanting less weight and more trail riding abilty but still wanting to style the big hits (and when i say style the big hits, i mean LANDING the hits.......relatively smooth. Not crashing down with the bike as a safety net)
thanks all.

 

[HRDTLBRO]

The Gemini is a more than capable bike. The frame is light, stiff, and strong, especially with the 12mm thru-axle. It pedals well for XC rides, but it is really mean't to rip down the hill. With all these new Gemini threads...i've been tempted to pick up the DH frame for next year.

 

[sanjuro]

Well, the Bullits from the last few years are made in Taiwan. But even the quality of the VPP bikes, which are made in Oregon, is so-so. A big SC dealer I know questions the quality of his bikes, and he rides a Blur.

The Cannondale frames are welded better and finished better than most production (and some custom) frames. Beyond the aesthetics, the chances of a stress riser is minimized this way.

Frankly, I think most decent companies put out reliable frames, and they should all be safe and strong. But alot of cycling purchases is mental, so go with your gut.

 

[bullcrew]

I ride a large bullit and agree with the fear of failure. I weigh 205lbs and 6'4'. I drop with confidence on it. I had a '01' before the '04' and loved it. It has proven itself from the begining and remains in the top as far as a bike that can freeride and downhill.
I fear very little when it come to riding and my theory on riding is pain is it's only momentary but the accomplishment of going bigger lasts a lifetime, So go HUGE!
I ride it because I trust it, I trust all of my components too. The first step is having the confidence that the frames going to stay under your butt, not in it.
Hands down I trust my bullit more than anyother bike out there. Not to say that the other bikes are weak, by no means are they. But with all the guys around here doing 10-13' drops to flat concrete (chinc, andy and the other one) the bullit frame chink rides is the only one I've on several occasions do the drop. his frame is the only one still intact with no bends or stressed out areas.