[powderboy]

My first question... is there anything worth living for now that the best freeride bikes will no longer be made?

I've been a lucky owner of a 2002 RFX and a 2003 Prototype Route 66 and I've never been happier with either. Well, the Route 66 did have some issues with the Romic and this Sherman is taking a bit of an adjustment. Regardless, that has nothing to do with the performance of these frames.

I think the only other real competition is the Intense Uzzi SLX, but it has that awful interrupted seat tube. I can't imagine anything that limits the ability of a bike more than an interrupted seat tube. It just plain sucks if you want to climb and descend on the same ride.

Well, now that the best freeride bikes made will no longer be made, what's the next best thing?

- Cannondale Gemini?
- Intense Uzzi SLX?
- Kona Stinky Dee-Lux?
- Santa Cruz Bullitt?
- Ellsworth Joker?
- Specialized Big Hit?

 

[dhmtbj]

Maybe the ellsworth Id, but that isn't as tough as the RFX. You could check out the new Balfa 2step DH. Should be a sweet bike.

 

[MikeD]

Maybe it's just me and my body and my bike size, but the interrupted tube on my Spec Big Hit doesn't limit me at all. I can slam it all the way down and also get full XC extension.

I have short legs, though, and the bike has a long seattube.

Aesthetically, I think it's fugly, but I do like my bike very much.

I'm looking at a Nicolai Nucleon Freeride for the next bike, tho.
I hate my derailleurs.

MD

Edit: Oh, by the way, I'm pretty devastated that I'll never own the Turner...the Lucky 7 might just have been my next bike for trails to DH...it's been my dream to own a bike with those features and aesthetics since I began biking.

 

[powderboy]

Originally posted by ellsworth
Maybe the ellsworth Id, but that isn't as tough as the RFX. You could check out the new Balfa 2step DH. Should be a sweet bike.

I'll have to talk to the Balfa rep, and see what the story is on the Balfa 2-Dtep DH. I heard that it was still a "maybe" for 2003 and not until sometime in the summer. Maybe I'm mistaken.

Can the 2-step DH accept a front deraileur? I'll tell you what... that BB7 is the best pedaling DH rig I've ridden. I love it!!! But I'm not pedaling that thing uphill for too long.

 

[dhmtbj]

Originally posted by powderboy
I'll have to talk to the Balfa rep, and see what the story is on the Balfa 2-Dtep DH. I heard that it was still a "maybe" for 2003 and not until sometime in the summer. Maybe I'm mistaken.

Can the 2-step DH accept a front deraileur? I'll tell you what... that BB7 is the best pedaling DH rig I've ridden. I love it!!! But I'm not pedaling that thing uphill for too long.

As far as I know, the 2StepDH will be made for 2003 but will be the last model produced so it won't come out for a while. I'm not sure about the deraileur question. The 2StepDH should be lighter than the BB7.

 

[powderboy]

Ellsworth...

Maybe you should have chosen a less "brand name" handle for these forums now that you're hooked up with Balfa.

I'm sure I could get a steal on any Balfa I wanted. How does the regular 2-step ride?

 

[dhmtbj]

Originally posted by powderboy
Ellsworth...

Maybe you should have chosen a less "brand name" handle for these forums now that you're hooked up with Balfa.

I'm sure I could get a steal on any Balfa I wanted. How does the regular 2-step ride?

Yeah yeah yeah

I have never ridden the 2step so I found some old reviews of it. Overall I think it is a sweet bike and would own one if I had enough money to get a third bike. It would be a perfect bike to fill the gap between my minuteman and my BB7.

Fro, "Taz"

"Now for the ride report:

Went out on a 9 mile ride today, riding all the nasty trails at my local park. And I have to say, this bike pedals damn good! I did some serious climbs and the suspension soaked up the bumps will not ejecting me from the seat (like the C'dale did). The small bump performance was excellent! My riding buddy commented that he seen the rear wheel moving a lot over the roots and rocks. I am 110% satisified with this frame! One ride and I'm already loving the performance. Braking was the same way, no stiffening of the rear suspension while under heavy braking.

Now if I can find someone that will ride around and do some urban riding with me. Going to my LBS tomorrow to hang it on the scale and see if anyone wants to ride. I can't wait to get on the bike. Probably will be riding it to work tomorrow.

OH and just like How told me, the bike has GREAT balance, the CG (center of gravity) is very low. Very easy to wheelie!"

http://www.nsmb.com/gear/balfa_2step04_2001.php