and will be using it for freeriding (drops and beating around). Also I have a DH bike too. The biggest drop would be aroiund 8 feet. Would a vp free be overkill, or tough on tight climbs? I like the bullit too b/c I can put a z150 on it too. I ride in the northeast so keep in mind it will be tight and techy, and will want a good climber. I just want feedback from people with experience on the vp free.
Looking at a bullit or vp free...
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Based upon the suspension design, the VP *should* be the better climber.
My LBS got one in this weekend, and FWIW I gave it the parking lot test tonight. . .it doesn't bob very much at all for an 8+" travel bike (even though it was undersprung for my weight), but it sure didn't feel like the mountain goat that some claim it is.
My LBS got one in this weekend, and FWIW I gave it the parking lot test tonight. . .it doesn't bob very much at all for an 8+" travel bike (even though it was undersprung for my weight), but it sure didn't feel like the mountain goat that some claim it is.
With its vpp rear end the free is a more efficient climber, has less brake jack, and it's also stiffer in the rear end (full rear triangle, 12mm axle, beefier drops). But it's heavier, so as for climbing it's a trade-off. You might want to check the wheelbase spec but the free might also be slightly longer, which could impact handling in the tight stuff.
If you've already got a dh bike, the bullit may be a better call for you, or even a Heckler, especially if you want to run a z150.
If you've already got a dh bike, the bullit may be a better call for you, or even a Heckler, especially if you want to run a z150.
ok, i've got a medium bullit if you're interested. I broke down the parts by price and it is worth about $1100, easily but am looking to sell for about 900. anyways, here are the pics if interested.
http://tuzakey.com/~manziman/Bullit/
ok, rock on. (buuuyyy the buullllittttt)
http://tuzakey.com/~manziman/Bullit/
ok, rock on. (buuuyyy the buullllittttt)
I demoed a VP Free at Mammoth a few weeks back, it pedals like a mother****er. When it's dialed, and the sag is set right where it should be, the rear end is a rock. It will be my next bike.
I'm right here in massachusetts . I might have something for you.
I have an 02' Bullit that currently has a Z150 on it and have ridden it on single track, Northstar and Whislter. I love it. Depending on what you run for your drivetrain (cogs / chainring combo), it could be a descent climber. The Bullit is definately lighter, cheaper and is capable of drops, I have done at least 9' drop on mine.
Good luck in your choice and post a pick when you get it.
Good luck in your choice and post a pick when you get it.
I just sold my Bullit and am now on a VP free. I completely agree with this guy.dan-o said:
Nothing against the Bullit, but the VP Free is better in every catagory except the price. However, if you can use it for DH and hardcore trail riding then it might be cheaper since you only need one bike.
I recommend that you ride someone's VP Free. I am sure that once you ride it you would want one. The funny thing is that I offered demo rides on my VP Free last weekend to anyone that was checking it out and only one person took me up on it. Everyone else was afraid of crashing my brand new bike. The guy that did try it said he was buying a VP Free once he could get rid of his current bike.
I recommend that you ride someone's VP Free. I am sure that once you ride it you would want one. The funny thing is that I offered demo rides on my VP Free last weekend to anyone that was checking it out and only one person took me up on it. Everyone else was afraid of crashing my brand new bike. The guy that did try it said he was buying a VP Free once he could get rid of his current bike.
ChrisKring said:
That's why i'm going to refuse to even touch one untill i have the money to get one. I've just built up a bullit and i'm happy with it right now, but if i rode a vp-free then i'd most likely sell the bullit and get a vp frame
. then i'd have to save up for 2 years to get some parts on it.what i'm trying to say here is: My vote is for the vp-free
Dang, this thread makes me sad. I really like my new Bullit. It pedals really well with about 100psi in the 5th... hardly any bob even out of the saddle. The only bob I get is on that first pedal stroke out of the saddle, otherwise it stiffens right up. Also, it takes drops and the like very well. The only place I think it could improve (without something to compare it to) would be in the high speed bumps category, but that coule be in tuning the shock. It's just kinda bumpy, but that could also be brake jack. I think I'll stick with the Bullit though because if I get a VPFree, then I'll have to go even bigger and faster, and I already hurt myself enough (currently have a swollen knee, big bruise on thigh, major soft tissue damage to hand w/ strange contusion, and a left arm with limited motion).
Granted the only climbing my bullit does is up fire roads but I've got a bullit with a regular fox rc on it and it pedals just fine for a FS bike. My pedal stroke is round enough that it hardly bobs at all while I'm seated, just enough to give me a little traction edge over a hardtail when the fireroads have those big arse rocks on them.
i just got a bullit the other week set up with a fox vanilla rc, and a sigma 8'' fork, im pleased with it, provided if i had the cash to go with the vp i probably would have, but for now im sticking with my bullit. i wouldnt take to much of what i have to say tho, ive ben riding hardtails for years and loving it and thought i would try something different. :devil:
Who has a pic of the VP free w/ a z 150? What is the HA like?
Heal up Quick!!!!!erikkellison said:
I have a VpFree and I am in love with this bike! I have considered selling my trail bike..... I don't think I want to because my Free does weigh 43lbs so it's not exactly a XC rig but very climbing capable.
I have a 7" 888 on mine and find that it handles awesome! It really comes to life at speed and feels very stable. It feels really at home on the drops and jumps. It also sprints really well out of corners.