Seeking some trailbike input...

Zaskar Rider · Aug 21, 2004

Well it depends on how you wanna build the bike up.

If you want to go lighter than do the saber/Z1 route. If you want a heavier more FR oriented rig I'd go with the preston FR and the z150. The dirtbag sounds like it'd be a little heavy for what you want to use it for. I guess it depends are you going to be doing more Jumping/dropping or more climbing/cruising. That's up to you to figure out.

Either way on your choice of brakes I'd go the shimano route because here in the NW you don't wanna change cables all the time because of the mud and grit that gets in the steel cable setups. All in all the shimanos are pretty nice brakes, I've ridden a few of the different models. 4 piston xt, new xtr, and the deore hydros and they've all been great brakes. If you do decide to go the Avid route, get the full metal jacket cables from them. It will make a HUGE difference in power than with standard cables/housing.

And yes FSA makes good stuff I'd trust everything they make. Oh and to round out the drivetrain duties I recently made the shift from shimano to Sram and am not looking back.

I just realized, sounds like the heckler might be the perfect rig for you. Those things are burly and still relatively light. Can be setup to pedal well too.

chicodude · Aug 21, 2004

dont forget about giant, they have the vt series, and the ac series.

Zark · Aug 21, 2004

Saber does look good, in black

A Raleigh? really now! I know its a good deal and support from the shop and all, but I'd still say no way! Darby cycles is not who you want making your bike, believe me!

Some of my favorite trailbike candidates.

Enduro, '05 sounds awesome, whole bikes too! Spec. has great warr. too!
5 Spot, perfect but pricey.
Saber, poor man's RFX, gotta love it.

VT, hollowpoint, Heckler are all really good whole bikes that could kick ass too.

cali4niabiker · Aug 21, 2004

chicodude01 said:
dont forget about giant, they have the vt series, and the ac series.

You might want to check out the Giants, especially the AC 1, 2, Air series. Yeah, these bikes may be a bit on the heavy side (for AC 1, 2), but they will most likely be within your budget range. With the right build, you can build an awesome FR bike. :thumb:

My rule of thumb: go check out these bikes mentioned above and check out the Giant AC's. When you've figured out your budget & riding style, pick out the one that you feel has the best vibe with you.

l8r
-CAbiker

fr-rider · Aug 21, 2004

chicodude01 said:
dont forget about giant, they have the vt series, and the ac series.

Giant AC's seem to be some versatile bikes...take a look at the video on their website, it explains some features on the bike.

MMcG · Aug 21, 2004

If you are 220 and plan on staying that weight - I'd shy from the Giant line-up.

I haven't been on one but I've seen two Prestons in person out here on th east coast and they look to be very soundly built and they look much beefier than the Giants I've seen recently.

Look into the complete bike kits that Transition offers as well - they are specing their complete bikes very similar to what you have described in your initial post. Could be cost savings involved with going that route vs. building a frame up. Just a thought.

fr-rider · Aug 21, 2004

MMcG said:
If you are 220 and plan on staying that weight - I'd shy from the Giant line-up.

I haven't been on one but I've seen two Prestons in person out here on th east coast and they look to be very soundly built and they look much beefier than the Giants I've seen recently.

Look into the complete bike kits that Transition offers as well - they are specing their complete bikes very similar to what you have described in your initial post. Could be cost savings involved with going that route vs. building a frame up. Just a thought.

Don't buy a bike just because it looks beefier...doesn't mean it's better built. Test ride before you buy.

Supa8 · Aug 21, 2004

My buddy is 240 and rides a Heckler. Loves the bike. I am 145 and also have a Heckler and for all around riding its the best bike I have owned in the last 10 yrs.

Sandwich · Aug 21, 2004

How about an Astrix Huckster or Stryke? 10.5/9.5 lbs respectively. 7.5" 5.8", or something like that.

I've never ridden them, but I loved my Lawill bikes, and I'm still hoping somebody on this bored will get one and give me a review.

chicodude · Aug 21, 2004

Earthmover said:
I don't think I'll be looking at the Giants or Specialized bikes, can't handle being quite that mainstream.

TheMontashu · Aug 21, 2004

Less we forget the prophet.

Sandwich · Aug 21, 2004

talk to ryan carroll, I emailed him about 30 times asking questions about the bike....I would've bought one if they had the SPV shock they have now...they used to have this POS DNM....I think his contact info is on the website somewhere....

www.astrixsports.com

butthead · Aug 22, 2004

Transition is a good company to deal with. I bought a Dirtbag from them about 6 months ago. I weigh in a bit heavier than you (270) and I can't feel any flex whatsoever. It pedals great with the Romic shock, even in the 6" shock position. The Preston has basically the same front triangle and chainstays, so it should be equally strong. I think either frame would fit the bill for a do-it-all trail bike.

freeridebiker21 · Aug 22, 2004

you should look at the kona coilers they look pretty tight! i think they could take about any thing you would want to take it over. i am about 200 pounds and the people at the bike shop said the coilers would be perfect for someone about that weight.check em out!

MMcG · Aug 22, 2004

Earthmover said:
I demo'd the Coiler Deelux last weekend, that's what got me going on this whole kick. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't quite right, wanted to check all the other options.

See if you can get a demo ride on a Preston - I bet the Transition guys would get you connected and hooked up with a bike to try out - maybe even for a whole day of riding to get a good impression of it. I think I remember reading some other RM members stating that they were able to do this.

Beyr · Aug 23, 2004

I own a Heckler, and can honestly say it is one of the best bikes I could have gotten. I only have one bike, so I need it to be able to handle all day XC rides and lift riding at North Star. I can say it performs very well in both applications. Plus the 2005 version has a 2.35 stroke length, increasing the travel to 140mm, which in my book makes it a better choice than the intense, due to its more freeride orientated geometry. Plus single pivots are less maintenance orientated than VVP frames (I know that reasons total BS :thumb:

)

The foes FXR also seems like a good choice if you can put down the money for the curnutt shock (Gotta have it), but I don't have any experience with it. Might be a little less beefy than you want though.

The transition with the danger boy plates really seems like a great frame, especially for the price. It might be alittle overkill. Maybe you could beter describe the kind of trails you'll be using this on so we could get a better idea of the kind of strength you need.

If you havent seen it, you can get some info on the 66 @ http://www.nsmb.com/gear/marz_sessions052_08_04.php
But if your gonna be putting a heavy fork on 'er, the weights gonna add up pretty quickly.

BMXman · Aug 23, 2004

I would also recommend a Heckler...lot of bike for the dough....D

Jm_ · Aug 23, 2004

Earthmover said:
Anybody have frame weights for the Azonic Saber and Turner 5 Spot? Right now, (not considering prices, yet) I think the Saber, FXR, 5" Plate Preston and the 5 Spot look like the best fit. As for the riding I'm planning for it...tech singletrack, some jumps and drops (on the smaller side, I've got the Subterranean for the bigger stuff) I just like my stuff to be reliable and not have to worry about it...

8.2 for the saber
FXR is right around 8 (less with the vanilla RL, but around 8 with the curnutt)

Jeremy R · Aug 23, 2004

Earthmover said:
Anybody have frame weights for the Azonic Saber and Turner 5 Spot? Right now, (not considering prices, yet) I think the Saber, FXR, 5" Plate Preston and the 5 Spot look like the best fit. As for the riding I'm planning for it...tech singletrack, some jumps and drops (on the smaller side, I've got the Subterranean for the bigger stuff) I just like my stuff to be reliable and not have to worry about it...

If I were you, I stick with the tough 5 inch bikes. Since you already have a big bike, the 5 inch bikes make a perfect trail bike for dragging up the hills as well as down. I would stick with the 130mm Z1 as well.
I have a 5-spot and it is perfect. If that is too pricey, then the Saber and the Dirtbag are nice too. And people seem to love the ride of the Heckler as well. And the complete Enduro is a good option also.
All good choices really. Have fun.

oly · Aug 23, 2004

Earthmover said:
Good call. My buddy's got the 4" Preston, which I like, but feel it needs more travel. He is getting the 5" plates soon, so I'll likely wait to check his. However, I would like to test the Dirtbag, in the 5.2" travel setting with a 5" fork and see what I think. Another couple options that have come up are the Foes FXR and the Intense 5.5 EVP. Pricier, yes, but worth it?? Y'all tell me!

Josh,

One consideration for the transitions with new plates is how the leverage changes with the upgrade. Watch the high leverage ratio designs.... im not sure the shock specs on those bikes, but its something to think about. it sucks to have to spend alot of time and $$ to find out the leverage ratio is too high, or that you must have 4 lbs orf steel to properly hold you up.....

Sabers are also a good choice if you want true FSR but want to save some $$, and the azonic black looks real good (saw a recoil this weekend). I seriously considered the saber before i got the 5-spot.

If your gonna step into the Foes or Intense price ranges, then you should consider the 5-spot. Im sitting at 240 right now and have been loving my it! I got on the kick of the spot after 2 bad experiences with bearing bikes. I really do believe the Bushings in the Turner frames to be much better than what i had been on previously. (not to say frames with bearings are bad, just what i had ridden had problems...mostly alignment issues.) I also really dig the FSR design. My last bike was of the "kona" 4-bar variety. I do notice that braking on the FSR is much better. I dont chatter as much going into a downhill corner for example...feels like my trail built bighit did, just 6lbs lighter.

I'd go spend a little time down at supergo. They have some of those bikes built up on the floor and you can maybe even "test" ride...just act into the sale and they will eat out of your hand. its a tough decision to make to find the real break between value and performance.

BTW, my mnedium spot with 650 steel romic was 7.34lbs on a digital shipping scale.

Later,
damon

Tully · Aug 23, 2004

I would definitely go for the 5 Spot. It's one of the lightest bikes that would work for you, plus it seems like it's definitely strong enough. If you can't afford it, the Saber would be really cool, too, plus it's even stronger. The Transition might be a good choice, too. E-mail them and find out if they were blowing shocks when they were testing the 5" plates.

Tully · Aug 23, 2004

By the way, I just checked Transition's site, and the Preston is 8.5 lbs, and the Dirtbag is 10.5 lbs.

Beyr · Aug 23, 2004

Me thinks the preston might be a little overkill. The Heckler/5-Spot/FXR seem to be the right bike for the job. I can say I've never had a problem with my the Heckler frame, I've only had it for 6 months, but I'm not a smooth rider :rolleyes:

I guess your just gonna have to go test them and see which one you like.

Islandmudpuppy · Aug 24, 2004

That sounds like a great build man, I almost went with the preston, but after much deliberation and thoughts about my uber hackness I bought a Dirtbag. I too dealt with Kevin, a really nice guy and he answered all my inane questions. Here is a pic of my build so far...its getting there, but I still have to get wheels built and just don't have the money...

and here are some up close and personal shots of my dirtbag...what can I say, I was bored...
http://www.rjwb.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=66&sid=e589279d06d95ec198fdcfc86aaa6565

I am building it up pretty simalar to yours, alot of FSA components that Kevin got me a great deal on, XT drivetrain that I bought of a guy in the classifieds, rims are going to be Mavic 521's if I ever get the cash together and I got a great deal on some Kenda 2.5 kevlar Nevagal/Blue grooves...its gonna rip once I get it done...hopefully a few more months and I will hae it. All I have to get is a pc59 chain, oury lock on grips, xt front der and some cables and housing and I am ready to rock...

Oh...and the Heckler is a great bike....killer ride, but a bit more expensive and not local for ya. Have you seen the review of the Preston on nsmb? if not here is the link to it for ya,

http://www.nsmb.com/gear/transition_review_04_04.php

mandown · Aug 24, 2004

anybody here know what the shock size is on the dirtbag or the preston? eye-to-eye and stroke lenght (huh huh, i said stroke).

oly · Aug 24, 2004

Earthmover said:
I talked to Kevin from Transition today, pretty nice guy! Said the leverage ratio on the Preston with the 5" plates is 3.3/1, which doesn't seem to out of line to me. I don't think it's going to be worth my while to spend the extra dough on something like the Turner or Foes, I'd be too scared to scratch the thing!! So I think the plan will be like this:

Transition Preston w/ 5" plates
Z1 FR
New XT hubs on the Mavic 521 rims that are laying around
Avid Cable Discs
Evil DRS
SRAM and FSA bits buried in the garage to round out the build

Now, I better get to work to finance the new stuff. Thanks for all the input everyone!! Love the Monkey...touch the Monkey...etc.

3.3:1 is pretty high. That means the stroke on the shock is 1.5. My concern with that and your weight would be the spring size. Did they suggest a spring for your weight? I'd make sure thats dialed before i threw down my $$. Maybe they have one in seattle you can sit on?? Im not saying its a bad choice, i just went through hell on my scream trying to get a high leverage design dialed for my weight..... hate to see ya go through the same thing,.......

Do you have the avid disks yet? I have a spare set at home.......

Islandmudpuppy · Aug 24, 2004

Earthmover said:
Anyone have any photos of the Preston FR with the Dangerboy plates installed? Can't find anything on Transition's website...

The plates have not been fully released yet, give Kevin a shout at Transition....they will know better than anyone here and theya re great guys.

Greyhound · Aug 24, 2004

This is the reply I got from Kyle at Transition when asked if he had any pics of the Preston with the Dangerboy plates:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi Jody, thanks for your interest in the Preston. I don't have a picture right now but i can try to get one (probably won't be able to get it until early next week). The dangerboy plates for the preston have the same style look as the ones for the dirtbag. Only difference is that hte preston plates are not as long and are obviously shaped for the preston. CNC style and engraving is same style though."

Cheers,
-Kyle
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sounds like they're still too fresh to get some real world input on their performance just yet. The test ride videos on their website show them wringing the Preston out on some good sized drops and fast trails. Even though the travel is only 4", it's sucking up the landings very well. I really like the look of the Preston, and think it would be a perfect fit for East Coast terrain even though it's a West Coast bike.

TheMontashu · Aug 24, 2004

they were on there bikes at sea otter, they look pimp

Tully · Aug 30, 2004

If you don't mind the weight, I would go for the Shiver SC on the Preston, because it seems like an awesome fork, plus $249 is hard to argue with.

Seeking some trailbike input...

Chimp

Monkey

The Spooninator

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Pourly Tatteued Jeu

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sled dog's bollocks

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