[Li'l Dave]

So I have the option to buy an Intense Slopestyle now and have a bike for the winter to ride here in Norcal, or wait until around february and get a new SX trail. I've ridden both bikes, and the one thing with the Intense (like I read somewhere on here) is that the rear end is flexy. If you grab the tire and shake it around it moves the linkage a bit. The SX trail is more solid in that department, but the FSR lacks square edge performance.

Is the SS worth it, or should I just suck it up and wait?

 

[Zark]

The SS is stiffer that the 6.6 it was based off of. With a bolt on or thru-axle it should be fine.

The SS is one of the coolest bikes I've tried. Light, nimble, pretty plush and the most awesome mini DH geometry ever. The SX trail feel heavier, less compliant and missing something. Its stiff though, thats for sure.

btw, how's the hand strength these days? still having trouble?

 

[jonnynails]

I have very little riding time on the slopestyle, but the geomotry feels spot on for a mini DH bike. It is more nimble then the SX trail, I think mainly due to the longer wheelbase on the SXT? I have been riding an SXT now for 2 seasons as my DH and all mountain rig. I have to say that the bike impresses me on every different kind of terrain every single time I ride it. It has saved my a$$ many times and just begs to go faster and bigger. The only pitfall of the bike in my opinion versus the SS is in the really slow switchbacks, but once you get used to it you don't even notice. I'm really the type of person who gets a new DH bike every year, but this is the one bike that may even make it 3 seasons. Like I said, not much experience on the SS so take my comparison for what it is worth which is more of a pitch for the SX Trail. My vote would be if you are doing more true DH trail then I would opt for the SXT, but if your doing more all mountain, Stunts and jumps then I would lean towards the SS.

Here's a pic for good measure:

 

[bullcrew]

Nice drop diggin the bike!

 

[Li'l Dave]

The reason that I'm really looking at the SS is because my shop has a demo one that is in pretty good shape that I can buy really cheap. I'll need to rebuild the fork, but other than that it works pretty well. The rear end is noticeably flexy though when you grab it, just makes me a little uneasy(its a non-through axle version). I'll have to check it out again, I think I can even steal it again on Friday and go hit up UC Santa Cruz.

My hands still suck Noah, but I can put up with it in Santa Cruz because the runs are pretty short and a little smoother. No doctor seems to be able to figure out what is wrong with them, for now its looking like I'm screwed. I still want a bike though, I don't even own a mountain bike right now and its a little sad.

 

[Sandwich]

no personal experience but I love the look of the intense SS and think there may be one in my future someday. It is available with different dropouts, I think, so if stiffness is an issue, pick up the 150mm throughaxle dropouts and get to it.

I don't really think you can go wrong with either bike, but i like the intense for it's intensiness.

 

[Kanye West]

They're mad flexy and kinda twitchy too. For quick smooth bermy stuff they're cool. The steep SA feels and looks kinda weird as well.

 

[DaveyIntense]

Hey man,

I have the SS and it is very flexi at the rear end if you grab it with your hand and pull it about but unless you do that then your not going to notice the flex!!

The bike is a brilliant all round bike it does everything well i used mine in the Mega it never faltered i found it good for cycling up hills and great fun on the descents.

I did however have a misalignment in the rear end when i got mine but intense replaced this under waranty and i aint had any other issues with it.

Mine is built up with more FR/DH in mind and has a good spec that comes in at the 37lb mark.

Spec:
Truativ bars
thompson stem
Xt Groupset front and rear
Formula oro k24 brakes
Totem solo air 160mm
Archos headset
mavic 521 wheels on hope pro 2 hubs
intense edge tyres(the heavy duty ones, they add a bit of weight)
Atlas cranks
E-thirteen drs (dual chain guide)
Fox dhx 5 with ti spring
SDG i beam Carbon sadle and seatpost
Sram cassete

I think thats it.

I could maybe loose a couple of pounds here and there on the bike but id probably leave it a bit stronger and loose a few pounds myself.

 

[Li'l Dave]

Thats good to hear, I really want that bike to work out. The bike is built at the shop with a pretty nice spec, and all I really would have to do is put a wider bar and some new tires on it. The best part is that I'm impatient and I would be able to take the bike NOW! I'm trying to wait it out and try a few bikes, I can't wait to see how it rides this week.

The 2009 SX Trail was cool, it did feel a little long in the wheelbase, but nothing too bad. When I rode the bike is was pouring outside which didn't help, but it was fun.

 

[Salami]

I recently bought a SS. Here are some of the reasons I bought the SS over the SX Trail:

The bike is dead sexy. Absolutely gorgeous. American built craftsman ship at it's best. A more exclusive bike/brand (not that this should matter but it did play a tiny role).

Rear end can be run with a QR, 10 or 12mm thru-axle. Seems to be less flex from the QR to the 10mm, I would like to try a 12mm to see if it improves more.

Un-interupted seat tube. For me the bike has to go up and down and I don't like the idea of a telescopic post.

The SS doesn't have the goofy E2 head tube or what ever Special Ed calls it. I prefer to be able to pick a nice quality headset without mixing or matching parts.

The SS rear end can be set up with a 135mm or 150mm dropouts. Guessing her but I would think the 150 would make for the stiffest rear end option.

Probably some other reasons but I can't think of them so I will leave you with some porn.

 

[Li'l Dave]

Now why in the world did you have to go and do that Salami, now I really want one! One thing though, what is with that tire choice? Haha, sick bike though, that thing looks awesome.

 

[DirtMcGirk]

^^^
That is dead sexy.

Now I want one.

 

[Li'l Dave]

Does anyone know the difference between the 2007 and 2008 and 2009 SS's? I'm still gonna ride the shop's SS on Friday, but I may be able to get a new one.

 

[jonnynails]

One thing though, what is with that tire choice?

Michelins are the heat over here on this side of the country.

Nice looking bike salami - we need to ride my backyard sometime soon. If the rain holds off for more then a day or two it should dry up enough.

 

[Li'l Dave]

They just look awfully non-knobby for a big bike like that.

 

[Salami]

Does anyone know the difference between the 2007 and 2008 and 2009 SS's? I'm still gonna ride the shop's SS on Friday, but I may be able to get a new one.

I don't think there is a 2007. I believe 2008 is the first year. Only difference I have heard for 2009 is the ISCG tabs are machined one piece with the BB shell for better alignment of the tabs and more strength. Will also be ISCG 05. http://forums.mtbr.com/showpost.php?p=4680566&postcount=19

Now why in the world did you have to go and do that Salami, now I really want one! One thing though, what is with that tire choice? Haha, sick bike though, that thing looks awesome.

Tires are Michelin Mountain Dry2. In the warm months here in Charlotte the trail is mostly hard, dry, red clay. Fast with mimimal loose dirt. These Mich's are perfect for that, super fast and grip great for the conditions.

The trails are much looser this time of year, I have something much more aggressive now.

They just look awfully non-knobby for a big bike like that.

Yeap. But as seen it weighs between 33-34 lbs and the tires roll so fast it makes for a really fun trail bike.

 

[Salami]

Michelins are the heat over here on this side of the country.

Nice looking bike salami - we need to ride my backyard sometime soon. If the rain holds off for more then a day or two it should dry up enough.

Thanks. We do need to get together to ride soon. Need inspiration to build in the vacant areas behind my house!!

 

[Sandwich]

Can anybody with experience tell me how a large fits? I want to pick one up, but the listed TT on the large is perfect, but I don't know if that's ETT or actual, and whether, on this bike, that makes a difference...I'm 5'11" and like longer bikes.

 

[Salami]

I am 6ft even and I am on a medium with a 70mm stem. I went back and forth on which size to get due to my height and am happy with my decision. I don't like my bikes long nor short, like them just right. I wanted to be able to climb when necessary but be able to throw the bike around for the fun stuff. There is enough room to move around with out being cramped with this size frame/stem.

Actual measured TT from top center of head tube to top center of seat tube on my medium is 22". If I measure what would be considered effective I get the 22.5" listed on Intense's site. I would say the 23.5" for the large should be effective and actual would probably be right at 23".

 

[Sandwich]

That is awesome, thank you.

 

[SpastikSlingkee]

Laffy Jaffy!!! i didnt think u would ever consider the bike! i thought shawn had u convinced!

 

[climbingbubba]

I have never ridden an SX trail but would really like to because i hear good things about them. im trying to talk my brother into buying one so i can give it a spin.

the negative i see is that the 09's use a 7.85 X 2.25 rear shock which gives them about a 3:1 leverage ratio. im not sure why they did this. it seems like most other companies are going to lower leverage ratios for better tuning and shock life.

I do own an Intense SS and the thing is amazing.
to address some of your questions.

1. They are flexy. im running a 12 x 135 rear and you can still grab and flex it but you won't notice it during riding.
2. im 6'0 and have a large. I use a 50mm stem (i love how stable they feel) and it is the perfect size. If you plan on riding uphill then definately go for the large, also the longer wheelbase will give you more stable of a feel. I rode mine and then my friends back to back. his was a medium and mine is the large. it was through a nice flowy jump line and his felt very cramped. we both run thomson x4 stems.
3. There are 08's and 09's. the 08's did come out in november of 07 but they are still the same as the 08's. the 09's did get the machined iscg tabs because alot of people, including the guy i ride with, have broken one or more of the tabs off on the 08's. not a big deal. you can always run a BB mounted chainguide.
As far as the hammerschmidt thing, i don't think the meant for the SS to be used with one. The hammerschmidt is like running a 22 or 24 tooth ring up front. VPP suspension was made to be used in the middle ring. the second gen vpp is supposed to fix a little but still not enough to be used with hammerschmidt. this is evident when you go to mtbr and read about the new tracer vpp proto that they are fitting a hammerschmidt with. They have to tweak the suspension design to work correctly with vpp suspension. they said they may never release it though.

so in conclusion, i love my SS. i have owned a banshee morphine, Transition Dirtbag, Transition bottlerocket, nicolai UFO st, and now my SS. The SS is by far my favorite bike. it is the Best all around bike that can still handle the big gaps. mine weighs just under 34 pounds and it is so nimble.
i loved it so much i am building up a Socom for the DH stuff.

wow that was long, hopefully it helps

 

[Li'l Dave]

Thanks for the info bubba, that helps. I noticed that with the rear end too, if you pull it, its flexy, but if you either push the BB around or corner hard it doens't flex at all. Plus, it pedaled incredibly well and really soaked everything up well.

I was able to ride the SS today, and I was really happy with the bike. I got to take it into the mud and get nice and dirty. It definitely felt more like a mini DH bike than the SX trail, low and slack. I did have to pedal the thing up the UCSC trails with the seat slammed, but it wasn't too bad (aside from me being in bad shape) I think I am going to go with the SS though, like I said, I was really happy with how it rode. I might just buy our shop demo too, I'll check on pricing tomorrow, but I think that I might be better off with the demo and I can change the necessary parts still far cheaper than a new one. It needs very little, just some brake work and new bar and stem.

 

[rockwool]

About the stiffness of 135mm vs 150mm. The smaller a frame triangle, or any triangle is, the stiffer it is. Same thing should apply in this case. I'd get the 135x12 dropouts.

 

[Salami]

About the stiffness of 135mm vs 150mm. The smaller a frame triangle, or any triangle is, the stiffer it is. Same thing should apply in this case. I'd get the 135x12 dropouts.

Doesn't seem to make sense in this case. The wider dropouts in theory should make triangle closer to having equal lengths which I think would make the "triangle" stiffer for side to side flex. Not to mention the 150mm hub should allow for a stiffer and stronger wheel. Or am I missing something?

 

[ismael]

the sx trail is very playful, light frame and the fsr is a very complete system, good for hard use and very rigid (i have an sx trail) but i have never probe an ss (i guess that is something a like socom).

 

[roel_koel]

you will get a better warranty from Specialized (lifetime) than Intense (FRO - 1 year)

I have no personal experience of riding the SS except for a quick car park test when building 2 SS bikes in our workshop for customers who had bought their frames on-line

I also know of 3 guys here in England who had the first gen SS. and none of these guys are riding them anymore

1 guy broke his SS 2 times in the upper link weld area, all warranty, sold the frame off and got a Cove STD - he did say it was the nicest frame he had ridden but could not trust it when going to Canada for a month vacation

the other 2 guys had serious issues with alignment, rear end flex and premature bearing wear - due to the alignment and flex

this is not typical of all SS - both these guys got theirs from the same on-line supplier within a month of each other, which means both frames probably from a "bad batch" as its an expensive frame and so not sold in large quantities

both got refunded and bought other brands

hopefully intense got their quality control sorted out...

 

[rockwool]

Doesn't seem to make sense in this case. The wider dropouts in theory should make triangle closer to having equal lengths which I think would make the "triangle" stiffer for side to side flex. Not to mention the 150mm hub should allow for a stiffer and stronger wheel. Or am I missing something?

I duno, my theory sounds better in my ears, but I couldn't say as a fact. Although, personally I wouldn't need a 150mm wheel as I don't huck, and I'd rather save some weight and a few deralliers.





The SS looks the bomb but dare I say, quality complaints on Intense ring in my ears a bit more often than most other bands. But if you're only keeping it for a year and have another bike to ride on while you wait for a replacement frame...

 

[?????]

I duno, my theory sounds better in my ears, but I couldn't say as a fact. Although, personally I wouldn't need a 150mm wheel as I don't huck, and I'd rather save some weight and a few deralliers.

The frames are the exact same. The only differences in the 135mm and 150mm are the machined drop-outs.

 

[Salami]

Gonna throw some more porn in this tread, put some new parts on her this week. Should be right about 33.5 lbs when I put the Ti spring on the DHX.

BTW. Anybody looking for a brand new pearl white medium SS frame?

 

[Li'l Dave]

Yeah, post more, that bike is sick. I ended up getting an SS, I love the thing, I'm just working out a few more little bugs. I'm not sure how much I like the new XT brakes, but everything else is awesome. I'll have pictures up when I can get a picture of the bike in the sun, I never stop to take any pictures during the day, too much riding to be done.

 

[Li'l Dave]

Here's a picture of the new (to me) dirty SS! Its almost where I want it, I just need to build new wheels at some point (the Dee Tracks are pretty screwed) and I'm still not too sure about the XT brakes as well. The bike is a portly almost 39 pounds, she needs to loose a little weight.

Anyone have any experience with the Formula The One brakes? We have some at the shop, and the levers feel awesome.

Also, Hadley Versus King? Both are obviously nice, but the Hadleys are a bit heavier. I've already got brand new 721 rims.