[Ole]

I'm just completing the process of becoming the Norwegian Intense distributor. I own a Tracer from before, but now I'm thinking seriously of using an SLX as my main ride. I've already got a very lightweight FS XC bike (Extralite F1, 22lbs with discs), so the SLX will be used for more hardcore riding sessions. I also want to be able to put a short stem and possible a double crown fork on it for pure DH fun once in a while. Does anybody use this bike for XC/trailriding? I'm thinking a Fox Vanilla Forx, some lighweight wheels etc, to keep the bike below 30lbs. I'm not so worried about the weight, but all that travel going up. Will the 5th Element make it an ok climber? What about technical uphills that require a lot of small jums, jerks etc? My plan is to get it with the right spring for the 7" setting, and use it in the 6" setting for trailriding. Hopefully this will give me around 5" of travel, since the shock will now be oversprung.

The reason I want the change, is that the Tracer has been decked out with more and more freeride-like components, like big tires, DH brakes etc. And it's still not too much fun on the downhills when we go to steep places like Chamonix or Riva del Garda.

 

[RideMonkey]

Motion Boy rides one as an all-arounder. I'm sure he will chime in here soon.

30 pounds? Not a chance.

edit: A bike like this will likely be 32 min, but that doesnt make it a bad trail bike.

 

[E-Man]

I've got my SLX set up just as you described for trail riding: Vanilla RLC fork, 5th Element, King ISO hubs w/317's, full XTR. Light but strong parts for the type of riding that I do. She's weighing in at 30lbs, 6oz (yes, it IS possible to get these bikes down to just about 30lbs). If I were into drops and more DH oriented riding, I'd be running stronger wheels and DH tires which would probably add another 3-4lbs to the bike. However, since this is my one and only ride and since it must take me everywhere, I've got it set up pretty light.

With the 5th Element, it's a great climber (much, much better than the Fox, which I also have), although still a bit heavy. I'd suggest getting a separate spring for 6" versus 7", especially since the difference can be over 100lbs on the spring weight. Since it's an easy change, less than 5 minutes, why over-spring the bike and ruin the performance?. Also, I run the bike in the 6" mode (middle position on the swing link) for just about everything and have only changd it to 7" twice for full-on DH stuff. It's not that big of a difference, only that the rate is more linear in the 7" mode and goes throgh the travel much more quickly. For the Fox fork, the 6" mode is a perfect match.

When properly set up, the SLX is a great all purpose trail bike. You won't be disappointed! Eric

 

[Toshi]

I have to agree that the SLX makes for an excellent trailbike. I had mine built up with Rhyno Lites, XT throughout, and a Super T up front and it came in at 37 lbs. Why I sold it was because I felt that having a urban/dj bike (+ a separate xc bike) would be better. If I could have afforded to have all three bikes it would have been a different matter...

 

[Espen]

OK Ole, you finally became a

 

[powderboy]

I think the SLX would be a great trailbike. I've ridden it a bit and loved it.

I ride a Turner RFX dialed in with a Super T, beefy tires and rims. It's heavy, but it climbs great and descends... need I even say how well it descends?

The SLX was my next choice after the RFX. As an all-around bike, the SLX could be built up in the low thirties, but still handle some abuse. Pure DH/FR stuff, youll be in the upper thirties as RideMonkey suggested.

 

[Motionboy2]

I have the SL, but the SLX is only a little less than a pund more than my frame. I would say if you have the cash then you can definatly build it up around say 30-31 lbs. As far as riding goes it is a great bike for anything, if you don't mind having a 30 pound xc bike. When i ride my bike DH i soften up the back a little and it is very smooth and active but when i ride it XC I firm it up a bit and the FSR rear end makes it a good bike to pedal. I am not going to say that my set up is the ideal XC bike or the ideal DH bike because it is neither, but it is very fun for both since i can't afford 2 bikes.
A friend of mine had a Tracer, M1 and Uzzi SLX. After he got the SLX he hardly rode the Tracer anymore untill he finally sold it. SLX is his primary XC bike as well as light DH and trails.
I have talked to several people up at Keystone and Vail that are thinking about getting SLX's as their primary race DH bike. Just so they can have the Weight advantage.
So my vote is do it, you will love it and you may never want to ride anything else!