[Frankenschwinn]

I ride an 04 V10. Mostly racing but it is a very capable bike. It is a little harder to get off of the ground because it has 4" of sag but it is very stable on the ground and in the air. It chews up rockgardens and swallows them.

It would be my recommendation.

 

[Jimmy_Pop]

DUDE ! Jump on this now!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=22679&item=7130599524&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Cool I'll look into it tonight, I am leaning towards the V-10 04 model now. I was looking and It looks to be a well rouned bike.
I am undertaking the chore of polishing out the complete frame, swingarm, handle bars, shock legs and archs tonight on the bullit. My buddy just bought a anodizing set up out of LA for $375,000. were going to do the bike tomorrow A.M. and then I'll put her back together by thur. I'll post pics.
He's doing frames for $100 - $150 right now as a special. He does a ton of sporting stuff since he bought it. I'll see how it comes out then post pic.s along with his info.
He has stuff shipped in already from around the country to be done then turns around and ships it back when completed. Usually same day unless he has a big run going on.
He tiedyed his knife handle in anodizing 4 diff. colors with swirls etc..

 

[quickneonrt]

what about just getting the new swing arm for the Bullit from Tonic http://www.tonicfab.com/ it's cromo lowers the bike .5" has qr or tru axel option and gives it 8". Would be cheaper than a new frame. Otherwise i recomend the Demo 9 over the v-10, they weigh about the same but the demo pedals much nicer and handles better, the v-10 pretty much just plows over stuff and likes to go straight. I have ridden both and personally like the D9 much better. Plus the demo has a lifetime warranty, is built like a tank and you might be able to locate a left over 04 for a really good price.

 

[zane]

Are you looking to spend a bunch of cash, or buy something used for a good deal? That would be a big factor- if you're buying new a demo 9 would be a good pick, they're still pretty spendy in the used market.

 

[quickneonrt]

if you're buying new a demo 9 would be a good pick, they're still pretty spendy in the used market.

not really true, for the price of a R9 or Canfield frame you can buy a complete Demo 9, used demo 9 pro's are going for under $2000 and new left overs can be had for about $2500.

 

[ncrider]

In many ways the vp free is the bullit's big brother, if you like your bullit but want something more burly and with more travel, check it out. It's built for the kind of stuff you want and you can build it up less than 45 no problem.

You could say that because it has more travel, but it'd be more like a cousin than a direct sibling (different linkage design or different genee pool). I'd say it's more like the V10's little brother (both have vpp tech).

Either way you should really focus on the vpfree or Demo 9 for the riding your looking at. Maybe the RM7 too.

 

[seismic]

not really true, for the price of a R9 or Canfield frame you can buy a complete Demo 9, used demo 9 pro's are going for under $2000 and new left overs can be had for about $2500.

....but Canfields are just super nice.....

 

[OGRipper]

You could say that because it has more travel, but it'd be more like a cousin than a direct sibling (different linkage design or different genee pool). I'd say it's more like the V10's little brother (both have vpp tech).

And Robin was all: "Holy Splitting Hairs Batman!!"

And Shaggy was all: "Zoinks!!!"

 

[seismic]

And Robin was all: "Holy Splitting Hairs Batman!!"

And Shaggy was all: "Zoinks!!!"

 

[bullcrew]

I still am undecided. I like the v-10 but yeah with 4" of sag it's going to make freeride a little hard, AAAAHHHHH! All I want is my cake and eat it to.
I need a rie thats capable of DH more than anything and yet I want to bunnyhop and freeride on the off time.

 

[seismic]

Maybe an Orange 223.....they are super DH race machines and I have some friends also using them for Freeride...it is not impossible...and you can set them up so they do not sag much...

 

[UiUiUiUi]

bullcrew buy a canfield F1 or if you want a real tank buy my 2003 Canfield Fatty Fat


ah seismic i forgot your review.
sorry.
imho the F1 makes a great racer. it pedals extremely well yet the suspension feels really deep. hard to describe.
no noticeable pedal feedback.
the bb is "medium low" (can't measure it right now, the bike's in pieces) it corners really good is stable at mach 2 and still light and nimble enough to work in tight sections and you can throw it around.
all in all i LOVE it

everything has its drawbacks:
the suspension works great(better then anything i tried) but the rearward axlepath which helps so much to keep momentum over rough sections makes Wheelies/manuals and imho bunny hops more work.
its way easier on other dh bikes but the F1 is a big step forward compared to the Fatty Fat

btw the dh bikes i owned over the last years:
Grossman AP210
Spooky/ftw Motorhead (predecessor to the sinister R9)
fatty fat
and now the F1

 

[seismic]

Thanks for the review.... !!! Yes, - the Fatty Fat looks great too...but is there a significant difference between the two bikes ?? F1 vs. FF ?? I could imagine that the FF is heavier...but what else ??

 

[UiUiUiUi]

Thanks for the review.... !!! Yes, - the Fatty Fat looks great too...but is there a significant difference between the two bikes ?? F1 vs. FF ?? I could imagine that the FF is heavier...but what else ??

main difference is size and geometry.
the fatty fat is a large (f1 medium) has way longer chainstays. an inch more travel and steeper head angle.
the suspension ramps up later and feels completely bottomless. I bottomed it out maybe 2 times and i didn't relly feel it just heard the "clunk" sound when the shock was fully compresed
the F1 pedals better and its a more agile bike

at last the fatty fat is about 1.5kg heavier

 

[seismic]

Thanks a lot for the answer ! A FF would be cool to try...but they seem pretty expensive to buy !!!

 

[MikeD]

There are 2 V10s and a Demo-9 in the buy/sell right now on the first page of the frames listing.

MD

 

[seismic]

yeah...lots of choices !

 

[crash test]

The new V10 is 11.8 lbs with axle, seat collar and steel spring. About 3 lbs lighter than the old V10.
I just bought one. I haven't been able to test it, but i expect it to be a better freerider than my 03 V10. Although the BB is lower than previous years I hear you do not have to run as much sag. So effectively you should get that height back. Also they shortened up the wheelbase by quite a bit. This should make bridge and log riding much easier. Riding skinnies was my biggest complaint with my 03 V10. The bike was just so long it made it hard to make sharp corners while on a log or bridge. Also it looks as if they fixed the bearing/pivot issues this year and the linkage just seems more stout. I personally think the monocoque design is a great idea. I have owned Norcos in the past and those were some of the stoutest bikes ever, minus the rear triangle (which they have fixed on recent models). Yeah they were loud, but the monocoque allowed them to retain their strength while keeping the weight down. Same concept with the new V10. I guarantee they are as strong if not stronger than past years. And as always the rear triangle of the V10 is indestructible. V10's are meant for DH but they are great for FR as well. They are great pedallers too.

With that said, if you are looking for a straight freerider I would reccomend a Demo 9. The geometries are more suiting. And they pedal nicely. The new Norco shores are pretty damn nice too.

An R9 is not a freeride bike unless you have an enormous torso. Have you ever ridden one. They are very long bikes.
Alot of the other bikes mentioned are great freeriders but you can't pedal them because of their weight.

 

[Sherpa]

The new V10 is 11.8 lbs with axle, seat collar and steel spring. About 3 lbs lighter than the old V10.
I just bought one. I haven't been able to test it, but i expect it to be a better freerider than my 03 V10. Although the BB is lower than previous years I hear you do not have to run as much sag. So effectively you should get that height back. Also they shortened up the wheelbase by quite a bit. This should make bridge and log riding much easier. Riding skinnies was my biggest complaint with my 03 V10. The bike was just so long it made it hard to make sharp corners while on a log or bridge. Also it looks as if they fixed the bearing/pivot issues this year and the linkage just seems more stout. I personally think the monocoque design is a great idea. I have owned Norcos in the past and those were some of the stoutest bikes ever, minus the rear triangle (which they have fixed on recent models). Yeah they were loud, but the monocoque allowed them to retain their strength while keeping the weight down. Same concept with the new V10. I guarantee they are as strong if not stronger than past years. And as always the rear triangle of the V10 is indestructible. V10's are meant for DH but they are great for FR as well. They are great pedallers too.

With that said, if you are looking for a straight freerider I would reccomend a Demo 9. The geometries are more suiting. And they pedal nicely. The new Norco shores are pretty damn nice too.

An R9 is not a freeride bike unless you have an enormous torso. Have you ever ridden one. They are very long bikes.
Alot of the other bikes mentioned are great freeriders but you can't pedal them because of their weight.

My V10 Ano black frame weighed 10.999lbs w/ a DHX,seat collar, and axle. There damn nice bikes and i love mine.

-TS

 

[MikeD]

I've got a friend who truly dislikes his 04 V10...says a lot about brake jack, and another friend (who rides a single-pivot with no floater, btw) agrees. Haven't yet ridden it myself. Doesn't seem you guys have any problems with this. Have you noticed it at all?

MD

 

[Pau11y]

i think buying a discontinued bike from a crappy defunct company is the best idea ever....

To add to Zedro's comment, would you like my m/l Army? It's got a crooked head tube which has been cold set to partially straight (reads still crooked, but closer to straight). Just keep in mind tho, Al's strength decreases something like 18% per each degree out of neutral (Zedro, jump in here and correct me on specs and wording).
But, to be fair, I'll make it cheap. How's $800.00? You'll need to get a Al frame builder to correct the head tube, re-heat treat, and re-powder coat. I've been hearing numbers like $500.00 to do this.

 

[JRogers]

I've got a friend who truly dislikes his 04 V10...says a lot about brake jack, and another friend (who rides a single-pivot with no floater, btw) agrees. Haven't yet ridden it myself. Doesn't seem you guys have any problems with this. Have you noticed it at all?

MD

Hmmm....well, I have only limited time on a V10 but I didn't notice any brake jack. From what I understood,braking doesn't change the suspension characteristics that much except deep in the travel. They have a floating brake anyways, right?

 

[MikeD]

Hmmm....well, I have only limited time on a V10 but I didn't notice any brake jack. From what I understood,braking doesn't change the suspension characteristics that much except deep in the travel. They have a floating brake anyways, right?

No floater for 04s.

 

[Pau11y]

Hmmm....well, I have only limited time on a V10 but I didn't notice any brake jack. From what I understood,braking doesn't change the suspension characteristics that much except deep in the travel. They have a floating brake anyways, right?

I've been talking to Brian at BrakeTherapy for the past little bit 'cause I just got my hands on a 204 Magnum. What he told me is the anchoring point of the floater is key. Ideally, that rod should be parallel to the line from the rear axle to the main pivot point (single pivot bike like the 204) w/ + or - 10% out of parallel margin. From what we've been talking about, it was either him or someone on another thread said that the anchoring point on the V10's floater is on the upper linkage plate which I can see putting brake forces into the suspension. I'd say if the anchoring point was changed to the pivot point on the frame for the upper link, it'll work a whole lot better, but I'm not sure if there's enough meat there to do that. On the 204, the anchoring point is the upper shock mount. This creates a near perfect parallelogram on that frame for the med size. I think the small might be even better.

 

[Frankenschwinn]

I've got a friend who truly dislikes his 04 V10...says a lot about brake jack, and another friend (who rides a single-pivot with no floater, btw) agrees. Haven't yet ridden it myself. Doesn't seem you guys have any problems with this. Have you noticed it at all?

MD

I have not noticed any brake jack. I am coming from a Straight six with a floater to the 04 V10 without.

 

[Frankenschwinn]

You mean 05?

 

[MikeD]

I guess I do mean 05...it's the semi-mono, lighter front end. Looks like I have my model years mixed up.

MD

 

[UiUiUiUi]

I guess I do mean 05...it's the semi-mono, lighter front end. Looks like I have my model years mixed up.

MD

the Hunchback from Notre Dame?

 

[OGRipper]

Yeah MikeD, that's the '05 version (even though there were some around in '04).

I like the hunchback but I'm an SCB 'ho.

 

[MikeD]

Yeah MikeD, that's the '05 version (even though there were some around in '04).

I like the hunchback but I'm an SCB 'ho.

Oh, I like it a hell of a lot better, both aesthetically and geometry-number-wise, than the old monstrosity. I need to get a few runs in on my friend's before he sells it...heck, if I like it, which I think I would, maybe I'll buy it from him. If my new CDale doesn't work out, that is.

MD

 

[bullcrew]

what is the thoughts on the cannondale dh?
I still am partial to the V-10, looks are kick butt and my bullit hasn't let me down.

 

[Mtnrider]

I think the 05 V10 is a killer bike, I have one on order.

 

[MikeD]

what is the thoughts on the cannondale dh?
I still am partial to the V-10, looks are kick butt and my bullit hasn't let me down.

I can't give you much insight on the CDale until late next week, once I've actually gotten it. For now, I'll say I know they're lightweight, and have a higher BB, and can take a front derailleur, so if those things are important to you in a FR bike, you might look into them...especially as it's intended/used as a DH frame, too. Might be what you're looking for. Then again, I can't say how they'll hold up to repeated giant road gaps. Cedric's obviously going nuts on his, but who knows how often he replaces it.

MD

 

[JRogers]

I've been talking to Brian at BrakeTherapy for the past little bit 'cause I just got my hands on a 204 Magnum. What he told me is the anchoring point of the floater is key. Ideally, that rod should be parallel to the line from the rear axle to the main pivot point (single pivot bike like the 204) w/ + or - 10% out of parallel margin. From what we've been talking about, it was either him or someone on another thread said that the anchoring point on the V10's floater is on the upper linkage plate which I can see putting brake forces into the suspension. I'd say if the anchoring point was changed to the pivot point on the frame for the upper link, it'll work a whole lot better, but I'm not sure if there's enough meat there to do that. On the 204, the anchoring point is the upper shock mount. This creates a near perfect parallelogram on that frame for the med size. I think the small might be even better.

Interesting.....I do currently ride a size small Tomac 204.....

 

[Pau11y]

Interesting.....I do currently ride a size small Tomac 204.....

Yeah, I caught that from your posts. What year and what size rear axle do you have? Mine, a '03 has been changed to a 12mm instead of the 17mm. Brian had to do some fussing w/ the thickness of the floater arm bearing to get it dialed w/ my rear end. The Edco that came on mine is called the Big Rock, a monsterous non-dished thing that a 90mm flange to flange dist. I also messed around w/ my bb spindle length and the associated Q factor. Just as a side note, Brian was talking about making a set of external cups for the Profile-like spindle I had custom made because I've got sooo much extra space between the bb shell and crank arm.

 

[Sherpa]

'05 V-10s rock. Hunchback and all.

 

[bullcrew]

Thats pretty, thats why i like em.
Just need to find one.

 

[seismic]

'05 V-10s rock. Hunchback and all.

Nice bike !

 

[dhtahoe]

I've got a friend who truly dislikes his 04 V10...says a lot about brake jack, and another friend (who rides a single-pivot with no floater, btw) agrees. Haven't yet ridden it myself. Doesn't seem you guys have any problems with this. Have you noticed it at all?

MD

I think ANY bike has brake jack when you skid. People who bitch about brake jack are skidders from what I see. That's like saying " hey when I grab my brakes in a turn my bike sucks". Yo... quit stabbing the brakes.

Buy the 05 V-10 you will be more than happy with it. I have been on one almost a year now with 65 days on it a Northstar and no issues whatsoever. If it survives there it will be OK anywhere else.