Building a new AM or FR bike.

[gonehuckin]

Whats the new hotness for something in the 7"/7" travel area that I can build in the 28-33lbs range? It needs to be able to withstand a 6'2" 225lbs rider's abuse (crashing multiple times on a ride is the norm) and be acceptable for climbing. The mostly stock 2003 Kona Stinky is getting me laughed at and its about 10lbs heavier than any of the bikes of the people I ride with.


Suggestions? Reading material?


Thanks,

-Aaron

[squatch]

the true "new hotness" is probably the slopestyle bike. Check out the intense SS or something similar. The geo is not as pedal friendly, although it can be done.

Also the Knolly delerium-T looks fucking sick, and they have a rep for being very strong but still great climbers. From what I know, the only downside is cost, as it's definitely up there.

Also, step up to something in the 35 lb range. I've got about 30 pounds on you, and granted, I ride lift served with it a lot, but my enduro (similar to the SX trail...not the SL) is hurting.

[marshalolson]

i have a felt redemption that is 6.5" of travel with a totem that is storng enough to ride DH, and weighs 33lbs. the headtube was just a tad steep for my tastes though (68deg). i can sell you the frameset (frame, post, dhx air, QR seat clamp) for mad cheap $600 with a DHX air. less than 5 rides on it. and add a used good shape totem solo-air for $500.

also, FWIW, my dh bike was 36.75-38lbs this summer depending on the kit.... but you'd have a hardtime making the 7/7 bike less than 32 to be honest, if there are parts strong enough to truly rally it.

ones to look at at giant reign x (6.7), commencal meta 6, highline (7), sx trail (6.5), norco 6, etc.

but feel free to hit me up, i can get you a solid deal on parts and such if needed.

[Tick]

try the Canfield Brothers. they've got the One, and the Can-diggle.

I road some of thier bikes at Interbike..... 7" or 8" adjustable travel and in the 32-35 lbs range. they were the absolute best bikes I've ridden. climbed like a billy goat and when it was itme descend they were unbelievable... now if I only had some money laying around!

-Tick

[gonehuckin]

the true "new hotness" is probably the slopestyle bike. Check out the intense SS or something similar. The geo is not as pedal friendly, although it can be done.

Also the Knolly delerium-T looks fucking sick, and they have a rep for being very strong but still great climbers. From what I know, the only downside is cost, as it's definitely up there.

Also, step up to something in the 35 lb range. I've got about 30 pounds on you, and granted, I ride lift served with it a lot, but my enduro (similar to the SX trail...not the SL) is hurting.

Thanks, I'll take a look at those. I just read an article on the intense ss the other day and the magazine reviewer really liked it. The knolly has me interested.


i have a felt redemption that is 6.5" of travel with a totem that is storng enough to ride DH, and weighs 33lbs. the headtube was just a tad steep for my tastes though (68deg). i can sell you the frameset (frame, post, dhx air, QR seat clamp) for mad cheap $600 with a DHX air. less than 5 rides on it. and add a used good shape totem solo-air for $500.

also, FWIW, my dh bike was 36.75-38lbs this summer depending on the kit.... but you'd have a hardtime making the 7/7 bike less than 32 to be honest, if there are parts strong enough to truly rally it.

ones to look at at giant reign x (6.7), commencal meta 6, highline (7), sx trail (6.5), norco 6, etc.

but feel free to hit me up, i can get you a solid deal on parts and such if needed.

pm send.

[gonehuckin]

try the Canfield Brothers. they've got the One, and the Can-diggle.

I road some of thier bikes at Interbike..... 7" or 8" adjustable travel and in the 32-35 lbs range. they were the absolute best bikes I've ridden. climbed like a billy goat and when it was itme descend they were unbelievable... now if I only had some money laying around!

-Tick

"the one" looks sick. hopefully I can find someone around with one built to demo.


2009 GT Sanction ...09 saint, Fox 36 RC2....looks peeeyump

http://www.singletrackworld.com/article.php?sid=2916

Yes Yes it does.

[tigerstripe40]

I have a Transition Dirtbag which has been a great bike.
Mines about 44lbs but it's also built super burly. It could be build down a bit lighter.
I am pretty confident in the bike (I know the bike will take more than I am able/willing to to dish out).

If you're looking for a freeride bike, I'd strongly consider it.
I weigh about 230 or so ride ready (full face, full body armour, camel back etc). And I am not worried at all to the durabillity.

I could lighten it by running an ATA fork. Air shock and perhaps some I-9 wheels.
Not sure you're going to get a 30lbs freeride bike thats going to hold up to a heavier rider.
YMMV

[Alpine Dreams]

Not quite 7, but everything else you described - http://fisherbikes.com/bike/model/roscoe-iii I've ridden this bike it climbs very well and descends even better.

[Lev]

I would second the Delerium T notion. I've been riding an Endorphin now for about 6 months and couldn't say enough good things about it. For being a 5.5" trail bike, it's relatively stiff in the rear, and with a Lyrik up front it allows me to ride most of the drops I would ever want to. That's not to say I'm not longing for something a little burlier when getting into more DH/FR territory. That's where Delerium T would come in nicely. Still a decent climber, and about as burly as you need it to go.

[uncle crud]

Whats the new hotness for something in the 7"/7" travel area that I can build in the 28-33lbs range? It needs to be able to withstand a 6'2" 225lbs rider's abuse (crashing multiple times on a ride is the norm) and be acceptable for climbing. The mostly stock 2003 Kona Stinky is getting me laughed at and its about 10lbs heavier than any of the bikes of the people I ride with.


Suggestions? Reading material?


Thanks,

-Aaron

28-33 lbs and 7" / 7" and you say you're going to ride it hard?

NOTHING.

Nice joke.

Also a nice joke is the point of getting a new bike because your Stinky is "getting you laughed at."

Maybe the solution is to ride with people who know how to ride, and not people who know how to pose.

At some point you're going to realize that you are the one who makes your bike go. Not your bike.

[Particle]

Like UC said, not much that'll fit those specs.

Foes Inferno ?
Yeti Seven ?
uhhhh
Intense SS is a nice ride, I've seen one built up light at 32lbs.

[300hp]

check out a nomad? they can be built up pretty darn light. and a vote for a laserdisc trail wheelset. Marshall hooked me the fuck up with a set, and I am extremely happy with them. A good way to shed some weight while still maintaining a wide rim profile and strength.

[marshalolson]

Maybe the solution is to ride with people who know how to ride, and not people who know how to pose.

you don't know who he rides with though.

[marshalolson]

also check out morewood bikes.

[iscariot]

Intense 6.6 and Knolly Delirium T are two that I would consider.

Throw a Santa Cruz Heckler or Bullit in the mix for consideration also.

28-32lbs is a difficult goal weight, I'd say 30 to 35 is more reasonable (particularly if you want to do any decent freeriding on it).

[ColinB]

I might be selling a Medium 6.6 frame, but it might be a touch steep for FR. That being said it pedals awesome and can boogy down most DH stuff with ease albeit slightly slower than my demo.

[Dam Skier]

I built up a Ventana La Bruja 1.5 w/ Totem solo air this summer. I have been really happy with how well it climbs and descends. It is around 37 pounds with a heavier wheel set. It could be built lighter, but I would end up paying for it, if you now what I mean. If your not racing, toughen up and ride a heavier bike up the hill, then smoke your buddies on the downhill.

[Professor]

Marshal: Do you have any experience with Morewood? I have always thought their stuff looked clean. And if Particle drags his ass back to Ootah, I may have no choice but to breakdown and buy a bike......

[marshalolson]

Marshal: Do you have any experience with Morewood? I have always thought their stuff looked clean. And if Particle drags his ass back to Ootah, I may have no choice but to breakdown and buy a bike......

ohhhhhh shit

[Professor]

Oh come on! It isnt like I have never ridden a bike. But these big squishy things are kind of strange. The last full suspension bike I had was an AMP. Bottom bracket only moved about 4 inches side to side, so I dumped it for an Ibis Mojo. Not the Mojo they make now, but the aluminum hardtail with square chainstays. Problem was nothing moved on that thing and it beat the shit out of you because of how stiff the rear triangle was. My back still hurts from riding that thing :(

[gravitylover]

As for the wheels, anybody try the new Crank Bro's yet? They struck me as pretty beefy looking and they sure are light.

[Particle]

Heh, added incentive for me to get back (as if I needed any more).

Prof: I've heard good things about the Morewoods, and as far as the squishy bike thing goes, you may enjoy a simple single pivot like that as they tend to feel more firm when putting the power down than some multi-link designs.

[Professor]

as far as the squishy bike thing goes, you may enjoy a simple single pivot like that as they tend to feel more firm when putting the power down than some multi-link designs.

What? You dont think I have done my research? That is also why I am leaning toward more 4x style designs. All the 4x stuff is designed not to sag as much when out of the saddle and powering out of a turn.... you know like a bmx bike :p

[gonehuckin]

As for the wheels, anybody try the new Crank Bro's yet? They struck me as pretty beefy looking and they sure are light.

That job that we talked about at Interbike, I got it.

Give me a shout tomorrow when you get a free moment and I can give you the ins and outs of those wheels. They've got some pretty cool design features. We've been trying to beat them up and they are bomber.

[skiwithcharlie]

Turner RFX dw link + Fox Talas 36 + Hammerschmidt = major all-mountain/fr boner.

We will probably have to wait quite a few months for the frame to be finished and it will cost a small fortune but.....

[Mr. Altagirl]

try the Canfield Brothers. they've got the One, and the Can-diggle.

I road some of thier bikes at Interbike..... 7" or 8" adjustable travel and in the 32-35 lbs range. they were the absolute best bikes I've ridden. climbed like a billy goat and when it was itme descend they were unbelievable... now if I only had some money laying around!

-Tick

Seconded. My AS-X frame finally, after 5 years of “fairly” rough riding, broke a weld. In my search for a good replacement / upgrade, I decided on a Canfield Can-Diggle, the “heavy” version of the One frame. I’ll post a separate thread about the new ride but it weighed in @ 37lbs with a heavy build, it will be 34lbs easily with an air shock and my light weight wheel set (something I will swap out from time to time). Pedals GREAT yet is a very active suspension design. Pedaled well enough for me to win the Expert class @ the Moab Super D this past weekend, on my first ride on the bike. Even beat a few much younger locals...

The One could be built in the very low 30’s very easily, even under 30lbs if you went full xc components (on a 7”-8” travel bike!!!). I’m about your size so I went with the Can-Diggle for durability and I needed a 1.5” head tube to reuse my sweet Chris king headset and Totem Solo Air, both 1.5”. Seems everyone who rode a Canfield @ Interbike walked away impressed. We are lucky enough to know Chris and get to ride with the guys fairly often which helped my decision. I kind of like having a different bike from everyone else but I think you will see more and more Canfields’ in the years to come, great bikes. Look at the Commencal as well, the Meta 66 is SWEET. Good luck and happy shopping.

[gonehuckin]

Between the Canfield, the Turner, the Intense SS and the Morewoods, it looks like there are quite a bit of good choices out there right now.

What do you guys think of the SC Bullit or Nomad? It looks like I could build either of those up pretty burly and light at the same time.

[SuperChief]

Negative on the Bullit. I think they are cool, but all the options to buy something made in North America pretty much negates in any offerings from Spec, Giant, SC etc. Just the customer service that Turner, chumba and Knolly provides is reason enough not to consider a bike giant brand.

[JoshP]

Go-Ride has the non-DW link RFX's on super-sale right now (less than $1400.00), FYI.

[Daywalker]

Negative on the Bullit. I think they are cool, but all the options to buy something made in North America pretty much negates in any offerings from Spec, Giant, SC etc. Just the customer service that Turner, chumba and Knolly provides is reason enough not to consider a bike giant brand.

I agree with the sweetness of those offerings. However, it remains that price is AWESOME on Giants and customer service isn't half bad. It was reason enough for me to go Giant Reign and I'm stoked (Reign X fits these particulars better, but I know people who are pretty darned happy on those too). I won't comment on SC or Spec because pricing is different.

[2turntables]

try the Canfield Brothers. they've got the One, and the Can-diggle.

I road some of thier bikes at Interbike..... 7" or 8" adjustable travel and in the 32-35 lbs range. they were the absolute best bikes I've ridden. climbed like a billy goat and when it was itme descend they were unbelievable... now if I only had some money laying around!

-Tick

The Canfield The One is the mack. 7-8" and it really is an all-mtn bike. check it out: http://www.sicklines.com/index.php?s=canfield

[Big E]

Should I infer from this that you're working for Crank Bro's ? Cuz I gots some pedals that the bearings seized after about 3 rides, and they never returned a phone call or e-mail to their warranty dept. :mad:

[frorider]

Seconded. My AS-X frame finally, after 5 years of “fairly” rough riding, broke a weld. In my search for a good replacement / upgrade, I decided on a Canfield Can-Diggle, the “heavy” version of the One frame. I’ll post a separate thread about the new ride but it weighed in @ 37lbs with a heavy build, it will be 34lbs easily with an air shock and my light weight wheel set (something I will swap out from time to time). Pedals GREAT yet is a very active suspension design. Pedaled well enough for me to win the Expert class @ the Moab Super D this past weekend, on my first ride on the bike. Even beat a few much younger locals...

The One could be built in the very low 30’s very easily, even under 30lbs if you went full xc components (on a 7”-8” travel bike!!!). I’m about your size so I went with the Can-Diggle for durability and I needed a 1.5” head tube to reuse my sweet Chris king headset and Totem Solo Air, both 1.5”. Seems everyone who rode a Canfield @ Interbike walked away impressed. We are lucky enough to know Chris and get to ride with the guys fairly often which helped my decision. I kind of like having a different bike from everyone else but I think you will see more and more Canfields’ in the years to come, great bikes. Look at the Commencal as well, the Meta 66 is SWEET. Good luck and happy shopping.

that SIcklines review reported a 14.5 inch BB height...wth? that would pretty much rule it out of contention for me. what's yours measure w/ the totem and some biggish tires?

[gonehuckin]

Should I infer from this that you're working for Crank Bro's ? Cuz I gots some pedals that the bearings seized after about 3 rides, and they never returned a phone call or e-mail to their warranty dept. :mad:

I don't really work for Crank Brothers exactly but shoot me an email to gonehuckin at yahoo with your contact info and what the story is and I'll put you in touch with the right person.