I've had it & have an itchy trigger finger.

[fondigley]

Life sucks and I am going to get my gun...... no, but really. I am tired of beating the shit out of my 2000 Gay Fish Sugar 2. I just got smoked on a dh section, by an old XC racer buddy who just moved to town from the East, who hadn't ever passed me on a dh section before yesterday. Well now the tables are turned and he had the more dh oriented trail bike. My Sugar has felt like it was flexing and ready to break on my last 2 rides. I think I have beaten 'er to death. I have noticed at least 1 crack in the weld by the seat post. Me, the original owner should be able to get a free frame because of that, but can't find my original receipt, so may have problems. But that is beside the point.

On Friday, I got an email from Ellsworth about a trade-in program they are offering, to check out their latest crown jewel, the "Moment." 6 inches of plush climbable travel on a relatively light frame. I have been eyeing a new trail bike for over a year. Now with a $700 trade-in credit opportunity I would be able to trade one of my Ellsworth's for the Moment. I am thinking about trading my Specialist for this, but that would mean: no more dirt jumping hardtail for a while, but I would have a blast on the trails around here instead of the pain and suffering of my old race bike(yeah the bike is the one going through the pain and suffering). I am not suffering and really wouldn't be suffering with a new toy.

Do I need this bike? Why or why not?

I still have many ski season purchases to make as well, but nothing close to the cost of a new frame, especially an Ellsworth. My bike time has been slowing down a lot lately, so maybe this would be good to keep me pumped and riding. Help me make this decision.

Did I mention I've been known to squeeze the trigger.

[homerjay]

I've never regretted a penny of spending on bikes or bike-related stuff. Do it.

[fondigley]

Me niether Homer.

[Crinkle]

I would be able to trade one of my Ellsworth's for the Moment.
this is a tough statement to get past. If you can trade in just the frame, that would be a pretty decent deal. I don't have multiple bikes to choose from, so i really can't relate.

[fondigley]

Sorry I did not clarify, I am talking about the frame. Thanks for the point, Crinkle.

[crashnburn'd]

How often do you dirt jump and how often would you ride the new bike?

[bagtagley]

As a person who gave up a hardtail for a trail bike, I'd say...I'm not really sure. I've spent a lot of time regretting selling the hardtail and a lot of time trying to replace it.

DJ hardtails are very cheap compared to trail bikes (or have the potential to be), so that's something to consider, especially since you've got the chance at a pretty good deal. The biggest factor (to me) is the the "issue" with the Specialist. If it weren't for that I'd say keep the hardtail. Winter is on the way, and the hardtail will get way more use than a trail bike, especially given your ridiculously close proximity to some great DJs. However, the Specialist does have that "issue" so the choice basically has been made for you. You've got a great parts spec to build up a very nice aggressive trail bike. Build it up, save your cash and pick up one of the $500 P1s that come along every once in a while.

Oh, and you're 3 for 3 on broken Ellsworths, so either your foolish or due.

Finally, BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You let F beat you on a DH... BWWWAAAAAAHAHAHAAHAHHAHAHAHAAA! :D

[fondigley]

Crash, I got a huge dj park in my backyard, so that is an issue to me. But I really want to justify a new trail bike.

Bag, you are right in a way. What am I thinking buying another Ellsworth. But even with breaking all of my previous Ellsworth's there is something that draws me to them. Don't know what it is.

Edit: And after thinking, I really didn't break my Ells'. I believe B broke my Dare blasting it up that flight of stairs at Snowshoe over and over again. The DJ's broke my next Dare, too much casing. And the special, don't know where that crack came from.

Also there was no letting, when getting beat down the trail.
He: 5 inches of travel and discs.
Me: 2 inches of travel, literally and V-brakes.
He took the lead.

Also I figure I can afford a new djer before too long. Maybe within the next couple of months. I can always jump the big bike or steal my roomates P1.

[bagtagley]

Bag, you are right in a way. What am I thinking buying another Ellsworth. But even with breaking all of my previous Ellsworth's there is something that draws me to them. Don't know what it is.

They're nice bikes, that's what. I'm saying you're due for a bike that doesn't break, so go for it.



Also there was no letting, when getting beat down the trail.
He: 5 inches of travel and discs.
Me: 2 inches of travel, literally and V-brakes.
He took the lead.

You understand, just as you would, I have to give you crap for getting beaten by a road weenie. You coming with him to Moab next weekend? You should.

[fondigley]

You coming with him to Moab next weekend? You should.

Maybe what is the deal. Road boy said trying not to get the wives to go.

[bagtagley]

Maybe what is the deal. Road boy said trying not to get the wives to go. My "wife" will still be in Chucktown, so I will be wifeless.

Check your email.

[jayfrizzo]

My "wife" will still be in Chucktown, so I will be wifeless.

Mrs. Frizzo is out ot town next weekend so I'm in. MOTHERFUCKERS!!!! You're gonna be dragged down by my slow ass all weekend. Oh yeah.

I'll whup you on the whiskey table, tho.

Whoop, and stuff.

[Tap]

but does the trade-in program change in 6 months when winter is over?

maybe you could pospone it and save during the winter for a new frame

[Bunion]

I got the same E-Mail from EW. Can't see trading in my 03 Truth... yet. Local Bike shop is selling Moments for 3K full build with Fox F & R. Some to the components are lower end but.....

Anyhoo, the offer ends this month....

[phUnk]

Ellsworth are beautiful, overpriced bikes in my opinion.

[Particle]

Ellsworth are beautiful, overpriced bikes in my opinion.

as are Foes, Turner, and Intense...but Ellsworth is the only brand in that range with such a ridiculous reputation for frame breakage </internet hearsay only, speaking out of my ass>

[Darkside]

Have you heard of this company called "Santa Cruz"?[/hijack]

[bagtagley]

Have you heard of this company called "Santa Cruz"?[/hijack]
Ellsworth's trade-in offer extends to Santa Cruz bikes too...Damn!

[InspectorGadget]

Ellsworth's trade-in offer extends to Santa Cruz bikes too...Damn![ignorance] What brands can be traded in? And what brands can be purchased? [the beginning of the /of ignorance]

[bagtagley]

[ignorance] What brands can be traded in? And what brands can be purchased? [the beginning of the /of ignorance] Mine was a smartass reply. Ellsworth will only trade for Ellsworth.

[InspectorGadget]

Mine was a smartass reply. Ellsworth will only trade for Ellsworth.Then mine was a dumbass question.

[phatfreeheeler]

I'd do it in a second if I had an older Ellsworth frame to trade in. My '05 ID is an awesome bike, especially now that it has 6" of rear travel. I haven't heard of one Moment frame failure yet and people are riding them really hard. You can run the new DHX air or coil, so it should be a super smooth trail ride. Also, I hear CS over at Ells has really been great lately. Even from some who have been pretty vocal the other way in the past.

[snow_slider]

Does the trade in deal work for other frames or only the Moment? If so, why not shoot for the Dare. 8" rear suspension travel will have you ripping past your buddie on the DH sections. That frame isn't all that heavy either - at least not for all the travel it offers.

[Darkside]

Ellsworth's trade-in offer extends to Santa Cruz bikes too...Damn!

I was implying that you could keep your Specialist, sell the Sugar and buy a complete Nomad or Blur LT for a little more than what the Moment frame costs.

[InspectorGadget]

... buy a complete Nomad ...Mmmm, Nomad.

[fondigley]

slider, I already own a Dare, so don't need another one of those, but yes the trade in is only for the Moment. I can always jump that bike til I get a new jumper. I just need an all mountain bike.

So I went down and talked to the dealer today. I forgot that my Special has a King steelset on it which is permanent. The dealer pointed that out. He said he thought shipping would only be about 50 total, which doesn't sound bad. 40 to strip it down and 160 to build. I figure I will do all that myself for that price. So we are talking 1,595 for the frame and 50 for shipping, plus the cost of a new headset and I believe some tax.

If this was a permanent trade in deal I would do it in the spring. AnsBunion, I thought the offer ended the first week of November.

[Particle]

Do it. 6" trailbikes rool.

I can take my FXR on epic XC rides, bomb DH almost as fast as on my AS-X (w/ a Shiver), take it to the DJ's, and even dork around on the street a little with no prob. I'd assume the Moment is similarly versatile.

[bagtagley]

Putting aside Ellsworth's past breakability and warranty issues, I have to admit, that is one sexy machine.

http://www.ellsworthbikes.com/bikes/moment/img_moment/ellsworth_moment_black_large.jpg

Darkside: I'm a confirmed Santa Cruz whore and would typically agree with you. However, you can't get a Nomad or Blur LT frame for $1595 (retail, which fondig would be looking at), let alone build a whole bike. If you can, I'll take 2 of each.

[snow_slider]

Just to address the breakability issue with Ellsworths. I've owned a Truth for 5 seasons now. At close to 190 pounds geared out for a ride, I am NOT the lightest rider around and I tend to beat the shit out of my bikes. My Truth has never given me a problem. It has been completely bombproof.

The couple rider I know who have broken their Ellsworths were both riding in terrain the bike is not suited to deal with. One broke his Id riding North Shore stunts - that frame definitely is NOT made for those kinds of drops. The other rider broke his Truth hucking 5 feet to flat. The Truth is an XC ride, not a huckster.

Both had some issues with Ellsworth replacement, but in my opinion, both deserved issues because they were basically trying to mislead Ellsworth into believing that the bikes broke while they were just riding along.

[mildbill.]

i busted my joker frame a couple of times hucking to flat (crushed shock-tower part of the swingarm, ovalized the shock mounts) and both times they replaced what needed to be replaced regardless of how beat to shit it was, and when they replaced the swingarm it was with a new beefed up swingarm, when they replaced the front triangle they included some tougher (but not stainless) shock mount bolts to lessen the likelihood of bending a bolt and ovalizing the shock mounts. so far they are A+ from me in the customer service department. i think they also shipped me the frames/swingarms before receiving my bike back so i could keep riding the broken one.

and that's all i have to say about that.

[fondigley]

Trigger just got pulled at lunch today. 05 Moment in Black with 06 Fox DHX air shock is on it's way. Don't know if it was smart to go with the air shock or not, but they said it would lighten it a pound and is just as good as the DHX coil from this year. I am only about a buck 70 so it should do me just fine. Let me know if you think I made the wrong move on the shock. Should be able to switch it to the coil within the next 2 days, since they have to get my beat to shit Specialist in before sending me my new jewel.

[bagtagley]

Early reports on the DHX air have been positive. There seem to be quite a few DH racers that are making the switch. I guess only time will tell how durable they are.

I'm in favor of coil shocks overall. However, I've been very interested in the Air since it became available. At this point I wouldn't put it on my DH bike, but it seems like an ideal shock for a do-it-all trail/light freeride bike.

[Particle]

Nice fondig! Can't wait to see that thing built up...mmm. I'm sure the DHX Air will treat you well...I wouldn't worry about the coil for that setup considering you have your Dare to beat around.

[Spats]

Plus, you can get DJ hardtail frames all day for cheap when you want to build another bike. You don't have to pay the Ellsworth tax for a decent one to replace yours.

[Arty50]

I can't believe I forgot to mention this, fong. When I had my Sugar stolen I couldn't find the serial number to save my life. For some stupid reason I had sent in my warranty card (I almost never remember to do this), and so I called them and they gave me the info over the phone. So if you sent in that card, you shouldn't have a problem returning the frame and then selling the replacement on ebay or something. Even if you didn't send in the card, I'd give them a call. They'll probably take care of you.

[fondigley]

I can't believe I forgot to mention this, fong. When I had my Sugar stolen I couldn't find the serial number to save my life. For some stupid reason I had sent in my warranty card (I almost never remember to do this), and so I called them and they gave me the info over the phone. So if you sent in that card, you shouldn't have a problem returning the frame and then selling the replacement on ebay or something. Even if you didn't send in the card, I'd give them a call. They'll probably take care of you.

Good call. Will look into after my new toy arrives.

[Kabuki_259]

With the sweet new ride perhaps now you can keep up in the front range, especially since that ego has been bruised...

:fmicon: vvvvv

[fondigley]

I finally got my beast after a couple of weeks of mix ups, so I didn't have to pay for shipping at all. Someone really screwed shipping up on Ellsworth's side, but the shop took care of me too. So I picked up the frame and a box of parts at lunch last Thursday, a little later than I would have liked, since I was heading to Moab the second I got off work. But it all turned out great in the end. I started at about 9 building up the new toy.

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7985&stc=1

After a couple hours and Bag showing up to put some final touches on er we were built up and ready to roll.

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7986&stc=1

Then it was down to the Slick Rock bike shop to leave the car. And ask a couple of questions to the mechanic about why my flat pedals are stuck in the cranks. Apparently some sort of strippage on the Truvativ cranks, but they are warrantied, so I got a new pair on the way. Once we finished with all that it was up La Sal Mountain loop Rd. for the fun stuff.
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7988&stc=1

Of course the day was amazing as ever. The Moment with the DHX air felt as plush as my Romic on the Dare. It was all fun and games until Bag caught his foot in between a rock at the intersection with Porcipine Rim.

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7990&stc=1

Kabuki finally was able to use his powers to rip the shoe out of the crack after about 15 minutes of getting nowhere.
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7991&stc=1

As usual that trail was ripping and we were smoking everyone in site. 2 and a half hours from top to bottom, left little time for pictures. Maybe next time I will comeback with a better TR.

All and all the new trail bike was well worth the investment. 6 inches of travel that climbs like an xc bike. What is this world coming too. It was so easy to pedal and ripped the trail like a big bike. Don't know if I will ever ride a real xc bike again. I am hammering out the minor technical problems and hope to be ripping again this weekend. Hopefully my new cranks will be in before the weekend. I don't mind riding on flats, but being clipped in would make it more enjoyable and I would be in much more control.

[bagtagley]

Well, I'm so glad you took pics of the shoe debaucle.

Glad you're diggin' the new ride. I'm yet to dig in and figure out the bottom out issues I'm having w/ the DHX.

Now, if Kabuki still smokes you on the DH, what's your next move? ;)

[fondigley]

Now, if Kabuki still smokes you on the DH, what's your next move?)
If he still smokes me, than he is moving damn fast and will let it slide. Don't really care as long as we move down the mountain simultaneously, and not get left behind. It is like this: As long as he doesn't tell me, "prepared to get smoked" liked we did to the xc'rs, it is all good. That was my whole point, that my skills were there to rip, but my bike was holding me back, know the new bike lets me rip it.

Anyway, I know he can't keep up when I am on the Dare. Just wanted a level playing ground with the same style riders. Not a 3 inch bike, trying to keep up with friends on 5+ inch bike, which I have wanted for a couple of years.

[Kabuki_259]

Still............how about DID.....Even though Mr. Chub reared his ugly head up a few times that day...No respect I tell ya. must be a GW Thang......

[jibco]

Nice bike, dude. I can't wait to get a bigger rig.

Sorry I missed moab again.... damn.