09 Specialized SX Trail. Why or Why Not?

[PeachesN'Cream]

Sorry I'm always bugging for bike advice, but... I'd like your thoughts on getting a new SX Trail frame.

I'm 6'3" and 235lbs big. I only get one bike. I'm mostly riding DHish type trails with medium size jumps, 6-8 foot drops and would like to keep going bigger. I do need to climb fire roads to get to these trails so getting enough post extension for climbing is a must (kinda rules out the SS and Bottle Rocket). And every once in awhile I'll do a 25 mile XCish ride.

I really like my Heckler but it's becoming obvious that I'm asking too much of it on the regular. I think stepping up to a tougher frame will be good for my confidence and help me progress.

I took a large SX out for a demo pedal yesterday. Should be able to get the seat high enough for climbing. The fit was good but everything was under sprung which made it hard to get a feel for the suspension. I've only ridden single pivots in the past. Any pro's or con's to consider with FSR? I'm liking the somewhat long and slack angles of the new SX.

Advice is appreciated. I'm close to pulling the trigger on the frame but want to fully understand what I'm getting myself into. Thanks dudes!

Here is some geometry etc... for quick reference.
SX Trail Size Large
seat tube: 18.5"
effective top tube: 24.2"
bb height: 14.0"
head tube angle: 66º
seat tube angle: 70.5º
head tube: 4.75"
chainstay: 16.5"
wheelbase: 46.8"
shock: 7.875x2.25 I'm told I'd need to run a 700 or 800 lb spring for my weight which is a little freaky. A DHX Air w/ Small can might be an option too.

[Z]

sick bikes for sure. But at 6"3 you can climb a 18.5 Seat tube? I'm 6"4 and won't go less than 20in.

[pechelman]

(kinda rules out the SS). And every once in awhile I'll do a 25 mile XCish ride.

why does it rule out the SS?
they make long seatposts
just ask squatch

also, the large has a 17" TT
maybe also consider a new uzzi...has the cool adjustable rear dropouts and travel

fyi

the SX Trail frame is ~10.2lbs with frame, shock, and seatpost according to specialized.
The SX, their more 4X'y frame, weighs 8.9 without the shock.

The SS weighs 9.2 with a coil shock, and it pedals great.
Ive already taken it on a few 20miler rides and loved it.
It is a heavy bike, but im not a fast climber anyway, so I dont care that much.

[PeachesN'Cream]

sick bikes for sure. But at 6"3 you can climb a 18.5 Seat tube? I'm 6"4 and won't go less than 20in.

Yeah, that was a major concern. Supposedly you can get 28.5" BB to seat rails with a longish post, which is pretty close to my full bore climb height esp. with 175mm crack arms.

[lph]

if at 6'3" you only need 28.5" from BB to rail then you are fine with the SS SS with a 17" seat tube.

[PeachesN'Cream]

why does it rule out the SS? also, the large has a 17" TT

maybe also consider a new uzzi...has the cool adjustable rear dropouts and travel

the SX Trail frame is ~10.2lbs with frame, shock, and seatpost according to specialized. The SS weighs 9.2 with a coil shock, and it pedals great.

Maybe a SS would work with a super tall post. And an Uzzi would be awesome but both of those frames would be significantly more expensive than what I am looking at for the SX.

The SX weight doesn't thrill me, but isn't that the price you pay for something that can take some abuse.

[Particle]

I think you'll dig the SX, especially if you found a good deal on one.

Pros of FSR: I personally have not found any better suspension for rallying through braking bumps and chunder at speed, while using the brakes. It just eats it up while maintaining a fully active suspension. Cons: That said I do feel that single pivots have a bit more snap with acceleration and transfer of power to the ground. It will probably feel a little mushy at first in comparison with your heckler. I'm noticing the same thing going from my Prophet MX to the SS with the multi-link VPP.

[pechelman]

ugh
WHY DID Specialized have to make their SX weigh NINE pounds
WHY!?!

4" travel
23" TT
12.25" BB
68* HA
SO PERFECT, except stupid heavy

ok, that was as good a place as any

rant is over

[TuaDog]

You know my recommendation. I think the only downside you're going to have with that frame is the weight. There are frames out there that will meet your needs that are lighter. But, not at the price you're looking at. If an SS ever popped up on Chainlove again in a L that could be a good option as well.

[ridevt]

I think you'll dig the SX, especially if you found a good deal on one.

Pros of FSR: I personally have not found any better suspension for rallying through braking bumps and chunder at speed, while using the brakes. It just eats it up while maintaining a fully active suspension. Cons: That said I do feel that single pivots have a bit more snap with acceleration and transfer of power to the ground. It will probably feel a little mushy at first in comparison with your heckler. I'm noticing the same thing going from my Prophet MX to the SS with the multi-link VPP.

Agreed, FSR tracks but doesn't pop. I always felt like I had to work to get my 07 demo 8 off the ground.

[PeachesN'Cream]

So don't expect the FSR to be as playful or have as much "pop" as my single pivot Heckler does... Less snappy, but will rally the F' outta the rough.

Damn, why is this such a hard decision to make?

[Dickeymotto]

Cannondale Perp? Lighter, pedals well, snappy, versatile.

[trainnvain]

ugh
WHY DID Specialized have to make their SX weigh NINE pounds
WHY!?!

4" travel
23" TT
12.25" BB
68* HA
SO PERFECT, except stupid heavy

ok, that was as good a place as any

rant is over

With a 12.25" BB, that thing is gonna get WHIPPD!
I'd be glad they built it heavier, but that's my weirdness.

[artnshel]

I'm only 6' but with long legs I need 32" from center of bb to top of seat. I had a medium IH 7 point with 17" seat tube and had to use a tall seat and 410mm Thomson post at max height to get to 32". I now have a medium Demo 7 that I don't bother trying to ride uphill. It fits me better than the previous bike and I really like the long, slack geometry too. I will say without question that DW link bikes pedal better but I'm happy with the Demo since I don't go uphill on it.

[marshalolson]

FWIW i am 6'2'' ride a 29.5" c-top of seat on a 350mm post on an 18" frame. for sure can ride a 16-16.5" frame with a 410mm thomson post.

[ridevt]

How much does your Demo weigh?

Weight and setup have a ton to do with it... my Demo 8 is an unholy pig and it is sure setup like a plow..

It weighed 42 I believe. Bike was sick for corners and berms, low and slack but like I said, no POP. I currently ride a Giant Glory 0 built up DH style and I find it loves to be in the air compared to my demo. Plus, my demo cracked at the shock mount so I got a new one and promptly sold it.....

SX Trail frames are pretty nice and I considered one this year as I was going for something a bit more SS oriented. Ended up buying an SS after jumping on Particles, such a sick frame....

[Skipig25]

probably the sickest bike I have ridden, I love the way it rides for the trails around here. but I'm 5'8 and don't like to go uphill very much

[gunniride]

Check out squatch's enduro expert. With the coil over shock it is going to be similar to the SX trail, and has wheels to take the beating as well. Has two shock shuttles to adjust geometry depending on the riding. (presuming he still has both shuttles)

[Arty50]

Analysis paralysis. Just get the damn bike and jump off of something already.

shock: 7.875x2.25 I'm told I'd need to run a 700 or 800 lb spring for my weight which is a little freaky. A DHX Air w/ Small can might be an option too.

Forget the DHX Air. If you want to lighten things up get a Roco Air WC or Evolver ISX-6. Go-ride has the Roco on sale right now.