07 Intense Uzzi VPX questions

[urbanburban]

I currently have a 2003 Specialized Big Hit Comp (the one with little 24" wheel in the back). I use the Big Hit as an aggressive XC and freeride bike and just like to have a ability to ride off of anything I see. I am looking at getting a 07 Intense Uzzi VPX, I have read a lot about them and a lot of people say they climb good for what it is. I would build the Uzzi up as an AM bike. im not looking to beat anyones best lap times or race it in an Xc race at all, just a good all around bike.

Current set up:
03 Specialized Bigh Hit Comp Medium (I need a Large)
Fox Van R Coil Shock
Marzocchi Dirt Jumper II
Most often used travel setting: 5.5" x 69 degree HT angle, but use 6.3" x 67 degree some

The Big Hit climbs pretty good for a 42 pound bike. I know the short travel setting and the tall HT angle helps with that. My concern is the Uzzi will have 7.75" rear travel and a HT angle of around +/-67 degrees with a 160mm fork. I run my Big Hit in 67 degree setting sometimes, so I have an idea on how that will feel. I want to stay with a burly bike, but I need it to pedal well and climb somewhat efficient. The biggest reasons I am considering the Uzzi are: I can build the Uzzi lighter, its a large and its got a 26" rear wheel. I like the way the Big Hit performs and would like more travel, but with the medium frame and me being 6' the cockpit is real tight on climbs. Any thoughts?

[urbanburban]

I'm moving forward with this build and have narrowed it down to a few forks:

1st choice: Fox 36 Talas 180 FIT RC2, tapered
2nd choise: Fox 36 Float 160 FIT RLC or 36 Van FIT RC2, Tapered
3rd Choice: Rock Shox Lyrik RC Solo Air RC, 170mm, Tapered
4th: Bring it on, Anything from Marzocchi? I have had good luck with them before. Got to be under 6 pounds and have 160mm or more travel, 20mm is a must, and a tapered steer would be ideal.

Also debating on Powdercoat or getting the frame anodized. It is currently raw.
EDIT: Its getting powdercoated, pictures coming soon.

[beaterdit]

Sounds sick man, keep us posted. You won't be winning any races on the uphill, and prolly won't be doing epic lenth rides bu tit should kill on the decent.

I'd go with the TALAS 180 for an Uzzi, it'll best match the rear, travel and your HTA range should be 66/68 with that setup.

[urbanburban]

I know its not going to be the best climber, but its most likely going to be better than the Big Hit I'm currently using for the same purpose. The Talas 180 is my 1st choice of forks, I'm working on the funding for one of those now.

[cpj.slc]

Having had a TALAS, I would suggest a Van or Float. If that were my bike I would get a Van 180 and if you are really that worried about the HA get an angle set headset and you can steepen it up. The TALAS just doesn't feel as plush as the van or float, plus I quit using the travel adjust after about a month because I didn't really notice any difference in the climbing capabilities. You should check out the Zocchi 55 RC3 Ti. That fork is really nice.

[urbanburban]

This Frame is still being built. Any Uzzi owners out there? I will be running a Fox DHX 5.0. The shock currently has a 325 lb spring. I am thinking thats way too light for me. I'm 225 lbs and am not very easy on my equipment . The frame also came with a 5th Element with a 425 lb spring which I can test onc its built, but I will be running the DHX. What spring rates are being run on these set ups?

[urbanburban]

A few build pictures:


Custom Powdercoat


Picked up a Fox 36 Van 160 RC2 from Dangerous E, Thanks








Can a poll be removed from a thread? I can not seem to remove or edit it.

[beaterdit]

Sick!...

[131crew]

That thing looks great!

If you can swing it, lose that Isis BB and pick up something like this:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...t.aspx?sc=FRGL

It'll be lighter and stiffer too.

[El Chupacabra]

That frame looks great. What's it cost to get a frame powdercoated?

[urbanburban]

That thing looks great!

If you can swing it, lose that Isis BB and pick up something like this:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...t.aspx?sc=FRGL

It'll be lighter and stiffer too.

Thanks, I am thinking about going with a new crank, which will come with the new style BB. My thoughts are to use my old cranks and buy new 10 speed rings. Going to set it up as a 2x10.

[urbanburban]

That frame looks great. What's it cost to get a frame powdercoated?

Powdercoat was $150, sent the frame in completely stripped, not sure what the charge would be if it needed to be striped.

[El Chupacabra]

Powdercoat was $150, sent the frame in completely stripped, not sure what the charge would be if it needed to be striped.

Thanks - where did you send it? That's less than I expected it to cost.

[urbanburban]

Thanks - where did you send it? That's less than I expected it to cost.

I wanted that specific color, which is a current color that Intense offers for the 2011 models. After calling a few local powder coating shops around Charlotte, NC they wanted about the same price but also wanted another $100-$150 for the custom color that I wanted. I emailed Intense to see if they offered the service, they sent me to the company that does their frames:
Temecula Valley Powder Coating
42235 Sarah Way
Temecula, CA 92590-3463
(951) 699-8685 ‎

I am very please with the job they did and would not hesitate to use them again. I had a total of $60 in shipping cost to get it to the other side of the country and back.

[El Chupacabra]

^^ Good info to have. Thanks.

[urbanburban]

Not yet decided on drive train, I have planned on going to a 2x10 set up, however keeping it a 2x9 set up can save me anywhere between $200-$300. I already have a lot of the 9-speed parts for this build. Any thoughts on the 2x10?