Downcountry frames with correct XL geometry

[frorider]

<p>
Always amusing to watch the knuckleheads in the bike industry slowly figure things out. &nbsp; The latest example is the need for longish chain stays for taller riders. &nbsp; This entirely predictable awakening has already happened for many brands in the longer travel category, but is barely nascent in the 120 mm travel downcountry category. &nbsp;After a quick scan, the only two I could find were the RM Element and the Yeti SB120 (which is on the heavy side for this category, and rides more like a trail bike anyway). &nbsp; The XL Tallboy at 440 mm CS and 1258 WB is, like the Yeti, a bit more trailbikey in terms of weight and plushness as opposed to the crisp uphill vibe of a Hei Hei or similar. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
So is the Element really the only lightweight downcountry bike with the right XL geo currently? &nbsp;What brands am I forgetting? &nbsp;</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>

[toast2266]

Trek top fuel might work for you. 445 chainstay. 1271 wheelbase.

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[Andeh]

I heard Forbidden is working on a downcountry bike - they really like long rear ends, so if that comes about, it might work well. I think the photo I saw of it from some trade show a couple months ago was of a standard 4-bar, not high pivot.

[carlh]

You can get away with shorter stays on a bike with a shorter front end. My xl gnarvana is at 450 and my hardtail is 435, I think 440 would be better but 450 would be too long. I would be curious to ride an even longer bike than the gnarvana to try.

[Benneke10]

I&#39;m riding an S5 Stumpjumper from 2022 and it rides nicely. While it was marketed as a trail bike at the time, at this point I would call it a downcountry bike. Its lighter than most downcountry bikes and pedals nicely. Its a surprisingly different beast from the Stumpjumper Evo, as the fixed rear triangle makes it faster on the ups at the expense of downhill performance. I ride it in the low position which gives it 442mm chainstays.

[fastfred]

what the fuck is down country and why

it&#39;s like xc but you shuttle and mostly go downhill with just a little up?

just give up and buy an e bike

[Dee Hubbs]

I just ordered a Rocky Element frame.
I can’t wait to get all downcountry!

[frorider]

What shock are you using for your element? I noticed it doesn’t come with one.

[frorider]

Fred, downcountry was a joke term at first but it caught on. Frame weight below 5 lbs, 120 mm travel with efficiency of an XC bike rather than plushness of a trail bike. But since good geometry is free in terms of weight and cost, a DC bike works pretty well on the descent. I left the Top Fuel out since these days it’s getting in the trailbike category. The last few years there’s been a lot of flex stay DC bikes come out but unfortunately most don’t have size specific CS length in the XL size. My 2021 kona Hei Hei climbs efficiently overall but on the ledgy techy uphills I really wish it had longer CS. It’s a non issue for my GF on her kona but she’s 5’5”. I help arrange industry events & get to ride many different bikes each year — helps me know what I want, and I’m totally sold on longer CS for anything other than a DJ bike. I fully expect the industry to slowly continue to figure out geo for tall riders. This is already happening. It’s not rocket science.

[Dee Hubbs]

I'm building it heavier with a Fox 36. I actually have a Float shock that I took off my buddies 2024 Element when I upgraded him to a Float X. So it's a bit of a money save to use this Float takeoff that is valved correctly for that frame. I'm tempted to buy a Fox Float X Live Valve Neo, but it's not in the cards on the first round of parts purchase. I'm replacing my Rocky Instinct 150/140, and turning it into an Altitude170/150. So I have ordered a new Fox 38 and Float X2 for that frame, so my parts budget is pretty blown before I start building my new Element.

[toast2266]

I left the Top Fuel out since these days it’s getting in the trailbike category.

It is? It's the same travel and roughly the same frame weight as the hei hei (and the element, and most other DC bikes).

A 120mm bike is never going to really be a trailbike, at least how I think of the term. At most, it's a *down*country bike.

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[fastfred]

talking all that shithave a spot mayhem 130 maybe thats a down country????

also got a nice hardtail and a real big boy bike that isn&#39;t my style but fun to ride like a fat girl

used to be on the elements for years and years guess I&#39;m a down countryer


anyone want to buy or trade IPA&#39;s for a 2015 element let me know

[frorider]

<p>

It is? It&#39;s the same travel and roughly the same frame weight as the hei hei (and the element, and most other DC bikes). A 120mm bike is never going to really be a trailbike, at least how I think of the term. At most, it&#39;s a *down*country bike. Sent from my SM-S931U1 using Tapatalk

top fuel frame weight is comparable to the new Hei Hei but the previous generation HH was lighter. &nbsp;I tried to choose my words carefully when saying the top fuel has kinda edged somewhat into trailbike category. &nbsp; &nbsp;An SB120 is also 120 travel but compared to a lighter, snappier, flex stay bike it&#39;s also edging into trailbike category. &nbsp;It was pretty easy to build my 4 yr old Hei Hei to under 27 lbs with durable wheels and 140 fork. &nbsp;I can get the Trek frame pretty cheap but most sizes are sold out so it&#39;s moot.&nbsp;</p>