4X frames - Rigid or FS?

[Devoid169]

Ok - getting bit by the 4X bug and want some input on frames. I'm an ex-BMX racer, still tear up the streets on my 24" race cruiser and want to race 4X. I'm used to a rigid frame and can get thru pretty gnarly sections smoothly - plus sprinting on a boingy bike seems like some wasted energy. Any REAL benefits of a FS 4X frame? Trying to figure out what frame to buy - I'm 6' and like a long-ish and low frame. Any input would help cuz I see a lot of urban/jumping frames listed on manufacturers websites but I don't know what geometry to look for at this point. I will be heading to Fontana on the 9th to see what people are using and hoping to borrow a bike or two for a practice run. Thanks!! Donny

[Rockinthecasbah]

H/T seems to be faster out of the corners and easier to manual, I know a few of us also run are forks super stiff. Theres alot of people running full squish the only advantage is its a little more forgiving.

[tkblazer]

hey donny, did you see the other thread? lots of good info

4x Bikes...

[Devoid169]

Yep - still pouring over the info - just trying to get a direct perspective on frames. I do like Bob Burnes' Dialled bike - looks like something I'd be interested in but might be costly.

[Rockinthecasbah]

I'm going to be out wends and sat if you want to take a spin on my HT I'm sure sharky would let you ride her nicoli too

[Devoid169]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

I'm going to be out wends and sat if you want to take a spin on my HT I'm sure sharky would let you ride her nicoli too

Thanks - I'll be there on Saturday to check things out. Are you running clipped-in or platforms?

[Rockinthecasbah]

most people run clips I'm running flats right now

[2wheel_lee]

I race a HT, but I think either is fine, depending on the course. I don't think there is any need for an FS at Fontana, but if there was an FS that pedaled well, I'd consider it....except good FS frames cost quite a bit more, which is the key reason I prefer a HT.

I've been using platform pedals, but when they get a real gate, I may go with clips. I can do starts and sprints much better with clips.

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by Devoid169

Yep - still pouring over the info - just trying to get a direct perspective on frames. I do like Bob Burnes' Dialled bike - looks like something I'd be interested in but might be costly.

Hey, Devo!

Welcome to the 4X pack! My Dialled is available for demos and I'd be more than happy to let you shoot her down the course a few times. Look for me in the pit area. I'll be the guy by the big red Titan praciticing one footed starts!

The frame...well...the cost is right there with Yeti's DJ, SC Chameleon (or the Jackle), so it's not out of reach.

And you'll dig the feeling of a steel frame too!

AS for the preferance...I raced a FS bike last year and it had it's advantages, but only on the rougher, downhill courses. I suffer any time the track goes flat or there's a series of whoops. The free speed you get from pumping is just sucked away and you've got to dig deep to get that speed back.

Then there's the price. Very expensive and the maintenance on a FS 4X frame can be very high. They weigh more (my Yeti weighed in at 32 lbs, whereas my HT Dialled comes in at 25 lbs) as well.

HT's provide the rider with strong gates, no-waste sprints, and you can take advantange of the pump with more effeciency. As a BMX guy, you'll rock the HT as it'll feel a bit more familiar under your feet.

The FS frames do "boing." and believe me-it takes some getting used to.

I race with clips, but I practice with flats. I went with flats on my last race in Fontana because standing starts and clips...well, they go together like Ketchup and cereal.

Hope to meet you at the Feb 9th race! Cheers!

[Devoid169]

Originally Posted by BobBurnes

Hey, Devo!

Welcome to the 4X pack! My Dialled is available for demos and I'd be more than happy to let you shoot her down the course a few times. Look for me in the pit area. I'll be the guy by the big red Titan praciticing one footed starts!

Hope to meet you at the Feb 9th race! Cheers!

Thanks Bob!
I will be seeing you then and appreciate the demo opportunity - are the Dialled bikes available here or does everything ship from the UK? Also, should I bring my platforms cuz my only clip-in shoes are XC race style. Thanks again - Donny

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by Devoid169

Thanks Bob!
I will be seeing you then and appreciate the demo opportunity - are the Dialled bikes available here or does everything ship from the UK? Also, should I bring my platforms cuz my only clip-in shoes are XC race style. Thanks again - Donny

Dialled ships out of the UK. I just sent a e-mail to the main man at Dialled Bikes and I'm getting quotes on shipping + frame and shipping time. He's pretty good at getting back to me in the day dispite the 8 hour time difference. (I'm even looking into stocking several Dialled frames here in Las Vegas.)

I'll have my flats with me, Donny, so no worries, mate. All you'll have to do is bring yo'self! And a helmet

[Jman]

What's wrong with Ketchup and Cereal!!!???? j/k

Not from a 4x perspective or anything but from my trail riding and XC riding the HT always gives the rider more power and control over the bike. It's harsher by far but when you pedal the power goes straight to the tire and not absorbed a bit by the shock (even on pro-pedal bikes). However I've noticed that a FS can 'cover' up your mistakes or lack of adequate skill at times. My Heckler has gotten me out of a few hairy spots on trail rides. Point it, pedal it and hold on is usually the motto for FS.

It's probably a bit different for 4x just thought I'd give a different perspective. Still that FOES FS 4X one of the guys rode this weekend looked sick!! I fell in love and I don't even really like FOES!

The question is then, how much suspension is too much on a 4x course. I would think that something like Destroyers Transition (bottlerocket I think) with its 5.5 inches of travel would be an overkill but it might be tough finding a decently priced 3.5 inch FS frame that could take the pounding a 4x or Dual-Slalom course could dish out.

[Rockinthecasbah]

heres the perfect amount of suspension for a FS 4x bike
http://www.transitionbikes.com/2007/Double.cfm

[Jman]

That is a sweet bike, its way expensive but sweet! It bums me out though that you'd spend that much money and only really be able to use it one place.

Are there any other 4X or dual slalom runs around here? Will the Perris BMX track even let mtn bikes on their course?

Man that IS a sweet bike!

[Rockinthecasbah]

You can ride on the orange Y track with no problems so I dont see why you couldnt at perris, Soul cycles makes the matador http://www.ridesoul.com/matador.html which is full squish and an awsome 4x and AM rig just depending on your fork and shock selection. I have the same problem I have my 4x/dj bike, Am, FR/DH, and CX bike I wish one bike did everything

[Jman]

If I keep buying bikes there won't be any room for the family....wait.....no I can't do that!

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by Jman

If I keep buying bikes there won't be any room for the family....wait.....no I can't do that!

You can always find room! And to make matters easier - yes easier - make sure everyone in the family has bikes. That way, with so many bikes around, an additional bike goes unnoticed.

Oh, and yes, mountain bikes are ok at the BMX track. There are a number of 4X racers who practice on BMX tracks. Just get a shorter stem! Did I say that yet?

Ricky, do you ride at Orange Y?

[Rockinthecasbah]

every once in a while I ride there ,my membership just expired I'll be riding it agian soon

[Jman]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Just get a shorter stem! Did I say that yet?

I think I've heard that. I forgot ask Ricky if he'll bring his on Wed and see if we can swap it out real fast. I'd stop at Jenson on the way out there and pick one up but I'm not sure if I should got 50, 60 or 70. When I first got the Chameleon I had a shorter one on (can't remember the length though)and it was really odd feeling. The bike is a med and the SC's seem to run a bit small so we'll see.

Now all I have to do is rent out the whole track so I don't look like a total dweeb trying to ride since I've never even been to a BMX track let alone rode a BMX track. LOL

[Nagaredama]

Anyone interested in riding at Simi BMX this Friday?