4x Bikes...

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

For the last race, I had a Small Block 8 in the back and a Nevegal up front, which is what I ran on the bike for XC. The bike has mostly been used as a buddy bike, and lately, mostly only my girlfriend and her friend have ridden the bike, so I wanted to keep the ride easy for them. I'm undecided on what tires I want to run.

I used to run those System 4 tires on my all-mountain bike, but then we (a friend an I) started to get tires where the lugs would tear off within the first couple rides. Intense Tires didn't stand behind them, so we've since stopped using Intense tires.




And who may that buddy be?

I remember you telling me that. They've been a good sponsor of mine for two years. So far, so good on the product and I'm sorry to hear that happened to you.

Perhaps I can get you a pair of the ITS Micro-Knobby 26" for 4X when they come out?

[destroyer]

I run a 2.1 WTB weirwolf, and have pretty good luck compared to a few others. I want to try the Kenda small block.

[Nagaredama]

Originally Posted by BobBurnes

Drop the heavy Rock Shox for the new Manitou MRD Minute with Absolute Dampening. 3.3 pounds with a 20mm axle.

I think the Pyslo weight 4 lbs, pretty respectable for $100!.

What do the Minute's cost?

[tkblazer]

Originally Posted by Nagaredama

I think the Pyslo weight 4 lbs, pretty respectable for $100!.

What do the Minute's cost?

i looked into the minutes after bob's suggestion... they're selling for $670

[Nagaredama]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

i looked into the minutes after bob's suggestion... they're selling for $670

$670, I'll save my money and lose some weight off my mid-section for free.

[Jman]

Those Psylo's are heavy but they can sure take a pounding. I did finally replace mine but I ran one on my Bullit when we had a construction site behind where I live and I just about blew it up jumping the plots (3 foot drops and all to flat). It worked really well though.

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

i looked into the minutes after bob's suggestion... they're selling for $670

The Psylo weighs in at about 4.45lbs with the 20mm thru-axle. And for 100 bucks...well, hard to beat that price! The Minute runs about 749, but if you can find them for 670, get 'em!

I've got to tell you though, these are best forks I've felt in a long long time. Right out of the box, they felt smooth and with just a few adjustments for my weight, like butta'. I've felt this kind of performance before-but it didn't last long. I won't mention the company, but it ended up costing me a race because a certain feature gave out. Turned out to be a common problem with that feature for the 2007 model.

I ran the Minute through the extremes, full fast, full slow, locked out, unlocked and finally dialled in. Honestly, after all the forks I've sampled, Manitou's got it right. I like to run them with 1/2 lock out for the 4X course, locked out for the BMX tracks, and full on in the Bootleg Canyon runs.

I can't say how much of a beating they'll take until the end of my 2008 season, but I imagine they'll do just fine.

This is the first line of Manitou's since being purchased by Hayes Bicycle Group and if this is the standard of their production, you can expect big things from Manitou in the years to come.

[tkblazer]

i think i need to spend some more time on my bike with a shorter travel fork... i think i'm gonna set my z1 to 5" again and get used to the quick steering.. wish it had a firmer low speed compression damping tho

[Nagaredama]

At 4.45 lbs the Psylo is still lighter than a Marz 4X WC.

Usually at the BMX track the stiffer the better I can't imagine the Fontana 4X course being that rocky.

How much does your Dialled weigh?

[2wheel_lee]

I ran my fork ridiculously stiff (although in the 140 mm mode). The 4X fork looks like it's fairly tall, but I don't know anything about it.

I would be very hesitant to buy the first two years of a new product from Manitou. I was bit many years ago, and then they came out with the Minute line. I got a Minute II in 2004, only to have problems with the damper unit. My contact at Manitou said it was a known problem, so he sent me a damper unit for an 05 model. When that started having problems, he again said it was a known problem and I would need yet another damper unit. My Sherman Breakout+ initially had a bunch of problems as well.

Granted, Manitou is a new company (under the HB Group), but I'd give it time. Unless it's free.

[Jman]

Well I did it guys! I ran my first 4x and while I did come in last with only one run allowed but it was fun. I wanted to say thanks to Lee and Ricky for their advice and David, Sharky and Dino for the support on the course. I know my bike needs a few changes to it and I think the 4x bug has bit me so now its back to the bike shop! Still the Chameleon ran pretty good considering. The tires bit well (even though they're 6 years old) and I felt smooth on the course (slow as heck but smooth). A full face helmet, some goggles, and elbow pads would be a wise choice as well. Still, I'll be out there on the 9th givin' it another try! Thanks again guys for the encouragement

[Rockinthecasbah]

awsome I'll be out for the next race too, my chain was way to long and I couldnt use my middle gear today so I'm going to dial her in this week

[Jman]

I think I probably needed to drop down one more cog myself for a bit more power. I know I pedaled but I probably coul've pedaled a bit more and maybe even shifted.

I ran the front fork at about 100mm instead of the full 140, what would running it at 140 do, besides giving me a more laid back feel. I'm thinking maybe loosen the steering up a bit but I may be off. (and that may not be the best for the berms)

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by Nagaredama

At 4.45 lbs the Psylo is still lighter than a Marz 4X WC.

Usually at the BMX track the stiffer the better I can't imagine the Fontana 4X course being that rocky.

How much does your Dialled weigh?

The official weight, as completed at my work with a calibrated scale, was 25.9 lbs. Super light. Only three pounds heavier than my XC bike. I haven't raced it yet (Today was supposed to be the first race on the new rig-but a flu bug beat me and my family down).

The Dialled is available for demos at all the Southridge events...given I'm there.

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by Jman

I think I probably needed to drop down one more cog myself for a bit more power. I know I pedaled but I probably coul've pedaled a bit more and maybe even shifted.

I ran the front fork at about 100mm instead of the full 140, what would running it at 140 do, besides giving me a more laid back feel. I'm thinking maybe loosen the steering up a bit but I may be off. (and that may not be the best for the berms)

The best way to explain this, is to run it. Give yourself a good run at about 65% with the fork at 100mm. Then give it another run with the fork at 140mm.

You'll also have to consider your rebound and compression for this test. Run the forks with about 15% sag (I know most fork companies say 20-25%). Adjust the rebound and compression to your comfort levels then toss it down the track. Give yourself a few runs on each setting.


I nearly forgot-How was the start gate????? Did they get it sorted or was the rubberband in full effect???

Cheers!

[Rockinthecasbah]

it was full rubberband effect I was gettiing horrible starts lee freakin nailed it. It was good revenge for the riders that ride flats because people running clips were hating life at the start

[Nagaredama]

What is the gate like?

How deep was each class?

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

it was full rubberband effect I was gettiing horrible starts lee freakin nailed it. It was good revenge for the riders that ride flats because people running clips were hating life at the start

MAN! And I've been practicing my standing starts for two weeks! I'll get my chance next time.

Good to hear Lee was rocking the gates again! How'd you do Sharky?

[Rockinthecasbah]

I think we should get a gate donation going on I'm willing to weld it up if we can get the metal

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

I think we should get a gate donation going on I'm willing to weld it up if we can get the metal

I'm very much into that. I've designed and built three gates in the UK. I'd be more than happy to plan it and help build it.