Turner 5 Spot Setups

[LncNuvue]

Does anyone have input on what might be the best all mtn/trail 5 Spot setup? Any experience with a 160mm fork on that bike? I'm looking for something stable in the rough with low BB and slack angles but still climbs like a champ. I'm also considering the RFX - I know it's full on bomb proof but how does this bike do climbing? Thanks.

[Tedroy]

... they got all that stuff!
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=109800

[jonathan_sykes81]

I climb everything on my RFX, it is everything I could want in a bike. If you want 160mm up front, just go ahead and get the RFX. I also second Tedroy on looking at the Turner forum in the setup section, it has all the info yo could ever want and then some.

[Pain Freak]

I really love my 5 spot and to go any more in travel would be fruitless as I don't use all the travel I have now. But if you think you may...go with the RFX. Weight wise they're close and most people on them climb just as good if not better then the guys on the xc bikes. You really can't go wrong with either.

[dstepper]

I used to run a 160mm 2006 Zoke Z1 Light on my Spot. It had ETA so no problem with the climbing.

If you are looking for a lower BB the 2009 RFX will have a lower BB but will be heavier than the the 2007-08 RFX.

Dean

[CalEpic]

I have both a 5 Spot and RFX. Both climb well but if a low bottom bracket height is what you're looking for it would be the Spot. I don't think I'd run a 160mm fork on it though. A Pike seems ideal on that bike.

As dstepper mentioned, the '07/'08 RFX is pretty close to the Spot weight wise if you can live with the BB height. If I could only have one bike, I think I would choose an RFX regardless of the BB height.

[thephat]

I don't know how low and slack you want it. If you want to try really low and slack, you can demo my custom Ventana Ciclon. Otherwise, I vote Pike.

[LncNuvue]

Originally Posted by dstepper

I used to run a 160mm 2006 Zoke Z1 Light on my Spot. It had ETA so no problem with the climbing.

If you are looking for a lower BB the 2009 RFX will have a lower BB but will be heavier than the the 2007-08 RFX.

Dean

Did I read that correctly - The 2009 will be heavier?

[NitrOx]

Originally Posted by LncNuvue

Did I read that correctly - The 2009 will be heavier?

Yes, but that won't be available till, well, 2009. From what you describe, I would go with the '08 RFX. Folks say it climbs very well.

A few folks also run travel adjustable 160mm forks (36TALAS or RS Lyric u-turn) on their Spots and seem to like it. The key is to have a travel adjustable fork so you can run it a 140mm or flower on flats and climbing and 160mm for DH.

[LncNuvue]

I'm on an Enduro SL now with a 14" BB height. I pedaled an RFX around a bike shop parking lot last week and it felt better than my Enduro. The cockpit was more AM - like you sat in it instead of over it. I could probably live with the BB height. From all posts here and on MTBR it looks like the Pike is the fork of preference for the 5 Spot.

[CalEpic]

Originally Posted by LncNuvue

Did I read that correctly - The 2009 will be heavier?

Yes, word on the street is a new RFX that fills the gap between the current RFX and the discontinued Highline. Lower BB, maybe 1.5 headtube and Maxle rear dropouts.

[guero]

Originally Posted by LncNuvue

...From all posts here and on MTBR it looks like the Pike is the fork of preference for the 5 Spot.

very true, i have a pike on my 5 Spot, so do fellow str riders such as lbmtb, turnerob, mcgrath...

[SnookDawg]

I would go with Spot over RFX unless you plan on riding some drops/stunts. The Spot can handle a 2 to 3' drop to flat just fine, and while both climb well the Spot should climb better than the RFX. If you already have a 5" trail bike then the RFX would be a nice addition to the stable, and capable of a little more abuse. If this is going to be your one do-it-all trail bike then either could be great, with the Spot getting the nod if you're more of an XC rider, and the RFX getting the nod if you're going to mix in some free-ride.

[CalEpic]

[quote=SnookDawg;300281]the Spot should climb better than the RFX. quote]

If we're talking fire roads or smooth trails, yes. On techy climbs, I find the RFX climbs better despite the weight penalty.

[LncNuvue]

[quote=CalEpic;300321]

Originally Posted by SnookDawg

the Spot should climb better than the RFX. quote]

If we're talking fire roads or smooth trails, yes. On techy climbs, I find the RFX climbs better despite the weight penalty.

There are numerous steep/rocky/technical climbs on most of the trails in the desert area. My Enduro SL climbs it all great. I too find that a little plusher bike gets the monkey grip going when it starts to get ugly. Every ride I'm doing about 2000ft+ of climbing and around 9 miles. I imagine the RFX won't leave me wasted after my rides? Right now I'm in that situation of trying to find the perfect setup - seems to be a neverending endevor. Too many options and not enough time or money to have one of each.

[CalEpic]

I've ridden out there quite a few times so I think I have a pretty good idea of the trails you'd be riding on. I'd go RFX with an air shock/fork. Your build should be ~ 32 lbs with decent tires. A similarly equipped Spot will be ~ 30 lbs. They're close enough that for me I'd choose the RFX. The 5 Spot can handle most anything out there but trails like Art Smith, etc are just more fun with a slightly bigger bike.

[SnookDawg]

I would agree that the RFX should get up over some of the really techy/rocky/ledgy stuff better than the Spot, particularly if you set it up with a 2-step adjustable travel Lyrik so you could drop the front a little on said climbs. But I would not buy a Spot for climbing fire roads - I think you should be able to get the Spot up and over just about anything. If you want to climb fire roads you don't even need suspension, just get a rigid bike and hammer away.

[LncNuvue]

Originally Posted by SnookDawg

I would agree that the RFX should get up over some of the really techy/rocky/ledgy stuff better than the Spot, particularly if you set it up with a 2-step adjustable travel Lyrik so you could drop the front a little on said climbs. But I would not buy a Spot for climbing fire roads - I think you should be able to get the Spot up and over just about anything. If you want to climb fire roads you don't even need suspension, just get a rigid bike and hammer away.

Fire Roads = Only when needed to get to the good stuff. ie dunn road to art smith, cat canyon, hahn or wildhorse.

[dstepper]

I have owned a 2003 5-Spot and now a 2007-08 RFX. I enjoyed my 5-Spot built up heavier (32lbs) than the 29 lbs it was when I first built it. The switch to a RFX was a no brianer to me as it got 1 1/2 more inches of rear travel at a half pound weight penality. My RFX with a RP23 and a 7 inch travel 2006 Zoke 66sl weighs in at 33.86 lbs and heavy tires. The only time I truley notice the difference between my old spot and the RFX is on the downs...big difference. Would I go back to a Spot? No, I would buy a Sultan and keep the RFX.

Dean

[SnookDawg]

Originally Posted by dstepper

I would buy a Sultan and keep the RFX

Now you're talking!