Feeler Slopestyle Vs DH rig

[Rockinthecasbah]

I'm happy right now lol just looking for some ideas in the future, the 7 point does everything I could need it to do, was just wondering what the feedback was with some of the SS bikes on downhill stuff

[2wheel_lee]

The SlopeStyle (and maybe some slopestyle bikes) do well on the downhill compared to "full-on" DH bikes. Obviously, as things get steeper and more technical or as they get faster, the slopestyle bikes can be a bit unnerving. In some ways, though, the slopestyle bikes can be more fun because of their lighter weight and improved agility. In other words, some of the things that hold the slopestyle bike back from being a great DH bike is what makes it a fun bike. Having said that, even though I have a SlopeStyle, I won't be getting rid of my DH bike.

[Rockinthecasbah]

thanks lee thats the kind of answer I was looking for

[Jman]

Rick you have way more skill than I but from short time I've payed around on the Bottlerocket I've noticed that it gives me an interesting in-between when on stuff like Southridge. It's not as unforgiving as the HT on the 4x course (ie I can make a few mistakes and pull out of it and probably ride fresher for longer.) but not as plush as the few DH bikes I've seen on the 4x course. For me the bottlerocket was just gnar enough to let me have some fun and stay close to my main skill set. (which really isn't DH.)

[mfoga]

Whats everyone's opinion on something like the Norco Aline? It looks like it could be good all around bike for both SS and DH. With built in ability to change BB height and rear travel.

[aukmal]

There's room in any stable for both. The right tool for the right job. Like it's been mentioned here before, the SS climbs great (probably attributable in part to the 73.5 - 74 deg Seat angle), and handles the gnar with aplomb. It's got a lower BB and slacker HA than most (with a flush headset and 160mm fork like the Lyrik, it'll run about 13.3-inches on the BB and about 66.25-degrees on the HA...yeah I know it's different than the website, but those are confirmed real world measurements). I've got a Totem with a non-flush headset and the BB is running slightly over 13.7 and the HA is closer to 65.

It'll handle the steep fast stuff well enough, but when the going get super fast or super steep, a DH rig like an M6 with a lower BB and a slacker HA and more rear travel inspires greater confidence, but pedaling uphill is tough, but not impossible.

These days, solid SS builds are weighing somewhere in the 32.75 to 35-lb range. M6s seem to be weighing around 37.5 on up.

Like I said before, the right tool for the right job, but the Intense bikes have very progressive geometries. More than pretty much all other bikes in 2008.

For example, an IH 7point with shorter eye to eye is going to have a taller BB, slacker SA, and steeper HA than a comparably equiped slopestyle.

The IH Sunday has a taller BB, steeper HA, and less rear travel (with modern rear shocks, the wallowing, sloppy feel of more travel can be tuned out).

But IMHO, I'm still convinced the DW-link is a superior suspension design to the VPP.

Just some things to consider for a new ride.
auk

[Dino Brown]

Originally Posted by aukmal

But IMHO, I'm still convinced the DW-link is a superior suspension design to the VPP.

Someone remind me to buy this man a beer!
Well said young Auk... Well said!

[mullarks]

Another thing to consider is the weight factor. Most DH bikes weigh in around 40 lbs or more and and SS is going to be in the low 30's (32-34). So even though the geometry is similiar the SS is going to get ping ponged around in really rocky stuff while a heavier DH bike will stay more planted and allow you to plow through stuff.

[2wheel_lee]

All these talks of 32-33 pounds SlopeStyles makes me jealous...Perhaps if I was a bit lighter, my fork spring and my ti shock spring wouldn't be so heavy. And although I am running a Maverik Speedball post on my Slopestyle, which adds a little weight, my bike is still at 35 pounds with single-ply tires.

Maybe if I removed the front derailleur and shifter I could lose some weight, but it wouldn't be worth it.

I rode my SS up at Summit this weekend, and even when things did get steep and fast, it handled very well. I have a new-found love for that bike. Sure, it wasn't as stable as the M3, but it was also more fun to ride when the trail wasn't steep and loose. The Slopestyle really is a good do-it-all bike.

On a side note, I should also add that I was extremely impressed with the 08 XT brakes. I only have a 160 mm rotor in the back, and a 185 up front, and neither brake faded. These brakes rock!

[jamesdc]

While slopestyle bikes are kinda fun you can hit everything you could on a slopestyle on a full out dh bike if you have the skills/muscle. I can jump my rmx on bmx type jumps better than I could on a bottlerocket with a 36 up front and sometimes better than my hardtail. With the dh bike you get the better and less sketchy ride when things get rough and steep and you have more suspension for when you fvck up.

[Rockinthecasbah]

I have the jumping covered on my Black Market, and have a 7 point I use for my DH slopestyle stuff, it might just stay that way, my idea is when I do replace it do I want a big bomber DH rig or an SS I am more of a Jumper then a rock bomber, but I do right some fast rock gardens , so both bikes suit my needs, it looks like the 7 point is just what I need, good just gotta bleed those brakes before this weekend

[bighit8]

Im really thinking Im gonna sell my Bighit( not really a DH bike) and buy a KHS lucky 7. I really dont need a full on Dh or slopestyle bike, but one that will work well for either.The Bighit has served both purposes,just giving myself reason to buy a new bike.

[Rockinthecasbah]

that lucky is perfect for a FR rig

[bighit8]

I guess the Bighit is gonna go up on the auction block.I was thinking the KHS is pretty sweet.Now I have to change my Name to Lucky7.

[Rockinthecasbah]

ha I guess, make sure you test ride it they have that marz fork and its hit or miss on the one swith top out issues

[bighit8]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

ha I guess, make sure you test ride it they have that marz fork and its hit or miss on the one swith top out issues

When I buy it it will be with the rock Shox Totem or a fox.

[Foesnasty]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

The SlopeStyle (and maybe some slopestyle bikes) do well on the downhill compared to "full-on" DH bikes. Obviously, as things get steeper and more technical or as they get faster, the slopestyle bikes can be a bit unnerving. In some ways, though, the slopestyle bikes can be more fun because of their lighter weight and improved agility. In other words, some of the things that hold the slopestyle bike back from being a great DH bike is what makes it a fun bike. Having said that, even though I have a SlopeStyle, I won't be getting rid of my DH bike.

thanks Lee, I was waiting for somebody to make this point.... it's too bad there are no true "SS" runs around here..

[Jman]

I agree with Lee, my Bottlerocket is way closer to 40 lbs than I'd lke to admit. I have a 1x9 set up and while she'll climb she likes to fight all the way up. I really think that for a bike like this in the area I live the newer adjustable seat post would be the key. I am really eyeing that crankbrothers seat post but at over 200 bux I'll just manual adjust things for now!

It would be nice to see some real SS runs around but I would think they'd be pretty hard to keep up and safe. To be honest I use mine to just horse around on local kids stuff. I had been using the Chameleon to do this but I'm getting close to converting that to a true XC machine or a single speed (the other SS).

[Rockinthecasbah]

im leaning towards the lucky 7/b-52 if i get rid of my horse.