Interbike 2009 (Merged threads)

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by epicriderat, Jul 18, 2009.

  1. Trizz

    Trizz The In Crowd

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  2. NATAS

    NATAS New Member

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  3. rdcjuanb

    rdcjuanb The Situation

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    It's great to see bikes being pushed through hotel lobbys and industry shirts and socks everywhere you look on the strip.
     
  4. CalEpic

    CalEpic member

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    Interbike 2009 coverage - Bike Demo's

    Where do I start?

    I did not demo a ton of bikes. It was hot!

    I demo'd one of the DW Link Turner 5 Spot's. This was the first time I've spent any real time on one and I was very impressed.
    [​IMG]

    The bike was set-up with a more XC build which was fine. For reference, I own one of the older Horst Link 5 Spots so I wanted to get an idea of how they compare in a real world setting. I did a technical XC loop then some drops ranging from 2-4'. The DW Link 5 Spot feels a little plusher than some of the other DW bikes I've ridden. Climbing is very good. Especially standing and hammering. No pro pedal was needed on the shock. Technical climbing over rocky trails it's a little better than my Horst model. On fast descents with chunk, this bike's travel felt nearly bottomless and controlled. I would say equal to the Horst model. Under braking the suspension performed markedly better than the Horst model. On a side note, Fox's new forks with the Fit dampers are very, very nice. This bike feels like it has more travel than 5.5" and is tough to beat for an all around trail bike.

    Next on my demo list was the Pivot Firebird.
    [​IMG]

    This bike was a great climber. No pro pedal needed on the shock. The DW Link rear suspension is tuned for a firmer ride and this helped on the climbing. When the trail got chunky, this bike performed very well at slower speeds but once speeds increased, it did not perform as well as I would have expected for the travel. It tended to skip over rocks. I played with the rebound a little but I think the original setting was the best. I trust the Pivot guys know how to set up their bikes so I was a little disappointed in this bike.

    Next was the Foes FXR with Cornutt Air shock and floating rear brake.
    [​IMG]
    I'm going to assume this bike was poorly set up because it rode like a steamy pile of poop. The tech set the sag on the shock and fork so who knows? Technical climbing and descending were not much fun on this bike. The Stroker brakes were squealing so loud and dragging so bad it was hard to get an idea of how well the floating brake worked. I did a couple 4-5' drops on this bike and the suspension was very linear feeling so that was good. I won't form an opinion on this bike since I really don't think it was set up properly.

    The only other bike I demo'd was the Intense Uzzi VP.
    [​IMG]

    I had demo'd one of these before with a Fox 36 Fork. This one had the Totem. Both performed well but I like the bike better with the Totem. I used the shuttle for this ride and rode the DH trails so I won't comment on the climbing ability other than to say the previous one I demo'd climbed pretty well for a long travel-rig. I rode Snakeback/G String and nearly lost it when I pinch flatted on the big g-out. I forgot to see which drop out setting this bike was set at but the bottom bracket felt pretty low on the rocky pedaling sections of Snakeback. It also felt super-stable at high speed. A little flex was noticed in the rear when cornering but nothing that seemed to affect the handling of the bike. My only other gripe about this bike was the seat tube or maybe it was the post. It took some serious persuasion to raise and lower the seat. (I also wish the seat-tube didn't have that kink but I think I was able to lower the seat ~ 5" so not a biggie). Overall, I think this is the next bike in my stable.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 24, 2009
  5. CalEpic

    CalEpic member

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    Misc. Dirt Demo pic's

    New Kenda Hans Rey Signature Series H Factor tire
    [​IMG]
    No UST version to be offered unfortunately.

    Also new from Kenda but no pic's:
    Eric Carter Happy Medium DH tire with minimal center tread and larger side knobs.

    Tomac Slant Six. Essentially the bastard child of the Nevegal and Small Block Eight. Same tread pattern but knobs sized between the two. I think this tire will be a winner for SoCal loose over hardpack terrain. UST versions will be available.

    Brian Lopes BBG - low profile center knobs with decent sized edge knobs.

    WTB is getting into the "Tubeless ready" tire game = lightweight tire with UST bead:
    [​IMG]

    And for you 29er freaks, how about a 2.5 Dissent tire? DH/FR wire bead. Gonna need something for that 7" Lenz right?
    [​IMG]

    Oh yeah, Did I mention free beer? No wonder I never ended up demoing too many bikes.

    S(c)AR Boats getting the hook-up:
    [​IMG]

    Some pretty sweet pedals from VP that retail for $50
    [​IMG]

    HoosierDaddy checking out the one-handed wheelie ability of the Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er:
    [​IMG]

    The belt drive craze is catching on with several new models. Here mated to an Alfine internally geared hub:
    [​IMG]

    Spot Brand FS belt drive MTB:
    [​IMG]

    More 29er's? How about Gary Fisher Rumblefish:
    [​IMG]

    You want roadie stuff? New Chris King lightened hubs:
    [​IMG]

    Enough silliness.
    Crank Bro's Opium DH wheelset:
    [​IMG]

    Stay tuned for more...
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 24, 2009
  6. 2wheel_lee

    2wheel_lee Active Member

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    Oh, I see how it is.
     
  7. Trizz

    Trizz The In Crowd

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    WOW, how could you place the others against a rock to stand them up and put the intense in the dirt. NOT COOL BRO :?:
     
  8. NitrOx

    NitrOx Suspension Junkie

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    Nice report CE. I was wondering which dw bikes have your ridden before that you are comparing to the deedub 5Spot? Have you ridden an IH 6point?
     
  9. project_d

    project_d Steve Peat Wannabe

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    I'm not a SS rider, but the distance between the BB and the axle will change over the course of the bike moving through its travel. So I think the use of the der. is to pick up the slack while the bike is static, but allow the chain to "stretch" while compressed.

    If I'm wrong, somebody correct me, but I think I'm right.
     
  10. CalEpic

    CalEpic member

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    I have not ridden the IH 6 point on anything but pavement. I've tried the IH Mark III, a couple different Pivots and a Niner.
     
  11. CalEpic

    CalEpic member

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    Mas

    More pics:

    Lance Armstrong's won Leadville on this:
    [​IMG]

    Some cool commuters from Foes:[​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Foe's B-29 FS 29er:
    [​IMG]

    New 700 lumen LED light from Baja Designs. Waterproof, 4-mode, 3,6,12,30 hr run times, 520 grams total weight:
    [​IMG]

    Kona Magic Link Cadabra and CoilAir. Revised for 2010:
    [​IMG]

    MsCalEpic would like one of these pink Pivot Mach 5's:
    [​IMG]

    Blingin' Hope DH Stems:
    [​IMG]

    Is this a little over-the-top?
    [​IMG]

    Proto Turner RFX. I think Moses was a young boy when DT started working on this. Hope it's worth the wait:
    [​IMG]

    Really nice new hitch rack from Kuat. Made from aluminum, retracting security cable, optional work stand. 2-bike add on coming soon:
    [​IMG]

    Loaded brought some colorful stuff:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  12. CalEpic

    CalEpic member

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    Mas 2

    Yes, there's more

    Fox DJ/4X fork:
    [​IMG]

    Prototype Ibis Mojo HD:
    [​IMG]

    Intense Tazer:
    [​IMG]

    Intense Tracer 29
    [​IMG]

    You too can fly like Evel Kneivel SDG saddle:
    [​IMG]

    5-10 expanded offering including a new SPD compatible shoe with stealth rubber sole:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Bad-ass new Knolly DH bike:
    [​IMG]

    Revised Knolly Delirium T. Say goodbye to adjustable CS length and a bunch of weight. Noel Buckley told me they can now build one with a realistic build kit to 33 lbs (air shock):
    [​IMG]
     
  13. Von-Diggity

    Von-Diggity Moderator

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    damn

    That Delirium looks awesome. Go ride one and give us a report on that!








    Revised Knolly Delirium T. Say goodbye to adjustable CS length and a bunch of weight. Noel Buckley told me they can now build one with a realistic build kit to 33 lbs (air shock):
    [​IMG][/quote]
     
  14. Marshall Willanholly

    Marshall Willanholly Active Member

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    From the pic, it looks like the dropout is in the furthest forward position (highest BB, steepest HA).
     
  15. CalEpic

    CalEpic member

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    Still more:

    This Cove STD looks delicious:
    [​IMG]

    Pretty cool and unique swag they were giving away:
    [​IMG]

    Carbon Niner:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Formula Mega brake set:
    [​IMG]

    Marzocchi 66RC3 Ti (.5 lb lighter):
    [​IMG]

    661 AM helmets:
    [​IMG]

    661 neck and chest protector. BAM, take that Leatt:
    [​IMG]

    Some new Camelbak offerings. Check the helmet/armor holders. Sort of Dakine Nomadish without the leaky bladder. Me likey:
    [​IMG]

    Empire DH cast aluminum frame:
    [​IMG]

    Ellsworth Enlightenment carbon:
    [​IMG]

    Mavic CrossMax Elite AM wheelset (on the right):
    [​IMG]

    Giro Xen in new colors:
    [​IMG]

    Selle Italia Troy Lee saddles:
    [​IMG]

    The end.
     
  16. ShinKen

    ShinKen STR BUB!!

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    finally some 5's for me!! :bang:
     
  17. JoeTruth

    JoeTruth Active Member

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    Anyone stop by and check out Rase's Black Mamba Rapid Adjust Seat posts? Really curious about this one and it's longevity...

    Raises and lowers on the fly up to a full 9 inches (longest adjustable post on the market) and locks securely into place at 20 optional intervals. It is also able to be preset to stop at a rider’s personally set maximum seat height. The Black Mamba is operated from a remote lever on the handlebars. Constructed of 7075 Aluminum, the Black Mamba weights in at 635 grams. It is currently available in four sizes (27.2mm, 30.0mm, 30.9mm and 31.6mm) and in a 6″ or 9″ maximum length. MSRP: $349

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  18. mtbski

    mtbski New Member

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    I think this would work very well on an ID.
     
  19. JoeTruth

    JoeTruth Active Member

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    Sweet cruiser, great T and a model on a budget. Tough times causes companies to hire meth-chicks from the desert.

    [​IMG]
     
  20. CalEpic

    CalEpic member

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    Joe, I did check out the Rase posts. The new ones have a Thomson style clamp (or I beam if you dare to be different) Very little slop, looks like a good option.
     

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