With twenty nine inch wheels and 125mm of travel, the Sultan is already marking the benchmark for distinction. In 2009 the Sultan gained the dw-link and now with a number of other refinements it has been honed to perfection. Finally a 29er that lives up to promises of not only pedaling efficiency and travel plushness but with a fine-tuned trail geometry that will inspire talent. Forget the twitchy unforgiving handling of other 29ers since the Sultan is redefining the expectations of its class.
Submitted by
cobym2
a Cross Country Rider
from San Juan, PHL
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2011
Strengths: The bike just floats over small obstacles. Traction is greatly improved over a similar 26 inch wheeled bike. Amazing in technical climbs.
Weaknesses: None, except maybe the weight. But not really an issue for me. Its a trail bike.
Bottom Line:
I got this used at a great deal from a friend.
This for me is the ideal all day trailbike. Rider position is pretty neutral - not racerboy stooped, nor too upright. It is very reliable and never a complaint from the frame in thousands of kms. of trails. It is surprisingly efficient on the climbs. What sets it apart for me is the traction uphill. This thing is a beast for technical climbs. Even on muddy chutes, I can clear them on my relatively low profile GEAX Saguaro tires. On chunkier rubber, this will climb anything your legs can provide power for.
On the downhill, the Sultan was very stable and compliant. Sharp cornering takes a bit of practice, but it is still very capable. The frame, however, will only be as good as its fork. Upgrading to a 15 or 20mm thru axle fork would be a good idea, since the QR fork I had on was noticeably flexier than the rear suspension and it would deflect off rocks and such.
I recently upgraded to Enduro needle bearing shock hardware and have increased the plushness factor even more. It is now super smooth. While the DW Sultan is even better on technical climbs, Im pretty content with the TNT Sultan and will keep it until it breaks apart, which is hopefully not in a couple more years.
Similar Products Used: Turner Sultan DW, Niner RIP 9.
Bike Setup: Manitou Minute 29, C29ssmax wheels, XT/XTR
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Value Rating:
Submitted by
fred-da-trog
a Cross Country Rider
from Norcal
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2011
Strengths: The usual Turner stuff, paint, welds, and handling. This is the first suspension Bike I've ver ridden that performs almost like a hard tail bike standing while climbing.
Weaknesses: No weakness. The bike is better than I am and makes me look more advanced than I am
Bottom Line:
My gauge for good or bad equipment is how often I think about it while riding. My only thoughts while riding the Sultan, up or dowm, I can't believe I just cleaned that or I feel like I'm cheating or have an unfair advantage. I bought the bike solely based on reviews here and because at 58 years old, I will never be able to afford, or justify, a new one. I haven't regreted the purchase for a single second.
Similar Products Used: My first FS 29er. I've owned 5 other Fisher 29 HTs. Demo'd Ventana and Specialized FS 29ers.
Bike Setup: Mine looks exacltly like the picute above with Reba 100mm front and RP23 in rear. Bonty Mustang rims on DT 240 hubs. Sram X9 components
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
edubfromktown
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockville, MD USA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2010
Strengths: Exceptionally well balanced, nimble, plush and climbs like a squirrel up a brick wall. Although it is heavier than my hardtail, I can hop it off the ground higher (using the FS compression before launching). Baffles me at times when I feel like I'm losing control (both on bomber downhills and low speed rough uphills) and the damn thing snaps itself back inline and keeps on going. Has significantly lower tendency to drift into potential endo territory than my hard tail 29er (haven't gone over on it yet).
Weaknesses: None that I've observed thus far. My only minor gripe is that clearances are tight particularly on the rear- leaves get caught frequently and buzzzzzzzz louder than my CK rear hub (which I actually LIKE).
Bottom Line:
Fits my ~6'2" frame perfectly. There's nothing that I can say I'd change about the setup - it is spot on for my style of wacky XC/trail/mtn riding.
Handles rough stuff without complaint and climbs like a dream. I've come close to maxing the travel a couple of times; haven't used propedal yet.
Similar Products Used: Niner, TNT Sultan and Ventana FS; Fuji, Giant Niner and Trek HT
Bike Setup: Large '09 DW-Link frame (28.92 lbs all together), King ISOs on Flows w/ DT Swiss hardware, Racing Ralph (tubeless) 2.4f / 2.25r, Stylo GXP crank, XT pedals, XTR 12-34t cassette, Reba Team fork w/ Maxle, RaceFace 3d, Truvative 7050 stem, Noir CF handlebars w/Lizardskinks , Elixr-CR's w/160 G2 rotors, SRAM X9, Selle Italia C2 flow on Thomson Elite setback 367 post
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Submitted by
spoc62
a Cross Country Rider
from New Orleans
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2010
Strengths: Balance, lateral stiffness, fast smooth handling.
I can't tell any noticible loss of climbing power compared to a hardtail.
Weaknesses: None that I can tell. Maybe cable housing thru out?
Bottom Line:
Previously on a 29 SS. Much of the time the sultan feels faster/ with no loss of power.
Took a few weeks to adjust to the responsiveness of this handling...very fast and smooth almost too fast for my skills at times.
If you don't want a bunch of bouncy sag, with the rear only active for the bear necessity, then this is a great choice for a solid responsive ride.
Similar Products Used: Kona Hei Hei 29, Santa Cruz Tallboy.
Bike Setup: XT, Monkeylite XC, Thomson stem/post, King HS, AVID BB7, REBA TEAM 120mm TA, Stans ZTR Flow rims/rrhub(ft Hope), Nevegal2.2
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
csgodenver
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO,USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2010
Strengths: Great climber, smooth through rough terrain, bomber downhill ride, tough frame takes my 215lbs without complaining, R23 is the best shock I've ridden
Weaknesses: Not a fan of bushings on the pivots (no trouble yet), sometimes wish I had a little more travel in back
Bottom Line:
This bike made me a better rider from the moment I started riding it. I clear more tech obstacles then ever with a 26 wheel. I am faster down hill and I enjoy the stability of the frame through the turns and downhill. I have really enjoyed this frame & set up.
Similar Products Used: Tested a RIP 9er, last bike Intense 5.5
Bike Setup: King BB, X-9 everything, Elixr CR brakes. Thomson Sten , Seat Post, Salsa carbon flat bar, WTB seat, Hope pro II hubs, Stans flow rims (LOVE THEM)
Strengths: Great suspension, reasonably stiff, perfect geometry for trail riding
Weaknesses: Frame could be a little lighter, but 6.1 lbs. for a medium is not bad.
Bottom Line:
I love the suspension on this bike. Note it was Pushed by the previous owner who weighed a little more than me. It also has the high volume sleeve. In summary, the bike is super plush and goes through virtually all of its travel on most rides but I never feel it bottom-out. With the RP23 totally open it bobs only ever so slightly and it really isn't noticeable. This to me is the Holy Grail of suspension. I do think the Pushing of the shock may have a lot to do with this.
I like the relatively slack geometry and the whole build is fairly light as my bike is right at 27lbs. with no studpid light parts and real tires. The whole package is very stable on the descents but still climbs well.
The frame is laterally very stiff, but I only weigh 150 lbs. The suspension pivots are completely silent and I haven't even lubed them through the lubing ports yet.
Note that I did consider buying the DW link frame but did not think that it was necessary given the Push tune on the shock. Also note that I sold my DW link Ibis Mojo and replaced it with this bike and am quite happy about the switch. I still think the DW Link is the best suspension system out there but Turner made it way too heavy for me and also changed the top tube length so it no longer fits me as well as the TNT model. While I must admit that I never rode the new Sultan DW Link, I don't think the extra .8 lbs. of weight and suboptimal top tube length would have been worth it for me.
I think the Sultan makes a great trail bike and that's what I use it for. It is still too heavy for a race bike although I do see some occasionally race it. I don't do any big drops so It wouldn't be stout enough for a real All-mountain bike, but I'll take the lighter weight for my purposes.
Similar Products Used: Leviathan 3.0, Fisher 292, Dos Niner
Bike Setup: X-0, X-9, XTR, Spinergy Cyclone wheels, Manitou Minute 120 fork, Magura Marta SL brakes
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
hellocook
a Cross Country Rider
from CO
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2009
Strengths: MADE IN THE USA.
i guess also re-sale value was ok once i got tired of this bike after only 6 months / see product weaknesses below
Weaknesses: a lot of bobbing without propedal, not very plush with stock rear shock - needs XV sleeve for larger riders, very slack geometry does not work well on technical singletrails, rear is flexy in comparison to my '09 niner rip9
Bottom Line:
IMO one of the most overrated frames. maybe ok for fireroads but nothing for technical singletrails.
Similar Products Used: owned niner rib9 09, maverick durance, scott ransom and others
Bike Setup: Manitou 29er, XTR, Formula Oro, i9 wheelset
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Submitted by
GreenLightGo
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, FL
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2009
Strengths: Made in the USA! Great design, great construction, fully serviceable bushing system (not bearings), great customer service and a company with a proven track record for quality full suspension bikes. Comes as a frame so you can pick/choose your parts - or you can get it with one of three smartly spec'ed kits. You can build it light, or heavy. You can race XC with it or do enduro stuff - it's really a versatile machine.
Weaknesses: It's a bit expensive. I put $4000 as price paid - that is the whole package, wheels, tires, fork, etc. My only nit pick is the valving in the stock RP23. I ride an XL and weigh 210ish - the High Volume can allowed too much blow through in the mid-stroke. Fixed that with a Low Volume air cannister. Later went to a full PUSH tune - well worth the $150 for that tune. It took me 7 months or so to fully figure out what 'exactly' I wanted for performance in the rear and PUSH nailed it - giving me a tailored Sultan experience that suits my needs.
Bottom Line:
After a year and 1000+ miles - I'm sold. The 08 Sultan is a fantastic bike. If you can afford the price of entry - it's is hard to beat the Turner Sultan. I will have mine in the stable for a long time to come.
Bike Setup: WB Fluid 110 w/ TA, Kings on Flows, Ardent front/Python rear, XO medium cage, RF Turbines, SRAM PG990, Ritchey WCS Stem, Easton EC70 low rise bars, Ergon grips, Bontrager InForm saddle.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
sizzo
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2009
Strengths: Puts a big stupid grin on your face. Carves so very nicely.
Weaknesses: Bugs get stuck in your teeth. The longer chainstays and wheel bast are going to make it hard to flick and manual in more technical terrain.
Bottom Line:
Good lord this thing is a blast. Coming from the Surly, the CG was noticeably a bit higher. Once I got used to that (about turn 2), I was absolutely railing. Haven't checked out any of the Niner geometries, but the geo on the Sultan was quick without being twitchy and responded like a champ to body english only, lay it over and it rails. Like skiing on dirt. Went and rode my poor Surly afterwards, and it was not at all the same, it felt awkward and twitchy and I was slowing down for stuff I had just blown through half an hour previous.
I haven't ridden a whole lot of different linkages, mostly just single pivot, and can say that I'm sold. I noticed no pedal bob, even on the 5-spot w/o any damping; unless you are trying to make it bob, it don't bob. Yet the rear wheel stays planted, and tracks perfectly.
A downside I noticed, is that it was hard to get the front wheel up in a manual. In fact I couldn't get it to do it period, and would not feel confident rolling off any sizable lips w/o considerable practice. Other than that this could easily be my ideal trail bike. My other great disappointment was having to give the bike up for others to try, if I hadn't had stuff to do, I literally would have hung around and begged to take it for another spin. It was that much fun. By far the most fun bike I've ever ridden on winding singletrack, and dang-it I want one.(i've really got to stop trying new things, it only empties my bank account...)
4.5 for value, even though i'm gonna throw down for it, man is it gonna take a chunk outta the pocketbook.
Similar Products Used: Surly Karate Monkey, Santa Cruz Heckler, Gary Fisher Superfly, GF roscoe, Trek Fuel.
Bike Setup: demo fleet components, Ardent in front, x-mark in rear
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
flyingchef47
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2009
Strengths: Super balanced ride with a high speed rolling feel that is confidence inspiring. Incredible climbing capabilities and down hill screamer.
Weaknesses: None that I've experienced. People have commented about the price, but you'll never regret buying a Turner -- they are worth every penny!!!!
Bottom Line:
Although I love my Flux, this 29er thing is really making me question the 26" wheel. If I had to choose one bike, I think I'd go with the Sultan for sheer fun and all day riding appeal. But giving up that Flux would be a heartbreaker.
Similar Products Used: I also currently own a Flux and over the years have had several Specialized bikes (3 different Stumpjumpers and 3 Epics).
Bike Setup: All XT drive and controls, Shimano 29r wheelset, Fox F29rl, Kenda Nevegal tires, Easton carbon cockpit.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Troy
a Cross Country Rider
from Aspen, CO
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2009
Strengths: Perfectly balanced. It's a Flux on steroids, but without the backne and shrunken 'nads. At only 5'7" it still fits perfectly.
Weaknesses: Turner doesn't offer clear ano finish any longer.
Bottom Line:
I had a Flux for 3 years and loved it, but always felt it needed something more. I bought a 5-spot, and although it is also an excellent ride, it wasn't what I was looking for. While getting my 5-spot fixed, I tried a demo Sultan and within 100 meters I knew this was what the Flux was meant to be. It's balanced, confidence inspiring, smooth, and very fast.
*This bike could benefit from an adjustable travel fork. 100mm works well almost everywhere, but 130mm would be great for steeper decents and drop-offs.
Similar Products Used: Turner Flux, Airborn hardtail 29er
Bike Setup: Industry Nine, Manitou Minute, Middleburn (20,30,40t), Panaracer Rampage
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
sam1
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin TX
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2008
Strengths: Incredible ride - stable, great climber, better in all respects from my old Ellworth Moment and Maverick ML7
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I have sold all of my 26ers. Have been riding over 12 years and this bike has changed my life. Climbing is insane. Once you learn the handling, it is faster due to greater contact path (running 2.55 weirwolf LT's).
I am 20-30% faster across the board, now dusting my riding buddies. Wondering if it just the 29er, or the bike just fits me perfectly. Have an evolve coming, so will be able to compare soon.
Bike Setup: XT, X7, Juicy 5's, King HS, WTB Wheelset, Manitou Minute 120mm
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
dredburt
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area - California
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2008
Strengths: It is a perfect bike. I am 6'2" and over 200 lbs. This thing rolls over rocks, roots without slowing down and loosing control. Steep descent sections are not a problem for me anymore.
Favorite Trail: Any trail that makes my heart to pump and lungs to burn
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At: Different Sources
Similar Products Used: Similar would be GF Rig 21" SS - that is how I first new that 29er is for me.
I also have 2007 Ibis Mojo XT build - great bike but it feels a bit too small after riding Rig and Sultan.
Cannondale Rush - for sale now ): - no comments
Bike Setup: Frame is XL - blue with FOX PR 23 Shock.
Cane Creek Head Set,
Easton A70 - 110mm Stem,
Handle Bar A70 - 700 mm.
Fork - RockShox Reba 80mm
Seat Post - Carbon Ritchey with set back
Seat - WTB Speed
Wheels - Velocity Blunt with Shimano XT hubs
Tires - Kenda Navegal Front and Rear
Shifters, Brakes Levers, Cranks and BB, Front and rear Durailers,Cassete and Chain all - Shimano XTR
Pedals Shimano XT
Rotors - Hope 203 mm with Hope adaptors for front and rear. These will stop a train
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
angstboater
a Cross Country Rider
from chattanooga, tn, usa
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2008
Strengths: fast, light, rolls over everything, efficient suspension, good welds, zerk fittings
Weaknesses: i've been thinking but can't come up with any
Bottom Line:
2nd best bike purchase to date.( first being the 29er SS) I love it. it climbs well, descends without thought, rolls over everything in it's path. The bushings are easy to work on. I wish I'd made the purchase/switch sooner.
Similar Products Used: flux, Ti hardtail 26 and 29in bikes, haro
Bike Setup: king hubs, stans arches with ardent up front and small block on the back. xtr, raceface and hope brakes. thompson stem/seatpost. easton bar. Ergons.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Poster Nutbag
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Junction, CO
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2008
Strengths: 2008 Model. This bike exhibits all of the traits that make Turners great: solid handling, laterally stiff, efficient suspension. What makes this bike even better is the big wheels. This bike rolls over holes that swallow smaller wheels. Climbing ability is insane. The bigger wheel patch allows you to hold traction in very tight and loose corners. This bike is quick responding in the slow technical stuff, but still ultra stable when bombing the fast stuff.
Weaknesses: None. Some have cited problems with the stock shock, but I'm 225+ with gear and found it very easy to find the right balance between plush, while not wallowing.
Bottom Line:
Best handling and confidence inspiring bike I've owned. Trails around where I live are a combination of rocky and tight. Momentum and handling is key. This bike works very well in these kind of conditions. If you are over 6' tall do yourself a favor and get on some big wheels.
PAID SPAM,..
WILLING TO SHIP FOR FREE IN THE LOWER 48
HELP ME OUT AND SPREAD THE WORD
CHEERS,
[url=http://classifieds.mtbr.com/showproduct.php?product=72227&title=2011-turner Read More »
i love my 2009 mojo sl and have been patiently waiting for the ripley for a year. I'm tired of waiting and thought i would buy a used carbon tallboy or dw sultan frame set and bu Read More »
Hi All,
I am building my 2011 Sultan and am getting close to having to mount the fork and stem. I am not sure how high to stack the stem and was wondering what most of you out the Read More »
