Description:The Sette Shadow Frame has been designed with simple versatility in mind. Whether you want to run it as a freeride dirt jumper or as a no-nonsense singlespeed, then this frame is what you're looking for.
The frame is constructed of 7005 series aluminum tubing that is not only light but is tough enough to handle everything the trail can dish out. Both the top and down tubes are oversized and formed with a gusseted headtube and strengthened top tube and seat tube junction. The boxed chain and seat stays are built for strength with both ending in durable CNC'd dropouts and a replaceable derailleur hanger. It's your choice to run either v-brakes or discs because the shadow features both v-brake bosses and 51mm international standard disc brake mounts with full hose guides throughout the frame.
Submitted by
Arron K.
a Downhiller
from Saratoga Springs, NY USA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Upper & Lower Dominion
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
The frame looks and feels great. I've built mine into more of a Freeride hardtail rather than a trailbike and have been extremely happy with the way it handles and responds to whatever terrain I throw at it. I've found that the bike handles very well in rough/technical sections and feels great in the air. Because of the way mines set up, it's not the best for climbing, but could be if built with the right components. The geometry is spot on for my uses which only adds to the many reasons why this frame is such a good deal. The bike went together smoothly without any hassle which is always a plus in my book.
Weaknesses:
None that I've found!!
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur 4X. This is the first Freeride/DJ hardtail that I've ever owned.
Bike Setup:
FRAME: Sette Shadow FORK: Marzocchi All Mountain 2 BAR: Deity 31.8 STEM: Deity 31.8 HEADSET: Chris King No Threadset GRIPS: ODI Ruffian Lock-On SEAT: Primo Balance SEATPOST: Thomson Elite CRANKSET: MRP Bones; 175mm PEDALS: Primo Mag Tenderizers CHAINRING: e13 Guide Ring; 36T GUIDE: e13 STS DERAILLIER: Shimano Ultegra; double CASSETTE: Shimano Ultegra; 11-21 CHAIN: Sram PC-88 TIRES: Kenda Nevegal; 2.35" WHEELS: Mavic XM 321 rims, DT Hugi Hubs, DT spokes
Bottom Line:
If you want the perks of a Freeride/Dirt Jump hardtail without spending the bucks, or if your looking for a second bike to mess around on and have a good time than this would be perfect. Even if you never plan on doing serious Freeride or Park riding this would work. The frame, price, and features that this has are second to none in its price range and even exceed those frames that cost triple its price. All I can say is the ride and feel of this bike beats the Santa Cruz I once had.
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Submitted by
Chad
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Date Reviewed: February 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
very strong, looks great
Weaknesses:
would prefer a QR seat collar, as mentioned before
Similar Products Used:
steelhead
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Dirtjam Pro SL and all freeride parts
Bottom Line:
very good frame for a very low price. many prefer a different head tube angle, but we all know how quickly a new bike build can break the bank. unless you're really really obsessed with getting everything perfect, or do not care about money, save yourself hundreds right off the bat with this awesome deal.
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Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler AZ Date Reviewed: March 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bike Setup:
All mountain parts with a Pike dual air up front
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my previous review below. The more time I spend on this bike, the more I like it. However I've also realized it's shortcomings as a trailbike. It basically comes down to how you prefer to ride. If you like a quick snappy bike that likes to jump off everything on the trail, then this frame is for you. The Shadow is essentially a dirtjump frame, so it's attitude shouldn't be big surprise. The downside comes when you are moving at high speed on rough terrain. The wheelbase is just to short for that. This bike loves to eat fast smooth singletrack, but as soon as you hit rough stuff, the bike just feels out of place. Also the short chainstays and stiff box section back end tend to beat your legs up in the rough. I have experimented with three different forks on this bike. A RS Revelation 130mm, Marz Z1 sl 150mm, and RS Pike 140mm. The Revelation was awesome, but I wanted more stiffness up front to handle my weight. The Marz was just to tall for the frame, and made the bike feel kindof rediculous for cross country riding, but did make the bike more stable bombing down hill. The Pike is what's on there now, and I thought it would be a happy medium between the two, but it still feels a little tall. If I were to recommend a fork, I would say don't go over 130mm, because that seems to be the perfect number. This frame is a lot of fun, and I have no regrets, but if you wanted a little bit better all around trailbike frame, I would suggest looking at something like a Cove stiffee, Banshee scirocco, or even Transitions new Vagrant.
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Submitted by
jeffrey
a Downhiller
from columbu, oh, america Date Reviewed: February 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
strong squared chain/seatstays. setup as a single so it is a very simple bike. so far it has held up on small drops and steps.
Weaknesses:
the steer tube angle is so tight. it is approaching 90 degrees with the ground. i have a 100mm fork on it and i still feel a bit awkward on it. i have never had a dj bike though so i am not sure what the standard angle is.
Bike Setup:
ss, azonic outlaw wheels, avid bb9s, holy rollers
Bottom Line:
i dig the frame, but feel the steer tube could be a bit more angled.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler Date Reviewed: October 20, 2006
none, except it might be nice if it came with a QR seatpost collar
Similar Products Used:
Sette Reken hardtail
Bike Setup:
mix of Sram components, Revelation up front
Bottom Line:
I just swapped all my stuff to this frame from my Reken frame this week, and have ridden it a few times. I made the switch because my Reken just felt too tall in technical situations. The Shadow is a much more livelier frame than the Reken. The low slung frame is so much better when you are hitting tight switchbacks, and just manuevering at slow speed. This frame rips up hills, almost effortlessly, but make sure you get a long enough seatpost to give you enough extension. This frame also goes down nicely too, but I would reccommend a longer travel fork, to slacken out the head angle, since 70.5 degrees is pretty steep. I also noticed that the bike rolls over things better without getting hung up on sharpedge bumps. If you grew up riding BMX bikes, then this frame will instantly feel comfortable. If you spent more time riding X-country mtn bikes, then the Reken is better suited to you. I loved my Reken, but this frame just brings out the kid in you, and is just more fun. Those worried about the frame only being offered in a 16" size, can look at the dimensions of a 20" Reken and see that the effective top tube length is pretty close. So just get a long seatpost and you are set. I'm 6'0 and the 20" Reken was a little tall for me with no extra stand over. The Shadow has a 4" shorter stand over hieght, so it works better for people like me who have longer torso's than legs. All in all another exellent frame from Sette.
$
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