Evil.

e<i>o · Sep 7, 2004

Gramatica said:
Been putting together my plans in more depth, and im rather blown out right now. Can I have just about everyone tell me what good quality HT frames (material is negotiable) that have 1.5 headtubes. I REALLY want to run a breakout, and if I can ger the price of the frame down somehow (max of 750, but would love to spend less) It would be a lot easyer to afford a breakout. I called sinister, and gave them a message (it IS memorial day) about swaping out the forks. Im gonna go have a beer, way too much thinking.

Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge.

I ordered mine a month ago, still waiting for its arrival.

235536 · Sep 7, 2004

e[I said:
o]Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge. Ridge.

I ordered mine a month ago, still waiting for its arrival.

You're giving an unequivocal vote for a frame that you've not even had in your hands yet?

e<i>o · Sep 7, 2004

binary visions said:
You're giving an unequivocal vote for a frame that you've not even had in your hands yet?

Oh please.

235536 · Sep 7, 2004

e[I said:
o]Oh please.

Oh please what?

I love the posts that say "buy this, because mine should be here in a few weeks". At least give some logic to it - otherwise, how have you helped his buying decision?

e<i>o · Sep 7, 2004

binary visions said:
Oh please what?

I love the posts that say "buy this, because mine should be here in a few weeks". At least give some logic to it - otherwise, how have you helped his buying decision?

OK, 'scuse me for my over enthusiasm and lack of info and/or logic. I didn't really think it was necessary to rehash all of BansheRiders points.

My Logic:
He wants a 1.5 head tube. Out of the gate that limits his choices.
Evil Imperial, 24 bikes le toy or porn king, Sinister Ridge, and small handful of others I can't recall right now.

All above mentioned are in the $700 range and all are killer frames w/ solid construction.

The Sinister Ridge is probably the best all-arounder out of the above, geometrically speaking.

The big question becomes: "What kind of riding will be done on this thing?"

If the answer is DH, dirtjump, & urban then I would probably say Imperial for sure.

If the answer is a little of everything including trail riding, definitely Ridge. I would not want to pedal an Imperial up any kind of a serious hill.

I bought a Ridge for its do-it-all geo and reputation of solid welding/construction.

Happy now?

"

" back at you.

235536 · Sep 7, 2004

e[I said:
o]Happy now?

See, now that's a good post. Informative, direct...

Do you really think it was so out of line for my questioning your experience with the product, considering the number of people on here who form opinions based on the perceived "hardcore" nature of the item in question? Consider a post further down that states that Manitou is ripping off Marzocchi because they have (oh my God) BLACK STANCTIONS. I'd be willing to bet that at least one post in the near future, asking for information about the new Manitou lineup, will contain a post that says "OMFG DONT BY MANITOU TEHY RIPPED OFF TEH MARZOCCHI COLORS".

e<i>o · Sep 7, 2004

binary visions said:
See, now that's a good post. Informative, direct...

Do you really think it was so out of line for my questioning your experience with the product, considering the number of people on here who form opinions based on the perceived "hardcore" nature of the item in question? .

Naw. I apologize.
I'm cranky today and I drank too much java.

235536 · Sep 7, 2004

e[I said:
o]Naw. I apologize.
I'm cranky today and I drank too much java.

I have the opposite problem.. I have not been able to get sufficient java. A steady stream of idiots have kept me penned to my desk for the past couple hours...

Banshee Rider · Sep 7, 2004

Although he has pretty much completely ruled out the scratch, i just have to add that its really not overbuilt like a couple other of banshee's bikes. I wouldnt say its any more overbuilt than the imperial. The only reason i tried to steer him away from the imperial is because the ridge is a better do it all bike (and i have been doing it all on it for about a month now). I'm not talking out my ass about the imperial, i've ridden one a number of times and just wasnt satified when i got it out in the woods, however it did rule on the downhills and urban. If he is really feeling the looks and strength that the imperial has to offer then i would at best recommend the imperial SL, atleast the seattube angle isnt at a 45 degree angle (exaggerated) which might make trail riding alittle better. Thats just my take on the whole thing, i really think the ridge is the best option. My own person ridge will be here tommoro and i can finally give my friend his back. I'll be posting some porn tommoro so grab your lotion and a few rolls of toilet paper kids

e<i>o · Sep 7, 2004

Banshee Rider said:
Although he has pretty much completely ruled out the scratch, i just have to add that its really not overbuilt like a couple other of banshee's bikes. I wouldnt say its any more overbuilt than the imperial. The only reason i tried to steer him away from the imperial is because the ridge is a better do it all bike (and i have been doing it all on it for about a month now). I'm not talking out my ass about the imperial, i've ridden one a number of times and just wasnt satified when i got it out in the woods, however it did rule on the downhills and urban. If he is really feeling the looks and strength that the imperial has to offer then i would at best recommend the imperial SL, atleast the seattube angle isnt at a 45 degree angle (exaggerated) which might make trail riding alittle better. Thats just my take on the whole thing, i really think the ridge is the best option. My own person ridge will be here tommoro and i can finally give my friend his back. I'll be posting some porn tommoro so grab your lotion and a few rolls of toilet paper kids

Hey, you said what I said what u said.

Lotion is handy. Gimme a tease. What color is it?

Gramatica · Sep 7, 2004

Ok

Alright, im really feeling the ridge and the imperial. My issue is that I have a trail bike, and can always ride it up and down anything. BUT I also like to ride to the park, the dj's, etc. In Chino Hills your eather going up or down. With that said (and the knowledge that extended climbs are thrown in there also) would it be possible to just take it like a trooper and grind up these hills....or is it just not a good idea. Like I said im diggin both frames (same price) but the imperial is just a sick frame. When it comes down to it I would rather buy smart as compared to compromising for looks.

And thanks for all your help guys, couldent have gone this far without ya.

e<i>o · Sep 7, 2004

Gramatica said:
Alright, im really feeling the ridge and the imperial. My issue is that I have a trail bike, and can always ride it up and down anything. BUT I also like to ride to the park, the dj's, etc. In Chino Hills your eather going up or down. With that said (and the knowledge that extended climbs are thrown in there also) would it be possible to just take it like a trooper and grind up these hills....or is it just not a good idea. Like I said im diggin both frames (same price) but the imperial is just a sick frame. When it comes down to it I would rather buy smart as compared to compromising for looks.

And thanks for all your help guys, couldent have gone this far without ya.

IMO:
The geo on the Ridge is just more friendly for all-around use. If you climb frequently, which it sounds like you do, you'll get sick of the Imperial. I would anyway.

The Imperial only comes in one size. If you're a bigger guy, let's say 6 ft.+, you'll have to put the seat way up, which because of the Virtual Top Tube, also pushes the seat way back.

You can get a similar geometry on the Ridge by slapping a 24" wheel on back or by putting a 7" fork up front. Whichever.

You have some of the same issues I had and I went with the Ridge. Beside I'm 6'5" and too big for the Imperial.

Not trying to sway you one way or the other. I'm just adding up the factors you've given.

Gramatica · Sep 7, 2004

sorry

For the double post, but I just got off the phone with the good people at sinister bikes. They informed me that I could change out the drop off for the breakout (standerd 150mm black) for about $150 on top of the priveteer package. Which is almost $2000 even. So for $2150, lets call it $2200 (shipping) I can get what is shown here with the breakout.

http://www.sinisterbikes.com/ridgecomplete.htm

Thats a good deal, im not going to claim otherwise. There is always a BUT......

BUT, I priced this ridge out on jensonusa to $2300.00 and given there right down the street from me, there is no need for shipping.
Frame and Fork
Sinister Ridge (black) $750
Manitou Breakout Plus (camo) $620

Drive Train
-Sram pg-990 cassette $35
-Sram pc-99 Chain $25
-Sram X-9 rear derr $50
-Shim. XT front derr $34
-Truative Hussefelt RG crank $136
-Truative Gigapipe DHLT BB $42
-Wellgo wam-b38 peddles $25
-Avid straight jacket cables $15

Brakes
-Avid Mech. Disk brake 203mm $89
-Avid Mech, Disk brake 160mm $69
-Avid FR-5 brake levers $25
-Avid Flakjacket cables $20

Cockpit
-Sun/Ringle stealth riser dh bar $17
-FSA DH-300 stem $60
-Sram X-7 shifters $45
-FSA big fat pig headset $27
-Jamis ATB saddle $10
-Sun/Ringle seat post $19
-QBC alloy seat collar $7

Wheelset
-Shim. XT hubs laced to Sun singletrack rims $145
-Panaracer Fire fr pro (front and rear)[likely to be temp.] $48
-Tubes $15

Sub total- $2328
Tax-$180.42
Grand total-$2508.24

So, $2300 for complete package, or $2500 for a bit better specs in some areas. Cople od questions....can the XT hubs handle a 20mm thru axle? and is my package worth it, or should i just go with the deal they give me. (I do like the adj. travle and more of it, in the breakout plus)

P.S. im about 5'10"

Innocent Bystander · Sep 7, 2004

I am posting these pix only in response for the perceived need for a 1.5 headtube. I have a 1.5 on my ASX and think it is just a great thing... BUT.. the headtube on my Morphine is just ridiculously overbuilt and very confidence inspiring. Basically, if the manufacturer says the bike is ok for a dual crown, then it's ok for just about anything you desire to put on it. Here are a few pix of my Morphine....

Banshee Rider · Sep 8, 2004

Gramatica, i assume your asking about a front xt hub, in which the answer is no, you cannot covert it to a 20mm thru axel. Your best and cheapest option for a front hub is probably going to be the marzocchi qr20 hub, it goes for around 70$. As a general rule thru axel front hubs dont have to be anything fancy, the rear hub is where you end up dumping the $$$. If you can get the ridge from jenson for a few hundred more with better spec that you like then go for it. However i really think you'd be better off with the privateer specs from sinister and upgrade to the sherman breakout. Since most of the parts you picked out are similar to the ones stock, id say itd be cheaper to get the package from sinister. Look at it this way, if you find there are a couple parts you dont like stock, then you have 300 left that you would have spent before to change stuff you dont like now. The ridge is a great bike. I know you said you like to ride urban, djs, ect, which the imperials geometry is ideal for, however the ridge can do all of that with ease as well and will still have the geometry for when you wanna hit the trails.

eo, to tease ya, the color of the ridge is an ever-so-sexy safety orange. mmm i can taste it now

Gramatica · Sep 8, 2004

Thanks...

You know what, I truly appreciate you helping me out on this little project of mine. After looking over the specs again and again and again....o yea...and again....i think im just gonna head over to them for the complete bike. Plus, I give (what seem) like really good people buisness.

PS. Matt black, black fork. Cant beat the elegance.

Banshee Rider · Sep 8, 2004

Your welcome, i enjoy helping people pick out bikes, especially when they have a healthy budget to worth with as you did

Sinister is good people, be sure to post picture when you get your bike, i know you'll be stoked. Be sure to tell him a guy from bangor, maine sold you on their bikes

sebastian

PS: my shop has a matt black privateer ridge in stock, its a stealthy sick color. enjoy

e<i>o · Sep 8, 2004

Banshee Rider said:
eo, to tease ya, the color of the ridge is an ever-so-sexy safety orange. mmm i can taste it now

ooooooh baby! ooooooh baby! ooooooh baby! err sorry.....

Mines matte black but I almost went for the naked.

e<i>o · Sep 8, 2004

Innocent Bystander said:
I am posting these pix only in response for the perceived need for a 1.5 headtube. I have a 1.5 on my ASX and think it is just a great thing... BUT.. the headtube on my Morphine is just ridiculously overbuilt and very confidence inspiring. Basically, if the manufacturer says the bike is ok for a dual crown, then it's ok for just about anything you desire to put on it. Here are a few pix of my Morphine....

Oh sure. You had to throw that thing into the mix.

I almost went for the Morphine at one point too, as I already have a Chap, but the Ridge is just plain sexier.

I agree about the 1.5 head tube. They don't have to be 1.5 to be burly. That really wasn't even a consideration with me.

Nice Morphine though, man.

esquire · Sep 8, 2004

Wow!

I've looked before, but, damn, that Ridge is a nice "looking" machine. Going to have to contact the boys at Sinister and see if we can't get one to play with. If their bikes are 1/2 as good as the reviews they get, it would be nice to pick up another good New England Company, to go along with our Evil Bikes line.

Evil.

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