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I am so fired up after a 3 hour ride, I just had to post on MTBR.
So, here’s the long story.
My 2004 HL 5 Spot has been sitting, unassembled, in the garage for the last 2 years. In that time, I built up a hardtail and have been riding that 100%.
I started to get the full suspension itch early in 2009; a coil shock with dual linkage rear end was inside my head. Santa Cruz was out due to cost. Giant Reign seemed to satisfy the itch, at least on paper. I found a 2008 frame on CL, bought it and built it out. A couple of grand later, I had the ultimate AM machine (170mm rear, 160mm front), or so I thought. The inaugural ride was a 30 minute road ride through town. I immediately said, “This thing is so much bigger and more unruly than my Spot.”. I rode it more, took it to the trails, was less than satisfied. Great bike no doubt, but not my style.
I gave up on the Reign and refocused on the Spot.
Time to breathe a little new life into her….upgradeitis had struck.
Brakes: She needed some new brakes: Magura Louise BAT – freaking awesome.
Fork: Pike 454 coil, with the big boy spring – most incredible feeling fork I have ever ridden.
Wheelset: Mavic 819 / DT Swiss 240 rear & Mavic 819 / Hope Pro 2 front – adorned with Continental Vapor UST / Mtn King UST respectively. This wheelset rocks.
My good ol’ 5 Spot is so sweet now. 28 lbs and ready to tackle whatever I throw at her.
Hardtails transfer the trail to your body. The Spot cannot be heard rolling over uneven terrain. I cannot believe how smooth the trail feels – I forgot how great FS really is.
This 5 Spot is my life love, again. I won’t be pursuing another trail bike for a long, long time. The geometry is so spot on for my riding style. It feels like an extension of my body. The next great thing will come, again and again. But my Spot, will not be leaving my stable any time soon.
Next up is a trip to Push for the RP3 and that is it.
See you in the Oakland Hills: JMP + Redwood loop.
Thanks for listening – HA.
So, here’s the long story.
My 2004 HL 5 Spot has been sitting, unassembled, in the garage for the last 2 years. In that time, I built up a hardtail and have been riding that 100%.
I started to get the full suspension itch early in 2009; a coil shock with dual linkage rear end was inside my head. Santa Cruz was out due to cost. Giant Reign seemed to satisfy the itch, at least on paper. I found a 2008 frame on CL, bought it and built it out. A couple of grand later, I had the ultimate AM machine (170mm rear, 160mm front), or so I thought. The inaugural ride was a 30 minute road ride through town. I immediately said, “This thing is so much bigger and more unruly than my Spot.”. I rode it more, took it to the trails, was less than satisfied. Great bike no doubt, but not my style.
I gave up on the Reign and refocused on the Spot.
Time to breathe a little new life into her….upgradeitis had struck.
Brakes: She needed some new brakes: Magura Louise BAT – freaking awesome.
Fork: Pike 454 coil, with the big boy spring – most incredible feeling fork I have ever ridden.
Wheelset: Mavic 819 / DT Swiss 240 rear & Mavic 819 / Hope Pro 2 front – adorned with Continental Vapor UST / Mtn King UST respectively. This wheelset rocks.
My good ol’ 5 Spot is so sweet now. 28 lbs and ready to tackle whatever I throw at her.
Hardtails transfer the trail to your body. The Spot cannot be heard rolling over uneven terrain. I cannot believe how smooth the trail feels – I forgot how great FS really is.
This 5 Spot is my life love, again. I won’t be pursuing another trail bike for a long, long time. The geometry is so spot on for my riding style. It feels like an extension of my body. The next great thing will come, again and again. But my Spot, will not be leaving my stable any time soon.
Next up is a trip to Push for the RP3 and that is it.
See you in the Oakland Hills: JMP + Redwood loop.
Thanks for listening – HA.
