[R332]

Hey Intense riders!

I am buying a 5.5 and need to decide on the best rear shock. I am 6'2", 190lbs and ride aggressively, lots of high-speed downhills, 4' drops, etc. I want the bike to be well under 30lbs (28 is my goal with a $$$ build) and I will use a PIKE U-turn air on the front.

Advice

Thanks

 

[Bortis Yelltzen]

Hey Intense riders!

I am buying a 5.5 and need to decide on the best rear shock. I am 6'2", 190lbs and ride aggressively, lots of high-speed downhills, 4' drops, etc. I want the bike to be well under 30lbs (28 is my goal with a $$$ build) and I will use a PIKE U-turn air on the front.

Advice

Thanks

Push Industries modified/tuned RP3. Good travel quality and very light. I had a DHX coil for a bit too, it had better quality travel but I didn't think it was so much better than the Pushed RP3 that it justified the extra weight. If money is not an issue then do a DHX coil with Ti spring, or a Push tuned DHX coild with Ti spring.

Avoid the Manitou Swingers if at all possible, too much SPV for a VPP bike, even at the lowest settings.

My $0.02

 

[french man]

I have a RP 3 on a large 5.5 and it is very good.
I think you can get the new RP23 now and it is suppose to be even better

 

[Ski-U-Mah]

I have a RP 3 on a large 5.5 and it is very good.
I think you can get the new RP23 now and it is suppose to be even better

RP23's are now available from PUSH. I just talked to Darren yesterday and one is in transit for my wife's 5.5.

 

[Blaster1200]

I have the Swinger 4, and I don't notice the SPV much at all (in the softest setting). Many people who have ridden my bike have made the same comments that the shock is known as being too stiff, and after the ride comment how plush it is. I've "sold" several Intense bikes with my 5.5. And I'm sure mine is well broken in. :thumbsup:

I am 5'11", weigh 190 pounds and also ride my 5.5 aggressively (raced BMX for about 10 years). Although I think the Swinger works great, I have not tried any of the other shocks.

Anyhow, most all of the shocks available for this frame are really good - far superior to what was available years ago. In my opinion, you won't go wrong with whatever shock you go with.

 

[R332]

Push Industries modified/tuned RP3. Good travel quality and very light. I had a DHX coil for a bit too, it had better quality travel but I didn't think it was so much better than the Pushed RP3 that it justified the extra weight. If money is not an issue then do a DHX coil with Ti spring, or a Push tuned DHX coild with Ti spring.

My $0.02

Thanks for the advice :thumbsup: Maybe someone can answer a couple more Qs for me.

-Approx how much extra does a Push'd DHX w/Ti spring cost vs. the stock shock?

-Approx how much weight would the DHX Ti add compared to the RP3 (RP23?)?

 

[Bortis Yelltzen]

Thanks for the advice :thumbsup: Maybe someone can answer a couple more Qs for me.

-Approx how much extra does a Push'd DHX w/Ti spring cost vs. the stock shock?

-Approx how much weight would the DHX Ti add compared to the RP3 (RP23?)?

I don't know off the top of my head. But do a search in the Turner forum for "DHX Coil RP3". Those guys have been through this. They probably won't have the exact info for the I2I length for the 5.5, but I'm sure they'll have a weight breakdown for a DHX Coil vs. a DHX air vs. an RP3 for the 5-spot which should give you a good idea. The RP3 is extremely light, and the DHX coil is not, I would guess the DHX coil with Ti spring will still be over a half pound heavier than the RP3, if not 1 lb.

Depending on the size of your frame and the size of you, it might be tough to build a 28 lb 5.5 capable of "high speed downhills, 4' drops, etc..." that can handle that abuse day in and day out. My main concern would be tires. For your size I would imagine you want 2.3's or so and that might blow it right there.

My 5.5 is a large with Push RP3, Push Monoblock, Z1 Light, King/819 wheels, 2.25 (more like 2.4) Schwalbe UST Fat Alberts and light weight stuff (Thomson post and stem, Race Face Dues, etc..) everywhere else and it is pushing 31 lbs, most of that is fork and tires. But it can scream down and easily handle 4' drops. I don't like the Pike on the 5.5, the AC height is too low and the HA is too steep for my liking. But maybe a Pike with a Ventana 7-10 mm king race would help. I run my Z1 at 140mm and using that spacer with the Pike should put it close to the same HA. The Pike Air is a great fork, but it is hard to beat a Marzocchi coil in terms of feel and durability.

My $0.02.

B

Also, the Push RP3 and Monoblock saves a half pound over the Swinger 4-way and standard Intense links. Not sure about savings vs. the new 1 piece Intense link.

 

[sus13]

Thanks for the advice :thumbsup: Maybe someone can answer a couple more Qs for me.

-Approx how much extra does a Push'd DHX w/Ti spring cost vs. the stock shock?

-Approx how much weight would the DHX Ti add compared to the RP3 (RP23?)?

I do not believe that PUSH offers any services for the DHX. Also, the DHX 5 coil is not available aftermarket in a size (7.5" x 2.0") that works with the 5.5.

However, you can go with the DHX Air which is about 450g (compared to the RP3/RP23 which is about 200g). I have both a DHX 5 Air and DHX 5 coil for use on my freeride bike. I looked at a titanium spring but it didn't offer much weight savings for a 2" stroke shock.. so I went for the DHX Air. Overall, I have been impressed with the performance. The bottom out adjust gives it a nice progressive spring rate and the ProPedal is very adjustable.

-sus13

 

[Bortis Yelltzen]

I do not believe that PUSH offers any services for the DHX. Also, the DHX 5 coil is not available aftermarket in a size (7.5" x 2.0") that works with the 5.5.

However, you can go with the DHX Air which is about 450g (compared to the RP3/RP23 which is about 200g). I have both a DHX 5 Air and DHX 5 coil for use on my freeride bike. I looked at a titanium spring but it didn't offer much weight savings for a 2" stroke shock.. so I went for the DHX Air. Overall, I have been impressed with the performance. The bottom out adjust gives it a nice progressive spring rate and the ProPedal is very adjustable.

-sus13

You can get the 4.0 in a 7.5 X 2 though.

Not all true, this just in:

http://www.pushindustries.com/services.php?serv_page=fox coil shocks&title=Fox Coil Shocks

Check out the lower left.

B

 

[sus13]

You can get the 4.0 in a 7.5 X 2 though.

Not all true, this just in:

http://www.pushindustries.com/services.php?serv_page=fox coil shocks&title=Fox Coil Shocks

Check out the lower left.

B

There it is, finally... just after I had my DHX 5 serviced by the local Fox service center. :madman:

The DHX 4.0 is an OEM shock... where can you buy one from?

-sus13

 

[R332]

Great reply! Thanks for the info....I will post more below. This INTENSE forum seems to be filled with guys that love to ride and really know about their bikes :thumbsup:

Depending on the size of your frame and the size of you, it might be tough to build a 28 lb 5.5 capable of "high speed downhills, 4' drops, etc..." that can handle that abuse day in and day out. My main concern would be tires. For your size I would imagine you want 2.3's or so and that might blow it right there.

I can do fine with 2.1" - 2.3" tires that are under 700g each. This will help to keep the weight down.

My 5.5 is a large with Push RP3, Push Monoblock, Z1 Light, King/819 wheels, 2.25 (more like 2.4) Schwalbe UST Fat Alberts and light weight stuff (Thomson post and stem, Race Face Dues, etc..) everywhere else and it is pushing 31 lbs, most of that is fork and tires. But it can scream down and easily handle 4' drops.

Sounds like a nice bike but why is it so heavy? I have an old Titus Quasi-Moto that is very strong, has 6" of travel and only weighs 30.Xlbs.

I don't like the Pike on the 5.5, the AC height is too low and the HA is too steep for my liking. But maybe a Pike with a Ventana 7-10 mm king race would help. I run my Z1 at 140mm and using that spacer with the Pike should put it close to the same HA. The Pike Air is a great fork, but it is hard to beat a Marzocchi coil in terms of feel and durability.

A ha, this is news to me but I am glad to hear the feedback. Intense says the 5.5 is rated for up to a 130mm fork and they list the HA at 70deg....sooooooo....I was thinking that with a 145mm PIKE the HA would be less than 70deg. How slack is yours? I don't want to build a DH bike.
Can you tell me more about the "Ventana king race"? What is it?

Also, the Push RP3 and Monoblock saves a half pound over the Swinger 4-way and standard Intense links. Not sure about savings vs. the new 1 piece Intense link.

More info I didn't know I am leaning towards the Push's RP3 to help save weight and the Monoblock if it is better than the link that comes on the latest 2006 frames.

Thanks again

 

[Bortis Yelltzen]

There it is, finally... just after I had my DHX 5 serviced by the local Fox service center. :madman:

The DHX 4.0 is an OEM shock... where can you buy one from?

-sus13

Ebay.

Do a search for "Ole" and "DHX Coil 5.5" on the Intense forum. I think he posted a bunch of info about how he put the DHX coil on the 5.5.

Link to 5.5 with coil here:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=152056&highlight=Coil+5.5

B

 

[ixi]

Hey Intense riders!

I am buying a 5.5 and need to decide on the best rear shock. I am 6'2", 190lbs and ride aggressively, lots of high-speed downhills, 4' drops, etc. I want the bike to be well under 30lbs (28 is my goal with a $$$ build) and I will use a PIKE U-turn air on the front.

Advice

Thanks

I'm 6' 2", 190 lbs, and ride aggressively so I know who you are. I have the RP3 and I think it's great. Like many have said these bikes don't need a lot of platform to pedal properly. My RP3 is always in the lowest propedal position and I only bump it up when I'm riding on pavement.

I have a 150mm Manitou Firefly plus up front and I find it really makes this into a very aggressive bike. I have a 70mm 31.8 stem and it feels great off 4-5 foot drops. So I wouldn't hesitate a bit to put a 6" travel fork on this bike. The Firefly has a 6" to 4" travel adjust drop that makes it great for sustained uphills. I couldn't lighten up my bike any more for aggressive riding and It's just under 31 pounds. Anywho, you're going to love this bike, have fun.

 

[Ronnie]

Just wanted to add my build as a point of reference.

Intense 5.5 EVP with Manitou 4 way Swinger and Manitou Nixon Platinum fork. Full XTR group including hubs, Mavic XM819 rims, Continental Vertical UST tires, Thomson Elite stem and seatpost, Easton Monkeylite bar. Chris King headset. Shimano 959 pedals. WTB Pure seat. It weighs in at 29.1lbs.

I have not tried a RP3 but I had older Fox floats and I think the Swinger is better. It has not had a days problem in over two years and has never been touched. I also love the Nixon with 145 mm. travel and it's axle to crown is 13mm. more than the spec-ed. Minute fork. I think it works great like that. It is claimed to be 4.1lbs.

Ronnie.

 

[Festusjrf]

Swinger 4 way

Thanks for the advice :thumbsup: Maybe someone can answer a couple more Qs for me.

-Approx how much extra does a Push'd DHX w/Ti spring cost vs. the stock shock?

-Approx how much weight would the DHX Ti add compared to the RP3 (RP23?)?

I love the swinger 4 way I run 80 psi less than the DHX Air and it does not blow thru the travel like the fox.
I tested the DHX for a while and I don't care for it. If you are worried about weight go with the RP3, seems like fox s having Issues with quality.

 

[geoffss]

Ventana crown race

Ventana 4mm crown race for King headsets. :thumbsup:

This is with a Fox Vanilla RLC. I havent noticed any difference in ride handling or geometry from the 5.5 demo bike I got from Competitive Cyclist that had a TALAS with no Ventana race.

 

[sus13]

I'm 6' 2", 190 lbs, and ride aggressively so I know who you are. I have the RP3 and I think it's great. Like many have said these bikes don't need a lot of platform to pedal properly. My RP3 is always in the lowest propedal position and I only bump it up when I'm riding on pavement.

I have a 150mm Manitou Firefly plus up front and I find it really makes this into a very aggressive bike. I have a 70mm 31.8 stem and it feels great off 4-5 foot drops. So I wouldn't hesitate a bit to put a 6" travel fork on this bike. The Firefly has a 6" to 4" travel adjust drop that makes it great for sustained uphills. I couldn't lighten up my bike any more for aggressive riding and It's just under 31 pounds. Anywho, you're going to love this bike, have fun.

I'm 6' 2", 190 lbs, and ride aggressively so I know who you are. I have the RP3 and I think it's great. Like many have said these bikes don't need a lot of platform to pedal properly. My RP3 is always in the lowest propedal position and I only bump it up when I'm riding on pavement.

I have a 150mm Manitou Firefly plus up front and I find it really makes this into a very aggressive bike. I have a 70mm 31.8 stem and it feels great off 4-5 foot drops. So I wouldn't hesitate a bit to put a 6" travel fork on this bike. The Firefly has a 6" to 4" travel adjust drop that makes it great for sustained uphills. I couldn't lighten up my bike any more for aggressive riding and It's just under 31 pounds. Anywho, you're going to love this bike, have fun.

I'm still waiting on my rear shock from Intense (RP23), so running a DT Swiss SSD 225 for the moment. It's like larger version of the Float R. Very plush and absolutely no platform... I can really see how well the VPP design works (but some bobbing). I'm tempted to send my shock to PUSH (when I get i t), to get the platform as low as possible.

Man... the Sherman Firefly Plus seems like a lot of fork for the 5.5. I would be concerned about ovalizing the head tube using a fork that is over 30mm higher than what Intense recommends. What kind of headset your running? I have an '05 Nixon Comp coil which I'm tempted to run on my 5.5... had a Firefly but sold it since I couldn't get use to the SPV.

-sus13

 

[ixi]

mmmm.....plenty of people are running a 6" fork on the 5.5 and I'm not too concerned about any ovalizing. Only time will tell. 4' - 5' drops are pretty rare for me and if I do it would have a pretty nice transition. I think the 6" fork and 70mm stem makes the bike handle great off drops and around corners. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think the 05 Nixon comp had a travel adjust feature. In the really steep climbs my 6" fork wanders quite a bit and I wouldn't like it much if I couldn't shorten the travel on extended climbs.

 

[Ronnie]

mmmm.....plenty of people are running a 6" fork on the 5.5 and I'm not too concerned about any ovalizing. Only time will tell. 4' - 5' drops are pretty rare for me and if I do it would have a pretty nice transition. I think the 6" fork and 70mm stem makes the bike handle great off drops and around corners. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think the 05 Nixon comp had a travel adjust feature. In the really steep climbs my 6" fork wanders quite a bit and I wouldn't like it much if I couldn't shorten the travel on extended climbs.

The Nixon Platinum does have "Infinite Travel" adjust and I hardly ever use it. As I said before, the axle to crown difference is only 13mm. ( half an inch) longer than the 130mm Minute fork that Intense designed the bike around. Depending on how much sag you use, it makes no or very little difference.

Ronnie.

 

[sus13]

mmmm.....plenty of people are running a 6" fork on the 5.5 and I'm not too concerned about any ovalizing. Only time will tell. 4' - 5' drops are pretty rare for me and if I do it would have a pretty nice transition. I think the 6" fork and 70mm stem makes the bike handle great off drops and around corners. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think the 05 Nixon comp had a travel adjust feature. In the really steep climbs my 6" fork wanders quite a bit and I wouldn't like it much if I couldn't shorten the travel on extended climbs.

It sounds that what you have setup would be a nice to ride. Probably head angle is somewhere around 68.5-69 degrees. I suppose for smooth riding the frame shouldn't complain... after all, it ain't an XC race bike.

The Nixon Comp does not have a travel adjust, but the fork is only 518mm so I don't really miss it.

-sus13