A year on a Moth

I have now owned the Black Moth for a year. I originally got it after "upgrading" to a longer travel bike, and noticing that I missed having a lighter, smaller travel suspension bike.

Originally I tried to love a 2008 RIP 9, but it ended up the loser in a personal comparison to the Moth. (thread here) PS: I have nothing bad to say about the RIP, it just didn't suit me.



Over the past year it has been one of three Lenz suspension frames I ride regularly. Admittedly, in the last few months, I have been distracted by another burlier bike, and the little black bike has languished a bit. I loaned it to a friend for the last month or so. I just got it back, and riding it again made me realize just how much I continue to like this bike.

It is very nimble, lifts the front end in a heartbeat, and climbs tech stuff unbelievably well. For me, the bike inspires a lot of confidence. Plus it is a hoot to ride.



If I am honest, five inches of travel with a light build is more than enough for my needs. I have fun with the burlier bike, but certainly have no need for it. SuperDan had no trouble keeping up with me when he rode the little black bike with me locally or in South Mountain chunk.

One nice thing about this frame is one can build it to suit. Weenie it out for a 26 lb XC machine, or add wheel, tire, and fork weight for a rugged AM 34 lb beast. It has no trouble playing either role. At my middle of the road 31 lb weight, there is nothing I am capable and willing to ride that it can't handle.

Things I like:

Nimble
Light front end
Slack
Technical climbing agility.

Things I don't like: Not much.

Slight points off for the single pivot rear. I know at least one rider who sold his Moth due to poor perceived pedaling performance. It works brilliantly in my experience, especially in the small ring, but I am looking for maximum traction, not speed. Middle ring, speedy climbers might not like it as much.

Cramped front triangle with no ability to run a coil, and no room for a bottle.



I still like it. I still don't find anything else on the current market interesting. I have kept it for a year with no plans to ditch it any time soon, which says something given my level of bike OCD.

The upcoming Banshee Claymore will supposedly mimic the geometry of the Moth somewhat, with a few Banshee touches of their own: bushings at suspension pivots, a bit slacker, ICSG tabs, dual link suspension, and who knows what else. The Claymore might be the only contender to knock the Moth off its throne in my heart if it delivers the goods.



YMMV.