REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Can't Get a 5.5 - What Alternative?

918 Views 12 Replies 10 Participants Last post by elbry, Dec 28, 2009

starsky

Discussion Starter · Dec 24, 2009

I used to have a 5.5 which I sold because it was a bit too big for me and I've regretted it ever since.

I'm looking to come back to mtbing and I've been looking for a 5.5 for weeks and now finally have to admit I'm not going to be able to source one.

I've been looking at both the Spider 2 and the Tracer. There are very few Spider 2 reviews out there and the only one I can find was a little luke warm about the bike.

I've been looking at the Tracer as a possible long travel XC bike. I don't really do drops or jumps but I do tend to blunder into obstacles and hope the suspension will compensate for my lack of finesse.

I bought a Nomad a few years back which was a major mistake as it was great on the downs but hard work on climbs. Could the Tracer be used as a direct replacement for a 5.5 using the 5.5 travel setting or does the geometry put it in the same box as the Nomad?

Anyone out there using their tracer as a long travel XC bike?

Save

1 - 13 of 13 Posts

GFreak

· #2 · Dec 24, 2009

I have a size medium 5.5 that I'm going to sell. Send me a PM and we can talk.

Save

starsky

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 24, 2009

Yhm.

Save

dropadrop

· #4 · Dec 24, 2009

I had the tracer built up with a fox 140 for a few rides and it does not feel at all burly. I ended up going with a Fox 36 after, but I would think it's a good alternative to the 5.5. The Spider 2 should be nice too - I might have bought one but on paper the BB is a bit lower then I like for our rocky trails (never tried the spider). Looking at how good the tracer feels I can't imagine the spider feeling very bad.

Save

Blaster1200

· #5 · Dec 24, 2009

A good friend and I have been riding 5.5s since they first came out (his was serial #5 - no kidding), and we just sold them for Tracers. We both have them set up in the 5.5" mode with 150 mm Fox 32 TALAS forks. In short, despite really liking our 5.5s, the Tracer was a great upgrade. It pedals better in all gears, it's stiffer, and it has much greater stability. Don't sweat not finding a 5.5 - just get a Tracer VP. The Tracer is a better performing frame, yet it has all the positive attributes of the 5.5 when set up properly (i.e., a 140/150 mm fork, preferably with a flush headset).

Save

KRob

· #6 · Dec 24, 2009

If you're looking to go new and aren't totally set on going Intense....

Santa Cruz Blur LTc
Ibis Mojo
Titus FTM
Turner 5.5 Spot

If you don't mind waiting a bit and are considering a 29er, the Tracer 29er looks like a great 5.5 replacement as well.

Having said all that: I think the Tracer VP in 5.5 mode and light build would be a terrific bike as well for a 5.5 replacement. It could easily be built below 30 pounds, would feel just as snappy as the 5.5 and would give you some room to grow if you do decide to start going a bit bigger. (The Turner is also very capable of being built both XC/Trail light or Trail/AM burly)

Happy hunting!

See less See more

Save

starsky

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 24, 2009

Thanks guys.

I built a Nomad up with a pair of PACE carbon forks and light wheels but there was just too much squidge at the back. I just don't want to fall into the same trap with a tracer.

I had the 5.5 built with a TALAS RC2 as a burly XC trail bike and it fitted the job perfectly. It's just a pity the frame sizing didn't fit as well.

The Nomad

The 5.5

See less See more

Save

Blaster1200

· #8 · Dec 25, 2009

starsky said:
I built a Nomad up with a pair of PACE carbon forks and light wheels but there was just too much squidge at the back. I just don't want to fall into the same trap with a tracer.

Perhaps I may be stating the obvious, but a Tracer in the 5.5" mode has the same 5.5" of travel as the 5.5.

Also, since you can increase the travel to 6" mode, you have greater flexibility in bike setup. You can run either a shorter 140/150 mm fork or a 160 mm fork like you had on your 5.5, except the Tracer was designed to handle such fork whereas the 5.5 was not.

Save

joegee1773

· #9 · Dec 25, 2009

One of the local bike shops here in Albuquerque, NM had a brand new white 5.5 FRO hanging from the ceiling last time I was in the shop. The name is Fat Tire Cycles. I'm sure they have a web site with contact information.

Save

wilsonblur

· #10 · Dec 25, 2009

KRob said:
If you're looking to go new and aren't totally set on going Intense....

Santa Cruz Blur LTc
Ibis Mojo
Titus FTM
Turner 5.5 Spot

If you don't mind waiting a bit and are considering a 29er, the Tracer 29er looks like a great 5.5 replacement as well.

Having said all that: I think the Tracer VP in 5.5 mode and light build would be a terrific bike as well for a 5.5 replacement. It could easily be built below 30 pounds, would feel just as snappy as the 5.5 and would give you some room to grow if you do decide to start going a bit bigger. (The Turner is also very capable of being built both XC/Trail light or Trail/AM burly)

Happy hunting!

The only one I would add to the list is the Ellsworth Epiphany. My dad has one and just loves it. I have ridden it a few times and its pretty good. I still prefer VPP. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the bikes listed here. Its really what fits you best.

Save

Tayancycles

· #11 · Dec 26, 2009

I too owned a 5.5 and love it to death. It suits my riding style and where I ride. Judging from whatyou mentioned, your riding style is similar to mine. I have never ridden the Spider 2. But If I were you that will be my choice.

Save