REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

care to theorize ala ftm's and x's???

914 Views 17 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Bikerbob.com, Dec 30, 2008

adiokyro

Discussion Starter · Dec 28, 2008

I posted a while ago about a motolite i was going to buy from my lbs--since changed my mind and have gone into a mental flat spin regarding what to spend hard earned money on: I have been riding a 2004, 30 pound, 4 inch travel kona kikapu deluxe with an old marz mx comp 85-115 fork. On this bobbing hunker I placed 4th in age group at the tinley slo dirt tri. I feel like I really use that 115 up front, I also feel like I am lugging heavy bike up the uphills and can barely stand up on the bike dt bobbing. I am semi-big at 5'11" 190 and LOVE bombing the downs/taking lil jumps, but spend most time going UP----HERES THE QUESTION: considering an FTM xcish build with a magura thor and sram stuff, I should be able to get WAY lighter than my old 30pd kona and have way more travel---is there any reason why I should do any worse at my xterra/tinley tri races on the longer travel ftm than my kona?? seeings how the ftm is way lighter?? even looks like the ftm head angle is pretty steep for a trail bike---wouldnt the ftm likely even be a more efficient pedaler? My other route of reasoning is to build an X (now with 105 rear trvl) and use the magura marathon 120 fork on it--even tho I not "supposed to". Im mainly in this for GRINS; however, beating the snot out of my much younger/lighter riding partner is also a big priority--any help appreciated:thumbsup:

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

slowrider

· #2 · Dec 28, 2008

Ti Motolite?

Sounds like the Ti Motolite frame for $2195 from Jensen would be perfect for your needs. 5" for rougher courses, convertable to 4" for smoother courses, and the frame is under 6 lbs. Oh and a lifetime warranty on the main frame.
I had mine all picked out until one of the more informed Titus folk posted that in my size (small) they used only a 1.5" stroke shock for a 3.33:1 leverage ratio. At 5' 11" you would use at least a medium which has a 2" stroke for a more common 2.6 or so ratio like the venerable 5 Spot.
The only problem I had with the FTM was a for me too steep head angle, but as an xc guy you might like that. Good luck.

Pedalfaraway

· #3 · Dec 28, 2008

FTM, Moto-light, Racer X, X

Any of those bikes will blow the cranks off your Kona Crap-apu. Both uphill and down. I think an FTM or Moto-light would be a great fit for you personally.

TiEndo

· #4 · Dec 28, 2008

Think the X and FTM are saving only 250 grams over the RX and FTM counterparts. Weight seems to come off from the new Rear only.

That being said, that should allow for a 25 lbs FTM fairly easily. I agree with Slowrider, grab a clearout Ti ML. Kill 2 birds with one stone with one bike while it still exists at that amazing price.

Bikerbob.com

· #5 · Dec 29, 2008

Pick one

At some point you have to decide between the Flux, Five Spot, Rize 2, Rize 3, Motolite, X, and FTM.
Good part is that you'll be relieved and can rest your mind once you get one. And since they are all competent, well designed bikes, you'll be able to ride, even win a race, if you're in shape.

Bad part is that you may always wonder what if you had just gone with another frame. Second guessing can be problematic.

For the record, Titus lists the head angle of the new FTM at 69.25, same as the Motolite.

Since it's this close to ready, I would encourage you to wait a few more weeks for the FTM.
Having the very latest design certainly diminishes the second guessing, especially as you get all the interest from everyone on this board and at the race venue.

Bikerbob.com

· #6 · Dec 29, 2008

Ti addiction-no cure yet

TiEndo said:
Think the X and FTM are saving only 250 grams over the RX and FTM counterparts. Weight seems to come off from the new Rear only.

That being said, that should allow for a 25 lbs FTM fairly easily. I agree with Slowrider, grab a clearout Ti ML. Kill 2 birds with one stone with one bike while it still exists at that amazing price.

Sure he can get the last of the ti Motolites ever made, and stand the chance of becoming another titanium addict.
But what if he wants orange, grey/black, or white? As we all know, anodizing is not habit forming.

Also, I would call shedding over half a pound considerable weight savings. I weighed an aluminum FTM at 5 lb 10oz

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TiEndo

· #7 · Dec 29, 2008

I do like the black anodized one. Thoughts have crossed my mind to get one just to try, then get the Ti/Exo one. Would like some reviews tho.....250 grams is alot of weight to take from the rear without dropping stiffness. I know, I know, Titus Jeff said their analysis said no drop, but I would like someone not under the employ or a retailer to give us their 2 cents over the new rear.

Vespasianus

· #8 · Dec 29, 2008

Bikerbob.com said:
At some point you have to decide between the Flux, Five Spot, Rize 2, Rize 3, Motolite, X, and FTM.
Good part is that you'll be relieved and can rest your mind once you get one. And since they are all competent, well designed bikes, you'll be able to ride, even win a race, if you're in shape.

Bad part is that you may always wonder what if you had just gone with another frame. Second guessing can be problematic.

For the record, Titus lists the head angle of the new FTM at 69.25, same as the Motolite.

Since it's this close to ready, I would encourage you to wait a few more weeks for the FTM.
Having the very latest design certainly diminishes the second guessing, especially as you get all the interest from everyone on this board and at the race venue.

Really? On the web-site it list the head angle at 70.5 and the seat angle at 73 (http://www.titusti.com/titus09/bikes/trail_ftm.php).

I personally don't mind the change at all. More reason to move to a 150 or 160mm fork.

mw04snow

· #9 · Dec 29, 2008

X vs FTM

i am in the same boat
I had 06 ML and got a Racer X for a season of racing - very casually
I enjoyed Rx went to carbon RX - fantastic fast responsive great to race , but a lot of my riding really is trail riding , C RX copes well but it would do great with 120 up front.
going from Carb RX to old ML I really noticed the slacker head agle but bike was almost as fast pedalling , didnt feel as responsive but much more forgiving on the downhills and the technical stuff which the RX handles amazingly considering it is a race bike.
So I have ordered a FTM will ride for a season and decide which one to flick.

the eternal question

do you get a bike to RACE or to RIDE

RACE - RX and still does well

RIDE - all day and anthing - FTM

cheers

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Bikerbob.com

· #10 · Dec 29, 2008

Catalog numbers

Vespasianus said:
Really? On the web-site it list the head angle at 70.5 and the seat angle at 73 (http://www.titusti.com/titus09/bikes/trail_ftm.php).

I personally don't mind the change at all. More reason to move to a 150 or 160mm fork.

According to the 2009 print catalog, its 69.25 HA and 71.75 SA for the medium and large FTM.

I find that websites can have mistakes now and then.

Vespasianus

· #11 · Dec 29, 2008

Bikerbob.com said:
According to the 2009 print catalog, its 69.25 HA and 71.75 SA for the medium and large FTM.

I find that websites can have mistakes now and then.

Thanks Bob, I think Titus need to get that message out and fix that web-site!

adiokyro

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 29, 2008

i need a therapist

haha biker bob checked my old posts and saw how confused IVE been with bikes!! The worst was when I found the competitive cyclist configurer that counts grams and dollars and Ive emailed myself like ten bikes, counting grams, but more dollars per gram, im not really a weight weenie but want 25pds as a goal n want it for 5k or less.
I think races could be lost at the highest levels due to the bike, but at my level I just need to pedal like hell on the bike I like and have fun. Im just afraid that Ill buy my pimped ftm and then go F#@$%%[email protected]@!!!!!!!!! I shoulds had a "this" or a "that". I make a pact to pull the trigger on jan 15th and be done with it. then I can post things like: "what psi are you guys running on your maxxis larson in the back" OR "anybody using the Ti pivot bolt on the the ftm" ya thatll be fun. I might even get off the computer and go riding

anvil_den

· #13 · Dec 29, 2008

Vespasianus said:
Thanks Bob, I think Titus need to get that message out and fix that web-site!

..and a minor one on their site..... wheelbase for small EG is at a whooping 72.97"

Guess it should be 42.97

adiokyro

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 29, 2008

I actually liked that the ftm head angle was 70.5 as stated on the i-net, I wonder which version print or i-net is correct? ya 69.25 print, 70.5 on i-net--ill call em

Vespasianus

· #15 · Dec 29, 2008

adiokyro said:
I actually liked that the ftm head angle was 70.5 as stated on the i-net, I wonder which version print or i-net is correct? ya 69.25 print, 70.5 on i-net--ill call em

I did not hate the head angle and actually liked the move to a steeper seat angle. What I really like is the new 73" wheelbase for the small EG. Sounds perfect! :thumbsup:

adiokyro

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 29, 2008

I just spoke with titus and they said (im looking at a L), "Its more likely that its a 69.25 head angle on the ftm and the inet geo mis print" and "dont put a 120mm fork on an X"

synnie

· #17 · Dec 30, 2008

FTM Ti

I am thinking of buying a FTM Ti, I live in western Pa. and ride mostly singletrack all mt. Moraine state park is my home trail very very tech & loads of rock gardens. How do you think the FTM would fair? MY main rig is a SC nomad that does the job quite well but I am looking into something a bit lighter and after all the FTM is a Ti.
Also I am probably going to get it from Richards bicycles in chicago aka Rbikes, anyone have any comments on them?

Thanks

Bikerbob.com

· #18 · Dec 30, 2008

FTM demos

synnie said:
I am thinking of buying a FTM Ti, I live in western Pa. and ride mostly singletrack all mt. Moraine state park is my home trail very very tech & loads of rock gardens. How do you think the FTM would fair? MY main rig is a SC nomad that does the job quite well but I am looking into something a bit lighter and after all the FTM is a Ti.
Also I am probably going to get it from Richards bicycles in chicago aka Rbikes, anyone have any comments on them?

Thanks

If you can wait till later in January, I'll have a couple FTM demo bikes here in SW Ohio.
since you're from Western PA, probably a Steelers fan, you can also visit Ben's alma mater, Miami University. That's where the shop and trails are located.
Not sure what kind of test ride you would get in Chicago.

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