REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

FSR120 - BB height issues & geometry advice

1000 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by MTB_Dad, Jun 23, 2006

druidh

Discussion Starter · Jun 19, 2006

OK, I love my '05 FSR120, but I'm beginning to get a bit hacked off with the amount of pedal strike I'm getting. Sometimes this is over rocky terrain, others when I'm having to pedal through deeper ruts.

The other problem I have is that the front wheel lifts too easily on steeper ascents - despite dialling down the travel.

I'm considering a new fork anyway, and may opt for RockShox Revelations. Given that the axle-to-crown height on these is slightly more than my Black Supers, that'll raise the front end a little (at max travel). Great for pedal strike, bad for wheelies.

So, I'm thinking of moving my riding position forward a little. A change from a 75mm to a 90mm or 100/105mm stem, and slide the saddle forward on the setback seatpost. Should gain me a little?

What about the back end though? Is there any way I can raise that a little - even just to match the front end (say 130mm)?

Save

1 - 7 of 7 Posts

djska

· #2 · Jun 20, 2006 (Edited)

druidh said:
OK, I love my '05 FSR120, but I'm beginning to get a bit hacked off with the amount of pedal strike I'm getting. Sometimes this is over rocky terrain, others when I'm having to pedal through deeper ruts.

You might try one or more of these suggestions:
- bigger tires (2.25)
- increase pressure in the shock
- low-profile pedals (e.g. Ritchey Comp V4)

druidh said:
The other problem I have is that the front wheel lifts too easily on steeper ascents - despite dialling down the travel.

Try moving your weight forward (sit on the nose of the saddle).

druidh said:
I'm considering a new fork anyway, and may opt for RockShox Revelations. Given that the axle-to-crown height on these is slightly more than my Black Supers, that'll raise the front end a little (at max travel). Great for pedal strike, bad for wheelies.

So, I'm thinking of moving my riding position forward a little. A change from a 75mm to a 90mm or 100/105mm stem, and slide the saddle forward on the setback seatpost. Should gain me a little?

This probably solves your problem.

druidh said:
What about the back end though? Is there any way I can raise that a little - even just to match the front end (say 130mm)?

BETD (https://www.betd.co.uk/product_list.asp?CategoryID=48) produces an alternative link which will also solve the BB-height problem.

Save

jlf.ski.bike.sail

· #3 · Jun 21, 2006

get better at riding. . .

Save

druidh

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 21, 2006

Ho ho ho.

You're so funny.

Did you have to learn that or does it come naturally?

Save

jlf.ski.bike.sail

· #5 · Jun 21, 2006

sorry i couldnt resist. . .
sounds to me like the problem has nothing to do with the bike. . .when your climbing steeps, keep your chest low and elbows low and inside (below your handlebars). I try to almost pull my handlebars back and down towards the ground. . .which is hard to picture but with practice you will have no problem gettin up the steeps. and as for hitting your pedals on the ground, try to anticipate your pedal strokes and pick a better line. . .which comes with practice. . .

Save

zoopa

· #6 · Jun 21, 2006

Nice dude...

While it is ture that riding position/skills can make a big difference in many areas, including this one, it is also true that low bb height is a shortcoming of the current Stumpy FSR's. I'm not saying that your adcice about timing pedal strokes is bad, but please also admit this is an inherent flaw with the design. In fact, it's the only complaint I have about mine. And it will probably only get more noticeable when i switch over to 180 cranks. I would be very surprised if they don't address with the next update to the line. I am also curious about the BETD link, but have seen some recent feedback suggesting some potential CS issues, not to mention the $160 price tag. This would also mess up the geometry on the bike which would be a shame since it handles so well.

Save

MTB_Dad

· #7 · Jun 23, 2006

djska said:
You might try one or more of these suggestions:
- bigger tires (2.25)
.

If he's running the stock tires they are huge. I have the stock tires on mine and they say they are 2.0's but have a much bigger profile than the 2.25's on my other bike.

CG

Save

1 - 7 of 7 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month