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I know the differences between the X-5 and 5-Spot have been beat up pretty good on this board but I have not heard as much talk about the Foes FXR lately.
I'm looking for a long travel trail bike (5"-6" of travel) for rough trail riding. Currently, no drops over 3 ft but its not out of the question, and a lot of tight twisty single track with steep drops and climbs. At least for the next year the frame will be paired with a Fox Talas fork. (I will most likely upgrade to an adjustable travel longer stoke fork like the Nixon or Fox 36, but not this year). I've researched this a lot, and have narrowed down my top three choices to the FXR (Ti - Currnut), X-5, and 5-spot.
I am leaning towards the FXR because I would like closer to 6 inches of travel and I like the simplicity of the single pivot design. Coming from an FSR converted to 4.75 inches of travel, I am tired of the maintenance on all the bearings and pivots.
The X-5 and 5-spot are pretty similiar except for the horst link. I like that Ventana offers the longer travel option, but I'm worried that with the relatively short Fox Talas Fork the rear end is going to feel a little to high. I also like Venanta's customer service reputation and the quality of the build. I guess I could upgrade the linkage in the future, but I'd I would prefer to get it right up front.
I guess what I'm asking is for any comments/ suggestions on these frames. Any comparsisons with the FXR woud be great. Unfortunately, test riding these bikes is not an option. The shops in my area (Houston, TX) are pretty limited. Hammerhead is the closest "real" shop that carries higher end frames; but its still a couple hours away and I don't have any road trip plans in the immediate future.
I'm looking for a long travel trail bike (5"-6" of travel) for rough trail riding. Currently, no drops over 3 ft but its not out of the question, and a lot of tight twisty single track with steep drops and climbs. At least for the next year the frame will be paired with a Fox Talas fork. (I will most likely upgrade to an adjustable travel longer stoke fork like the Nixon or Fox 36, but not this year). I've researched this a lot, and have narrowed down my top three choices to the FXR (Ti - Currnut), X-5, and 5-spot.
I am leaning towards the FXR because I would like closer to 6 inches of travel and I like the simplicity of the single pivot design. Coming from an FSR converted to 4.75 inches of travel, I am tired of the maintenance on all the bearings and pivots.
The X-5 and 5-spot are pretty similiar except for the horst link. I like that Ventana offers the longer travel option, but I'm worried that with the relatively short Fox Talas Fork the rear end is going to feel a little to high. I also like Venanta's customer service reputation and the quality of the build. I guess I could upgrade the linkage in the future, but I'd I would prefer to get it right up front.
I guess what I'm asking is for any comments/ suggestions on these frames. Any comparsisons with the FXR woud be great. Unfortunately, test riding these bikes is not an option. The shops in my area (Houston, TX) are pretty limited. Hammerhead is the closest "real" shop that carries higher end frames; but its still a couple hours away and I don't have any road trip plans in the immediate future.