[AK Chris]

Peeps,

I'm preparing to start work on my masters and I'm about 90% sure its going to take me from Anchorage to Tampa (USF). As it stands right now my DW Spot is rocking a Lyrik and fat rubber front and rear. I haven't done any riding in Florida, but every time I visit -- I just look around and think a Sultan or a Flux would be a better choice for the area.

So I'm thinking about three different options...

1. Downsizing the fork and tires, Fox 32 or Revelation, 2.2's and such.

2. Moving all of my parts to a DW Flux and a get a Fox 32 or Reba fork.

3. Making the jump to a DW Sultan, something I've been considering for quite awhile since I'm a long-legged 6'2" dope.

Any thoughts?

 

[beefmagic]

I grew up in Florida and a flux is plenty for the majority of the trails there. There are opportunities for freeride stuff around santos and other places that would utilize a bike like the rfx or highline, but those trails are few and far between. But it just depends on your area of interest and how far you're willing to drive.

 

[SSINGA]

sultan!!!

 

[Alpenglow]

Go to UW, ASU, or University of Montana

and keep the Spot. Having Left AK myself, I could not fathom going to Florida--Biggest Hill 300Ft.
Good Luck.

 

[Coach417]

The trails around Tampa are Tampa are flat XC to very techy. The techy traila are very rooty with some rocks and steep short climbs and descents. Santos is the ONLY area with freeride stuff. I have gone through a half dozen different frames over the last few years and settled on a RIP9. It is perfect for the way I like to ride these trails. I would have gone with a DW Sultan (had a TNT version), but it was too much money. That being said, a lighter version of your Spot would be a phenomenal trail bike. The Flux would be OK too, but all of this depends on your riding style. My vote would be for the Sultan, but it fits my style. If you are going to go 29er anyway, then obviously get the Sultan. If you plan on going with a Flux, and you ride hard, I would suggest a 120 up front. Good luck, and if you have to be in Fl. atleast we have good trails near Tampa. Go BULLS!

 

[D-Rock]

A HT 29er would be my choice if I were to move back.


Go Bulls!! \m/

D.

 

[RiceKilla]

Plenty of us ride with 5 spots and it's perfect do it all bike for Florida.

Don't underestimate the trails in FL, especially in the Tampa area. What we lack in altitude is made up for in technicality and fun. Good are to pick. Near all of the good trails.

Some of the guys we ride with have gone through tons of Flux's until going to the 5 spot, and this is in South Florida. But 5 inches is just right for Florida in my opinion.

I ride a Fox 32 Float with 15qr. With 2.25 ardent front, and 2.1 crossmark rear. A seriously amazing combo, fast and grippy for days.

Look up Carter Road, Balm Boyette(ridgeline), Alafia, Santos. Especially Santos has some techy stuff that'll put that 5 spot to good use for sure, same with Alafia.

 

[AK Chris]

Thanks for the advice..

SS - I figured you'd chime in with the Sultan, right now I think that's my #1 choice

Alpenglow - it looks like I'm going to get my masters at USF and only have to pay for books, so it wins out over some more mountainous options

Coach - 29er is really tempting, if I went Flux it would definitely rock a Fox or Reba 120

DRock - all options will be FS, my back doesn't get along with any HT

Rice - I may start with the Spot and then decide, but I'm seriously thinking Sultan

 

[JPDX]

Man I am sorry that you have to move to Tampon, I mean Tampa, what a F'n shithole it is.

 

[Tidybeard]

Chris, have you checked whether ghey red spots are allowed in Florida? It could be against the law (unless your DW spot is a less ghey colour?)

 

[moosehead]

You're Doing it Wrong

Sunglasse, jetski, boat.

 

[AK Chris]

Moosehead - I've thought about that, but I'm not getting rid of my motorcycle so that will have to serve as my only motorized toy ... for now.

Tidy - I think you're confusing the lack of sheep in FL with my spot, the DW is British Racing Green, though I think I'm gonna strip it down to raw and polish it up.

JPDX - Tampa is what it is - a means to an end. But I'm looking forward to trading shoveling snow for rinsing the beach sand off my feet from October to April.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

 

[Tidybeard]

Moosehead - I've thought about that, but I'm not getting rid of my motorcycle so that will have to serve as my only motorized toy ... for now.

Tidy - I think you're confusing the lack of sheep in FL with my spot, the DW is British Racing Green, though I think I'm gonna strip it down to raw and polish it up.

JPDX - Tampa is what it is - a means to an end. But I'm looking forward to trading shoveling snow for rinsing the beach sand off my feet from October to April.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

British Racing Green, eh? Excellent taste, sir.

 

[Cornflake]

Peeps,

I'm preparing to start work on my masters and I'm about 90% sure its going to take me from Anchorage to Tampa (USF). As it stands right now my DW Spot is rocking a Lyrik and fat rubber front and rear. I haven't done any riding in Florida, but every time I visit -- I just look around and think a Sultan or a Flux would be a better choice for the area.

So I'm thinking about three different options...

1. Downsizing the fork and tires, Fox 32 or Revelation, 2.2's and such.

2. Moving all of my parts to a DW Flux and a get a Fox 32 or Reba fork.

3. Making the jump to a DW Sultan, something I've been considering for quite awhile since I'm a long-legged 6'2" dope.

Any thoughts?

Your Spot won't be entirely out of place at Alafia or Boyette. Way overkill for Flatwoods or Croom, though. I got my Sultan when I was living in Tampa with Alafia specifically in mind. The folks who say you don't need suspension in "flat" Florida miss the point - you don't need a 5-Spot or Sultan to climb up a mountain, or ride down. You need it for the rocks logs and roots you encounter. Alafia, Boyette and Santos have them. Sure the hills may be short, but some are near vertical.

By the way, I lived in Tampa for 15 years and enjoyed it. Still have lots of friends there. If you don't know the area and want any suggestions for things to do & places to eat PM me and I will be happy to offer up some of my hidden gems.

 

[AK Chris]

Your Spot won't be entirely out of place at Alafia or Boyette. Way overkill for Flatwoods or Croom, though. I got my Sultan when I was living in Tampa with Alafia specifically in mind. The folks who say you don't need suspension in "flat" Florida miss the point - you don't need a 5-Spot or Sultan to climb up a mountain, or ride down. You need it for the rocks logs and roots you encounter. Alafia, Boyette and Santos have them. Sure the hills may be short, but some are near vertical.

By the way, I lived in Tampa for 15 years and enjoyed it. Still have lots of friends there. If you don't know the area and want any suggestions for things to do & places to eat PM me and I will be happy to offer up some of my hidden gems.

Thanks, I'll certainly take you up on that one.

 

[SSINGA]

If the trails in Tampa are as root-choked as the ones in Jacksonville then I would fully support the switch to the Sultan. Otherwise, a deedub spot isn't to shabby.

 

[SCUBAPRO]

Sunglasse, jetski, boat.

Agree with moose, I'd add SCUBA diving to the list