[robotkiller]

I got the Burner built up today and took it for a short ride. Thanks for the advice everyone...
Spec:
Medium Burner frame
Chris King ISO to DT 4.1d w/Comp spokes and Salsa skewers
King headset
Thomson post/stem
Easton Monkeylite riser
Titec saddle
Race Face Turbine LP
XT drivetrain
Avid S7 levers w/discs
Fox Vanilla dropped to 100mm
Crank Bros. Candy SL pedals
Kenda BG/Nevegal 2.35

First of all, the bike looks pretty cool, the frame quality is about the same as the SC, maybe a little bit better. The color is a cobalt/electric blue and it perfectly matches the Chris King blue on the hubs.

As far as the ride is concerned, there is no contest -- the Burner is in another league compared to the Heckler. I didn't realize how stiff the Heckler was until I rode this frame. All the little stutters and roots which the Heckler barely filtered were completely muted. In comparison, the Burner is a much smoother, stable ride -- the difference is really quite noticeable.
BTW - I set up the Heckler as suggested by Santa Cruz as well as experimenting myself -- I never came close to find the sweet spot that I now have in this frame. I've come to the conclusion that suspension of the Heckler is really intended solely for moderate to big hits, which it did feel plush and indestructible. The Burner, as of yet, doesn't have that kind of confidence inspiring ride, but it does handle roots and other trail nuisances much better.

As would be expected, the Burner also pedals much better than the Heckler -- I am one gear faster. This is despite the fact that the Burner came out to 29 pounds (which I found surprising, considering the relatively light parts I used). I haven't ridden it enough to gauge the handling, but from what I felt -- it was very promising.

So, basically, FOR ME, this bike kicks the Heckler's ass. The only way to make it perfect would be to preserve the light, snappy feel but add a extra travel in the back - I'm a little paranoid about bottoming it out and ruining the frame.

BTW, I am 175lbs and I am running 140psi/80psi(spv) -- any other suggestions?

 

[Flying Wombat]

Nice build, I am surprised that it came in at 29 pounds, I guess those Kenda/Nevegal tires are pretty heavy. Avid mechanicals arent the lightest as well. But who cares about the weight as long as you have fun riding it.

 

[DLine]

BTW, I am 175lbs and I am running 140psi/80psi(spv) -- any other suggestions?

Nice bike. I'm the same weight and settled in to nearly the same settings on the 3way after much fussing. I do go down to 135/75 on occasion, to filter out more cobble-type chatter...but 140/80 seems to be a nice in between.

Interesting comparison, BTW. The Burner and Heckler are much further apart on the spectrum than the 5ver and the Heckler. I suppose it's all about how and what you ride.

 

[seasick]

Nice looking ride. I know it's a whole new rig to you with a new feel and all, but can you offer any feedback specific to your tires at this point? Muchas gracias.

 

[Bikezilla]

Daaaammm! that blue just SCREAMS!!! Beautiful! and really vibrant.

Enjoy!

 

[robotkiller]

Thanks...yeah the blue is really nice in person. So far everything about the bike is awesome -- it carves through corners beautifully and the way it is more plush and pedals better than my old bike is pretty cool.

As far as the Kendas -- they are my favorite tire combo of any that I've tried. While on paper they are heavy, on the trail they are pretty fast. They really shine in both dry and sloppy conditions -- the tires rail corners and are very easy to control when they break away Granted, they are not as fast as my old pythons, but their traction and versatility more than make up for it. The major downside I see is that the wear is faster than other tires (save the Bontrager Jones AC, which lasted all of two months)

 

[bdog]

nice

hey,

your build is sweet...i am glad you like the bike, have fun!

 

[seasick]

As far as the Kendas -- they are my favorite tire combo of any that I've tried. While on paper they are heavy, on the trail they are pretty fast. They really shine in both dry and sloppy conditions -- the tires rail corners and are very easy to control when they break away Granted, they are not as fast as my old pythons, but their traction and versatility more than make up for it. The major downside I see is that the wear is faster than other tires (save the Bontrager Jones AC, which lasted all of two months)

Thanks for the [email protected] feedback. They sound like just the ticket. Once again, sweet bike. It looks nicer with each viewing. You'll be enjoying that beauty for a long time.
Cheers