[KamikazeBikr]

Which would you choose and explain why. My style is very diverse from tons of climbing to having fun going downnnnn. But no big drops or jumps.

Would anyone notice extra .5inches of travel on the Intense. Opinions and blabber welcome!

 

[tscheezy]

5.5 vs. 5 spot

 

[Davide]

5-spot-retro vs VPP

Which would you choose and explain why. My style is very diverse from tons of climbing to having fun going downnnnn. But no big drops or jumps.

Would anyone notice extra .5inches of travel on the Intense. Opinions and blabber welcome!

At the risk of being boring ... as you know the 5-spot is now a 5-spot-retro sporting a single pivot faux bar instead of the Horst.

The debate comparing Horst to VPP raged for months on these pages and you will find a lot of, often contraddictory, info doing some searches.

However, comparing Faux-bar with VPP (or DW) used to be a no-brainer. Both VPP and DW offer distinct advantages in respect to a Faux-bar: better small bump compliance, way better pedaling uphill (thanks good for platform pedals: you don't pedal a 5"+ faux up hill without), and, some claim, better traction.

If I had to buy a bike today I would be hard pressed to choose between Titus motolite, a IBIS MOJO, Blur LT, Intense 5.5 ... and a Ventana El Saltamontes (thank you, but no 5-spot-retro) .. they all target the same "allmountain" trail rider ... if pressed for a choice VPP or DW would come up on top ... oh ... and there is also the new RM Slayer ...

 

[JmZ]

Which would you choose and explain why. My style is very diverse from tons of climbing to having fun going downnnnn. But no big drops or jumps.

Would anyone notice extra .5inches of travel on the Intense. Opinions and blabber welcome!

I'll be the first to state... when looking at the boutique brands - get the one that fits.

There are enough similar designs out there that you should be able to get the fit that matters, and the design you want. There are some differences between how the designs can ride (i.e. 4 Bar, Single Pivot, DW Linkage), but part of that is due to the design, part is due to the implementation, part is due to the parts (shocks) chosen. The only way to know how the bike will ride, is to get a test ride. Without that, you get my internet speculation on what's the best ride for ya.

When I looked for a short travel dually - I looked at Turner, Titus, and Ventana. For a 5" travel bike... I'd still look at the same three.

JmZ

 

[Bikezilla]

A similar thread also exists in the Intense forum.
It could be helpful to spend a little time in each mfgr's forum to get additional input.
Like the others said fit is important. Also give serious consideration to what you want out of the bike. Each have specific characteristics which some prefer over others.