[Feendog]

Hi all,I’m looking at the LynskeyLive Wire SL online. I can’t find much info on it online as far as reviews etc. Anyine riding one of these? Geo looks interesting and this would be my first foray into Ti. Currently ride a Karate Monkey. Looking for something to handle rocky and rooty moderately technical trails.

Lynskey Live Wire SL

 

[mack_turtle]

I'd plug in the geo numbers on the KM and that Lynsky on a comparison tool like Bike Insights or bikegeo.net and see how they compare directly. the main differences are going to be in the wheelbase and front–rear balance from the BB. from there, you'd want to decide if that is going to be better for where and how you ride. that's a whole rabbit whole of subjectivity. what don't you like about the KM that would be better with a different frame?

on a related note, I've been eyeing Binary bikes. check that out for some more titanium options.

 

[Bacon Fat]

You might find the BB is pretty low for tech trails

 

[Feendog]

I'd plug in the geo numbers on the KM and that Lynsky on a comparison tool like Bike Insights or bikegeo.net and see how they compare directly. the main differences are going to be in the wheelbase and front–rear balance from the BB. from there, you'd want to decide if that is going to be better for where and how you ride. that's a whole rabbit whole of subjectivity. what don't you like about the KM that would be better with a different frame?

on a related note, I've been eyeing Binary bikes. check that out for some more titanium options.

I've never really loved the KM. Though they seem to be working well now, the dropouts and I don't get along. The axle often slips despite the snugnut. I'd like something with sliders instead. Also, the KM to feels kind of sluggish to get going and kind of just feels heavy and slow to me. Looking for something lighter and zippier but also think more modern geo would be more confidence inspiring. That Chuparosa looks cool. Similar price to a Chumba Sendero Steel Frame. I am concerned about the low BB. I watch Dirt Wire's Youtube Channel. He's in MA, not super far from me and rides more technical trails on his Honzo Ti with a similar BB drop. I'll check out the geo sites.

Thanks

 

[Feendog]

Surly lists geo with either Rigid or 140mm fork. Above picture is rigid. I run a 120, so...

Here's the comparison with 140mm fork:

 

[mack_turtle]

View attachment 1963184

Surly lists geo with either Rigid or 140mm fork. Above picture is rigid. I run a 120, so...

I'm in the same boat. I'm 5'9" on a medium KM with a 120mm fork, so pinning down geometry is tricky. you get get close enough to be useful with this tool: geometryCalc

because of fork sag and such, it's impossible to be precise. but here's what I think is about right for geo numbers on a medium KM with a rigid, 120, and 140mm fork.

	KM M rigid	KM 120	KM 140
Reach	427​	419.5​	412​
Stack	597​	602.5​	608​
HTA	69​	68.25​	67.5​
BB Drop	55​	49.5​	44​
WB	1103​	1112​	1121​
ETT	610​	612.5​	615​
STA	73​	72.25​	71.5​
Fork Length	483​	502​	521​
Fork Rake	47​	51​	51​

When comparing two bikes, especially mountain bikes, on Bike Insights, I recommend you chose the "align ground" option so it shows the difference in BB height/drop in a meaningful way.

 

[Bacon Fat]

I've never really loved the KM. Though they seem to be working well now, the dropouts and I don't get along. The axle often slips despite the snugnut. I'd like something with sliders instead. Also, the KM to feels kind of sluggish to get going and kind of just feels heavy and slow to me. Looking for something lighter and zippier but also think more modern geo would be more confidence inspiring. That Chuparosa looks cool. Similar price to a Chumba Sendero Steel Frame. I am concerned about the low BB. I watch Dirt Wire's Youtube Channel. He's in MA, not super far from me and rides more technical trails on his Honzo Ti with a similar BB drop. I'll check out the geo sites.

Thanks

I was looking at the Livewire, the Sendero, Turner Nitrous (using a EBB) and the Spot rocker.
I didn't like the BB drop on the live wire. The Sendero had a long wait and a $450 upcharge to paint it matte black (it used to be a lot less). It came down to running a EBB on the Turner or sliders on the spot. I went with Spot rocker for the sliders.

 

[Feendog]

When comparing two bikes, especially mountain bikes, on Bike Insights, I recommend you chose the "align ground" option so it shows the difference in BB height/drop in a meaningful way.

ThanksMack Turtle. I changed the images in my post. I currently have my KM set up 27.5 x 3.0 with the 120mm fork and the BB is low. Which scares me about the Live Wire.

 

[Feendog]

They are taunting me with their sale and 30 day guarantee.

 

[Idshooter]

I bought mine and got it built up at the beginning of November. I’m really loving it. I’m a xc/trail rider and it’s pretty much perfect for my style of riding. Got it down to 25.5 pounds. Initially I put a Bike Yoke Revive on it but really didn’t see the point for myself so on went the Thomson.

 

[joshhan]

I bought mine and got it built up at the beginning of November. I’m really loving it. I’m a xc/trail rider and it’s pretty much perfect for my style of riding. Got it down to 25.5 pounds. Initially I put a Bike Yoke Revive on it but really didn’t see the point for myself so on went the Thomson.

Nice build! Jealous of the cranks! 😊

I got my frame and built it up with a mix of new and parts bin parts.

Running it with a 120mm fork so pedal strikes were a concern but running a 2.8" up front and 165mm cranks to try and minimize them. Only been on a few rides so far but man, it is super nice. Carves the corners and climbs really well too. SS option is always a HUGE bonus.

 

[economatic]

I'm not sure if you're still in the market for one of these @Feendog but I recently got an email from Lynskey for 35% off frames. Not sure if it's still happening or if the Live Wire is included but it might be worth checking out.

I built up one in March (ordered in December). I didn't focus too much on geo because it was a budget-ish replacement for a cracked 2-months-out-of-warantee Carver 420 and I wanted a frame that would work with most of the parts I had. I knew the low BB might be a problem because I used a 120mm fork and 175mm cranks...and it was. I ended up on the ground a few times from clipping rocks and roots so I switched to 165mm cranks. It's now close enough to my other bikes that I don't feel like I'm going to die on every ride.

Aside from the BB height, I'm happy with it.

 

[Feendog]

Thanks. It didn’t look like the SL was part of the sale but I emailed them to confirm.

 

[JJCG77]

No regrets at all here! It’s a fun bike and glad it’s the hardtail in the quiver. I have taken it through moderate tech trails roots and rock gardens (babyhead size rocks) and on 170 cranks and having no problems. I will without a doubt take it down some techy hard trails. The bike is capable it’s just a matter of line choice and speed in my opinion. I would buy again for sure.