[namaSSte]

Okay, I've read reviews until they all seemed to blend together. Before I get too far though, lemme tell you what Im trying to figure out. Im pretty much a die hard HT guy but unfortunately Im not getting younger. In addition to that, denial has given way to reason and Im having my shoulder operated on in a few weeks from a crash that happened in Whistler in 2004. Those things have me thinking its time to give in to the FS age and get a new frame. Currently I ride a Chameleon fwiw.

Thing is, I don't know much about what I need to be looking for in a FS frame for the kind of riding I want to do. Im certainly not with the lycra crowd (not that theres anything wrong with that) but we don't have enough big stuff around here to warrant a fullon FR rig. Ideally, I need something that climbs really well and descends the same. Kinda thinking 4-6" of travel if that sounds right.

I've been looking at the following frames (not sure what kind of shock to go with or what I should be looking for - or looking out for):

Turner 5 Spot (a bit pricey maybe)
Yeti AS-R
Specialized Enduro (great deal from an mtbr seller)
IronHorse MKIII
Intense 5.5 or Tracer

Maybe there's something else to check out too. Can anyone here give me some guidance on something that's light FR worthy and still climbs almost as well as an XC bike? Is there such a beast? Any help at all would be awesome since all this talk of pivots and linkages are throwing this HT guy for a loop.

Thanks all. Later.
nam

 

[SecondSkin]

Heckler. Great bike, climbs well, definitely worthy of light freeride.

 

[MT Road]

Ellsworth Moment

I have one, built up to 32 LBS 6 inches front and rear and feels good no matter what you through at it… I ride light freeride with drops up to about 6 feet, allot of climbing and bombing downhill…Pricey yes but so are some of the others you list…

C

 

[namaSSte]

Enough said. Here's mine, built up light but burly, about 33lbs with flat pedals and & coil shock. 6" front and rear. If you can score one of these for a good deal, it gets my vote.

Mr. Skin, I forgot to list the Heckler, good call.

DHF, how is the sizing on the Enduro? I'm about 5-8"-9" with a normal length torso and 30" inseam. The guy with the Enduro I was looking at has a small and Im afraid Ill be cramped on it. Bear in mind, I ride a 24' specific ss jump bike most of the time so Im not scared of a short cockpit, I just don't want to grossly mis size this thing.

I was hoping to keep things just inside of 30lbs (Im putting on a Fox Talas RLC on it and running a 1x9 setup) is that possible?

 

[Techfreak]

Enduro, Heckler, both good choices. Giant Reign mught be worth looking at. See if you can find a Sinister Splinter ER or MX. Sick, sick, sick bikes. ER has 4"-5" travel, MX has 5"-6". Amazing workmanship and they ride insanely well.

 

[RED5]

$.02

Transtion Preston FR

 

[Tarekith]

Another vote for the Enduro, especially if you can get a deal on it.

 

[Techfreak]

Mr. Skin, I forgot to list the Heckler, good call.

DHF, how is the sizing on the Enduro? I'm about 5-8"-9" with a normal length torso and 30" inseam. The guy with the Enduro I was looking at has a small and Im afraid Ill be cramped on it. Bear in mind, I ride a 24' specific ss jump bike most of the time so Im not scared of a short cockpit, I just don't want to grossly mis size this thing.

I was hoping to keep things just inside of 30lbs (Im putting on a Fox Talas RLC on it and running a 1x9 setup) is that possible?

FYI, I have seen a Splinter ER built up at well under 30lbs.

 

[TNC]

Maybe a Nomad?

The SC Nomad is one that can be built up as a great do-it-all bike and stay around 32lbs. easily without having a bunch of breakable XC parts. The '05-'06 Enduro series is darned good too, but make sure you get one that has a good rear shock...not a 5th Element Air. Many bikes out there currently that are 6" or so in rear travel can be very capable in all kinds of riding environments. I'm 54 and can easily ride a 33lb. do-it-all setup. At the moment my ride is a 33lb. Bullit. A lot of what you get will perform more to one end of the riding spectrum or the other according to the type of fork, rear shock, and wheels the bike has. Look closely at your selection concerning these components as they will have an enormous effect on the weight and what the bike is capable of.

 

[SHIVER ME TIMBERS]

Heckler. Great bike, climbs well, definitely worthy of light freeride.

Heckler a great choice ...a little more travel look into the Bullitts.....Personally I am building the same bike you are thinking about.

I am going with the Azonic Saber. Strong to do some hucking and DH runs (probably be my DH race bike), great warranty on the frame, FSR suspension and I can get it to weigh around 32 pounds with an 02 Super T. Of course it will be tubeless with Mavic EX823's

 

[tosis]

have a look at the Gigolo... Light, simple, 7" travel, giddyup!

 

[rzozaya1969]

Titus Moto Lite. I think it can take some light freeride, pedals awesome. The frame is very light and affordable for a Titus.

 

[goRz]

I say check out this thread and choose sth. that suits you

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=143875

 

[namaSSte]

Hope you gusy kep this rollin but thanks!

Thanks a ton for the bike suggetions....you guys rocked this.

I think Im leaning towrds a Heckler or Enduro right now (or the Turner if I could swing it without my wife leaving me!). Honestly, I think I'd buy the Enduro from the seller here if it were a med., I just think a small is going to be too little for someone who's 5-8" and change.

Anyhow thanks again, Im going to keep shcecking in to see what else you all have to say.

 

[free-rider_down-hiller]

Well even though you said you can get a good deal for the enduro check out www.wheelworld.com thy have a bunch of pretty good deals!

 

[JBsoxB]

i'd say either a santa cruz nomad or blur 4x...


mabye even a rm slayer!!!!