[travisbean1558]

Hi,
I currently ride a Heckler (size medium) that I have decided is too small for me. So I am planning on replacing the frame with a large Heckler. At the same time I am wondering if a bike like the Yeti 575 might be better for me. I love the solid feeling of the Heckler, but I have had some problems with keeping the front end down on really steep climbs (climbs I can make on my hardtail). I don't really huck, I'll take a small drop from time to time, but nothing serious, maybe 2-2.5 feet. What I do ride is really rocky east coast type trails with lot's of big logs and steep ups and downs. The climbing problems I have expereniced may just be from having too small of a bike, but since I'm going to be buying a new frame any way, I'm open to other suggestions as to what the best bike in the 5 inch, range for my type of riding would be.
Thanks in advance

 

[derby]

Hi,
I currently ride a Heckler (size medium) that I have decided is too small for me. So I am planning on replacing the frame with a large Heckler. At the same time I am wondering if a bike like the Yeti 575 might be better for me. I love the solid feeling of the Heckler, but I have had some problems with keeping the front end down on really steep climbs (climbs I can make on my hardtail). I don't really huck, I'll take a small drop from time to time, but nothing serious, maybe 2-2.5 feet. What I do ride is really rocky east coast type trails with lot's of big logs and steep ups and downs. The climbing problems I have expereniced may just be from having too small of a bike, but since I'm going to be buying a new frame any way, I'm open to other suggestions as to what the best bike in the 5 inch, range for my type of riding would be.
Thanks in advance

The 575 is a great bike and in the price range of the Heckler. It does climb like a goat. But as light as the 575 is built, I think it is a little bit lighter duty than the potential of the Heckler.

Be aware that the large size 575 has a longer top tube and reach than the large Heckler. It would be a big difference in fit. A medium-sized 575 may be closer in fit to the large Heckler.

The 575 pedals as well if not better than the Heckler and has no kickback feel in the granny. The seat and head angle geometry for handling are very similar.

Another great value in the 5-inch travel heavier duty built class is the Marin Wolf Ridge Tara Quad 4 - 6 inch adjustable travel frame. It rides like butter and is super easy to climb rough or smooth terrain with. I've seen frame-only for under $1k.

- ray

 

[ronny]

You will have to be more specific as to what length of stem, type of fork, and your height. With that said, SC has small frames. I am 5'10".5 and used to have a large Heckler. I usually like a medium with most other brands. On my Heckler I ran a 65mm stem and a 130mm fork that could be adjusted to 4" for climbing. I had no problems with the front coming up on climbs, especially if I had the travel winded down. A longer stem will help with keeping the front down, and if you can wind the fork down it helps as well. If you are climbing with a 6" fork that can't be adjusted for climbing, it might lighten the front on steeper inclines.

I also like the 575 and it would suit your riding style.

 

[travisbean1558]

Be aware that the large size 575 has a longer top tube and reach than the large Heckler. It would be a big difference in fit. A medium-sized 575 may be closer in fit to the large Heckler.

Your right, if I went with the Yeti it would be the medium for sure.

On my Heckler I ran a 65mm stem and a 130mm fork that could be adjusted to 4" for climbing. I had no problems with the front coming up on climbs, especially if I had the travel winded down. A longer stem will help with keeping the front down, and if you can wind the fork down it helps as well. If you are climbing with a 6" fork that can't be adjusted for climbing, it might lighten the front on steeper inclines.

I'm 5' 9" with a 32" inseam, the medium Heckler felt ok on short rides, but felt cramped on long rides, my lower back would start bothering me. I had the same back issues when I would take my cyclo-cross bike on long road rides, getting a larger framed road bike solved that problem completely.
However you point out something that could well be part of the climbing problem, I've been running a 130mm fork that has no travel adjustment or lock out at all.
Man, this could start getting expensive!!!

 

[ronny]

The fork could be part of the problem, but might not be either. Try to test ride a large Heckler and 575 with a similar set up to compare. Stem length can help if you are not already running a really long one.

 

[travisbean1558]

The fork could be part of the problem, but might not be either. Try to test ride a large Heckler and 575 with a similar set up to compare. Stem length can help if you are not already running a really long one.

Right now I'm still leaning towards just swapping the parts on to a large Heckler frame.
Howerver when I compare the medium 575 to the large Heckler, they are really similar, but the 575 numbers seem just a little better for me : just a little bit longer top tube
just a little bit shorter wheelbase
just a little bit lighter weight
etc.
I don't think the 575 is as tough a bike as the Hecker, but I think it is probalbly plenty tough for the riding I do.
I won't be able to test ride the large Heckler (though I have plenty of time on the medium of course) . I have only been able to ride the 575 in the parking lot, up and down stairs, etc.
But the longer top tube felt much better.
As far as the stem, I have already been adding longer and longer stems in an attempt to help the climbing. I went as far as a 120 and it helped a little but made desending a bit of a handful (endo's endo's).

 

[Porchsong]

single pivot VS 4bar / vpp...ect

While your looking at new frames I would suggest testing out a 4 bar or VPP frame. You may like the waterbar / rocky climbing ability of a non-single pivot frame better. It realy comes down to personal style and opinion. With that said I rode a Superlight for years and loved it! IMO both the Heckler and the Yeti and great frames, I just wanted to complicate things - go ride a BLT or a 5spot w/ a DHXair.

Good luck!

Porch

 

[be350ka]

I would also suggest that you look at the 5 Spot. It has been a great bike for me coming off of a Superlight. You said that you are not doing large drops or hucking, so the 5 spot is still quite burly yet an able climber thus fitting your said riding style. The BLT also might be worth looking at as well as the new Foes FXR '06.
Really, with any of these bikes you cant go wrong. It all comes down to what feels best to you as the rider so get out there and test ride as many as you can before making a decision.

 

[travisbean1558]

Thanks everyone for the input,
I think right now I may give a 29er hard tail a try, and see how I like the big wheels, before I decide on what full suspension frame to go with.
I don't want to find out I would rather have a 29er full suspension and have to go thru this again!!

 

[Porchsong]

29 Fs.

There ya go! I've never had the chance to ride a FS 29er, but I'd like to. My guess is that by the end of next summer we will see alot more quality FS 29ers on the market.

Good luck,

Porch