Because of a change in local race venues and the types of courses, my main bike this year will be an XTC SE1 that I'm going to build over the winter. However, for Sea Otter and some of the NORBA courses, I'm still going to hang on to a F/S bike. I have two frames to choose between- an '04 Razorback Team and an '03 SC Superlight. I'm a 50+ Sport racer, 6-2, 195 lb and hoping to move up to expert after this coming season. Anyway, I can't keep both frames and can't seem to decide between the two. Which one's a keeper? Help me out , guys!
SC Superlight or K2 Razorback Team?
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476 Posts
I'm riding a SL....
After riding a four-bar for almost four years (FSR-XC), I went with a SL in 04. I can't tell you how much I adore this bike. It climbs like a scalded dog and tracks like a dream. Sure, it doesn't have the fancy stable-platform stuff, but I honestly don't think this bike needs it. I always heard about "brakejack" from this single-pivot design. I'm not saying that it doesn't have symptoms of it, but if it does, I can't tell it. I'm very aggresive on the downhills and I can't tell any difference from my old FSR.
The only thing that makes me hesitate a little about endorsing this bike for you is your size. I'm 6'0" and weigh about 170lbs. I will say that I've got a friend who's an ex-body builder that weighs in at about 215lbs that races clydesdale on a SL. He's been riding/racing that frame for three years without a problem. I can't tell you anything about the Razorback, but (as you can tell) I love my SL.
Here she is:
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After riding a four-bar for almost four years (FSR-XC), I went with a SL in 04. I can't tell you how much I adore this bike. It climbs like a scalded dog and tracks like a dream. Sure, it doesn't have the fancy stable-platform stuff, but I honestly don't think this bike needs it. I always heard about "brakejack" from this single-pivot design. I'm not saying that it doesn't have symptoms of it, but if it does, I can't tell it. I'm very aggresive on the downhills and I can't tell any difference from my old FSR.
The only thing that makes me hesitate a little about endorsing this bike for you is your size. I'm 6'0" and weigh about 170lbs. I will say that I've got a friend who's an ex-body builder that weighs in at about 215lbs that races clydesdale on a SL. He's been riding/racing that frame for three years without a problem. I can't tell you anything about the Razorback, but (as you can tell) I love my SL.
Here she is:
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A couple of thoughts...
For starters I race on a razorback team for about half the season (endurance and rougher courses) and a hardtail the rest. They are both decent frames and have a similar ride. The Razorback is limited on the shock options to the Fox Float. It works well with the newer dampening (sorta a lockout) switch and blowoff valve but you will not have options to try any stable platform shocks. The SC can be fit with many shocks. If money is a precious commodity than you may get more for your SC frameset in the used marketplace. If you see yourself spending more time on your chosen frameset in the future and may need/want to make upgrades with technology than perhaps the SC is a better choice. I would choose on which bike feels right in the fit and ride department.
For starters I race on a razorback team for about half the season (endurance and rougher courses) and a hardtail the rest. They are both decent frames and have a similar ride. The Razorback is limited on the shock options to the Fox Float. It works well with the newer dampening (sorta a lockout) switch and blowoff valve but you will not have options to try any stable platform shocks. The SC can be fit with many shocks. If money is a precious commodity than you may get more for your SC frameset in the used marketplace. If you see yourself spending more time on your chosen frameset in the future and may need/want to make upgrades with technology than perhaps the SC is a better choice. I would choose on which bike feels right in the fit and ride department.
Superlight Info
I bought a SC Superlight in Aug 05 and I weigh 172 lbs. Although I have really only thrashed the bike hard once, I noticed a little bit of flex in the frame (not from the suspension/pivot). You weigh in about 20 lbs more so this might be a bigger consideration, you might want to find a SC dealer and take one for a spin - you take an extra large.
Cheers and good luck!
I bought a SC Superlight in Aug 05 and I weigh 172 lbs. Although I have really only thrashed the bike hard once, I noticed a little bit of flex in the frame (not from the suspension/pivot). You weigh in about 20 lbs more so this might be a bigger consideration, you might want to find a SC dealer and take one for a spin - you take an extra large.
Cheers and good luck!
Joined
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859 Posts
ebay
Sell them both on Ebay. With the money made from them, buy yourself a blur xc...warmonkey said:
I weigh 190+ and have a 05 SL
I guess our 180 degree reviews just goes to show one mans treasure is another mans wet noodle.
I have already hammered the piss out of it, it climbs almost as good as a hardtail with very little noticable flex or bob and rails down technical single track.Fisherfan said:
I guess our 180 degree reviews just goes to show one mans treasure is another mans wet noodle.
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