[CraterMaker]

Just picked up the new ML on Friday and I've been able to put almost 4 hours in on it over the weekend (thank God for SoCal weather!), splitting the time between 4" and 5" travel. Build kit as follows:

06 ML Blue medium
RS Revelation 426 U-Turn fork
X9 shifters / rear der
XT front der
XT / 717 wheels
Tioga Blue Dragon High Energy tires
Hayes Brakes
FSA V-Drive crank

I don't have that much time on the bike yet, but I think it really feels balanced in the 5" mode with the fork at around 120mm, still experimenting though.
First impressions: the bike reminds me of the HH 100x I had a couple of years ago, with a bit more plush (which is exactly what I wanted). One of the guys at Titus said they were thinking of calling the bike the Racer-X Plus and I can see why. The bike is very stiff and pedals great and I really like how easily the bike climbs in 5" mode, very comfortable with no wasted effort. I was so impressed with the Pike on my Iron Horse MK III that I went with the Revelation for the ML. I also considered a Talas but I can't imagine that it would feel any better than the Revelation. The Revelation is very adjustable and matches the feel of the RP3 perfectly. The Blue Dragons have gotten mediocre reviews but no complaints so far.
I have to thank the shop and the guy that I bought the bike from. Benson at Jones bikes in San Marino had the bike in stock and let me swap out a bunch of the build kit (including some stuff of my own) gave me a killer deal and still had the bike ready before Christmas, thanks Benson!
Extremely pleased with the bike so far. I have the next week off from work and if the weather holds (projected dry and mid 60s) I should be able to get in 4-5 rides.

 

[dulyebr]

Dude, that is a killer bike. Great job. Thanks for the review.

 

[FM]

Super nice bike! I like the blue with the black parts, thanks for posting.

When switching between 4" and 5", do you need to change the shock pressure? I was wondering if it would make sense to run 4" for climbing and 5" for DH on summer epics here that include longer climbs.

 

[KRob]

Looks sweet. Congrats on the new ride. Looking forward to your reviews.

I like the understated graffics on the '06 and with the frame color on the rear triangle, and the all black wheels it gives it a real no-nonsense, retro tough look.

 

[goatman]

Sweet bike

Super nice bike! I like the blue with the black parts, thanks for posting.

When switching between 4" and 5", do you need to change the shock pressure? I was wondering if it would make sense to run 4" for climbing and 5" for DH on summer epics here that include longer climbs.

That is one sweet looking bike and build.
I run about 15psi less in my Fox RP3 '05 when in 4' rear travel mode on my medium ML.
According to Titus you don't have to change the pressure fo between 4' and 5' settings (search other threads on this topic - Motolite set up)
Almost no bob in 4' setting and climbs like a goat, really rough climbs 5' setting good too IMHO.

I have a smaller version of the 2005 stickers (took off the huge original ones) but the 2006 ones are way nicer!

 

[CraterMaker]

Adjusting air pressure

That is one sweet looking bike and build.
I run about 15psi less in my Fox RP3 '05 when in 4' rear travel mode on my medium ML.
According to Titus you don't have to change the pressure fo between 4' and 5' settings (search other threads on this topic - Motolite set up)
Almost no bob in 4' setting and climbs like a goat, really rough climbs 5' setting good too IMHO.

I have a smaller version of the 2005 stickers (took off the huge original ones) but the 2006 ones are way nicer![/QUO

Like I said before I'm still sorting out the bike setup, but I didn't change the air pressure when I went from 4" to 5". I'm sure if you had identical bikes setup both ways and rode them one after the other you would notice the differences more, but the bike pedals so well in 5" mode I'm not sure I am going to go the 4" mode very often. If I had to describe it I think the bike might climb a little faster in 4" mode, but it's more comfortable in 5" mode. I also like playing with the RP3 although I find myself in the middle position about 80% of the time. It's also fun to adjust the compression knob on the Revelation to match the feel of the RP3. I'm sure the Talas is wonderful on the ML, but it would be hard to believe it would feel better than the RS.

 

[yangpei]

More props to Benson / Jones Bikes

Just picked up the new ML on Friday and I've been able to put almost 4 hours in on it over the weekend (thank God for SoCal weather!), splitting the time between 4" and 5" travel. Build kit as follows:

06 ML Blue medium
RS Revelation 426 U-Turn fork
X9 shifters / rear der
XT front der
XT / 717 wheels
Tioga Blue Dragon High Energy tires
Hayes Brakes
FSA V-Drive crank

I don't have that much time on the bike yet, but I think it really feels balanced in the 5" mode with the fork at around 120mm, still experimenting though.
First impressions: the bike reminds me of the HH 100x I had a couple of years ago, with a bit more plush (which is exactly what I wanted). One of the guys at Titus said they were thinking of calling the bike the Racer-X Plus and I can see why. The bike is very stiff and pedals great and I really like how easily the bike climbs in 5" mode, very comfortable with no wasted effort. I was so impressed with the Pike on my Iron Horse MK III that I went with the Revelation for the ML. I also considered a Talas but I can't imagine that it would feel any better than the Revelation. The Revelation is very adjustable and matches the feel of the RP3 perfectly. The Blue Dragons have gotten mediocre reviews but no complaints so far.
I have to thank the shop and the guy that I bought the bike from. Benson at Jones bikes in San Marino had the bike in stock and let me swap out a bunch of the build kit (including some stuff of my own) gave me a killer deal and still had the bike ready before Christmas, thanks Benson!
Extremely pleased with the bike so far. I have the next week off from work and if the weather holds (projected dry and mid 60s) I should be able to get in 4-5 rides.

Benson and Randy at Jones Bikes in San Marino also helped me build up my ML. They also helped me build both my Quasimotos! Excellent service at Jones. Congrats on your new ride. I saw your bike in the store a few weeks back. That blue looks really nice. Here's mine in grey. I've switched to an RP3, new wheels, and new seat/post since the pic.

 

[matt_J]

Nice bike-but how tall are you?

Congrats on a killer build!

My question is about your frame size. You mention that you have a medium sized frame and I was wondering how tall you are? I´m 6´2 myself and I would really prefer a medium, as a large seems really big...

Matt The Swedish Dude

 

[dulyebr]

The owner of my LBS is at least 6'1 and went with a medium Moto-lite because he thought the large was too big. Anyway, he likes it.

But, I think anybody would tell you that at 6'2, a large is the right size.

 

[smh151]

Im 6' 2 and have just got a medium with a DHX-air. Really liking at the moment but would say that unless you like to be stretched out the medium is fine.