URT? SS Pros and Cons

IBBW · Feb 25, 2011

I have seen a few URT SS bikes posted here and there but nothing "new", I see Johnny "C" introduced a bike in 2008 that used this concept. Compared to the other URT frames out there his looks clean and inviting. John went on and on about what a dynomite SS it made and since I already own another of his designs that WAS all it was cooked up to be I am inturigued. Pro and Cons SS riders?

bad mechanic · Feb 25, 2011

What are you looking for? The pros and cons of riding a URT or his design specifically?

IBBW · Feb 26, 2011

pros and con of any URT for SSing. I don't figure anyone actually owns one of costellanos zorros, maybe I am wrong?

bad mechanic · Feb 26, 2011

I own a 1gen Schwinn Sweetspot SS. The big plus is that I don't need to use a sprung tensioner, which means I never have to worry about chain tension or chain slap. Additionally, i like that the Sweetspot gets 4 times stiffer when I'm standing, since I'm standing and mashing a lot.

Thor29 · Feb 26, 2011

URTs always seemed incredibly dumb to me. Especially for single speeds. The only reason I would want rear suspension is for descending rocky terrain at high speed. The problem with URT is that when you stand up, your weight is supported by the sprung part of the bike so you are not isolated from the terrain like you are when riding a normal suspension bike. I think I'd prefer the BB pivot design of the Lenz Milk Money or Kona Bass.

Sparticus · Feb 26, 2011

Thor29 said:
URTs always seemed incredibly dumb to me. Especially for single speeds. The only reason I would want rear suspension is for descending rocky terrain at high speed. The problem with URT is that when you stand up, your weight is supported by the sprung part of the bike so you are not isolated from the terrain like you are when riding a normal suspension bike. I think I'd prefer the BB pivot design of the Lenz Milk Money or Kona Bass.

I thought it was a Kona A.

--sParty

bad mechanic · Feb 26, 2011

While it helps some while descending, it's not a lot. But then again, my Sweetspot only has 3.75" of travel in the rear. However, it's nice to ride on rougher or rockier terrain, since it does make everything more comfortable.

IBBW · Feb 26, 2011

Exactly what I wanted to know, thanks.:thumbsup:

rangeriderdave · Feb 28, 2011

Riding a Ibis BowTi ss ,works great . URT'S have a bad rap mostly by people that haven't riden them. I also ride ride a vpp bike and it does work somewhat better on downhills.The rider makes more of a difference in my opinion.

Sparticus · Feb 28, 2011

rangeriderdave said:
Riding a Ibis BowTi ss ,works great . URT'S have a bad rap mostly by people that haven't riden them. I also ride ride a vpp bike and it does work somewhat better on downhills.The rider makes more of a difference in my opinion.

I've never ridden a URT but personally I think it looks like it would strike a good balance between HT & FS for SS-ing. Better than a hardtail but not as plush (or as likely to bob) as today's more traditional FS designs.

That Castellano Zorro looks awesome to me.

--sParty

IBBW · Mar 1, 2011

I feel like it is the best strike between the two. We are up most of the time mashing away but when a big hit is coming or I get a chance to rest a minute, a little monkey motion couldn't hurt. From owning and riding one of Johns creations for several years I feel good about a design he is crazy for. In reality I don't know if one can be had, I will see.

Thor29 · Mar 1, 2011

Sparticus said:
I thought it was a Kona A.

--sParty

I don't know what the differences are, but the Kona A hasn't been around for years.
Here's the Bass:
http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=bass

byknuts · Mar 2, 2011

a was the xc version, the bass or cowan ds is the same rear end and concentric pivot only with their clump heavy duty front triangle.

bad mechanic · Mar 2, 2011

Sparticus said:
I've never ridden a URT but personally...

If you're ever in Maryland, let me know and you can try one. :thumbsup:

Sparticus · Mar 2, 2011

bad mechanic said:
If you're ever in Maryland, let me know and you can try one. :thumbsup:

Thanks, man. If I do, I will.

Likewise if you ever make it to Orygun. I don't have a URT to let you ride, but I'll happily introduce you to some singletrack that will leave you pondering a move out West. Bring the URT or the XCFS... SS or gearie... it's all good, fast & flowy. Just be prepared to climb a few thousand preflight.

Thanks again for the URT offer. Hope I can take you up on it someday.

--sParty

Goligo15 · Apr 24, 2017

I'm close to ordering a URT frame for my 2nd bike; street bike. It has a low pivot. My thought is that it will improve speed while standing but what I really what to know is if the pedal bob will cause my feet to slip while sitting? BikeIsland.com - Bicycle Parts, Accessories and Clothing at Affordable Prices with Free Shipping

MTB Pharm · Apr 24, 2017

Don't bother with that one. A hundred bucks and you still need to get a shock!?!
If you want to try out or buy a URT, look on Craigslist, I see them for cheap. Low pivot ones are similar to Treks and Fishers. The mid pivot ones (ibis szazbo, Schwinn, control tech) rode better than the low pivot ones. The high pivot ones from Klein looked wonky, never rode ones tho.

Goligo15 · Apr 24, 2017

Thanks, I got a nice 6in shock sitting around. It's 6061 aluminum (I'm 250lbs and rough. something I can manhandle) that's as cheap as it gets. What I'm building is a smaller framed bike with a laid back seatpost and bmx handlebars and tires. Single crank in the front 8 gears in the back. but I still want that rear shock. I know it's not ideal for off road but can't help but to think the URT MIGHT actually benefit in my application. I'm 70% sure I'm not going to get it....I'm just temporally obsessed with understanding. I got a Marin for the trails I want an urban assault bike to play in the street. I got all the nice parts sitting a Wally-World frame that has been welded twice already. All I need is a frame. Thanks again, if I had the money I'd get a Fisher hands down.

rangeriderdave · Apr 24, 2017

You need to know that frames are not the same, some or even most of the parts off the Wally world bike might not fit that frame Building a bike from frame up cost a lot more that just buying a complete bike.

Goligo15 · Apr 24, 2017

I have the parts already, all quality and will fit fine. I'm mostly interested in the physics understanding the low pivot vs the higher. Speed and maneuverability are my main concern. Standing and climbing should be better for the street.

I know this is a MTB forum but it's the best group of bicycle knowledge around. I have v-nice parts from years of tinkering, I got the Wally-Goose frame for $10 bucks and I love it! More than my Marin in ways...the high bars and the lay back seat... The kids call it "little Debo" (From Friday) LOL It's co comfortable and in the standing position, I can really crank some speed out of it... I can't believe it's not more common, very functionable. The URT was a mistake, but I can't help thinking for this application it might be a diamond in the rough.

URT? SS Pros and Cons

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