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I'm thinking of getting a VP Free and wanted to know if any one had any complaints about theirs. Also how does the VP compare to the Kona Stab Supreme?
Thanks for any imput.
Thanks for any imput.
VP-Free Complaints?
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4,356 Posts
Indeed. The VP Free climbs great, and descends even better, but the maintenance aspect on the pivots will drive you crazy. If you are deaf, you might be able to stand the creaking. Other than that, the bike is great! I sold mine after 12 months of use.red5 said:
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124 Posts
The VP-Free does not have 'bad bearings' or bearing issues as some say.
However, like the RM-7 of old, the VP-Free requires that you regularly check the pivot bolts to make sure they are tight. I've had the pivots a little loose after a day of riding. If this is left unchecked, the excessive movement WILL destroy bearings in a hurry. If you do get the VP-Free (which is a great bike) keep in mind you will have to keep an eye on the pivots bolts to insure a smooth ride.
People might complain of 'maintenance' but 5min with an allen is nothing.
However, like the RM-7 of old, the VP-Free requires that you regularly check the pivot bolts to make sure they are tight. I've had the pivots a little loose after a day of riding. If this is left unchecked, the excessive movement WILL destroy bearings in a hurry. If you do get the VP-Free (which is a great bike) keep in mind you will have to keep an eye on the pivots bolts to insure a smooth ride.
People might complain of 'maintenance' but 5min with an allen is nothing.
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25 Posts
yeah it creaks a bit
But I haven't had much problem with mine. I've found that regular (every 3 months) pivot maintenance has worked for me, and I ride in a lot of different conditions (dust, mud, puddles).
I also know that the Free is so fun, that the occasional creak is a small price to pay.
But I haven't had much problem with mine. I've found that regular (every 3 months) pivot maintenance has worked for me, and I ride in a lot of different conditions (dust, mud, puddles).
I also know that the Free is so fun, that the occasional creak is a small price to pay.
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98 Posts
I'm on year 3 of my free. I love it. I also have a Blur Classic and my wife has a Nomad. But for the Shore and Whistler, the vp free is the shizzle. Enjoy it. you won't regret it.
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3,369 Posts
1. Pivot maintenance is tedious. No matter how much you love your Free it is an undeniable truth that SC's vpp pivot junctions require maintenance. Your results may vary.
2. Long wheelbase. If you ride skinnes you might want to look elsewhere.
3. Pedal kickback. You will notice some of this when riding up semi-technical trails. Your bike is supposed to be on YOUR team, not working against you.
That said, I love my Free and have no plans to get rid of it.
2. Long wheelbase. If you ride skinnes you might want to look elsewhere.
3. Pedal kickback. You will notice some of this when riding up semi-technical trails. Your bike is supposed to be on YOUR team, not working against you.
That said, I love my Free and have no plans to get rid of it.
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2,915 Posts
I agree! If you overtighten the bolts, you get the creeking.Kootenay rider said:
A 5mm wrench to a bolt every few rides isn't a maintenance issue, it's just common sense with any bike with pivots. If you don't want maintenance, buy a hardtail.
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196 Posts
I haven't experienced any pedal kick back...
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2,222 Posts
I rode a Bullit for years and the feedback was pretty insane. The massive derailleur slap from chain growth when landing drops was pretty harsh too. It was still a fun bike though.Mudd said:
What is it with the VPP design and creaking? Is there higher bearing loads or do they just collect dirt easily? I wonder if Intense frames have the same issues. I haven't heard that, but then again there are a lot fewer VPX's out there.
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196 Posts
Well, today my VP-Free started to creak a lot, pedaling on flat ground and a bit more while performing a standing climb. The pivots are pissing me off, especially the lower ones. If you look closely the axle on the lower pivots is open, and not 'closed' letting in dirt into the system.
I routinely remove my cranks and check if all pivots are tight, sure enough, the lower ones are loose.
I routinely remove my cranks and check if all pivots are tight, sure enough, the lower ones are loose.
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1,406 Posts
I'm suprised no one has mentioned the high bottom bracket. If santacruz dropped it another 1/2" this bike would be spot on dialed. I like mine so far though other than the high COG.
def. creaks and eats bearings, if you ride in the slop alot.
The b.b. was too high and the head angle was too steep for my taste.
I had alot of fun on that bike though... Def. a great climbing and descending bike, you can't argue that, just didn't suit my riding very well.
The b.b. was too high and the head angle was too steep for my taste.
I had alot of fun on that bike though... Def. a great climbing and descending bike, you can't argue that, just didn't suit my riding very well.
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18 Posts
wow... almost no one got any more technical than creaky bearings?
I have a few complaints:
1. Rides really high. It wouldn't be such a big deal if my BB was around what the vp-free's are listed on the site (14.8"). I measured mine at about 15.5", and paired with shock that's in the middle of the frame for a higher center of gravity... it's not good. Hard to whip through corners, or really lean it over.
2. Suspension progression? I've seen some progression charts of the vp-free travel. And since this bike is designed around a pedaling platform, yes, it was stiff at the top. Middle was very plush, and there was a small, short ramp up at the end. The bike is not real sensitive to small bumps unless you dial in more sag than it's designed to run (then it pedals more like a true DH bike..... not very well). And, it really blows through the travel on hard hits and is pretty harsh.
3. Sure, this bike pedals great, but if no matter how good it pedals, you're still pedaling a heavy bike with DH geometry up the mountain. Now, it can be set up to pedal well, but with a shorter fork (6" or so) and a light build. If you're going to set it up like that, then why would you need 8.5" in the rear? It'd be much more practical to get something like a nomad.
That said, i like the bike. I'd like something more pure DH because of how high the vp-free rides (i ride with two people on Sundays all the time... and the sunday corners like mad), and the fact that i don't do too much climbing. But i really think that SC needs to re-design the vp-free with a lower BB. There is a new movement of shorter travel DH race bikes (like commencial) that are light and pedal well. Not everyone wants a v10 because it's one heck of a bike (price wise too). I'd actually be very happy with this bike if the BB was 1"+ lower. A 15.5" BB is just pointlessly high.
I have a few complaints:
1. Rides really high. It wouldn't be such a big deal if my BB was around what the vp-free's are listed on the site (14.8"). I measured mine at about 15.5", and paired with shock that's in the middle of the frame for a higher center of gravity... it's not good. Hard to whip through corners, or really lean it over.
2. Suspension progression? I've seen some progression charts of the vp-free travel. And since this bike is designed around a pedaling platform, yes, it was stiff at the top. Middle was very plush, and there was a small, short ramp up at the end. The bike is not real sensitive to small bumps unless you dial in more sag than it's designed to run (then it pedals more like a true DH bike..... not very well). And, it really blows through the travel on hard hits and is pretty harsh.
3. Sure, this bike pedals great, but if no matter how good it pedals, you're still pedaling a heavy bike with DH geometry up the mountain. Now, it can be set up to pedal well, but with a shorter fork (6" or so) and a light build. If you're going to set it up like that, then why would you need 8.5" in the rear? It'd be much more practical to get something like a nomad.
That said, i like the bike. I'd like something more pure DH because of how high the vp-free rides (i ride with two people on Sundays all the time... and the sunday corners like mad), and the fact that i don't do too much climbing. But i really think that SC needs to re-design the vp-free with a lower BB. There is a new movement of shorter travel DH race bikes (like commencial) that are light and pedal well. Not everyone wants a v10 because it's one heck of a bike (price wise too). I'd actually be very happy with this bike if the BB was 1"+ lower. A 15.5" BB is just pointlessly high.
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