Surly Instigator

[eloach]

I want a bike for DJ and Urban riding. Has anyone been on this frame or have an opinion about it? I was thinking of hooking it up with some Azonic Outlaws (on a budget here), comments on those? I am looking for suggestions on a fork. I was looking at the RockShox Argyle, but don't know if that's enough travel for this frame and not sure about the quality of each of the three models. At 100mm the Argyle is at the low end of the travel rating for the frame.

I checked out the MTBR reviews and they were pretty positive.

I can scrounge for most of the rest of the parts, but I'd like the frame to be something I can use as my skills progress.

If I can't afford the fork right away, would I be crazy to put an extra REBA uTurn I have sitting around on it? It's not like I have the skills to go to big right now anyways.

[akern2]

If you're looking for a fork, I know Performance in G-burg has some Marzocchi laying around (literally). They have a 20mm thur-axle and might run you around $100. I think they were 100 or 130mm.

Also, i'm looking for a shorter stem for a reasonable price. I want something around the 30-50mm range. You have any suggestions or happen to have any stems you'd be willing to sell?

[eloach]

If you're looking for a fork, I know Performance in G-burg has some Marzocchi laying around (literally). They have a 20mm thur-axle and might run you around $100. I think they were 100 or 130mm.

Also, i'm looking for a shorter stem for a reasonable price. I want something around the 30-50mm range. You have any suggestions or happen to have any stems you'd be willing to sell?

No. I don't have anything that short. I like the Thomsons on my other bikes, but I might look for a Race Face for this application. Less cash and some of them are super strong. You don't happen to know what model on the Marz, do you? I like the DJ1 and DJ2 reviews I have seen.

Hey, I just looked at the Fox Talas 36 R 2008, 100/130/160. IN MY DREAMS! Nice fork!

[akern2]

I think they just might be in the DJ series. Marzocchi makes the DJ forks like rabbits make babies. I'm probably going to go over there in like 5 minutes, so i'll check.

Oh, and the Fox, I have a Float 36 R on my Reign XO

I heart it. Pure and simple.

[jabberwocky]

For an urban/DJ bike you don't want more than 100mm of travel. Most guys run 80mm, and some even mod their forks down to 50-60mm. You want some travel to take the edge off, but overall you want a pretty stiff front end to make the bike more responsive.

I run an Argyle 409. Its incredible, but quite expensive for a pure DJ fork.

As for the Instigator, I've heard some mixed stuff on them. I would probably look elsewhere for a first bike.

Good places to look would be a complete Giant STP (retail $900 geared, $800 SS) or a Specialized P.series ($800-$1700 depending on spec). Both are well regarded, well specced for their intended purpose and backed by good companies if you happen to break anything.

[akern2]

The Marz at Performance is a Drop Off III. I think it was around 100mm, but there was no specs on the box nor shock. The guy working there said they where going pretty cheap, and there is only 1 left.

[akern2]

On the advice on Jab, check craigslist. I've found a good couple DJ bikes and frames.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/560038611.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/559564428.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/556613001.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/552433377.html

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/553742609.html

[eloach]

For an urban/DJ bike you don't want more than 100mm of travel. Most guys run 80mm, and some even mod their forks down to 50-60mm. You want some travel to take the edge off, but overall you want a pretty stiff front end to make the bike more responsive.

I run an Argyle 409. Its incredible, but quite expensive for a pure DJ fork.

As for the Instigator, I've heard some mixed stuff on them. I would probably look elsewhere for a first bike.

Good places to look would be a complete Giant STP (retail $900 geared, $800 SS) or a Specialized P.series ($800-$1700 depending on spec). Both are well regarded, well specced for their intended purpose and backed by good companies if you happen to break anything.

I was worried about the my 33" inseam making the bikes too small. Do you know of any shops that stock them where I could at least check the fit? The Surly and the Yeti seem to be available in a little larger size. The P1 looks nice completely set up, but for that price I could get the Yeti and the RS A 402 and scrape parts together for the rest.

I know you want the bike smaller than a trail bike, but one size fits all usually doesn't. I also wouldn't mind if I could also use the bike to tow a BOB at FH with my chain saw on it, or similar terrain, and not have to worry about bending the frame up. That's why I was looking at the Surly. Have you heard they break up or they just don't have that great of geometry for jumping and urban?

[jabberwocky]

I was worried about the my 33" inseam making the bikes too small. Do you know of any shops that stock them where I could at least check the fit? The Surly and the Yeti seem to be available in a little larger size. The P1 looks nice completely set up, but for that price I could get the Yeti and the RS A 402 and scrape parts together for the rest.Well, if you have all the parts except for a frame and fork then it makes sense to buy just those two parts.

I don't know about shops stocking urban style bikes. Maybe Germantown? If you want to try out a regular DJ bike you can borrow my DOC for a few days.

I know you want the bike smaller than a trail bike, but one size fits all usually doesn't. I also wouldn't mind if I could also use the bike to tow a BOB at FH with my chain saw on it, or similar terrain, and not have to worry about bending the frame up.DJ bikes generally only come in two sizes: regular and long. Most guys don't switch to the larger size unless they are over 6' tall, and even then it isn't uncommon to run the smaller size. DJ bikes are supposed to be compact. DJing, as a riding style, is far less picky about frame fit than XC riding. You are standing up all the time. Getting yourself into a perfect pedaling position isn't important.

There is no way any frame that works well for DJing or Urban will be very good as a trail bike. The design parameters aren't the same for both. I trail ride my DOC occasionally and it is loads of fun to whip the bike around the tech sections, but anything thats pure XC is absolute torture.

That's why I was looking at the Surly. Have you heard they break up or they just don't have that great of geometry for jumping and urban?A little of both. Really theres nothing terribly wrong with them except that there are far better options available for the same price. If I was going to do my own build and spend 400ish on the frame, I would look at the Transition Trail-or-Park (http://www.transitionbikes.com/2007/TrailOrPark_Pricing.cfm), for example.

[akern2]

While we're on the subject of DJ, does anyone know of close by jumps? Jab, you've been helpful with freeride spots before, so i'm looking towards you.


Send me a PM so we can keep it on the DL.

[jabberwocky]

495 is the major local spot. I think they are even approaching legality now. They are a bit to the north of Wakefield. Everything from beginner tabletops to giant gaps.

[akern2]

sweeeet, but thats a good distance away from were i am. so i'm going to have to go one a pilgrimage some day warmer.

[eloach]

If I was going to do my own build and spend 400ish on the frame, I would look at the Transition Trail-or-Park (http://www.transitionbikes.com/2007/TrailOrPark_Pricing.cfm), for example.

I like that in a medium. Spot on in terms of size. Go with the 100 mm fork, yes?

What's up with the 28 chain ring in the single speed kit? What's in the rear, 15 or 14?

[jabberwocky]

sweeeet, but thats a good distance away from were i am. so i'm going to have to go one a pilgrimage some day warmer.From Gaithersburg? Thats like a 25 minute drive on the weekend. If you like dirt jumps, its worth the drive.

I like that in a medium. Spot on in terms of size. Go with the 100 mm fork, yes?

What's up with the 28 chain ring in the single speed kit? What's in the rear, 15 or 14?An 80mm-100mm fork is what I would be looking at. Something like a Marz dirt jumper or RS Argyle.

The 28 chainring is because it has bmx-style cranks (no spider). Smaller chainrings=better ground clearance. 14-15 is a good guess for the rear cog, but I'm not sure what they have on there.

[akern2]

i'm actually never been DJing, the most experience is a 2 ft. jump with a 6+ ft. gap to flat.

You know what, lets see if we can go sometime soon. get a group to go and show me the ropes, since i'm a n00b


Eloach-

Good luck with the bike and hope to see you sunday.

[akern2]

I've found that Germantown Cycles have a Sinister DNA and Giant Stp frames.

Also found this:
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/560943286.html

[eloach]

I've found that Germantown Cycles have a Sinister DNA and Giant Stp frames.

Also found this:
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/560943286.html

How do you tell is a Craigs List bike is stolen or not? I like that deal.

[akern2]

Unless the thief is a cycler, then you can tell. He'll just be like

"P.3 Specialized bike. Some scratches, email me for pics"

You can tell if someone stole the bike cause they're all sketchy in the post.


I'd say go for that bike. I like how it looks just sitting there.