Opinions on Scott Ransom

[kilara]

I am looking to get a good FS bike. I do not mind spending a good amount of money for a good bike. I have looked at Stumpy FSR's, Santa Cruz Superlites, Titus moto-lites, and finally the Scott Ransom 40. This bike just seems great especially the way the rear suspension works. Does anyone have any experience with Scott's or opinions?
Thanks!

[DMarchy1]

You have a list of truely good bikes, I have ridden all of the above except the Scott. I have read many good things about them and a Few not so good things. However you will have a few negative comments about every brand. I would add another top notch choice or two to your list to consider for this area. the Cannondale Rush, Gary fisher Hi-Fi, Trek EX9.0 or 9.5. A few more outstanding XC/trail/race machines. I ride a Motolite Medium 2006, you are welcome to spin it out anytime. Dave M.

[eloach]

If you can afford it, you should look at the Elsworth Epiphany as well. Make sure it's the latest model with the RP23 shock or the 2008 version of the shock. I would like to get one... someday... along with about 100 other bikes.

[Squirrel Girl]

I've never seen a Scott on a trail here in the DC area. But out west I see them.

[DKEG]

Germantown cycles use to sell them. Nice bikes, a little pricey for what you get compared to other brands. They did not seem to sell to well so they dropped Scott. Don't sleep on the Santa Cruz Blur it is a great bike.

[Dirt]

Scott Ransom is a nice guy. I dated his sister Olivia for a while back in college. She was a little weird, but she drove a jeep and had a cool dog, so I thought she was cool.

Scott was cool even though Olivia and I broke up after a few months. We stayed friends. I will say that he still owes me $20. I'm guessing that he forgot about that though. I haven't seen him in over 20 years.

Hope that helps.

Pete

[treeskier]

Roger at Blackwater Bikes, Davis, WV has them on showroom floor. Go test ride.

[BikerMiker]

30lb 6" travel bike? No thanks. That Ransom is over-priced, over weight and too gimmicky. Get a solid design (Specialized is the only company using the same design since 1993), solid geometry (personal preference) and solid suspension (Spec'd new shocks are better than Fox by a LONG SHOT!).

How about a 27lb 6" travel bike with suspension that works better. Specialized Sworks Enduro SL. You cannot beat it. No way. Best riding (up AND down) bike I've seen in 15 years. I will happily arrange a test ride of that or any other high-end bike I can get my hands on.

As an aside, there's a double-secret employee-only demo day at Patapsco today from Cannondale and Specialized. If you can make it, call me on my cell and I'll arrange for you to test ride. fourfourthree.eightthreeone.twosixf ourfive. I'm in a meeting until 12:30 and then heading up there for a pre-2pm arrival. Event ends at 4pm.

Don't go with the smaller guys on fs bikes. I'll catch hell for this, but I've had three friends in the last few weeks have to get ENTIRE NEW BIKES because they couldn't get parts for frames that were just three years old. In my opinion, any company that can't support their super-expensive frames for AT LEAST five years shouldn't be selling bikes.

Oh, and the new Specialized Sworks stumpjumper (120mm travel) is out of the box at 23.5lbs. No kidding.

mike

[jabberwocky]

30lb 6" travel bike? No thanks.Not all 6" bikes are created equal. The Specialized enduros are nice bikes, but something like a Knolly Delerium T (6.5" travel, frame over 10lbs) or a Turner RFX (6.4" travel, 7 pound frame) will be able to ride stuff the Specialized can't even dream about. Its all about what you intend to do with it. Putting down a 6" bike because it weighs too much is pretty silly IMHO.

Oh, and the new Specialized Sworks stumpjumper (120mm travel) is out of the box at 23.5lbs. No kidding.Yeah, and it retails for almost 7000 dollars. :eek:

[brian_brox]

If you're feeling spunky, you can buy a Scott Ransom frame at Jenson

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/dept/105-Frames.aspx

[drewdane]

I am looking to get a good FS bike. I do not mind spending a good amount of money for a good bike. I have looked at Stumpy FSR's, Santa Cruz Superlites, Titus moto-lites, and finally the Scott Ransom 40. This bike just seems great especially the way the rear suspension works. Does anyone have any experience with Scott's or opinions?
Thanks!
After riding several very nice bikes, I'd say go with the one that leaves you feeling like this:
This bike just seems great especially the way the rear suspension works.

[Squirrel Girl]

Scott Ransom is a nice guy. I dated his sister Olivia for a while back in college. She was a little weird, but she drove a jeep and had a cool dog, so I thought she was cool.

Scott was cool even though Olivia and I broke up after a few months. We stayed friends. I will say that he still owes me $20. I'm guessing that he forgot about that though. I haven't seen him in over 20 years.

Hope that helps.

PeteI dated a guy named Ransom once. But it was his first name. His last name wasn't Scott, though. It was Turner.

Does that help?

[Linneke]

I am looking to get a good FS bike. I do not mind spending a good amount of money for a good bike. I have looked at Stumpy FSR's, Santa Cruz Superlites, Titus moto-lites, and finally the Scott Ransom 40.
DevilDog and I just replaced our damaged Treks with Titus Moto Lite IIs (YES, we got matching bikes AGAIN, but this time we chose different component packages) and we both love them. The frames don't scratch easily at all (I accidentally threw the bike and myself down the side of Shock-a-Billy last night and there's not a single mark) and I find climbing hills to be even easier now. Everyone I've ever spoke to about Titus has said nothing but good things.

[eloach]

If you're feeling spunky, you can buy a Scott Ransom frame at Jenson

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/dept/105-Frames.aspx

They don't have many sizes. If you're XL, they have that.

[eloach]

DevilDog and I just replaced our damaged Treks with Titus Moto Lite IIs (YES, we got matching bikes AGAIN, but this time we chose different component packages) and we both love them. The frames don't scratch easily at all (I accidentally threw the bike and myself down the side of Shock-a-Billy last night and there's not a single mark) and I find climbing hills to be even easier now. Everyone I've ever spoke to about Titus has said nothing but good things.

I just bought a Racer-X frame to replace my Trance frame. It should arrive today and I will build it up next week. Titus has nice stuff.

Contes in Arlington STOCKS high end bikes. I talked to them about the number of $4k-7k bike they had on the floor and they said that was basically "our thing". They said they plan to work the niche such that you can come in and walk out that day with a high end ride. Now, that takes cash and guts, but I was impressed. If you go there they will have all the high end Spec. and Titus bikes on the floor unless it just went out the door. They have a few other brands as well. At model year change over, I would guess you could get a pretty good deal there.

[Linneke]

Contes in Arlington STOCKS high end bikes. I talked to them about the number of $4k-7k bike they had on the floor and they said that was basically "our thing". They said they plan to work the niche such that you can come in and walk out that day with a high end ride. Now, that takes cash and guts, but I was impressed. If you go there they will have all the high end Spec. and Titus bikes on the floor unless it just went out the door. They have a few other brands as well. At model year change over, I would guess you could get a pretty good deal there.
That's actually where we got our bikes. The guys there were really helpful - they built up my new bike in under two days with all of the components I wanted, and when we picked the bikes up last Saturday morning, they swapped our forks, changed DevilDog's grips and headset, and answered all of our questions.

We did buy two of their Titus bikes, so you might want to call to check what they still have in stock before heading out there. I know they do have a medium RacerX on the floor, which was a nice bike but more rigid than I prefer. Talk to Mike or Greg - they're both great and Greg knows a lot about Titus bikes specifically.

[Dirt]

I dated a guy named Ransom once. But it was his first name. His last name wasn't Scott, though. It was Turner.

Does that help?

It does, actually. It is all so clear to me now. :D

[BikerMiker]

Yo Jabber,

That Ransom is supposed to be 'All Mountain' at over $6k so I wouldn't put it on the 'freeride' or 'super-durable' side of things. It's trying to be what it could never be: light and efficient.

After another ride on the Enduro SL today, I'm even more sure about that bike. Have you ridden one yet? How about the old enduro platform from 2006? I've got a bunch of time on that bike and it is TOTALLY big-drop capable (as shown in it's SX Trail stripes). There's nothing you can't do on that new Enduro SL that the old Enduro can take. There is a very small amount of trail that would require more than the new Enduro SL platform and there's nothing lighter with working suspension that I've seen, and I'm lookin'.

Yeah, the Spec'd stuff is pricey. I haven't seen mention of a budget yet so I'll preclude any discussion of $$ unless asked. Oh yeah, I have to stand behind what I'm typing with real bikes and promises and I'm happy to do that. If you buy an Enduro SL (after test riding), I'll happily take it back, no questions, within 30 days. I think that's fair and that's how we roll.

I just saw the new 08 stuff from Jamis and there are some hot rides there as well...

Here's to more travel, less weight and lighter wallets!

mike

[TiRyder]

30lb 6" travel bike? No thanks. That Ransom is over-priced, over weight and too gimmicky. Get a solid design (Specialized is the only company using the same design since 1993), solid geometry (personal preference) and solid suspension (Spec'd new shocks are better than Fox by a LONG SHOT!).

How about a 27lb 6" travel bike with suspension that works better. Specialized Sworks Enduro SL. You cannot beat it. No way. Best riding (up AND down) bike I've seen in 15 years. I will happily arrange a test ride of that or any other high-end bike I can get my hands on.

mike

Is 3 lbs really going to make that much difference on this type of bike? I think not.
This is not an XC race bike.

For this type of bike, I would go with what fits and rides best for you and worry about weight as an secondary concern. All the bikes you have listed are great options and I think you would be happy with any of them.

Full disclosure: I work in a shop, but dont sell Scott's or Specialized.

[jabberwocky]

Yo Jabber,

That Ransom is supposed to be 'All Mountain' at over $6k so I wouldn't put it on the 'freeride' or 'super-durable' side of things. It's trying to be what it could never be: light and efficient.Maybe true. I have zero experience with the Scott, and I have to say there are a lot of bikes I would look at before I would ever consider it.

Have you ridden one yet? How about the old enduro platform from 2006?I test rode a few enduros back in the 2004-2005 era when I was shopping for a full suspension. Honestly, I found them totally uninspiring, and I knew someone who had broken their enduro frame twice so I passed. I'm aware that the new ones are completely different bikes, and I've never ridden one. I'm not sure what I would do with a lightweight 6" bike.

I have to say I dislike the direction Specialized seems to be going, toward a bunch of proprietary parts (weird hub sizes and such). I've never considered a Cannondale for the same reason. I want standard sized parts.

I'd be totally willing to test one out though. I'm a total whore when it comes to bikes, I'll ride anything that looks good. ;) Got a midget sized enduro demo bike around?

[BikerMiker]

Small? I'll get one. We are looking at changing how we stock bikes next year, basically going to all-demo bikes and just ordering what people want to buy. Enduro SL, Stump FSR, Epic and the new Safire bikes... Basically, we'll have tons to ride, not a lot to buy.

We'll see how that goes but it'll be a few months. Look for info in the Spring (at the latest).

What do you do with a lightweight 6" travel bike? Ride the living sh*t out of it...

mike

[EJensen]

Considering the model names that are getting thrown around here, your Santa Cruz entry should probably be the Blur instead of the Superlight. I ride a Superlight and I like it, but it is based on an super-basic single pivot design. Simple is great, but to get the type of pedaling platform you have in the other bikes being mentioned, you need something with the VPP in the SC line.

The Blur frame is now subdivided into multiple varieties depending on the intended application, so there is further consideration there for the sake of comparison.

Regards,
Eric

[EJensen]

We are looking at changing how we stock bikes next year, basically going to all-demo bikes and just ordering what people want to buy. Enduro SL, Stump FSR, Epic and the new Safire bikes... Basically, we'll have tons to ride, not a lot to buy.
That's an interesting approach. I been daydreaming about a Turner Flux frame when it's time to put the Superlight to pasture. The problem I've found is that it can be hard to get your hands on a built-up bike from one of the boutique manufacturers for a test ride. I'm certainly not going to drop $1,800 on a frame unless I know it's the right one for me, and that means a test ride or two.

I understand that it does not make sense to take up floor space with one of every size of every Turner model fully built, when someone who buys a bike like that may very well want their own part spec even if they do buy it, meaning the frame gets torn down again for the sale.

I had a conversation with Adam at Germantown Cycles last week on this subject. They carry Turners, but none are built up.

There is an online retailer out west that will ship a complete bike to your for a week or two as a demo. I believe they charge $200 or so, which they apply against your purchase if you decide you want one. I'll admit that I've given that some thought.

Your approach of having a fleet of high end demo bikes with the understanding that a purchase will have to be based on an order sounds reasonable to me.

By the way, Mike: you guys don't sell Turner, do you?

Regards,
Eric

[TiRyder]

That's an interesting approach. I been daydreaming about a Turner Flux frame when it's time to put the Superlight to pasture. The problem I've found is that it can be hard to get your hands on a built-up bike from one of the boutique manufacturers for a test ride. I'm certainly not going to drop $1,800 on a frame unless I know it's the right one for me, and that means a test ride or two.

I understand that it does not make sense to take up floor space with one of every size of every Turner model fully built, when someone who buys a bike like that may very well want their own part spec even if they do buy it, meaning the frame gets torn down again for the sale.

I had a conversation with Adam at Germantown Cycles last week on this subject. They carry Turners, but none are built up.

There is an online retailer out west that will ship a complete bike to your for a week or two as a demo. I believe they charge $200 or so, which they apply against your purchase if you decide you want one. I'll admit that I've given that some thought.

Your approach of having a fleet of high end demo bikes with the understanding that a purchase will have to be based on an order sounds reasonable to me.

By the way, Mike: you guys don't sell Turner, do you?

Regards,
Eric

How tall are you? I have a Turner Sultan in Medium you can demo. The Sultan is a 4 inch travel 29er. Awesome bike, I bought it on a demo program and although it is my personal bike, I do make it available for demo. We also have a 5.5 spot in Sasquatch (XXL) available.

We have a Ti Independent Fabrication SS 29er, Merlin 4.0, and a few Cannondales available for test ride

Rob
Plum Grove Cyclery
703.777.2252

[jabberwocky]

That's an interesting approach. I been daydreaming about a Turner Flux frame when it's time to put the Superlight to pasture. The problem I've found is that it can be hard to get your hands on a built-up bike from one of the boutique manufacturers for a test ride. I'm certainly not going to drop $1,800 on a frame unless I know it's the right one for me, and that means a test ride or two.I know of several 5-Spots in the area aside from mine, but no Fluxes. You might try Speedgoat Cycles up in Pennsylvania. They stock a large number of high-end built up bikes, and I believe they have an actual trail adjacent to the shop for people to test them on.

Aside from that, maybe put up a post on MTBR in the Turner forum asking if someone nearby has a bike you could demo? Can't hurt. What size are you looking at?

Its hard to get a demo on a boutique frame like Turner. My test ride was totally random: on a whim, I tried someones XCE at Wakefield one day during my hunt for a full suspension. I had my 5-Spot ordered shortly afterward.

[DaveG]

How tall are you? I have a Turner Sultan in Medium you can demo. The Sultan is a 4 inch travel 29er. Awesome bike, I bought it on a demo program and although it is my personal bike, I do make it available for demo. We also have a 5.5 spot in Sasquatch (XXL) available.

We have a Ti Independent Fabrication SS 29er, Merlin 4.0, and a few Cannondales available for test ride

Rob
Plum Grove Cyclery
703.777.2252


Basically the same suspension as a Flux. It's the best bike I've ridden. I do hear you about not wanting to buy an expensive bike w/o test riding. I plunked down a good bit of cash for a Psycle Werks Wild Hare a few years back because of all of the good press it was getting and hated it from the first ride. I only had that bike for 6 months.

I know that Competitive Cyclist does a demo program for 100 bucks or so and lets you put that money towards a new bike if you buy it from them.

Dave

[EJensen]

Rob/Jab/Dave:

Thanks for the tips. I will keep all of those in mind.

The earliest this might happen is next season, so I will mentally file these away until then.

Regards,
Eric

[EJensen]

You might try Speedgoat Cycles up in Pennsylvania. They stock a large number of high-end built up bikes, and I believe they have an actual trail adjacent to the shop for people to test them on.
I've talked to the Speedgoat guys a couple of times, and I get a pretty good vibe over the phone. I like their website as well. We usually make a pilgrimage to the 'Burgh every summer to see my wife's family up there. It might be time for a little side trip.

Regards,
Eric

[BikerMiker]

We don't sell Turner.

mike

[sdh]

It just dawned on me no body asked you the type of riding you want to do and where you primarily ride?

If your home court is gambril or wakefield your bike choice may be different.

2 key points though when buying a FS bike
1) fit
2) suspension design

Let us know what you will be using it for local XC, racing or agressive XC/shed style riding etc, where you will be using it and how aggressive you intend to be with the rig and we can help you narrow your choices or and your size, meaning how tall you are?


my 2 pennies

[kilara]

My hope was for it to be a jack of all trades bike. I am mainly attracted to the rear suspension system. I love how you can adjust it to 3 different positions from the handle bar. Also the weight. Looking at other bikes and comparing them (components, weight, price, and versatility) I keep coming back to this bike. As for racing I actually wanna try W@W next season and plan on being trained up for it by then. This is also would not be my only bike. I have an addiction and have 9 so far lol

[Pinoy Rider]

I would probably wait a little longer, new bikes(suspension designs) are starting to show up. For example, I just got an email on Tomac's new line of bikes. Sweet looking bikes.

[BikerMiker]

Ah, the gadgetry of the 90s with the pricing of the new millenium.

Save yourself a decade of learning and just buy something proven that will work...

mike

[DaveG]

Ah, the gadgetry of the 90s with the pricing of the new millenium.

Save yourself a decade of learning and just buy something proven that will work...

mike



Excellent advice. Of course this means he should stay away from the new proprietary specialized shocks/bikes until they "prove" themselves :)

[nocro]

... basically going to all-demo bikes and just ordering what people want to buy. Enduro SL, Stump FSR, Epic and the new Safire bikes... Basically, we'll have tons to ride, not a lot to buy.


If there was at least one seasonal rental splurge for this type of bike, the bike shops around here would be able to turn over their rental fleet.

Think about the bike shops in Moab or any other mountain bike destination. They constantly get new high end bikes, rent them for premium $$, then sell them for cost to locals.

A friend of mine in NOLA's bike shop had Jazz Fest. He would bring in as many new bikes (think low end Jamis) as he could for his rental fleet, rent everything he had for 2 weeks, then sell the fleet off.

In addition to the solid MTB core around here, I wonder if you could tap into other sources of people to help cycle ;) more bikes through.

[jabberwocky]

Honestly, the Ransom doesn't look that nice to me. Interrupted seat tubes suck (especially on a bike in this range, because you want to be able to raise the seat to ride XC and drop it for technical riding). The suspension is proprietary, which means increased cost and probably decreased reliability. The frame weighs almost 7 pounds, which isn't that impressive. Adjustability is way overrated, because theres no way you are going to mess with the bike on the trail. It makes more sense to get a bike that works out of the box.

For the money, there are a lot of other bikes I would look at (Giant Reign, Iron Horse Mkiii/6point, Spec Enduro, etc).

[BikerMiker]

I was suggesting DESIGN stuff, not shock stuff. I'd MUCH rather deal with Spec'd warranty staff instead of Fox, personally. Also, if you have ever seen the damping curve and spring curve on a dyno, you'd stay away from Fox shox as much as you could. The new Spec'd stuff is designed by the guy who started (or helped start) Rock Shox, Fox forx and Maverick.

FSR from Spec'd has been on their bikes since 1993. Cannondale has used a single-pivot since then as well. Trek, Giant, Santa Cruz, etc just use full-suspension as a marketing ploy, changing designs every few years. The bikes all feel different, ride different, have different leverage ratios, etc. They are lost in a sea of FEA programs and computer models.

Good luck.

mike

[DaveG]

I was suggesting DESIGN stuff, not shock stuff. I'd MUCH rather deal with Spec'd warranty staff instead of Fox, personally. Also, if you have ever seen the damping curve and spring curve on a dyno, you'd stay away from Fox shox as much as you could. The new Spec'd stuff is designed by the guy who started (or helped start) Rock Shox, Fox forx and Maverick.

FSR from Spec'd has been on their bikes since 1993. Cannondale has used a single-pivot since then as well. Trek, Giant, Santa Cruz, etc just use full-suspension as a marketing ploy, changing designs every few years. The bikes all feel different, ride different, have different leverage ratios, etc. They are lost in a sea of FEA programs and computer models.

Good luck.

mike


I was just giving you grief. :) The scott rear shock look like a rube goldberg machine to me. Personally I wouldn't touch one of them.

Dave

[BikerMiker]

I LOVE Rube Goldberg references. Of course, my favorite reference is Buckminster Fuller. Best. Name. Ever!

I know I come off as a pure Specialized guy but I only love the stuff that I've ridden. I can highly recommend Jamis as well. Their new stuff is rad. It's less expensive and heavier so it might work for a lot of people. They are doing a great job for 08.

I'm not a fan of VPP. I didn't like it when it came out with Outland back in 1996 (yup, I remember seeing/riding one). I rode a Rocky Mtn for a while and it worked, but the pedal feedback was annoying, especially on longer rides when I got tired. I've seen too many broken Ventana, Turner and other small builders to have a lot of faith that stuff will last as long as I want it to.

I'm opinionated. I'm sorry. At least I've ridden all of these bikes recently. I'm trying to be helpful.

mike

[jfoley]

but specialized stand behind their product and are responsive when there is a problem... i blew out a seal on the rear shock on my new stumpy (the new specialized shock) and except for some delays because of their staff being away for the 08 product launch they had a new one to the shop in no time, no questions asked.

Excellent advice. Of course this means he should stay away from the new proprietary specialized shocks/bikes until they "prove" themselves :)

[EJensen]

IOf course, my favorite reference is Buckminster Fuller. Best. Name. Ever!

My theory is that Fuller was so brilliant because he spent a lot of time as a kid by himself daydreaming, after being mercilessly teased by the other kids because of his name.

Regards,
Eric

[sdh]

My hope was for it to be a jack of all trades bike. I am mainly attracted to the rear suspension system. I love how you can adjust it to 3 different positions from the handle bar. Also the weight. Looking at other bikes and comparing them (components, weight, price, and versatility) I keep coming back to this bike. As for racing I actually wanna try W@W next season and plan on being trained up for it by then. This is also would not be my only bike. I have an addiction and have 9 so far lol


there really is no jack of all trades, the best you could hope for is a rig that is good at all trades but there will always be trade offs. Any frame that can take the rigors of freeriding (even light freeriding) will be way too heavy for a race course.

That said, if you are looking for above average suspension platforms I would say look at the virtual pivot stuff, like DW link (IH and Ibis) and the maestro stuff Giant or properly done FSRs like special ed and Titus. I prefer the DW link and maestro over the FSR due to initial pedaling and braking characteristics characteristics. I would look at the new ibis' great suspension design and a cool looking design.

[brian_brox]

That said, if you are looking for above average suspension platforms I would say look at the virtual pivot stuff, like DW link (IH and Ibis) and the maestro stuff Giant or properly done FSRs like special ed and Titus. I prefer the DW link and maestro over the FSR due to initial pedaling and braking characteristics characteristics. I would look at the new ibis' great suspension design and a cool looking design.

I just got a BMC Fourstroke that uses the DW Link. I really enjoy the suspension. It and XC race bike with 100mm of travel, but there are other bikes from BMC and others that used the same design with bigger travel. Go to the IBIS website if you're interested in the technology. They have some cool interactive models to play with.

[sdh]

I just got a BMC Fourstroke that uses the DW Link. I really enjoy the suspension. It and XC race bike with 100mm of travel, but there are other bikes from BMC and others that used the same design with bigger travel. Go to the IBIS website if you're interested in the technology. They have some cool interactive models to play with.


I forgot about BMC

Looks like a nice Swiss frame

[BikerMiker]

I'd argue with the 'no jack of all trades' comment.

Stumpjumper FSR. Bikes below 26lbs (23.5 for the new $7k sworks 120mm travel bike), great on drops (4'~ish), jumps, racing and riding. I call that a 'trail bike.'

MOST companies aren't making bikes that are light AND durable. I think the Specialized product is the best out there right now in terms of design, durability, weight, geometry but it ain't cheap.

At some point, you have to buy a new bike to kill this thread!

mike

[FIX_BKS]

I have to say I dislike the direction Specialized seems to be going, toward a bunch of proprietary parts (weird hub sizes and such). I've never considered a Cannondale for the same reason. I want standard sized parts.



Just tagging along here. I think proprietary stuff is for the birds. I don't argue that sometimes different = cool, but it sucks that stuff can't be repaired and any old shop.

What would be cool is if these manufacturers gave away an extra one of each proprietary part with the sale of the bike...and the tools to fix them :rolleyes:

[jabberwocky]

I'd argue with the 'no jack of all trades' comment.

Stumpjumper FSR. Bikes below 26lbs (23.5 for the new $7k sworks 120mm travel bike), great on drops (4'~ish), jumps, racing and riding. I call that a 'trail bike.'My 5-spot has been handling stuff like that for years, although it weighs more like 28 pounds. I routinely do borderline freeridish stuff on it, and I've raced on it too. And I've never had a single issue with the frame or shock. The frame still has the original pivots in it, in fact.

Just because it can do it doesn't mean its good at it. The geometry of the Stumpjumper is going to be less than ideal for real technical riding (70.5 head angle is pretty steep for a trail bike). In terms of geometry, it looks like more of a long legged XC bike. Not to mention the interrupted seat tube limits how much seat movement you get, which is essential for real technical riding. I'm sure it can take drops and stuff, but it won't be as good as it as a bike with geometry designed for that sort of riding.

I'm not saying the Stumpjumper is a bad bike (it looks great). But geometry plays far more of a role in a bikes use than pure weight or suspension travel. You need to sacrifice something. My Turner sacrifices "raciness" for technical ability (slacker head angle, lower bottom bracket, longer wheelbase). That makes it a stronger bike for techie riding, downhilling and drops, but hurts it for fast XC riding and climbing. The stumpy has steeper angles and weighs less, so its going to be a much faster bike on more XC trails and climbs, but less than ideal for fast descending.

Theres really no "jack of all trades" bike geometry. Everything is a tradeoff.

[BikerMiker]

Let's be clear: a bike isn't actually 'good at' anything. It's the rider. The point is that the bike can handle it based on design, spec, etc.

The 08 version has no interrupted seat tube, btw. Also, a tighter bike will be more nimble slow and fast, not to mention your 5-spot rear-center measurement, which I bet is almost an inch longer than the Stumpy. Shorter rear-center means better manuals...

I think the main point here is that there are a lot of great choices and there is some pretty subtle stuff that sets them apart. A pound here, a degree there, an inch in wheelbase... you can never really tell what works best for you until you have a few years on it. If you are learning, damn near anything with some basic features will be a huge improvement for some while the smaller stuff is VERY important to others. Without acknowledging that, this is going to go on forever.

So, pick a bike and let us help you with information.

mike

[paulson]

I've been watching this thread for a couple days now...

As the lone MORE member (I think I'm alone here) riding a Commencal Meta 5 as my "jack of all trades" bike, I have to bang the Commencal drum for a minute or two.

By all means, poke around this site....not the best site design IMO....but all the info can be found:

http://www.commencal.com/news/index_en.htm

Since I first threw a leg over my Meta 5 last year (took a gamble on a mail order purchase without ever having sampled its exact suspension design) - its blown me away with its versatility as a 5" bike.

The "Contact System" design is essentially a modified single pivot, but with some brilliant tweaks. With input from some of the most dominant DH and XC racers out of France (i.e. Chausson, Gracia, Martinez (remember him?)), and the standard array of F1 engineer folks, they really nailed this design.

The best part about the Meta 5 is that its cheap!

Pound for pound, I don't think you can find a better deal....

I bought mine last summer from Greenfish for less than 2k with a fox float RC, float R and X7/X9. I've since pimped it out with XO and other aftermarket stuff....but its hands down the sweetest riding 28lb 5" bike I've been on (and I've sampled quite a few).

The 08s are supposed to be even better as well. So if you want something that everyone else doesn't have....think about going out on a limb like I did, you won't be disappointed (well, there's the PITA issue of buying your replacement hangers from the UK but a minor hassle)

I ride a medium if you want to test mine....

To top it all off, the int'l reps are amazing to deal with as well. I thought I had a pivot issue (turns out it was just a loose bolt)...and they were ready to fedex me a complete overhaul kit.

Anyway....Commencal rant over....and I promise I don't work for them ;-0

Dan

[kilara]

I was actually about too this week, but sadly my wife and i ended up having to spend 3300 bucks on emergency surgery for our dog :(

[mike a]

I was actually about too this week, but sadly my wife and i ended up having to spend 3300 bucks on emergency surgery for our dog :(

I love my dog but damn.....that's a lot.

[jed]

I have been racing a Giant Anthem Advanced most of this season, and I have to say it is the best FS I have raced yet. Fully active suspension that does not squat at all under hard pedaling. After a season and a bit of racing Epics (including the early part of this season on the '07 Specialized brain shock), I have to say the Giant eats it for lunch. The FSR squats under power. Climb in the saddle in a big gear and it is obvious. You can tune that out with the brain but then the shock is not as responsive to small bumps. To make FSR work, you have to be a spinner or run the brain really firm. The Anthem just does not move when you put the power down. I routinely stand up and climb on the big ring and it is like a hardtail. And that is with 25% sag and all dampers wide open. It has a Fox RP23 shock but I run it wide open nearly all the time unless it is really smooth. The Giant is stiffer laterally too, it really accelerates quick when you hit it.

I have always liked FSR, I have had several of them: A couple Epics, a couple Stumpy FSR 120's, and an older stumpy FSR (3"). I have raced well on Epics and on the Giant. However, the Giant is simply better. Say what you want about spring curves or computer modeling or whatever, the thing works.

[Brizn]

a Giant... Fully active suspension that does not squat at all under hard pedaling. and no brake-jack.

[kilara]

Finally got a FS bike... radically different from the Scott lol got me a specialized epic comp, the brain shock sold me