so, in theory on you bike i could use a 500lb spring???

yup

Ton – Nicolai will do you a complete custom frame based on your dimensions and weights which would be built to suite you and your stlye of riding.

the 7’4 chap we ride with had them build a 24.7″ hardtail. I think Moonglu in Rippon sorted it all out for him.

yup, but they dont change the suspension ratio for you, by shoosing something like a am or an st you can alter the ratio and run a lighter spring, according to the tftuned spring calculator you can run a 500lb spring if you weigh 100kg 550lb for 110kg 600 for 120kg 650lb for 130kg etc….

Just get a Bullit (pre 08)

why?

ian, what size did you get.

spesh SX, spesh top tubes are long by most standards so should eb good, and not incredibly heavy (i.e. you could put some light wheels and tires on it)?

i am 6ft 4 and bought an xl, however all my height is in my upper body, my inside leg is only 32 inches so i had the seatube shortened so i could get the clearence. the tt is quite long so if your averagely made, i.e. normal proportions then the lg will probably do if its for going downwards. if nothing suits you, you can get the geometry custom to suit you but it does cost you £275 however to get the seatube lowered only cost £75

rearrange these letters to get the bike you require M A D O N.
With coild DHX and Lyrics or TALAS. Sorted.

Err, why a Bullit?

Didn’t think that one needed explaining tbh;-) Simple, proven, bombpoof, versatile, cheap to buy, cheap to service, pedals well both up and down, can be built up lightish as an all day weapon, can still kick the arse out of fancy Nicolais blah de blah….

Still, it’s all about how it rides to the OP – best get testing 😉

I’d probably see if someone was selling a large Nicolai Helius FR in the classifieds (ahem) – got an air shock on it but would be better with a coil.

but anyone tried a patriot……..

You’ve seen mine at Stainburn a few months ago – i’m 16stone in full riding gear i reckon. Great bike.

I thought you’d just bought a singlespeed, ton ?

My Kona Coiler is pretty solid, I am no light wieght and have no problem with hammering it. Much Much cheaper then a Nicolai. My old 2007 was less than £400 and I have some serious fun on it 😀

Keva, i did for when i feel mellow
but i want a bike for when i feel aaaarrrrgggghhhhh…….. 8)

yet another vote for Nicolai. I’ve got a Helius FR from Dec05 which is still going very strong. I’m 6’2″ and peaked about 15st last year. I had to have the BB reemed and sleeved coz HTII is shit and the sloppy arsed shimano cups killed my threads.

any excuse for a pic, watch your eyes I’ve had it resprayed 🙂

keep checking here
http://www.nicolai-uk.com/index.php/category/special-offers/

and contact Mike/Simon direct for more info

Patriot FR

6’3″ & 15 1/2 stone – Coil DHX 3 and 36 Vans and it goes up-hill just fine – thanks very much 😀

Although You’d have to get a 2008 model as they stopped making them last year.

Ton I am sure you know this, you need to find a bike with a leverage ratio of 2.5:1 or less.

If its greater than that you will need to try and track down silly heavy springs, or pump the shock upto 300psi+ which is a pain in the arse, and the shocks just don’t work that well with that much pressure in them.

Personally I went for an Iron Horse 6 point, as it has a leverage ratio of 2.5:1, and used a 150mm spacing rear wheel as they are supposed to be stronger. Plus the DW link isn’t as bobby as 4 bars (or faux bars) which I have owned in the past, and they alway felt like they were stealing my will to live on any climbs due to the bobbing/active suspension.

However as IH have gone bust, I am not sure I would recommend them now, as spares are going to be a bitch.

Other bikes I was thinking of were Knolly Deliriums (its around 10lb frame though), Knolly Endorphin, Transition Covert or Preston as they all are built for the heavier, stronger gentleman 😉

Ones to avoid are Cannondale Prophets, Commencals, Giants and Konas as they are nearly all 3:1 or worse 3:1 which rising rate linkages so they blast through the travel.

where do you find out the leverage ratio of the bike’s suspension?

Oh dear Tony… its your size……

nick, what is…….

Sorry Tony, dunno what happend there…
???

Helius FR 2008, Extra Large, Fire Department Red Gloss/Black ano rear triangle. Unridden but with simpler head tube gusset than the current FR. Offer – £1400

Clicky for Linky…

SC superlight

hugo rune – Member
where do you find out the leverage ratio of the bike’s suspension?

You can work it out roughly by dividing the travel by the shock stroke length, however you also need to find out if they have done anything funny with the linkages to change the stroke rate.

Basically email the manufacturers and they will tell you, and avoid anything with a 2″ stroke or less shock if you are looking at 5″+ travel 😉

Ton a Transition Preston looks like it might be well worth a look for you, as I doubt you would break it.

Tony, you should go for the Ventana La Bruja.