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Be interested to here from your experiences Daffy
But your BB will be higher?
ChunkyMTB - Member
But your BB will be higher?
By 10mm, yes. Though I could run more sag to cure that, but then that would change the suspension characteristics, so I'll likely leave it. Also the tyres will be slightly different too; SB8s (26) vs. Racing Ralph(27).
My bet is there'll be sod all difference, aside from potential rubbing if I totally bottom out the rear suspension.
philfive - ridden one thanks, and it was a nice enough bike. Would still choose a new Five though, or possibly an Alpine 160 for more severe terrain.
I've been considering both the Banshee Spitfire and the Transition Bandit 27.5..... thing is I'm still having fun on my Meta 55.. do I actually need to upgrade? Probably not, although maybe I do.... help
I've ridden both the new alpine and the new five and they're nothing on the rune.
The five is comparable with the Spitfire not the Rune ( 140 not 160)
The Five (17 inch) has slightly longer top tube, very slightly longer front centre, otherwise the geometry for the 650s are very similar. Choice would depend on fit and how you like the rear suspension, single v multi pivot, most of the time the back wheel follows the front !! So very much a personal choice!!
As an only bike in the UK ridden all year round, the Five would be a sound choice .
I don't understand that last comment Catvet?
What about the Knolly Warden?
Which bit?
The fact that the Five and the Spitfire have very similar geometry and size, the difference then being the choice or rear suspension, given that the front ends are similar?
Or the fact that the Five would be a sound choice for all year round UK riding, as the degree of pivot maintenance would be easier, quicker and cheaper, that being dependent on that parameter coming into a buying equation?
Yeah the all year round bit? all bikes are ridden all year round, especially mine.
all bikes are ridden all year round
😆
You and I may ride the same bike year round, but I'd wager a good number of cyclists would see it as anathema to take their "best bike" out in the winter mud. If you do own a year-round bike, cost and ease of maintenance can become a factor.
Not all FS bikes are ridden all year round, many go to hard tails , SS , fat bikes ect in winter to reduce wear and tear on their full sus bikes.
I ride a full sus all year round, so maintenance is a parameter I consider, when buying, as I usually keep frames for 4-5 years.
For the most part, if a reasonable mechanic it is no problem multi or single pivot, however depending on the design the multis, some do need drift tools, bearing extractors to renew bearings, therefore ( for me anyway) that would mean a trip to the LBS, and it always seems to happen at the wrong time!!!
lol, not riding your bike in winter 😀 that's just plain silly.
I understand what you're saying but I wouldn't see that as a factor, all my previous bikes have been ridden all year round and I factor in a bearing change once a year. my Rocky Mountain only needed a bearing change every 2 years.
Santa Cruz have a lifetime bearing warranty, a lot of companies are now looking at ease of bearing change and inexpensive replacement kits.
So in short I wouldn't say use during winter as being a point to consider.
There are actually very few true 140 trail bikes with the given geometry and overall sizing of the Five or The Spitfire, one usually has to go to 150 or 160 to get the angles they have.
Both are excellent bikes, no question , it's great to have the choice to suit the parameters of each individuals requirements !!
If I'm honest there are so many great bikes available that i'm surprised there are always so many people on Bronsons and Fives 😀
I am lucky to ride with( and nowhere near as good or ever will be) a few of the UKs top national and international downhillers, their skill base never seems to amaze me , one example was this last winter . A wet greasy winter ride with an uncharted ( ie never attempted before) 31 foot ( measured) gap 20 foot up above the road which one of these lads sent, the rewards for failure was head first into a dry stone wall ! That was on an " ordinary " Specialised FS 130 travel bike never ridden by the rider before on summer tyres!!!
Maybe, just maybe we worry about the bike a little too much!!!
The fact that the Five and the Spitfire have very similar geometry and size, the difference then being the choice or rear suspension, given that the front ends are similar?
I bet the new Five rides very well, the geometry is very right!
The things that put me off a single pivot designs were having to rely on the shock to control the pedal bob (especially as some of my quick local trails are rough and pedally so I'd rather have the shock fully open) and the suspension performance when braking (as on the steep bits around here you need every bit of grip possible to stay in control in the wet).
The Spitfire does have more pivots to service but it was designed for the wet of Vancouver and Scotland so I trust they'll prove sufficiently well sealed to have a decent service life for someone who rides in all weathers and rarely cleans his bike!
CGG
reason enough,!!