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I've got a Spider XVP (first generation Spider) and really like it but keep thinking about getting the Spider 2 with the new VPP2 suspension design and its ability to take a longer fork, with the thought it would be a more 'all round' bike and more Trail/XC rather than Race/XC but after reading several reports, and looking at the geometry, it doesn't look any more 'trail' orientated (despite the longer forks) than the first generation and the head angle seems pretty steep too (2 degrees steeper than the equivalent Yeti frame - ASR5).
I've even thought about buying a suitable Headset to slacken the head angle on it, do any owners think it needs it/would be beneficial ?
Has anyone got one/ridden one, if so what are you thoughts on it and its abilities ?
I bought the ST with it reviewed in but TBH don't think it shed much light on the situation and if anything just raised my concerns.
Many thanks
Michael
Depending on how much you intend to spend, if you like VPP what about slinging your leg over a Tracer - there's one on page 3 or 4 of the Ads at the moment.
I have one and although I have a few gripes about some specifics, the bike (in 5.5 mode) generally rides more like a 120mm bike IMO. Its quite stiff in the intial stroke but had the longer fork / slacker angles that you are looking for. There's plenty of frames on offer as the new Tracer2/Carbide has been launch to fill either side of the 2010 Tracer's capability (Carbide = Carbon Trail/AM, Tracer 2 = AM/Enduro)
If you are racing it'll be a bit heavy but depending on your point of view - I "raced" mind at the on one Hundered 100k last weekend.
Just consider a 140mm fork and a lightweight build.
If you're just seeking to go to 120mm do it all type stuff, there's a myriad of other bikes to look at.
Aye, I was just looking at a 120mm bike really, (I've a Yeti 575 for the bigger stuff).
The Spider is by no means the only bike I've looked at but I do really like my first gen. Spider and had thought about sticking some 120mm forks on that but when the Spider 2 came out, it (at first) seemed to be the answer !?
Maybe I'm just getting too hung up on head angles or maybe I'm willing the new bike to be what its not !?
Thought I'd get some first-hand feedback from some owners (or atleast people that had ridden one for a good length test ride)and see what they thought of it/opinions for and against/and what they use theirs for/terrain or style of riding they think its aimed at (and whether I'm just being paranoid about the head angle ;0)
Cheers
Michael
Well, I haven't ridden a spider but I went from a 5.5 to a Tracer which is gen 1 vpp to gen 2. My observations trying to comment on the suspension action and not the bike:
Much less interupptions/wheelspin through the pedals when trying to push up hill or when hitting bumps at speed which is a symptom of chain growth. Feels more "consistent" in the stroke, less "lockout" when uphill, allowing plenty of movement on bumps, but still no percievable bob. Smoother mechanically overall.
With regard to head angle - unless its radically either side of 67-69 degrees I think your worrying too much. 70-71 is considered steep and (depending on the bike) twitchy/racey, 66 would be slack and lazy on the steering. So for the tight and twisty's steep is good, for down (stability) and less twisty slacker is better.
IIRC 0.5 degree change = 10mm travel. So going from 100 to 120 on the fork means (on a Spider) you have a 68.5 or 69 degree HA? To give you and idea, The Canyon Nerve XC, Yeti ASR5's have roughly 68.5 HA. My Tracer with a 140mm fork sits at 68.25.
For me, it comes down to the cash. Obviously you'd buy a fork for either so lets discount that. Are you prepared to pay £100's for the difference in the frame & vpp? The cost of a Spider2 frame would get you a Canyon Nerve complete bike, or v close if not the same as an ASR5. I did, because I like the VPP and the nature of the travel in 5.5 mode allows me to have a bike which is race friendly rather than a wallowy all mountain affair, but more becuase the Tracer is a more stable affair than the 5.5, so I wa changing other aspects of my ride as well....
Then again, its ever so nice to be in the Intense club eh? 😉
Hi Kryton.
Thanks very much for your feedback on the differences between the original VPP and the second generation, makes very interesting reading.
I've done a bit more research and have been given some insider info regarding new frames coming out so am considering my options.
Again my thanks for taking the time to reply, very much appreciated.
Cheers
Michael
Np, and if you end up buying a Carbine, please let me know how it rides 😉