[Closed] Intense Tracer or Turner 5 spot frame?

INtense 5.5 doesn't like 160mm forks according to Intense.
I've had a 5.5 and have a DW spot. The DW spot is a good bit better however you can get 5.5's very reasonably as they're no longer made.
I'd look at the Tracer 2 if keen on an Intense.
Otherwise get a Yeti SB66 or Knolly Chilcotin depending on your preference on uphill/downhill performance.

Mojo HD160?

Intense are hit and miss on the frame alignment front....

Why don't you just stick with your SX or get a 2011 Enduro, so when you invariably change your mind about it in 2 months time (or claim that it feels 'dead'), you won't have spunked as much cash away?

Sure, the SX is heavy but you push up most hills anyway

Sambob you continue to work hard academically, I didn't so can't afford a Mojo 😉

That medium 5.5 will be far too small for you anyway.

SC Blur LT2 - 6.6lbs. 160mm forks are part of the standard build options so within warranty. Or a Nomad at 6.97lbs which will take up to 180mm forks.

If you are flush with cash the LTc weighs 6.0lbs or the carbon Nomad 6.06lbs.

Not sure why you would want a low BB on a bike that takes 160mm forks? If you need that much travel surely you want good ground clearance so you can get over stuff?

Intense are hit and miss on the frame alignment front....

What he said. Intense frames can ride very well, but the QC is iffy to say the least. I'm not saying don't get one, but check the frame for alignment thoroughly before handing over your cash.

If you buy the same bike as mine I will seriously physically damage you.

I'm not joking either

Having owned an Intense (2 off) and a Turner, Turner every time (simply because it's not broken and I've been trying for 6 years).

I'm in a similar position and am thinking:

Transition Covert
Orange Alpine
SC Butcher
Commencal Meta AM
SB66 if I had the money

Turner all the way. You get a good warranty and a straight frame.

Riding the SX up mam tor then mam tor old rode I cursed the 10lb frame weight and 2.5 supertacky tyre...

Saing that if it was a large frame I'd have been happy as larry'. A medium had me over the front too much 🙁

Binners I would not buy a lady-blue intense frame 😉

I own a Tracer.

Look for 2010 frames, they are corrected with regard to the "breaking" rear triangle, and the alignment issue shouldnt be there.

V strong frame with excellent riding abilities and build potential, will go to 160mm fork as standard & has the 1.5 headtube to boot.

If your buying new, The Tracer 2 is a better bet, but you'll pay for it of course.

Mate has just bought a 5 spot to replace a Yeti and he is very happy with it.

Did you leave the High Roller Super Tacky on that James gave you in Morzine? No wonder it was hard work, you buffalo headed freak.

Rides well and looks great IMHO ,(the tubes are a work of art )and half the price of the others.Brant never seems to be off his....
Works well with air shocks/fork for All Mountain riding and just as well with coil for more heavy duty riding
I can't believe that these haven't all been sold yet...no idea what the warranty is now it's with On One

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FRTITELGALURS/titus-el-guapo-frame-and-monarch-shock

Hora did you now fancy Infidel's Yeti 575?

You could add the Nicolai Helius AM to your list. I'm coming up to the Peak on the weekend of September 3rd. If you'd like to have a go on my AM I'd be happy to let you.

Yip I'm really looking forward to getting that beast off

There will be a used El Guapo going on on-one soon. As I just got my first 2012/2013 sample built 🙂

Really like them.

Quality comment from another forum that I came across (5 spot or Epifanny)

If impeccable build quality, unmatched customer service, and a superior ride and feel are even the slightest bit important to you...then this is a one bike list.

If none of that matters to you, get the Ellsworth

Gee' its the carbon sections in the rear-stays that worry me.

I own a tracer, 160mm up front and want for no other bike.

Johnny? Your a seriously capable rider whereas I'm nervous/need a slacker/reassuring frame plus the 5 new at 999 isn't far off a used Tracer...

Bought and collected 🙂

if you are looking for a 'bbig bike'that will climb a bit and then descend

Yeti ASR7 really misunderstood really stable bike and techinically a great climber
Titus .....had the supermoto and it was great el gaupo lighter but still as good
Maverick ML8 outstanding climber, great singletrack and forest

All cheap in comparision to Tracer but

Personally not got on with DW links but
Turner 5 class bike

Intenses I had in the day tracer/uzzi broke enough said,

HAd a Blut lt mk 2 did not like at all and bought it being a heckler and santa cruz fan

I would have liked to had a g on
Ventana el terromoto and
Knolly...car park rode one thought it was intresting.

Hora - if I'm reading your post right, welcome to the world of Turner ownership. I'm on my sixth Turner now. I've bought, ridden, and sold plenty of other bikes alongside them, but they are always something special.

Post some pics up when you get it.

Oh god. Does this mean I have to sell mine now? 🙁

Digger collected and built. Just need a post-post rear brake adaptor and saw off part of the front mech then fit.

Scienceofficer classifieds ------------------------------>

What did you get?

I assume with the post to post adaptor and front mech comment, its a Turner DW 5 spot

All new 2012 Ventana El Ciclon.

All new 2012 Ventana El Ciclon.

Will it be £999?

[url= http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Frame++Forks/Frames+-+MTB/Turner+Frames/Turner+5+Spot+DW+frame_TURNER-5SPOT-FRAME.htm ]£999![/url]

Hora that's amazingly cheap for a new 5-Spot.

It must be the 'old' geometry right, i.e. before the slackened things off a little?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting there is anything wrong with the 'old' geometry; just that it might explain why it's so cheap.

Not sure but with 160mm forks it'll slacken it anyway.

Personally, if I was a slower nervous rider that you say you are (and perhaps I am), I wouldn't got for a 160mm travel machine as they scare the s--t out of me. Bikes like this are very fast.

Its a bicycle not a Grandnational-bred steed 😉

They are the 2010 models. They need to be ridden hard to get the best out of them. Mince on this frame and it will bite you. (speaks from harsh experience).

Get one bought at that price.

Especially as they are in the nicest colour they do.

Yeh, watch out.

Turner 5 spots can be terrifying to ride, especially if you arent an experienced bike handler. I think alot of 2010 5 spot riders train on motocross bikes, as they're the closest thing in terms of ride and feel. They are like nothing else.

I'm only kidding!

Its just a push bike, I imagine it will ride very similarly to all the others.

hora - Member
Not sure but with 160mm forks it'll slacken it anyway.

And you can always slacken it by a further 1.5 degrees with a [url= http://www.ofanaim.net/has.html ]HAS[/url] if you feel the need.

Question- I need to get a PM to PM adaptor for a 203mm rotor on the rear but Superstar only offer a front (and I probably can't use on the rear as the rear frame spacing looks quite wide)

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=57&products_id=359

Anywhere else I can source one from?

Edit (different brake but same principle)

From Wiggle
"Post Mount rear Hope M$4
I have a new Turner 5 spot frame with post mount rear brake fittings.

What adapters do I need for a Hope M4 with "

Answer
"you need a 183 post fork to post brake adapter for a 183 rotor on the rear of a DW 5.Spot - the rear post mounts are the same sizing as a fork post mount"

- This is true?

The front adapter will fit the rear. It's the same.

Why 203 on the back though?

Dunno, POWA!

well anyway... front PM adapters fit the rear

Oi monkey boy! You going to have it built for Sunday? We're doing a run from here if you fancy it? I do fancy witnessing the first time you bin it 😀

Rusty - what do those HAS prices work out at in GBP? I couldn't work out what currency it started out as 310 and 400 somethings 🙂

hora can the 5 spot take a 203mm rear disk? It is a trail bike after all!

I would have thought you would have plenty of power with a 183 disk on the rear.

I am of a chunky build and use a 160 rear disk!

Rusty, I was having issues with brakes and with a France trip planned I decided to get bigger rotors (up from 160mm/15.5 stone rider) so I clicked on the bigger size. I don't get anywhere near locking up the rear etc so it can't be too bad.

I was told the 5spot is not suitable for 8" disks and would invalidate the warranty (by Merlin)

I'm heavy and 180 works fine

Interested in those headsets, I think they work out around £70 - anyone got one?

RM - are you unfamiliar with Hora's completely irrational urge to BUY... MORE... STUFF?!

He'll have sold this frame within 2 weeks anyway, siting some nonsensical reason, and he'll be posting stupid questions about his next 'project'. Unless he goes back to his default position and buys YET ANOTHER blur 4X

Hey if it work for you it works for you. I'm a similar weight and it just seemd a mahoooosive disk to put on the back.

Enjoy the new bike, I've got an Iron Hose Mk3 and really like the DW Link suspension and reckon when it dies a 5 Spot will be it's replacement.

What colour did you get?

[Edit] Warantee was my thought as well [/Edit]

binners

I've noticed he seems to go through bikes faster than my girlfriend goes through shoes 😉

yoshimi, i'm thinking of one for my 5 spot.

These guys also do them

[url] http://www.workscomponents.co.uk/new---10-degree-ec34---traditional-1-18-fitment-6-p.asp [/url]

[img] [/img]

they seem good and only just down the road.

RM - are you unfamiliar with Hora's completely irrational urge to BUY... MORE... STUFF?!

He'll have sold this frame within 2 weeks anyway, siting some nonsensical reason, and he'll be posting stupid questions about his next 'project'. Unless he goes back to his default position and buys YET ANOTHER blur 4X

Not if I've paid this much. Only on secondhand frames where I can get exactly back what I've paid for it. I'm a serial swapper but I don't burn money.

Thanks for the common sense- buying a 180 rotor at the sametime as the adaptor.

Back OT - its interesting to go to the Turner website and look at the MBR PDF's review. Although the Turner wins ultimately, lots of comment is made about its weight, ride characteristics and olden' day shaped tubes, with comments about the other bikes.

It wins by a small margin according to "feel" but the other bikes advatages are pointed out - relevant to this then - the Tracer being a plausable lighter frame, better climber and more fun/feedback on the trail. Would be worth the OP reading it IMO.

FWIW I rode a DW bike (a pivot) and although it wasnt set up for me the Sus felt a bit "dull" in comparision to my Tracer (w/coil).

Good call Vortex:) Now to decide how much angle - I think you have the same fork as me, 150mmRevs - I'm leaning more toward the 1.5deg - but then again I'm currently watching out for some Fox 36, decisions, decisions....

A 180 or 183 at the back will be more than enough. Unless you're a real fatty.

i'm going for the 1deg one. and yip running a 150mm Rev.

Not if I've paid this much. Only on secondhand frames where I can get exactly back what I've paid for it. I'm a serial swapper but I don't burn money.

If it's worth £999 now brand new and with warranty, what makes you think it will be worth that when it's a few months old, used and with no warranty?

Kryton57 - Horse/stable bolted.

I've pointed out the above. I've got a frame with warranty/back up versus a used frame with a reputation for misalignment etc etc plus the cost of new pivots sooner rather than later and a shock service circa £100 extra.

Why would I go for a frame thats only better in certain areas?

I'd need to be a bloody good rider to pick out the small differences/benefits between either frame 🙂

If it's worth £999 now brand new and with warranty, what makes you think it will be worth that when it's a few months old, used and with no warranty?

Why would I sell a frame thats cost me a grand in a few months? It'll go in a year for £700.

Like I said. I used two Blur4x's for 2.5yrs for zero cost. The last fullprice FS frame I bought was a 2004 Heckler.

Don't think he does think he'll get the price he paid on this one back, that is why he HAS to keep this one. Shame it's a large i'd need a medium 😉

AlexSimon - Member
Rusty - what do those HAS prices work out at in GBP? I couldn't work out what currency it started out as 310 and 400 somethings

Hi Alex...I couldn't recall exactly, so I've just checked my Paypal records and it cost me £121 inc. P&P. Can't remember if I had duty fees on top of that but i don't think so.

Sorry, bit of a numpty here, Vortex and Yoshi... what would be the tangible effect of slackening the HA ?

Reducers the BB height a tad, better on descents?

5 spot vs tracer?
You've made the right choice Hora.

One of the guys I ride with has a 2010 5-Spot and recently fitted one of those Israeli made angle reducer cups that slackened things off by 1.5 degrees.

He was all ready to bin the 5-Spot before he did that as he didn't feel comfortable on it but since he fitted the headset he's far happier with how it handles. He can ride really well so I trust his judgement.

what would be the tangible effect of slackening the HA ?

Slightly longer wheelbase and more stable on the descents.

quite a bit on it here, it seems to have a positive effect on the DH but no detriment on the climbs.

[url] http://forums.mtbr.com/turner/5-spot-~67-deg-hta-maybe-bit-less-672117.html [/url]

Sorry, bit of a numpty here, Vortex and Yoshi... what would be the tangible effect of slackening the HA ?

You could ride like a god and not a nob 😛

In actual riding terms, the effect of reducing the HA is that you are able to weight the front end with a little more confidence; on steep tight turns, the front is going to feel less like it wants to tuck under giving you the ability to get more weight over it, which gives you more bite and thus grip.
At speed, the bike will feel less twitchy although to be honest, you'd have to be going pretty bloody fast to really notice it.

One thing you may find though is that at speed, the bike requires less concentration to keep it going just where you want it. At speed, you tend to steer more by instinct rather than overt input on the bars, which means you are concentrating a lot more on keeping the bike doing what you want it to do.

I know that sounds a bit 'fluffy' but it's the net effect of steering by weight distribution, body position and the alignment of your head, shoulders, elbows and hips. These are far less tangible that actually turning the bars thus I describe it as 'intuitive'. You're less aware of the actual inputs so it means you have to concentrate more on feeling what the bike is doing.

It can be mentally quite tiring; on one very long and very fast descent in alps recently I found myself getting mentally tired keeping up with the guide long before I got physically tired.

A slacker bike makes it easier to keep things in line at high speed as the bike is less sensitive to steering inputs hence it can be less tiring.

Saying that I utterly hated the 456 summer season (Pikes) yet loved the 456 (Pikes).

Thanks GT... Now I;m kind of interested in this as my 5 Spot feels like its going to tip me over the bars on the very steep stuff, but general fast descending it feels fine.

Does it work by effectively lengthening the head tube ? If that is the case, unless you have spacers above or below your stem your going to need a new fork as well aren't you ? or am I missing something blindingly obvious ?

It just 'tilts' the angle that the fork steerer sits in the headtube Dave

The other good thing is that it alters the HA without raising the BB height.

Sorry, bit of a numpty here, Vortex and Yoshi... what would be the tangible effect of slackening the HA ?

just because everyone else is doing it init!

Thanks GT... Now I;m kind of interested in this as my 5 Spot feels like its going to tip me over the bars on the very steep stuff, but general fast descending it feels fine.

this for me is the real reason - on technical steep stuff it does feel a bit steep, I prefer to feel a bit further back

Have a do on my pig next time we're out, 67.5 HA.

Hora, if theres anyone who should spend their money on a skills course instead of a bike then its you 😉

My reply to that would be

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink..

and my reply to that would be

fine by me, you make the rest of us look good

hora - Member

Why would I sell a frame thats cost me a grand in a few months? It'll go in a year for £700.

Why indeed

+1 Kryton57

Rode a DW Turner for a year before switching to Tracer. The Intense is a better climber and has better trail feedback. But some people prefer the plush-/dull-ness of the DW-Link

There is absolutely no way the tracer is a better climber than the spot. Pointing down it [i]may[/i] be slightly better but up? No chance.
I've owned a 5.5 and had a good amount of time on a Tracer, so this isn't guesswork wither.