I am 6ft and 200lbs.. I have been woods riding an old suspended CDale Vs for the last 6 years.. I have wanted to get more into the technical riding over obstacles on the trail rides as well as around the house but the spongy antiquated suspension on the old CDale takes and absorbs all of my energy..Not to mention a little bulky..I am 36 years old and HAVE to work so I am not going to try any wild stuff(Dropoffs over 3ft or hops on parkbenches), but would like a bike that can ridden to the areas , not necessarily comfortably but something that you could put the seat up on and ride then when you get to your area drop the seat back down.. I was really looking into something like an Onza T-Rex or maybe a Jump bike like a Azonic DS-1 set up for trials... The DS-1 that I ran across still has low and middle frontrings with a bashring and Maggies on it for a decent price and is outfitted with trials hardware already.. I realize that the chainstays on the DS-1 are 16.75 and the ones on the ONZA are about an inch shorter.. I have looked and most are in the 15-15.75 length but there are several in the 16-16.5 too....(I see the "Beast of the East" CDale is 17..OUCH... Again I am a new members to this group and would like some opinions from experienced riders as well as beginners.... P.S.> One of my ideas was to try and get this bike and then later when/if my skill levels warranted it I could get an X- frame and move all my components over to it.. Rick
I think hes asking about a do-it-all frame. the t-rex is a trials specific frame and would feel strange with a suspension fork on the trail, and the DS-1 is a dual slalom frame better suited for speed, but can still be thrown around. I would say the ds-1 would be the better choice of the two for what you're looking for. when you want to get into trials I'd look at some other trials specific frames, but none of them will make really good trail bikes unless they have mountain bike influneced geometry. (note- trail and trial)
the norco bikes look like the best bet for an urban/trials type bike... or maybe leech does a good job of putting up with crap.
Sorry for the confusing post.. Pretty much what I was curious of is how the DS-1 would be as a dual purpose type bike like limited riding on the trail then droppin the seat down for some trials riding and also doing some street riding to where the riding areas are...Looking at most of the Stock bikes you would spend most of your ride out to the area standing rather than seated... I checked on the Norco Evolve but am not crazy about the disc on front for 04' also I see they changed the frame up some..The older ones appeared to be the same frame a Mission Reefer, T-Raptor, etc... I like the T-Rex but am not sure that I am ready to spend that amount of money on a Specific type bike if I can get a bike that is suited (kindof) to both styles.. Rick
If your Cdale suspension takes and absorbs all of your energy, isnt it doing its job? Besides, people always do urban obstacle riding with huge front suspensions, so I wouldnt really blame the suspension.
Sounds like you want a technical woods bike that can do trials in a pinch. Iit's a damn shame the C'dale Beast of the East had such stupid long stays. All these newfangled "stock" frames are nearly useless for normal riding as there's no seat and no mud clearance on the rear tire. I'd recommend an EWR frame if you can your hands on one. If you're on the east coast you MIGHT be able to find one around. Other than that, look for bombproof frames with short stays and a high BB.
Did some research and determined that the trusty Zebdi would be my best buy...White Devil on the way...Thanks for all the input on the subject.. Rick
so you're looking for an all-purpose urban frame???? elan is right, norco is good for urban, if u have enough cash the ellsworth specialist is good too (yum!), Planet x makes the pitbull and armadillo (which are mighty tough), or if your don't really care much about weight, urban non-trials bikes like the p.3 or brodie b team... its up to you good luck!
