Well I just finished building it up and must post the mandatory new ride pic. Its got full 2003 XTR componentry, CK hubs on 3.1 rims, and Race Face bars stem, and Thomson post.

Gorgeous ride! Thats going to rock with teh minute on there...

let us know how you like it!

Well I just finished building it up and must post the mandatory new ride pic. Its got full 2003 XTR componentry, CK hubs on 3.1 rims, and Race Face bars stem, and Thomson post.

Well I just finished building it up and must post the mandatory new ride pic. Its got full 2003 XTR componentry, CK hubs on 3.1 rims, and Race Face bars stem, and Thomson post.

Great build and good choice of parts... Now get out and ride it!!!!

Trevor!

Great build and good choice of parts... Now get out and ride it!!!!

Trevor!

Believe me I can't wait! I'm about to take it out for a spin around the street but can't wait till' I hit the trails on Saturday!

What the travel you choosed? What the shock travel (1.5 or 2 in) ? Do you find it more solid than a TRACER? I Switch is another option for my next bike aquisition (even if here in portugal there is no titus dealer). Let me know your opinion of the bike.

congrat. and happy rides.

paulo
Well I just finished building it up and must post the mandatory new ride pic. Its got full 2003 XTR componentry, CK hubs on 3.1 rims, and Race Face bars stem, and Thomson post.

Well I just finished building it up and must post the mandatory new ride pic. Its got full 2003 XTR componentry, CK hubs on 3.1 rims, and Race Face bars stem, and Thomson post.

Post a ride report after you've had a chance to get it on dirt. The ride should be sweet.


Congrats!!!!!!

What the travel you choosed? What the shock travel (1.5 or 2 in) ?

That's a 1.5" travel shock, and it looks like he has it in 4.5" mode.

Yep its in the 4.5" mode. I need to order the plates and get a 7.875 shock so I can convert it to 5.7".

Well I finally got to ride a solid 3.5 hours on the bike on Sunday over fast technical rocky terrain and all I have to say is I love it! The rains have finally stopped and the trail finally dried up completely. There was absolutely no mud or slick rocks which meant awesome traction so I was able to push the bike as hard as I could.
I have to say it feels very much like my old Tracer (a very good thing) but with the advantage of being able to ride 5" up front and the extra .5" in the back it does seem a bit smoother. I really like the way the swingarm uses a massive custom bolt and the Horst links are attached on both sides of the chainstays. That seems to make for a very firm and flexless rear end.
The first thing I noticed was how easily the rear cycled through its travel. I usually ran my fox at about 140 psi on the Tracer to get the 25% sag and still be able to use full travel on any decent sized hit. With this frame I had to pump in 180 psi to achieve the same sag yet it would go through the travel even more easily. It definately seems to have a lot more leverage in the rear. This frame really does seem to require a very progressive shock which explains why Titus is so adamant about not wanting people to use coil or AVA high volume shocks on it. It would blow through the travel on the smallest hit. The advantage to this seems to be that the rear is extremely active and smooth over anything. Its probably one of the smoothest feeling suspensions I have ever tried. When pedaling normally the rear end felt very isolated as I could not feel the slightest bob and the suspesion looked very still over smooth surfaces. Braking hard also felt good as the rear end didn't seem to have any tendency whatsoever to skip. This is something I definately do notice on the Spider.
I had to change to a slightly longer stem (110mm) from the 100mm I had originally since I used a staright Thomson post instead of a normal set back post. Even for an X-Large frame a do feel a bit cramped in the cockpit. I might need to still get a set back post since I don't want to go too far over 100mm for the stem. Overall I feel this frame is a definate keeper. I have been on the lookout for a good trailbike for everyday use and to keep the Spider set up as a racing rig only. The 5.5 EVP was my top choice but I always liked the traditional FSR style of the Tracer for a trail bike but wished it would come in something with at least 5" rear. The 5 Spot was another of my top picks but I think this bike is the answer to the 5"+ Tracer I always wanted and I think it will be a keeper for a long time. I already have the 5.7" link plateswith a Fox Float pro-pedal on order so I think that will be set. The BB is set right now at just under 13.5". The long travel link will raise it up about another 1/4" which I really look forward to since I like very high BB's. I ran my Uzzi SLX at 14.25" and got so used to it I found myself accidentally bashing the cranks agains rocks ocasionally because I forgot the BB was now almost an inch lower.

I must say I find the level of the finish quality, machining, anodizing, and welds, is absolutely amazing. Some of the best I've seen. Everything just looks so sharp. The one thing I was surprised about was that the BB and headtube did not come factory chased, reamed and faced like most other "boutique" manufacturers do.

Beautiful,nice color and great build! Let us know how you like the fork. I always thought that the FSR style with its smaller linkage(than a walking beam) makes for a stiffer rear end. Especially with quad main bearings and the clevis rear pivots. Did you consider the 5 in. option with the 5th element shock?

Did you consider the 5 in. option with the 5th element shock?

I'm not sure that it works with this version of the frame(the plates), only with the newer style front end. I don't know for sure, I never did get a very clear answer on this from Titus.

I have the 5.7" linkage with a float RL for sale. $200 + shipping. Shock has new seals. You can PM me or I'll check this post laster, let me know if you're interested.
/FM

Yep its in the 4.5" mode. I need to order the plates and get a 7.875 shock so I can convert it to 5.7".

I'm pretty sure a 2003 can run the 5" plates, but for 2002 or earlier you can currently only run the stock 3.75/4.5 or optional 5.7" linkage plates.

One cool thing about the 5.7" plates is that you get 1/2" more shock stroke for an extra 1.2" of travel. Basically you're lowering your ratio but going to a longer stroke shock, which means more air volume, thusly better small bump absorbtion and less wear on the shock.

Titus says a 5th element air option with 5" linkage for 2002 and earlier switchblades will be available shortly. I was interested, but I've seen too many blown 5th element air stories for that kind of scratch.....


I'm not sure that it works with this version of the frame(the plates), only with the newer style front end. I don't know for sure, I never did get a very clear answer on this from Titus.

Well I just finished building it up and must post the mandatory new ride pic. Its got full 2003 XTR componentry, CK hubs on 3.1 rims, and Race Face bars stem, and Thomson post.


Man that looks nice in the ano. blue, i debated back & forth between the blue & the red for my 04 blade, i went with the red which is a lot nicer in person & i have no regrets but i gotta say that is very sharp looking

Yes do let us know about the fork, as I'm thinking of a Minute also. I'd really like to know how well they climb if set to absorb small bumps, esp out of saddle and sprints. Really beautiful bike BTW.

I have the 5.7" linkage with a float RL for sale. $200 + shipping. Shock has new seals. You can PM me or I'll check this post laster, let me know if you're interested.
/FM

Let me see what I'm going to do. I had already ordered the plates+float propedal from Titus for $290 but I need to wait a month at least while they make the parts :mad: . I don't know if I might want to change to a 5th or just go with the float.