Hey I'm looking for a new trail bike or agg XC.

I want something in the 4-6 travel range.

Im looking at the SL and SLX.

What are differences....travel, weight, purpose, price.

Thanks...

and what other bikes compare to the SL and SLX?

can anyone help me out!

The SL was discountinued in 03. It was rougly a pound heavier than the Tracer and only offered an extra half-inch of travel. It was defined as a trailbike where as the SLX is more freeride. The SLX has 6 inches of travel. I know a couple people that have SLX's built up to be more trail oreinted but they are still about 33-34 lbs. The 5th element shock helps their climbing ability, but they are still a load.

I would consider the Tracer if you can deal with 4 inches of travel. A Titus Switchblade is very similar to The Tracer but will offer you 5 inches. The intense 5.5 that is coming out will have 5 1/2 inches of travel courtesy of a VPP design, but will cost $2,000 frame only

So why would i want to buy an SL over a Tracer?

So why would i want to buy an SL over a Tracer?

Probably the very reason Intense canned it. It really didn't offer much over the tracer except that the headtube was reinforced like the SLX. I think the bike you are looking for is the 5.5 EVP. You are better off with a tracer than the SL and the SLX is too heavy to really make a practical trailbike. I rode an SLX for a while as a trailbike. The 5th really made it handle great uphill even though it had 6 to 7" in the rear. The biggest problem with it is it is just too damn heavy. Even built fully light with all XTR 2003 components and light weight parts its difficult to get it under 31 pounds. The average build of this bike is of over 35 pounds. It can't get the job done but i'd prefer something lighter.

KAMIKAZE ~

The UZZI SL is built heavy duty, compared to the Tracer. A pound of weight is added to the SL, on average, which makes for a pretty strong trailbike!
It's almost identical to the Tracer, but the seat tower is its own adjustable (removable) unit [can alter seat angl
e], plus, it runs a Fox Vanilla coil shock.UZZI SL has 4.5" of travel ( 3"- 4" for Tracer).
*However, UZZI SL was DISCONTINUED for 2003 to make room for the Spider XVP. [No word if the freeride UZZI SLX is being offered in 2004.]

The SL is a worthy trailbike, if 4.5" travel is what you think you'll use most. Search online for used frames, and, if you prefer, ones with replaceable rear derailleur hangers (2002 models?). Intense does do factory refurbs, for a price, which will make a slightly used SL look brand new.

"PIMP" and I agree --The Titus Switchblade is a great alternative. It lists for $1695 for 3.75" to 4.5" travel, or $1850 for the optional Switchblade TALAS (shock) which adds those two ranges, plus a 5.6" rear travel.

Well that helps narrow things down.
First of all the 5.5 will be way too expensive.
1800 is about tops for a frame.

Also, what frame design would be better for me?
Intense and specialized designs...dont what its called.

or the the 5spot and what kona uses?

What are the pros and cons of those 2 designs.

Thanks

Well the SLX would have been out of your price range anyway since they run for just over $2,100 new. I would not recomend the SL due to possible parts shortages now. If you are set on a good FSR/Horst link style frame you can make do with the Tracer if you think you will be happy with 4" of travel. It is discontinued as of 2003 but this frame sold enough that there will be plenty of sprare parts for a while. The other options are the Titus switchblade, the 5 spot, or the Specialized Enduro. All three of those come in at 5" of rear travel (the switchblade can run up to 5.7 with a special link) and feature similar suspension designs as the intense bikes.

KAMIKAZE ~

[No word if the freeride UZZI SLX is being offered in 2004.]


The Uzzi SLX is still available for 2004 although intense stated in Interbike they will be introducing a VPP big hit bike after mid 2004 so that means this will almost certainly be the last year for the SLX.

Hey KamikazeBikr,

I've got a small '02 SLX frame (or complete bike) for sale, and I live real close to you (Misson Viejo). E-mail me at ematheis@cox.net if interested.

Eric

I ride a 2002 Tracer as my every day ride. Before that I rode an SL. Dope bike, but it never felt quite right to me, for my type of riding.
Having said that, the Tracer a great frame discontinued or not. Intense is not going to turn their backs on the Tracer, they will continue to support the tons of frames out there. Spare parts and refurbs are in full effect. Who knows, once the whole VPP fad quiets down they might wake up and smell what they are smoking, and bring back a new and improved Tracer.
If you absolutely have to jump abourd the five inches of travel train, and have low cash flow, check out what Kona is putting out for 04. They have some sick bikes for even sicker prices.
If price is no object for a five inch travel rig, The Turner Spot is in my opinion is the only bike to get. As much as I love Intense, I am not sold on VPP, and the 5.5 is untested. A five inch travel bike should be able to run tires bigger than 2.2's.