Freeride 26 HT for moderate downhill ?

[lpranger467]

I live in Michigan and ride mainly XC trails. I like 26 in bikes but a HT feels short to me, and while a FS is longer I dont believe I need FS in Michigan.

I'm looking at "Freeride" 26 in bikes like the Transition Trans Am or Santa Crus Chameleon. Each has a longer wheelbase (about 44 inches) and a slacker headtube angle (68 degree).

I'm looking for opinions as to how this slack of HT will work for XC.

Thanks much

[Dion]

I ride my On One 456 (150mm fork) on everything; my friend ("rho" on MTBR) rides a Chameleon. Both are labeled "freeride hardtails" with long travel forks and slack geometry. I personally love my 456. It climbs surprisingly well (I have mine set up 1x9) considering what it is, and when pointed downhill, it maneuvers like an X-acto knife through butter. It's raw sugar on singletrack, drops, jumps, logs, etc. it also floats manuals very easy... all the characteristics you want in a FR hardtail... but it climbs fairly well, too. Lower the seat, and it's a pump track machine. I can't believe how well it descends.

I had a Suntour Epicon 100mm XC fork on it and recently upgraded to a 150mm Revelation Dual Air XX. With either fork, it worked great, as the 456 could utilize a 4", 5", or 6" fork (hence the name "456"). By XC standards, my bike is heavy at 28.6lbs.

Like most riders who also ride their 456 on XC trails, you can see my seat post is sticking out like a flag pole. I love the way my 16" frame feels, but I think I should have sized up to an 18" (16" is what On One recommended for my height). It looks funny, but it works. I'm not a dropper post type of guy, but I may consider one for this bike.

I have an On-One Inbred 29er, which is my XC bike. Huge difference in handling, and doesn't do too well on jumps, drops, logs, etc. but climbs WAY more efficiently. As a "do-it-all" bike, I am extremely happy with my 456. In fact, if I could only have one MTB, it would be my 456. I just wouldn't race XC with it.

It's interesting, but my riding attitude changes when riding this bike.

[lpranger467]

Thanks for the reply, I'm still researching which bike would be the best fit for me (and which one comes up on Ebay first). I actually like the look of the lower frame with higher post....Btw sweet looking ride

[Dion]

Thanks for the reply, I'm still researching which bike would be the best fit for me (and which one comes up on Ebay first). I actually like the look of the lower frame with higher post....Btw sweet looking ride

If you're not opposed to steel, these 456's are very inexpensive. I think I bought my frame for around $180.

[tangaroo]

My transAM does fine on moderate downhills, and I usually end up passing my friends on their bigger DH bikes. On serious DH trails, the roles switch. I had an aluminum HT before my transAM, and my advice to you is to go steel and never look back. I'm sure the chameleon is a great frame, and they look sweet too, but aluminum will hurt after about 10 miles and hard trail and DH runs. If SC released a steel version, I'd be all over that.

[Dion]

My transAM does fine on moderate downhills, and I usually end up passing my friends on their bigger DH bikes. On serious DH trails, the roles switch. I had an aluminum HT before my transAM, and my advice to you is to go steel and never look back. I'm sure the chameleon is a great frame, and they look sweet too, but aluminum will hurt after about 10 miles and hard trail and DH runs. If SC released a steel version, I'd be all over that.

There is a steel version - it's called an On-One 456

In all seriousness, the 456 and Chameleon have very similar geo specs.

[tangaroo]

There is a steel version - it's called an On-One 456

In all seriousness, the 456 and Chameleon have very similar geo specs.

The only thing that kept me from getting the 456 was the fact that they were out of 18" frames and I found a deal on a used TransAM at the same time.

[Dion]

Yes. I think they are all great options. I get your TransAm is equally as badass!

[tangaroo]

Yes. I think they are all great options. I get your TransAm is equally as badass!

I love it. I have it set up SS right now. The steel just speaks to me

[rho]

Big slack hardtails are great! Not a "freeride" sort of ride, theyre much more in the AM category. But they are good all around bikes. xc, trail stuff all the way up to hitting harder stuff. My chameleon had lots and lots of miles on it, lots of big rides and lots of great rides.

this buzzword filled post has been brought to you by captain pinchflat.

Sent by smoke signal.

[IAmHolland]

self gratifying bike porn.

Ragley mmmBop.

Old photo, bits have changed. Photo had a coil 140mm on. It's an air 150mm now, so a tad bit slacker sitting at 65 degree HA now.

It's a bit too slack coupled with a short stem for long extended climbs, but I make do just fine.

Edit: I think I saw a Ti 456 here and there. Now that would be totally kickass, but $$$.