I am looking at setting up my VT 2 for a bit of Freeriding. Now I don't mean 10ft hucks, but maybe a few 5 footers at speed not to flat. Basically I will put on a Easton Vice Stem and Monkey Bars from a buddy's DH Comp and 2.5" tires and a bit more air in the rear shock and then shortedthe seat tube so it can be dropped a bit.
Has any one else done a FR conversion for their VT and how is the rear linkage responding to big hits and jumps etc?
I am looking at setting up my VT 2 for a bit of Freeriding. Now I don't mean 10ft hucks, but maybe a few 5 footers at speed not to flat. Basically I will put on a Easton Vice Stem and Monkey Bars from a buddy's DH Comp and 2.5" tires and a bit more air in the rear shock and then shortedthe seat tube so it can be dropped a bit.
Has any one else done a FR conversion for their VT and how is the rear linkage responding to big hits and jumps etc?
I just started getting my VT into the freeride arena. Those conversions you talked about are great. Double check your bolts are all torqued to spec. My came loose early on, but tightened them up and haven't had a problem since. I have logged about 20 hours of freeriding consistently ripping 3-5 ft. drops and have not seen any ill effects.
One more expensive upgrade, might be a coil shock. I am currently pricing these and have the specs if you want them. A coil will perform better during freeride sessions.
I'd say either pick up a cheap FR hardtail or save for something stronger in the FS world soon. That kind of riding could add up quick on a XC rig. Bikes that are meant to take that kind of abuse break all the time, bikes that aren't... tempting fate IMO. Buy the bigger bike to do it all and be safe.
Sounds like you got a pretty good plan for a freeride build on your VT. You could always get a chain guide with only one ring up front; at the very least use a bashguard instead of the large chainring. It'll give you more clearance and protect your chainrings and bottom bracket. I used a Warp for light freeride, 5 foot drops, and it held up, even after I had cracked it in a crash (kept using it for a while before I realized it was cracked!), so the VT should be strong enough for what you describe. But if you do get into going bigger, a new bike may be in order, b/c I wouldn't take that on much higher than a 10' drop to tranny, and only that high if you're pretty smooth.
With a lil freeriding with the VT. I set mine up as follows: Shorty stem, 2in Riser bar, Switched out the 3 way SPV air for the 4 way SPV coil, Sun Singletrack rims, Kenda 2.35 tyres, oh yeah- 130mm Marz Z1 fork to round things off. I have had to adjust my linkage bolts once, with no other instances since. I have taken consistenly 4-6ft drops (w/ trannys) - the largest was a 10ft drop (w/ tranny) at a local freeride park in Florida. No problem with it holding up.
Of course if I planned to go bigger I would invest in a dedicated hucking rig. But to be able to dabble with the freeriding buds, then hit the trails with my XC buds - Both of best worlds!
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
15.4M posts
515.2K members
Since 1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!