2012 Fox 36 Van 160mm Rc2 (5.3 Lbs.)
Formula The One brakes F-203mm/R-180mm
Shimano XTR M980 cranks
Shimano XTR front derailleur
Shimano XTR M985 shadow plus rear derailleur
Shimano XTR shifters
Shimano XTR trail pedals
Sram XX 11-36 Cassette
Sram 1091-R chain
Industry Nine DH wheels laced to Stan’s flow rims; 142mm x 12mm
Specialized 2.3” Clutch SX tire in front (1,040 grams )
Maxxis Ardent 2.25" tire in the rear
Thomson Elite seat post
Point One Racing 50mm Stem
Deity Dirty 30" handlebars (soon to be replaced by Enve 31.5" DH carbon bars)
SDG formula FX saddle
Special thanks to BLACK ROCK BICYCLES in Reno, Nevada!!!
So jealous. Can you provide some feedback on how well the rear derailleur actually keeps the chain tensioned? What kind of trails do you normally ride, and at what pace? Very interested in this frame but I'm afraid that the lack of a tensioner would be a disaster in the choppy So Cal trails I ride (I've tried my Tracer VP several times without one and I throw chains just about immediately when I point down).
So jealous. Can you provide some feedback on how well the rear derailleur actually keeps the chain tensioned? What kind of trails do you normally ride, and at what pace? Very interested in this frame but I'm afraid that the lack of a tensioner would be a disaster in the choppy So Cal trails I ride (I've tried my Tracer VP several times without one and I throw chains just about immediately when I point down).
Sweet bike!
When I first saw the press release for the carbine I was really disappointed there were no ISCG 05 tabs; at the time it was a real deal breaker. Being a CAT 1 DH racer (I also have an M9,) I haven't ran a bike without a chain guide in at least 5 years.
Here is a little back story on the derailleur. I purchased a Tracer 2 about a month ago and decided to run the new XTR M-985 shadow plus rear derailleur. At the time I was having serious issues with my 10 speed Sram X0 setup and I had never ran Shimano. Needless to say the XTR M-985 derailleur has been nothing short of amazing. I rode some trails up in Tahoe that had some pretty gnarly rock gardens and the derailleur didn’t skip a beat. I have only had the chain drop from the big ring to small ring three times; once was during a crash. The derailleur has a built in adjustable clutch so I decided to increase the tension and I haven’t had any problems since.
Mind-blowing spec on that Carbine.
But....ummm.... Shouldn`t the first bike in a photo album be a little more low-key? Who`s gonna wanna post theirs after THAT rig?
On the other hand, I`m quite shocked at the weight: 30lbs? My Uzzi`s gonna be 30lbs when I put a Float on it this wknd.....
He's running some heavy ass tires, he could probably drop almost 2lbs going to something like a Non-UST Hi-Roller & running tubeless (about 670g each I think). Also running a coil fork fwiw.
Thanks for the complements guys!
Dopaminer: A 30 lbs uzzi sounds sweet. I had my uzzi down to 32lbs with the same heavy tires, CCDB and 180mm float (which I never liked.)
Bnorthro is right, I could easily drop 3 lbs. by running lighter tires, a float fork and lighter pedals. Since I am DHer at heart I prefer thicker tire casing and a plush fork. I have never owned a sub 30 Lbs bike. I was really concerned about being too light and getting pinballed on the downhill.
BTW, I took the carbine out on it's maiden voyage and it was amazing!!! I have never ridden a bike that pedals this well and still eats up the rocky downhill.
Quality build! I bet she rides like a dream! I've been pretty happy with the RP23's performance on the Carbines but can't help but wonder what a coil might feel like on the longer descents?
Love to hear the difference one perceives between a carbon Nomad and this bike. I am currently riding a Nomad c but like the idea of a lower bb height and the adjustable travel (I like the stiffer 5.5 setting I had on my old aluminum Blur LT for some riding). My concern is with side-to-side stiffness under pedaling (the Nomad c climbs like mad due to the stiffness, and tracks sooo well. I'd hate to give that up...and to be honest...may be a deal breaker for me). Love to hear the opinion of any experienced with BOTH bikes.
I ride in a technical area of BC (Southern Vancouver Island), and appreciate stiffness (we have to earn our descents, aggressive and challenging in both directions) and slack(ish) angles (fun when fast!). As well, I work at a shop that sells both Santa Cruz and Intense, but the Carbine is so new I won't see one before I expect to purchase it (my Nomad c frame is all but sold, and Canada is not expected to get Carbine frames for another month or so, as I've been told anyways), so I don't need to be told how great Ibis frames are, not going that direction
Last edited by sean wilson; 11-03-2011 at 03:00 PM.
I am really suprised at the weights on those Carbines. My T2 is 29.05 with 2x9 bash,guide, 2009 Float 36 RC2, angleset and RS Reverb.
Why are you surprised? The T2 frame weights approximately 2.25 Lbs more than the Carbine. My T2 was 33 Lbs. before I swapped all the parts, minus the CCDB w/steel spring and BB to my carbine. If I were to run IMO a sub par float fork which saves .8 Lbs over the Van w/ green spring, pinner XC tires (saves a little over 2 Lbs) and pedals that didn't weigh 520 grams, my carbine would easily weigh 26 Lbs. But, I am more concerned about how the bike performs on the Downhill.
I have seen plenty of 26Lbs NomadC's but IMO those are just XC builds on a AM/Light Free ride frame; pointless IMO.
Now if XC riding is your thing completey ignore the rant above
I hope the photo uploads, but I have a 27 and change Nomad c, size large with 1x10, Talus 36, Haven wheels (21 mm inner width), Hans Dampf tires, Havoc carbon bar (uncut)...well within the all-mountain definition, and have had the bike in the 26lbs range with single ply 2.35 Minions, (full disclosure: this is without a chainguide as the photo was taken before I added a Straightline guide, but will move to the new XTR r.der soon; and have the new Straightline AMP pedals which are a touch lighter than the MG1's pictured) so the "those are just XC builds on a AM/Light Free ride frame; pointless IMO." doesn't really stick. Going after a Carbine, which I believe to be lighter by a touch, so I got that going for me.
Originally Posted by Dwdrums00
Why are you surprised? The T2 frame weights approximately 2.25 Lbs more than the Carbine. My T2 was 33 Lbs. before I swapped all the parts, minus the CCDB w/steel spring and BB to my carbine. If I were to run IMO a sub par float fork which saves .8 Lbs over the Van w/ green spring, pinner XC tires (saves a little over 2 Lbs) and pedals that didn't weigh 520 grams, my carbine would easily weigh 26 Lbs. But, I am more concerned about how the bike performs on the Downhill.
I have seen plenty of 26Lbs NomadC's but IMO those are just XC builds on a AM/Light Free ride frame; pointless IMO.
Now if XC riding is your thing completey ignore the rant above
Why are you surprised? The T2 frame weights approximately 2.25 Lbs more than the Carbine. My T2 was 33 Lbs. before I swapped all the parts, minus the CCDB w/steel spring and BB to my carbine. If I were to run IMO a sub par float fork which saves .8 Lbs over the Van w/ green spring, pinner XC tires (saves a little over 2 Lbs) and pedals that didn't weigh 520 grams, my carbine would easily weigh 26 Lbs. But, I am more concerned about how the bike performs on the Downhill.
I have seen plenty of 26Lbs NomadC's but IMO those are just XC builds on a AM/Light Free ride frame; pointless IMO.
Now if XC riding is your thing completey ignore the rant above
I am suprised at how heavy they are. I was expecting around 27lbs with a nice build. I also don't see a Float being subpar to a Van, especially when you have an air rear shock.
It is a shame that Fox stopped making the 160mm 36s with the RC2 dampener, they should at least offer both like RS does with the Lyrik.
You can bring the Carbine easily to 23lbs like Dwdrums00 already mentioned.
all XX with only 160/160 disks
all Haven carbon parts or even lighter dt carbon rims with 190s and aerolights
eclipse tubes
CC tires like rocket ron or ikonf
Titan bolt tuning set for disks and shock.
remove the quickrelease on the fork.
etc.
Red Medium Frame
Fox 36 RLC 160mm
Full X0 Drive train
Crank Bro's Iodine 3 wheel set
Easton Havoc steam and carbon bar
Formula The Racing One Brakes
Rock Shox Reverb Seat Post
SDG Fly TI Seat
Maxxis Madusa UST tyres
Hey Dwdrums, have you ridden a tracer 2? I just had my first proper ride on one and couldn't believe the stiffness of the rear end. I did find the rear end a tiny bit too long. I am very interested in the carbine because of the shorter chain stay, but I have noticed it doesn't have the seat stay bridge like the tracer 2.
How do you find the carbine for rear end flex? Anyone else have experience on both bikes?
After riding the Carbine at Interbike, compared to my TracerVP, the whole bike is stiffer than a teenager on Viagra. Steering precision and corner carving are where it shines. With this in mind, and dropping nearly 2 lbs from my current sled, I feel like a teenager on Viagra.
Originally Posted by big bear
Hey Dwdrums, have you ridden a tracer 2? I just had my first proper ride on one and couldn't believe the stiffness of the rear end. I did find the rear end a tiny bit too long. I am very interested in the carbine because of the shorter chain stay, but I have noticed it doesn't have the seat stay bridge like the tracer 2.
How do you find the carbine for rear end flex? Anyone else have experience on both bikes?
Billy
Speed is sweet, it's like an avenue to... Shredtopia!
Big Bear: I own a T2 which is currently for sale. IMO the rear end of the T2 is SLIGHTLY stiffer than the carbine. I am running a 142 x 12 on both bikes and I9's laced to flow rims. To be honest the flow rims flex way before the rear end does. I also find the chain stays to be a little long on the T2; the chain stays on my carbine came out to approximately 16.8". I really love how the carbine manuals and jumps compared to the T2, the shorter chain stays make a massive difference. FWIW the chain stays on the carbine are significantly stiffer then my old Uzzi VP with Rev 3 rear end.
How tall are you? I'm most likely going to be ordering a Carbine quite soon. I'm riding a M Intense 5.5 and an M Uzzi VP at the moment. The 5.5 is perfect, but I've got the seat post on the Uzzi at the limit to get it high enough for climbing... the Uzzi is probably the only bike I have ridden where I feel a large might have been an option, wondering if I will feel the same about the Carbine.
How tall are you? I'm most likely going to be ordering a Carbine quite soon. I'm riding a M Intense 5.5 and an M Uzzi VP at the moment. The 5.5 is perfect, but I've got the seat post on the Uzzi at the limit to get it high enough for climbing... the Uzzi is probably the only bike I have ridden where I feel a large might have been an option, wondering if I will feel the same about the Carbine.
I am 6'1" and the large is perfect with a 80mm stem, from what I have seen people are going bigger frame & shorter stem.
What's the stand-over height on this bike? Looks fairly low, but I can't find an actual published number for it.
I'm looking pretty intensely (ha!) at this bike. I'd like to run it with a Float 180 RC2 lowered to 160mm (I hate the damper Fox put in the 160 Float) with a PUSHd Monarch Plus RC3. Kind of a burlier trail build that can handle it all.
I'd also like to run this 1x10. Can anybody who's ran the new XTR rear derailleur speak of it's ability to secure the chain? I've had bad problems with chain dropping before on my Enduro, so much so that I decided to run 1x9 with an e.13 SRS. Since the Carbine doesn't have ISCG tabs, I'm hoping that the new XTR rear der. paired with a 30t Widgit would completely secure the chain.
I'd also love to hear from anybody who's ridden a Mojo HD or a Nomad, and how the Carbine matches up with the two current top dogs of the carbon trail bike category. Climbing, descending, stiffness and general handling characteristics; if you could make any comparisons I'd appreciate greatly.
The new xtr shadow plus rear der has the cool clutch thing in it and is apparently going to eliminate the need for chain guides. If you are worried about dropping chains, I would look into one of those.
Looking for a Medium Scott Scale frame, preferably a 2012 in 26.
I really really like the new Carbine. I just bought a 2010 Intense Uzzi VP and love it. I don't worry about weight to much and am 23 and frequently active, so right now I can handle the heavier bikes. I know that the Uzzi and the Carbine are in different categories but wanted to know if I am missing out on something. Besides being a better climber, what does the Carbine have over the Uzzi VP?
Also, I was big into BMX/jumping for around 8 years when I was younger and like to take the most rugged and most resistance paths when taking trails, and also like to take drops around 4-5ft. Is this something that the Carbine could handle?
DAMN DUDE... Thats an evil looking genius! Nice work
Originally Posted by stejam
Hey Guys,
Thought I would share my new build
Red Medium Frame
Fox 36 RLC 160mm
Full X0 Drive train
Crank Bro's Iodine 3 wheel set
Easton Havoc steam and carbon bar
Formula The Mega One Brakes
Rock Shox Reverb Seat Post
SDG Fly TI Seat
Maxxis High Roller UST tyres
Waiting on a XTR Front mech as SRAM do not fit!!! and a BB92 GXP Bottom bracket
I don't have my Carbine yet, but Intense issued a dealer memo that only Shimano direct mount front ders will fit, not SRAM. Your dealer should've let you know. My Carbine will be here this week or next. I'll mix up a few derailleurs that we have here to see what does and does not fit for sure.
Redstone Cyclery
intense*transition*rocky mountain*turner web - tweet - FB
Lyons, CO
thought they are the same.
i knew that the sram direct s1 s2 s3 dont fit the carbine...
The sram don't fit because the middle pivot rivet is set back further than the back of the clamping face and the carbide seat tube gets larger towards the bottom bracket resulting in an interference and the back face of the clamp not been able to close face to face.
The sram don't fit because the middle pivot rivet is set back further than the back of the clamping face and the carbide seat tube gets larger towards the bottom bracket resulting in an interference and the back face of the clamp not been able to close face to face.
thank you very much will stop my order for the sram now
Dumb bike. Weight weenies useless XC parts on a Am frame.....dumb bike.
geezzz...why the haten... Unless I'm missing something the Carbine is the lightest bike Intense makes so if you're looking for an intense xc rig why wouldn't you go with this bike...it does have the 5.5" setting.
These new Carbines are really sweet looking. Really digging the black.
Just curious since I ride a SC Blur LTc, but what are the main differences between the Carbine and the BLTc? Aside from the Carbine's ability to switch between 5,5 and 6 inches of travel, they look really similar. The frame weights look very similar as well (around 6 pounds even for a Medium)
Im happy on my BLTc, but I think the Carbine has an edge in the looks department, especially that black....
These new Carbines are really sweet looking. Really digging the black.
Just curious since I ride a SC Blur LTc, but what are the main differences between the Carbine and the BLTc? Aside from the Carbine's ability to switch between 5,5 and 6 inches of travel, they look really similar. The frame weights look very similar as well (around 6 pounds even for a Medium)
Im happy on my BLTc, but I think the Carbine has an edge in the looks department, especially that black....
The geometry is a little different between the two. Intense uses a slightly longer top tube and some other difference. I was considering an LTc or TRc before the Carbine was released. Comparing the frames though, the Carbine won out for me. Just picked up the frame on Monday!!
The geometry is a little different between the two. Intense uses a slightly longer top tube and some other difference. I was considering an LTc or TRc before the Carbine was released. Comparing the frames though, the Carbine won out for me. Just picked up the frame on Monday!!
Lucky.
Billy
Speed is sweet, it's like an avenue to... Shredtopia!
Just wondering if any of you have tried running 140mm travel forks?
My LBS has a carbine in stock that I'm considering stripping my Nickel down for, I currently have some really nice 2012 Fox 32 Float 140's on it so will want to carry these over to this build.
Wondering if a Carbine is a bike I can buy without a test ride, in all fairness all my previous Intenses have been!
I don't have any experience on a carbine with a 140mm fork but it matches the 5.5 inch setting in the back and I love the 140mm fork on my Epiphany. The carbine has to be a ton lighter then your nickle.
Looking for a Medium Scott Scale frame, preferably a 2012 in 26.
I don't have any experience on a carbine with a 140mm fork but it matches the 5.5 inch setting in the back and I love the 140mm fork on my Epiphany. The carbine has to be a ton lighter then your nickle.
My Nickel is not heavy at 27.45lbs and rides like a dream, I'd seriously say that it was the best bike I've owned so this is a huge gamble for me, but I reckon the carbine frame alone would save almost 2lbs...
After being on a Tracer 2 for the last 11 months and pretty much deciding it was my favorite bike ever, I sold it and built up a Carbine to check out what all the fuss was about. I'll have a ride report up soon after getting some time on it. So far, I have a couple of hours on the Carbine and the fuss seems completely justified.
Large Red
Mostly X9 with Formula The One brakes and a Revelation XX 150. Wheels are DT 240s and Mavic 819 rims. As pictured with boat anchor 2.4 Conti UST front tire (app 1200g) it weighs a pretty respectable 29.16lbs. The frame was over 2lbs lighter than my large Tracer 2.
Redstone Cyclery
intense*transition*rocky mountain*turner web - tweet - FB
Lyons, CO
here is mine. havn't weighed it yet , sickest bike I have owned yet tho.
Hi,
Im building a Carbine for my friend and am having trouble fitting the crank which is the same as yours (XTR) the small chain ring inner diameter where the bolts fit through hits the frame when pushed all the way through and resulting not allowing the cranks to turn
Could you please let me know what set up you have to stop this from happening.
Im using a BB92 Shimano and the same crank as yours.
Im building a Carbine for my friend and am having trouble fitting the crank which is the same as yours (XTR) the small chain ring inner diameter where the bolts fit through hits the frame when pushed all the way through and resulting not allowing the cranks to turn
Could you please let me know what set up you have to stop this from happening.
Im using a BB92 Shimano and the same crank as yours.
Thanks
I think this model / year XTR that uses the 22t granny has four small tabs that stick out beyond the fastening points , you could get the 24 to put on there or grind those tabs off.
I don't have one of those cranks in front of me but I clearly remember something like this.
Hey Jeff, I have a small carbine on order and already bought my parts kit. It's all x0 including the front mech. Do I need to return the front mech and get an xtr one instead? My dealer wasn't to sure. Thanks!
Hey Jeff, I have a small carbine on order and already bought my parts kit. It's all x0 including the front mech. Do I need to return the front mech and get an xtr one instead? My dealer wasn't to sure. Thanks!
I think this model / year XTR that uses the 22t granny has four small tabs that stick out beyond the fastening points , you could get the 24 to put on there or grind those tabs off.
I don't have one of those cranks in front of me but I clearly remember something like this.
Thanks Jeff,
I ground around 1.5mm from each tab and fits perfect.
2012 Fox 36 Van 160mm Rc2 (5.3 Lbs.)
Formula The One brakes F-203mm/R-180mm
Shimano XTR M980 cranks
Shimano XTR front derailleur
Shimano XTR M985 shadow plus rear derailleur
Shimano XTR shifters
Shimano XTR trail pedals
Sram XX 11-36 Cassette
Sram 1091-R chain
Industry Nine DH wheels laced to Stan’s flow rims; 142mm x 12mm
Specialized 2.3” Clutch SX tire in front (1,040 grams )
Maxxis Ardent 2.25" tire in the rear
Thomson Elite seat post
Point One Racing 50mm Stem
Deity Dirty 30" handlebars (soon to be replaced by Enve 31.5" DH carbon bars)
SDG formula FX saddle
Special thanks to BLACK ROCK BICYCLES in Reno, Nevada!!!
Anyone having their chain rub on the top of the front derailleur cage when the suspension compresses? I've noticed it happening when riding, and when I let air out of the shock in the workshop the chain comes into contact with the top of the cage from about 2/3 of the way through the suspension travel when in the big ring (26/38 Shimano Crankset) and any of the top 3 or 4 cogs on the cassette. I've tried raising the derailleur but I'd have to put it so high that shifting becomes bad to even reduce the problem.
It's the only flaw I've got so far in an otherwise perfect bike. It rides great with the 150mm revelation up front. It feels a lot more stable than a 150mm bike to ride.
Simple, inexpensive, lightweight, freedom to run whatever drivetrain you want. Buy it or make one at home.
If you really want to avoid dropping your chain, go the 1x10 route with this: e*thirteen components
Got the Bionicon for my Uzzi. It weighs nothing, is simple to mount and seems to not restrict the chain at all. My main aim is to get rid of chain slap, though I have not really had a chance to properly test it due to terrible weather.
I looking at a new carbine to be a kind of "do all" trail bike, and to replace my fleet of bikes (mainly dh & xc).
Only thing is I'm trying to figure out what sizing i need? As i haven't had the chance over here in Australia to test ride the sizes, some feedback as to what sizes you guys are running, what size stems and what you suggest would be great.
Im looking at using a 150mm fork, and possibly an angle-set to have it a touch slacker if ever needed. However i don't know whether to go a medium or large? I could go a medium with say a 70mm stem, or a large with a 50mm stem?
To give you an idea, I'm about 5'9 in height and have ridden the new (med) Yeti ASR5 w/ 70mm stem, same goes for the Orange5 17" which has very similar sizing to the Yeti. This size was absolutely spot on. Good mix for climbing, trail work, and still ok going down hills and both were nice very stiff. Im thinking the Carbine with a touch more travel and vpp will be just about exactly what I'm after. Im just hoping the stiffness is there as well.
Crunching numbers the Carbine is as follows:
intensecycles.com/carbine/technical/
(is the top tube measurement effective or?)
Yeti ASR5
yeticycles.com/#/bikes/ASR5Alloy/1/
Orange5
orangebikes.com.au/bikes/five/five-am
So.. my options.. go the medium with a 70mm stem or large with a shorter stem, say 50mm?
Cheers in advance.
Evan
I looking at a new carbine to be a kind of "do all" trail bike, and to replace my fleet of bikes (mainly dh & xc).
Only thing is I'm trying to figure out what sizing i need? As i haven't had the chance over here in Australia to test ride the sizes, some feedback as to what sizes you guys are running, what size stems and what you suggest would be great.
Im looking at using a 150mm fork, and possibly an angle-set to have it a touch slacker if ever needed. However i don't know whether to go a medium or large? I could go a medium with say a 70mm stem, or a large with a 50mm stem?
To give you an idea, I'm about 5'9 in height and have ridden the new (med) Yeti ASR5 w/ 70mm stem, same goes for the Orange5 17" which has very similar sizing to the Yeti. This size was absolutely spot on. Good mix for climbing, trail work, and still ok going down hills and both were nice very stiff. Im thinking the Carbine with a touch more travel and vpp will be just about exactly what I'm after. Im just hoping the stiffness is there as well.
Crunching numbers the Carbine is as follows:
intensecycles.com/carbine/technical/
(is the top tube measurement effective or?)
Yeti ASR5
yeticycles.com/#/bikes/ASR5Alloy/1/
Orange5
orangebikes.com.au/bikes/five/five-am
So.. my options.. go the medium with a 70mm stem or large with a shorter stem, say 50mm?
Cheers in advance.
Evan
Thats a good question as i am also 5' 9" and i have always ridden medium bikes like the 5.5 which felt big, the Tracer and tracer 2 which felt perfect.
I now have a medium Carbine and it feels slightly smaller. I ran a 50mm stem on the tracers and transferred the build to the carbine but the first thing I noticed was that the cockpit length was short so I fitted a 70mm stem and now it feels much better but I do like a short stem so would love to try a large.
The only downside to having the medium i feel is that when jumping I feel slightly over the front end and feel that a large would cancel out this and jump much better.
Jeff does state in this thread that people are purchasing a large and fitting a short stem.
Cheers Stejam. Are you using 150mm or 160mm forks?
I was planning on the 150mm forks but also use a angle-set to rake it out another degree slacker to give a more sturdy feel when going downhill and jumping etc. There's a number of other similar bikes which have this sort of geometry. So this may also help you?
Cheers Stejam. Are you using 150mm or 160mm forks?
I was planning on the 150mm forks but also use a angle-set to rake it out another degree slacker to give a more sturdy feel when going downhill and jumping etc. There's a number of other similar bikes which have this sort of geometry. So this may also help you?
Im using Fox 36 at present but im planning on moving to purchase some Rock Shok Rev's WC 150mm as I really dont think I will lose much but will save 1.5 lbs.
You can check out my ride on the first page of this thread
All very beautiful builds here. I kind of get the impression that this bike is a bit more of a trail bike than the Spider 2 but maybe not quite as much of an all mountain rig as the Tracer 2. Maybe the one to go between the two as far as capabilities go. Is this a good assumption?
All very beautiful builds here. I kind of get the impression that this bike is a bit more of a trail bike than the Spider 2 but maybe not quite as much of an all mountain rig as the Tracer 2. Maybe the one to go between the two as far as capabilities go. Is this a good assumption?
The Carbine is every bit as good as the Tracer2, minus 2 pounds. I seriously would not hesitate to shred anything on this that I would on a T2.
The Carbine SL is better described by your post. They took another 1/2 pound out by using bonded-in drop outs, a carbon fiber upper link, and maybe a lighter lay up schedule. The SL will be a KILLER trail bike.
Billy
Speed is sweet, it's like an avenue to... Shredtopia!
The Carbine is every bit as good as the Tracer2, minus 2 pounds. I seriously would not hesitate to shred anything on this that I would on a T2.
The Carbine SL is better described by your post. They took another 1/2 pound out by using bonded-in drop outs, a carbon fiber upper link, and maybe a lighter lay up schedule. The SL will be a KILLER trail bike.
Great, thanks for the response. I guess right now it is between the Carbine and Carbine SL. I think that the Spider is too little and the Tracer too much. I don't really want another xc race bike. Maybe sometime toward the end of the summer I will make a move.
Mine.
Light wheelset
Revelation 150, RLT-Ti (adjustable 120-150)
Race Face Deus, 3x9
X.9 shifters, X.0 rear der, XT front
RaceFace carbon bars
Cheap CB candy pedals
Rear 2.25 Maxxis Ignitor 2.25, front Maxxis Advantage 2.2 or 2.3
3" drop Gravity Dropper
28.4 on bathroom scale. Switching rear tire for something lighter. I'll probably replace the Ergon grips by lighter ones without the bar ends.
Note that the Race Face 22 tooth ring does not fit on the bike. The inner diameter of the ring is too small and rubs on the bottom bracket shell. I had to change the ring. I may change for some other crankset that works better.
Just did one small ride. Badly out of shape, so I can't really comment on climbing ability. I can tell that bike is plush and just plain rips downhill. The low BB is just way too much fun. It also seems to jump easily. I can tell that this is going to be way too much fun!
Faster is not always better, but it's always more fun
So now that people have some miles on these bikes any positives and negatives? A long term ride report?
No long term report from since I got 2 rides on it, but here are my impressions:
- it's plush, on par with the original Mojo
- it climbs/pedals pretty well, but that's expected from a bike that's a little less than 28#
- it totally rips downhill. The low BB makes it a lot of fun to pump and carve
More impressions after more rides.
Faster is not always better, but it's always more fun