Also "no flames please" you can do that on other posts or create a new one if you need to vent, let this be an information data base to assist not to attack or hinder. We can hopefully build a great source of valuable information.
Riding terrain conditions: Mostly PNW pine forrest freeride, very smooth trails…transitions on everything. Some rocky Moab style riding at a local, south facing spot.
Frame, Size, & Color: Nicolai Ion 18, Large, Ano Green and White
Fork: 2012 Boxxer World Cup
Shock, i2i, stroke: CCDB Coil, 8.75 x 2.75 - 450lbs
Brakes: 2011 Avid Code (f&r)
Pedals: Time ATAC Z
Stem: Easton Havoc Direct Mount 35 (50mm)
Handlebar: Easton Carbon 35 (800mm)
Seatpost: Reverb
Saddle: Chromag Lynx
Chain: SRAM 970
Headset: Cane Creek XIX
Grips: ODI Rouge
Front Tire: Schwalbe Big Betty UST
Front Rim/ Spokes: Placeholder - will be WTB i23
Front Hub/Skewer: Hadley
Rear Tire: Schwalbe Big Betty UST
Rear Rim/ Spokes: Placeholder - will be WTB i23
Cables: Shimano
Misc: X0 DH cranks 170mm, Hope BB
Overall Weight: ?? lbs
How do you find the fit of the L size? I'm the same height/weight as you. And I cant make up my mind between l and xl. L virtual toptube seam a bit short. Also, what do you think of the Enduro capabilities of the bike? Will be usable or do you recomment to go with the Ion 16 / Helius AM?
Drakche - OK I don't own an Ion 18 but I have owned the Ion 20 and while the pedaling characteristics of the latter were excellent (and therefore I conclude that the Ion 18's are similarly excellent) the weight of the bike is going to exclude it from being competitive in Enduro racing. I think for Enduro racing, you want something not much more than 30lbs making the Ion 16 or Helius AM just about right, even then they are going to be on the heavier side depending on how you've built them.
FWIW I am 1.83m/6ft tall and I ride a custom AM that is between medium and large and, it turns out, identical to the medium Ion 16 (I specified my numbers a few weeks before the Ion 16 was released but it turns out my size is exactly the same as their medium).
I would therefore say that a large should be large enough and an XL is going to way too large but of course it depends on the ratio between height and leg length.
Drakche - OK I don't own an Ion 18 but I have owned the Ion 20 and while the pedaling characteristics of the latter were excellent (and therefore I conclude that the Ion 18's are similarly excellent) the weight of the bike is going to exclude it from being competitive in Enduro racing. I think for Enduro racing, you want something not much more than 30lbs making the Ion 16 or Helius AM just about right, even then they are going to be on the heavier side depending on how you've built them.
FWIW I am 1.83m/6ft tall and I ride a custom AM that is between medium and large and, it turns out, identical to the medium Ion 16 (I specified my numbers a few weeks before the Ion 16 was released but it turns out my size is exactly the same as their medium).
I would therefore say that a large should be large enough and an XL is going to way too large but of course it depends on the ratio between height and leg length.
Thanks for the reply goatee.
Looking at the Ion 16, the L will be just right, I have an inseam of around 86 cm and as I can see the Ion 16 is a bit shorter than the 18. I just hope the model gets the head-tube gussets (I like the look of them, and you can never get enough stiffness in the front end) and the engraved Ion seat tube gusset, and can be fitted with 565 mm (180 mm travel) fork. It will defiantly be the ultimate bike. I just love the 66/65 HA.
Sorry about the slow reply Geetee nailed it. It is not an Enduro bike, you can ride it anywhere but it will be a compromise.
I think the Ion16 will be perfect as an Enduro bike. For the time you may gain on the downs on the 18 you would more than make up for it on the flat and up hill sections on a 16.
Thanks momentus. So, I'm off saving money for the frame. By the time I get all the money, Ion will start the production.
Enough off-topic. Great builds by the way.
Was wondering if anyone was running an Ion 18 with Boxxers, it looks an ideal frame to replace my Demo 7 - how do you find that setup, Momentus? Are you using the 203 rear setting? That green/white colour scheme is absolutely stunning. Really like it.
It seems really well suited to the Boxxers. I was going to run a Fox 180 Float but couldn't get one when I wanted it and got a great deal on the Boxxer World Cup.
I do run 203 a the rear to match the fork travel.
I haven't used a lot of different long travel forks but have been very happy with the Boxxers. My mechanic has worked at mountain bike world champs as a SRAM mechanic so am sure that helps.
I would buy the Boxxer again if I had the decision over.
Cool - I'm the same height and weight (well, slightly more...) as you, and I already have the Boxxer and all the other parts on my Demo. Woul dbe a straight swap.
Just torn now between a green Ion 18 to replace the Demo, or a green Ion 16 to replace my Spicy......decisions..
Hi Momentus, great looking ION, just wanted to ask, with your current setup, how does the bike climb??? Can you run the ION with 2 x 10 at the front end???
Hi Momentus, great looking ION, just wanted to ask, with your current setup, how does the bike climb??? Can you run the ION with 2 x 10 at the front end???
The bike climbs well but there is no getting away from the fact that it is a big bike and weighs quite a bit. With AM tyres (2.35 Muddy Mary UST, 2.4 Big Betty UST) it rolls and climbs well. I don't seem to have any issues keeping up with the guys on 6" travel bikes.
As for 2x10, I'm not too sure as I never looked into the option. With 1x10 and 11 now available, a 32 or thereabouts up front you don't need two chain rings these days.
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Originally Posted by geetee1972
