I agree with all who run the Relish at low pressure. I weigh 190 and have it at 15 PSI and it takes the edge off really well. Definitely less cush than my old 5.5" 26er, but this one is way faster on the climbs and flats, without giving up too much.
I put a 2.1" Hutchinson Python in the back and instantly wanted my 2.55 Weirwolf, from the front, back there. There is room to go way bigger, which I was hesitant about at first. Soon I'll throw a 2.4" Racing Ralph in front and the Weirwolf in back, since i think a 2.4" Schwalbe will be too big for the back. Anyone know if they fit?
Also, mine is a medium, and I bought a Salsa Flip Lock collar before it arrived and it doesn't fit. Anyone using a QR on a 2009 medium? The Shraeder valve gets in the way on mine, facing forward or back. After setting the height though, I don't feel like a QR is all that necessary, I just have a nice one sitting around.
As seen in earlier posts on this thread, 2.3" really is the limit you can go with on the back of a Dos Niner. You're going to get rub with a Weirwolf 2.55 in the back. I had rub with Nevegal 2.2s, but their side blocks are very wide.
Nice-looking bike though, love the look of those AC wheels.
Originally Posted by quagmire_1985
Here is my Dos.
I agree with all who run the Relish at low pressure. I weigh 190 and have it at 15 PSI and it takes the edge off really well. Definitely less cush than my old 5.5" 26er, but this one is way faster on the climbs and flats, without giving up too much.
I put a 2.1" Hutchinson Python in the back and instantly wanted my 2.55 Weirwolf, from the front, back there. There is room to go way bigger, which I was hesitant about at first. Soon I'll throw a 2.4" Racing Ralph in front and the Weirwolf in back, since i think a 2.4" Schwalbe will be too big for the back. Anyone know if they fit?
Also, mine is a medium, and I bought a Salsa Flip Lock collar before it arrived and it doesn't fit. Anyone using a QR on a 2009 medium? The Shraeder valve gets in the way on mine, facing forward or back. After setting the height though, I don't feel like a QR is all that necessary, I just have a nice one sitting around.
Nice grinder set up, G-Ted. How'd the weather and your Saturday ride go?
I raced my Dos today up in Many Soda in my "new" adjustable suspension set up:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7166535@N05/4775424107/" title="ThudDos by singingsingletracker, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4775424107_217d0b23e2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="617" alt="ThudDos" /></a>
I was very pleasantly surprised. Somehow, the combination of the Relish and the Thudbuster were or are perfect for me. Opens up the Dos as an entirely different comfort level for the roots, rocks and bumps.
All went well until I sprinted to the finish to catch a guy I had been tailing most of the final lap. I hadn't really taken a look at the finish line before the race and was surprised that it was only about 4 feet wide as we sprinted up to it at top speed. Why so narrow? I don't know, but it sure wasn't safe that way for close finishes.
He got my by an inch, but the chute following the finish line narrowed suddenly and our handlebars locked as we quickly tried to slow from 20+ mph to zero. I lost control of my bars and the front wheel turned sideways. I then went ass over tea kettle at full speed and the Race King 2.2 tore at the rim's edge letting out a loud bang. The combination of the explosion of a tire being run tubeless, and my dramatic fall entertained the crowd. I don't know how, but I walked away with just a slightly bumped up leg, shoulder and elbow. It could have been a lot worse as there were people, PA systems, metal poles, etc... all along the chute. Hurt my pride more than anything else, but I was surprised in the way the tire tore.
Nice grinder set up, G-Ted. How'd the weather and your Saturday ride go?
First off, sorry to hear about your wreck, but I am glad to read that you are okay. Those "chutes" are a dumb idea. They did the same thing at Chequamegon in '96 and I thought it was dangerous there too. Anyway..........
We baked Saturday! The combination of 10-15% grades over and over again with a few steeper pitches thrown in and a body that wasn't processing calories correctly was a recipe for a huge bonk. That said, I got in 80 miles on the set up I posted here and I like it. Here are a couple of bullet points............
- The drops on the Dos work great! Perfect "aggressive XC" type of set up, speaking in mtb terms. (Saddle about three inches above grip area while in the drops)
- STI shifting was okay. I think I'd like it just fine if I used it more often. Most of my drop set ups use bar end shifters for the geared bikes. That said, I wonder if SRAM Apex levers and 10 speed mtb derailleurs and cassettes wouldn't be a winner. I'm thinking of trying it when Apex comes out.
-I said ahead of the ride, (to myself, mainly), that this wouldn't be my single track set up, but I'm rethinking that now. We hit a B Service road with baby heads and a drop in worthy of an XC course, and this bike did great. I may throw a suspension fork on it at some point and try that. I'm thinking it may be a great XC set up.
-This to me is a great peek at what a true mountain bike version of a Fargo would be. Steel frame, (or titanium!!), with the ability to run a suspension fork, set up for drop bars, and having the braze ons a Fargo does, with the option to run single speed. Soft tail would be fantastic as well.
At any rate, I am loving the Dos Niner again, and I am very glad I tried this set up.
-I said ahead of the ride, (to myself, mainly), that this wouldn't be my single track set up, but I'm rethinking that now. We hit a B Service road with baby heads and a drop in worthy of an XC course, and this bike did great. I may throw a suspension fork on it at some point and try that. I'm thinking it may be a great XC set up.
-This to me is a great peek at what a true mountain bike version of a Fargo would be. Steel frame, (or titanium!!), with the ability to run a suspension fork, set up for drop bars, and having the braze ons a Fargo does, with the option to run single speed. Soft tail would be fantastic as well.
At any rate, I am loving the Dos Niner again, and I am very glad I tried this set up.
It was a moist oven on Saturday, that's for sure. I'd love to do that ride with you some day if there wasn't an XC race going on that weekend. It makes sense for the body to focus it's energy on cooling and I guess the food/calorie processing just shut down. Sounds like you are recovering to fight another day.
Shiggy would be proud of a Dos set up with suspension fork, drop bars and hitting the singletrack. I'd probably outfit one with both the drop bar brake levers as well as the inline bar cyclocross levers to give me plenty of options with 4 brake levers.
Headed up to Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the Fat Tire Festival last weekend and had a blast. I was concerned that the more aggressive position on the bike (-5* 120mm stem) would slow me down on the fast, rocky descents, but it worked out very well with a little plusher rebound on the Lefty; I think I'm officially dialed in. Test rode a Superfly 100 in my size briefly but disliked the undertow of full squish after being off it for so long. The Fast Trak LKs are some great racing tires, ssh don't tell anybody.
Last edited by TunicaTrails; 07-19-2010 at 08:37 PM.
The chainstay length is static because the DOS softtail setup pivots around the BB. A few other bikes like the Kona A & Lenz Milkmoney achieve this as well.
Never a chain drop - I use a KMC heavy duty chain. I think it's a 410H? It's pretty heavy but it has not strectched in over a year of hardcore ss riding.
I run a Deda Dog fang and MRP XTC bottom bracket mounted bash guard. The SS DOS set up is pretty sweet because it basically hammers like a hardtail on climbs and gives you that 1" of cushion for the bumps.
Any other single speed experiences? Notice much bob sprinting out of the saddle?
Psyched to have this finally built... Love the feel... you guys were right.
1x9 with an Anderson 30t ring up front and 180mm crankarms. Getting a larger rotor for the front and will probably ditch the bashguard (and Reba decals).
I am sure it is a long shot but I am a big guy and am looking to go up a size on my dos niner. I love it and have stretched out the frame as far as I can with Seat post and stem but I still need more. I was wondering if there is anyone out there that had an XL that was a little to tall for them. I have a 2006 dos niner it is in good shape and would be willing to through some money on top for a trade. It is the Dark Green machine. I would be willing to buy one straight up but am having no luck finding one online. Shoot me a response. Thanks
Here is mine updated. Lefty Max SPV, Project 321 Steerer, with a 30mm spacer from Mendoncyclesmith. Also built a wheelset with the SI front, XT Rear, DT Straight Gauge, and Salsa Semi Rims for training and to save some lifespan on my American Classic wheels, which I converted the front to a Black SI hub.
Love it so far. The Axle to Crown is barely 10 mm more than my old Reba, so not to big of a change. The biggest change in position is the clamp spacing forces me to run my bars another 10mm higher. Not terrible, actually makes it better all around, but I might be looking for a Lefty Speed DLR Alloy next spring when racing starts up again. We'll see, a silver fork would look great, but I know this fork inside out, and coil forks are really nice.
@ TunicaTrails
How long do you use the Lefty in the Dos Niner? Do you see some problems with the durability of the frame because of the fork? Apparently it works very well. But Salsa do not recommend any dual crown forks for the Dos.
Nice to see others trying a Lefty on their Dos Niner! I love it. I got the Lefty put on in the Spring and have ridden it in plenty of tough races.
I weigh about 180 and I'm not too hard on XL frames, which are usually built to carry a heavier rider. Anyway I'll ride it this way until it breaks, it's my "29er Scalpel." The current setup with a Crest wheelset is 23.25 pounds. If I didn't love my long Surly cranks so much, I'm sure I could get it into the 22#s.
I'm taking it that Salsa will not be selling the Dos Niner in 2011 as they transition away from scandium. Hopefully the new Dos Niner will be as good or better. I just want to make sure it's as light as the current frame and the geometry is just as quick, those are the two most important things IMHO. I'm sure the Spearfish will be a hit for Salsa, but I'm not a fan.
I'm taking it that Salsa will not be selling the Dos Niner in 2011 as they transition away from scandium. Hopefully the new Dos Niner will be as good or better. I just want to make sure it's as light as the current frame and the geometry is just as quick, those are the two most important things IMHO. I'm sure the Spearfish will be a hit for Salsa, but I'm not a fan.
There wont be a Dos Niner for 2011 at all, but Salsa says it will probally come back at a later date, most likely with some redisigned tweeks and who knows what material.
It was their first 29er frame, and one that is dear to their hearts, so i'll trust them.
Purchased a 2009 Dos used and it came with a 120mm G2 Fox F29 (520mm axel to crown). I am having the fork serviced and am reducing the travel but was looking to see if anyone he has good luck with 100mm travel opposed to the recommended 80mm. I guess i shoudl also ask.. anyone running 120mm? from the looks of some of the pics looks like some may have it set to 120mm.
I know there are people riding with 100mm but wanted to see if there is “that” much riding difference… I know it is 20mm…
The Dos Niner is really kind of a race bike. However when I first started seriously riding, having a 120mm fork on the front really helped my confidence on steep descents. Then I slackened the pressure down to effectively 100mm. Then I put an 80mm Lefty on and became a full-fledged racer-boy.
The Dos Niner can do it all. Can't wait to see what Salsa brings it back as.
Then I slackened the pressure down to effectively 100mm.
That's a point worth keeping in mind. A longer travel fork can usually be adjusted to be just like a shorter one without having to make a $emi-permanent commitment to the shorter version.
DR
Purchased a 2009 Dos used and it came with a 120mm G2 Fox F29 (520mm axel to crown). I am having the fork serviced and am reducing the travel but was looking to see if anyone he has good luck with 100mm travel opposed to the recommended 80mm. I guess i shoudl also ask.. anyone running 120mm? from the looks of some of the pics looks like some may have it set to 120mm.
I know there are people riding with 100mm but wanted to see if there is “that” much riding difference… I know it is 20mm…
Let me know,
Tom
Many are riding Dos Niners with 100mm forks and are perfectly happy. I've switched between 80 and 100 on several frames, and there is definitely a difference. At 100mm, the steering won't be as sharp and precise, but it will be more confident in technical stuff, descents, high speeds, etc. You'll be running a G2 fork which should lighten the steering a bit and make it feel quicker, so running 100mm instead of 80mm would probably be your best bet. In fact, that might be a really great combo. Let us know what you think.
Another Dos with 100mm here. I bought a Reba that was set at 100mm and was planning on putting the spacer in, but never did. The only time I notice any wandering or sluggishness is when climbing with the fork locked out, which I rarely do. But I am probably not as attuned to small changes as some guys. You could set more sag to compensate.
I decided on the 100mm setting and hope to have it back by the weekend.
I think that the G2 offset and the 100mm setting will be a nice setup. The bike did not feel all that sluggish at the 120 but it was not climbing well at all like other stay.
Overall I like the bike a lot and once I get it back I will post up some pics. Thanks for all the replies.
Today was the first test, the fork lock wasnt well installed but I enjoyed it alot. I was surprised with the Relish shox, with 50psi and my 210lb of weight it was a good feeling in the rear wheel.
I don't know if anyone ever asked, but is that fork on your Dos a 120mm? How's it handle and feel with the Reba you are running on it?
My 80mm older model Reba is due for an overhaul - maybe an upgrade. While I tear it apart to overhaul it, I was thinking of changing the travel. Either to 100mm or, modifying the spacer so the travel is around 90-92mm or so. The problem, is my old Reba has the 38mm offset which means I would most likely benefit from getting a new fork with the 29"er friendly offset if I was going to run more travel up front.
Anyway - your Dos sticks out as the one with the most travel on this thread.
If you're updating your Reba, you can swap out the crown/steerer assy for a G2 version, like this. Kind of pricey, but cheaper than a new fork. I did it to mine this winter--it also let me make up for cutting my steerer a bit short. Anyway, it was a pretty straightforward process.
I haven't really test ridden it yet to see the difference--the trails around here will be slop for the next several weeks. It didn't feel much different going up and down the street, though.
Originally Posted by BruceBrown
Alberto,
I don't know if anyone ever asked, but is that fork on your Dos a 120mm? How's it handle and feel with the Reba you are running on it?
My 80mm older model Reba is due for an overhaul - maybe an upgrade. While I tear it apart to overhaul it, I was thinking of changing the travel. Either to 100mm or, modifying the spacer so the travel is around 90-92mm or so. The problem, is my old Reba has the 38mm offset which means I would most likely benefit from getting a new fork with the 29"er friendly offset if I was going to run more travel up front.
Anyway - your Dos sticks out as the one with the most travel on this thread.
If you're updating your Reba, you can swap out the crown/steerer assy for a G2 version, like this. Kind of pricey, but cheaper than a new fork. I did it to mine this winter--it also let me make up for cutting my steerer a bit short. Anyway, it was a pretty straightforward process.
I haven't really test ridden it yet to see the difference--the trails around here will be slop for the next several weeks. It didn't feel much different going up and down the street, though.
As in the G2 assembly uppers would change the offset of the older 38mm versions? What would the modification of using the G2 do in terms of actual offset to the older 38mm REBA fork?
If I was going to go full upgrade - I would probably swing for a 15mm TA since most of my wheels would work (thanks to hubs that convert easily between 9mm and 15mm).
I'm sorry the perspective is not the same... maybe next weekend I'll get some better photos if youre interested.
I'm normally comfortable with the 90mm position for climbing and descending, but the 120mm travel gives you a more relaxed position for hard descents and an extra bottom bracket clearance (I use 185mm cranks).
I was looking for a 80mm fork, but I show this one on german ebay, and the price was a bargain because it was the 2009 model. It's not as lightweight as I wanted, but the 90-120mm option worths it
All of the offset is in the fork crown, so this will change your fork's offset from 38mm to 51, while using the lowers and internals from your current Reba.
No help on the TA, though.
Originally Posted by BruceBrown
As in the G2 assembly uppers would change the offset of the older 38mm versions? What would the modification of using the G2 do in terms of actual offset to the older 38mm REBA fork?
If I was going to go full upgrade - I would probably swing for a 15mm TA since most of my wheels would work (thanks to hubs that convert easily between 9mm and 15mm).
I'm sorry the perspective is not the same... maybe next weekend I'll get some better photos if youre interested.
I'm normally comfortable with the 90mm position for climbing and descending, but the 120mm travel gives you a more relaxed position for hard descents and an extra bottom bracket clearance (I use 185mm cranks).
I was looking for a 80mm fork, but I show this one on german ebay, and the price was a bargain because it was the 2009 model. It's not as lightweight as I wanted, but the 90-120mm option worths it
Looks good as pictured. The U-Turn sounds fun. When you flip the lever for it to go into 90mm mode - does it stay there until you flip the lever back to 120mm?
I guess my concern would be voiding the warranty on my Dos frame and the handling in the 120mm mode. I think Fox makes a similar type of fork with 120/95mm options which would be great on my RIP 9.
The U-Turn sounds fun. When you flip the lever for it to go into 90mm mode - does it stay there until you flip the lever back to 120mm?
The U-turn, as the name says, is a U made of steel:
So as you turn it the travel varies a bit on each click like: 90-92.5-95-97.5-100-102.5-105-107.5-110-112.5-115-117.5-120 And it works even if you dont stop
Sure wish we could hear a leak of Salsa's plans for the next generation.
Well, my guess is the tapered head tube will be an addition (based on the new Mariachi). That combined with the ability to run the angle set headset would give some nice options up front for fork travel and angles. Most likely a geometry tweak so that 100mm fork is the new standard as opposed to the 80mm fork.
In the meantime, I'm trying to figure out my next move fork wise with the current silver back Dos. I've got to look at A/C measurements, travel, adjustments and do some experimenting.
At the very least, my old REBA Race (2005-2008 Generation) set at 80mm needs an overhaul. It's not working too well.
I believe the A/C measurement is 490mm on my Reba. New Fox forks with 80mm have 10mm less in the A/C measurement which means the Fox 100mm would only be 10mm taller in the A/C measurement over my current Reba Race. Either way 80 or 100mm, a Fox is going to be -.5 or +.5 degree difference than my current Reba at 80mm. That's probably not enough to make much difference - plus my old offset of 38mm would probably mean a new 100mm Fox fork with the 46mm offset would be just as "quick" in the corners. But those of you who have experimented with 120mm - wow! That sounds like a huge difference far from what the bike was designed around and worries me about frame integrity and handling (although I'd love to throw one on for a ride or two and see exactly for myself).
Curious for those of you who have run the 100 and 120mm forks - what were the A/C measurements and what amount of sag did you run in the fork on the Dos Niner?
Has anybody taken the spacer out of a REBA and trimmed it in half so travel could be set at 90mm? I was thinking of giving that a try when I open up my fork for an overhaul.
I believe those would be good guesses. As for myself, it looks like I won't be able to transplant my 80mm Lefty SL to very many new frames moving forward because of the move to 100mm forks that you mentioned. I hope I can keep the 2009 Dos Niner rolling, and uncracked, as a second bike, because I plan to buy a new bike this Fall.
The rumors, yet again, of a 29er Scalpel from Cannondale abound. I'm guessing Salsa is going to go with aluminum for the Dos Niner but I wonder if there will be changes to the rear end; I suspect that there will be.
I believe those would be good guesses. As for myself, it looks like I won't be able to transplant my 80mm Lefty SL to very many new frames moving forward because of the move to 100mm forks that you mentioned. I hope I can keep the 2009 Dos Niner rolling, and uncracked, as a second bike, because I plan to buy a new bike this Fall.
The rumors, yet again, of a 29er Scalpel from Cannondale abound. I'm guessing Salsa is going to go with aluminum for the Dos Niner but I wonder if there will be changes to the rear end; I suspect that there will be.
As to your Lefty and Dos combo - enjoy it for as long as the frame lasts. Seems like the prior generation Dos (Verde Green) had a 4 - 5 year lifespan. Time will tell if beefing up things a bit mean the orange peel and silver frames last the same amount of time or longer. I'm voting for longer, but am prepared for the same lifespan as my Verde Green gave me.
I took the spacer out of my old REBA Race on the Dos yesterday and overhauled the fork. I took it for a test ride just as things were getting dark after work last night. Biggest difference I note is the fork is now working properly again. Boy, was it ever due for service!!! The 100mm on the Dos reminds me of the way my JET 9 running 100mm handles in the corners. I ran the JET with a REBA Race set at 80mm for a season and switched to 100mm last season, so the Dos fork travel change reminds me a lot of what I went through with the JET. Not bad at all. I'll have to get some more ride time on it to decide if I will keep it there, but it feels pretty good in spite of the 1 degree change in angle. I took off some of my mega spacer stack to account for the higher cockpit with the fork travel change and get me back down to my preferred bar height. I'd just like one ride on Alberto's Dos with that fork of his to say I've tried all forms of travel up front on a Dos....
If I do upgrade and get away from the older noodle REBA, I think one of the Fox XC forks with Terralogic and a 15mm TA would be my choice. It sounds like an excellent fork to run with the Dos for XC racing. $900 - $1000 for an XC fork just baffles me, but maybe a sale or a used one will crop up at some point that perks my interest.
Don't Lefty's come in a variety of travel ranges? I remember poking around at Project 321's website last year, but would assume no matter what your next frame is that you should be able to Leftify it.
BB
Last edited by BruceBrown; 03-02-2011 at 05:58 AM.
I took the spacer out of my old REBA Race on the Dos yesterday and overhauled the fork. I took it for a test ride just as things were getting dark after work last night. Biggest difference I note is the fork is now working properly again.
Got 2 hours on frozen dirt this morning with the 100mm REBA. Very nice. Even after trimming 20mm of steerer tube off and removing some spacers - bar feels a bit high, but I can always trim again. For now, it's staying as the bike handled just as well with 100mm up front on dirt as with 80mm.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7166535@N05/5503523976/" title="Dos Niner with 100mm REBA by singingsingletracker, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5218/5503523976_72386bbc88_b.jpg" width="1024" height="686" alt="Dos Niner with 100mm REBA" /></a>
Bad mojo, speaking of the devil I guess. I cracked my 2009 Dos Niner last week in two places. There are actually two cracks on the drive side chainstay weld and a big crack on the seatpost collar. I shipped it off to Salsa earlier this week and I'm hoping for the best.
Bad mojo, speaking of the devil I guess. I cracked my 2009 Dos Niner last week in two places. There are actually two cracks on the drive side chainstay weld and a big crack on the seatpost collar. I shipped it off to Salsa earlier this week and I'm hoping for the best.
Oh
How is this happened? Have you photos of the cracks?
Bad mojo, speaking of the devil I guess. I cracked my 2009 Dos Niner last week in two places. There are actually two cracks on the drive side chainstay weld and a big crack on the seatpost collar. I shipped it off to Salsa earlier this week and I'm hoping for the best.
Ouch. Only 20 months out of the silver frame for you. All the best for whatever comes next.
Thanks for the concern, I'll post photos after Salsa has had a chance to do their inspection and made their determination.
Incidentally in getting with Salsa, I did get the scoop that the new Mamasita will be introduced this summer. No word about a new Dos Niner.
Keep us updated on your Dos...I have a 2010 silver Dos myself but only one season of racing/riding it. Here is a link to a thread on the new Mamasita....
Anyone put a G2 geometry fork on a Dos Niner - I've seen a few on Craigs, and wonder how it would handle with a bit more length. More stable, less quick, is likely the answer, but just checking with others out there.
I'll answer my own question - A G2 offset Fox F29 100mm is a super sweet addition to one of these bikes. I was running a 2009 80mm Reba Dual-Air, nice fork and light (3.6lbs) for the price. The Fox is stiffer, and gives me another inch of wheelbase.
The particular issue I was trying to solve is that I am 5'8", so right where a small/medium frame choice comes into play. I chose the small for that critical 3/4" standover, and had no issue with fit or toe overlap until I put a 2.3 Eskar on it, combined with winter toe boots. Overlap. Uggh.
With the G2 offset, I get more of a medium wheelbase feel. The fork being stiffer makes up for the added length and feels just as quick/precise. The G2 weighted 3.85lbs so a slight weight penalty. The Fox was $300 used, so selling my Reba will cover some of that cost.
i've got a 80mm fox G2 on my DosNiner
i didn't changed the rest of the setup
So the whell is further in front. This is good downhill, not so good on flat where you have to put more weight on the front (tha't why proper G2 geometry use longuer stems).
The bike turns more when leaned to the side. This is what i was lookink for and it worked.
By the way i discoverd a crack at the shock weld on my orange Dos.
I have an interesting creaking coming from my 2009 Dos…. Assistance is appreciated.
The sound is coming from the seat post area. I have greased BOTH the seat post clamp itself as well as the post and the rails….
If I press down on the top tube with the seat post in the bike I get a creak and if I take out the seat post it is gone. Thoughts on this one? Could it be a stress point in the Scandium or something? I don't see and cracks
I have an interesting creaking coming from my 2009 Dos…. Assistance is appreciated.
The sound is coming from the seat post area. I have greased BOTH the seat post clamp itself as well as the post and the rails….
If I press down on the top tube with the seat post in the bike I get a creak and if I take out the seat post it is gone. Thoughts on this one? Could it be a stress point in the Scandium or something? I don't see and cracks
tom
Seatpost greased? How about the saddle and the rails? Grease the clamp bolts on the post and lightly grease the saddle's rails as well. Reinstall and see if that helps. Tracking down a squeak/creak sometimes can take a while. It could be BB, pedals, pedal/cleat interface, skewer, etc.... .
Bruce is spot on....disassemble, clean, and lighty grease EVERY metal on metal point of contact. Rails, post, entire post clamp assembly, seat post clamp bolt, seat post clamp threads, etc. At one point I removed the Relish shock and greased all those contact points as well.
"Big Gulps huh?...Allllriggghhht....Welp, See ya later!"
I have an interesting creaking coming from my 2009 Dos…. Assistance is appreciated.
The sound is coming from the seat post area. I have greased BOTH the seat post clamp itself as well as the post and the rails….
If I press down on the top tube with the seat post in the bike I get a creak and if I take out the seat post it is gone. Thoughts on this one? Could it be a stress point in the Scandium or something? I don't see and cracks
tom
Check your Relish shock too. Every time I would wash my 2009 Dos the rubber seal on the shock strut would squeak....it initially sounded like a seat post creaking but I eventually narrowed it down to the shock. I just dribbled some Tri Flow on the shock strut to lube the rubber seal and the squeak went away.
Thanks fellas. This is not my first rodeo. I have greased everything....
It was just odd that if the seatpost is in and the clamp is tightened that i get a creak by just putting my hand on the top tube an pressing down a little. Without the seat post there is no sound at all.... back to the SS (quiet and simple)
Just wanteed to see if anyone else had this issue.
Just did the spring cleaning thing on my Dos after it's first ride this season. Been on the SS since last November. I had a creak which caused a strip/rebuild, Basically echoing what Bruce said. Lubed up the Thomoson hardware, tube and clamp, pulled the BB and lubed the external cups and crank spindle and re-torqued everything. Creak is gone for now. Let's hope it stays that way!
Just an update, rode the Dos today and the creak is still there. I have e-mailed Salsa and asked them what they think. I am concerned that I have a crack under the paint that I can't see.
Allright it took a bit of doing but I've gotten confirmation that my warranty replacement is authorized and I should be getting a new Spearfish frame in a couple of weeks. Thanks to Salsa for getting this done, I can't complain, what with the anticipation of a great replacement.
Of course I'd be happy to have the Dos Niner back, but this frame should build up well next to my hardtail. As the Spearfish was intended, it'll be used as a 100-miler bike next year.
Of course a new Dos could probably fulfill both of those roles, but I've been needing more than one MTB for quite some time to keep me rolling.
Here's the photos of the damage. On the bottom bracket you can see one crack clearly. It's not apparent in the photo, but there is another small crack just below it and to the left. Once both cracks connected, I imagine the chainstay's separation from the bottom bracket wouldn't be far behind.
The second photo shows a large crack in the seatpost collar. This was an issue that was debatable between Salsa and I; I thought that I had good minimum insertion but the crack indicated that may not have been the case. Word to the wise: Get yourself a nice long seatpost for your Dos Niner.
Originally Posted by mblock
Keep us updated on your Dos...I have a 2010 silver Dos myself but only one season of racing/riding it. Here is a link to a thread on the new Mamasita....
The second photo shows a large crack in the seatpost collar. This was an issue that was debatable between Salsa and I; I thought that I had good minimum insertion but the crack indicated that may not have been the case. Word to the wise: Get yourself a nice long seatpost for your Dos Niner.
Ouch, how much seatpost was inserted in the frame?
My initial thoughts tell me if the crack was small enough to be hidden by paint then it would not make such an obvious creak. I also don't think it would disappear after a strip down/rebuild and then suddenly re-appear.
It's a pain in the ass but you need to start swapping individual parts and run through the process of elimination.
replace pedals, creak still present, OK it's not the pedals, relace BB, creak still there, OK it's not the BB....repeat
Hopefully you have spare parts, etc.
"Big Gulps huh?...Allllriggghhht....Welp, See ya later!"
So I've been riding this bike on the trails as a 2 x 9 and thought that I could make a hell of a light all day riding SS out of this bike.... HOLY CRAP... this thing rocks.
I weighed it in at about 25lbs for a large. I say about because I did the bathroom scale thing (will get a better reading soon).
Anyway I can change this back to a 2 x 9 in 30 min but I don't see that happening unless we go west to Pisgah or something.
All in all very happy other than the damn creaking that just won't go away.
P.S.
Adding a Cane Creek 110 I got on sale for $58 from Chain reaction... check em out if they still gottem.
So I've been riding this bike on the trails as a 2 x 9 and thought that I could make a hell of a light all day riding SS out of this bike.... HOLY CRAP... this thing rocks.
I weighed it in at about 25lbs for a large. I say about because I did the bathroom scale thing (will get a better reading soon).
Anyway I can change this back to a 2 x 9 in 30 min but I don't see that happening unless we go west to Pisgah or something.
All in all very happy other than the damn creaking that just won't go away.
P.S.
Adding a Cane Creek 110 I got on sale for $58 from Chain reaction... check em out if they still gottem.
Very cool. I ran a DOS as a SS (32X17 magic gear) for a couple months and was surprised how well it performed. It maintains speed brilliantly.
My DOS keeps creaking too - in the front, and only when pulling on the bars (mainly standing climbs). I put on an old stem and bars, but that didn't change a thing. Is this your experience?
Very cool. I ran a DOS as a SS (32X17 magic gear) for a couple months and was surprised how well it performed. It maintains speed brilliantly.
My DOS keeps creaking too - in the front, and only when pulling on the bars (mainly standing climbs). I put on an old stem and bars, but that didn't change a thing. Is this your experience?
Thanks.
I'm running a 32 x 19 just because I had it laying around. Will likely put on a 18 soon and leave it there.
As for the creaking… it creaks with the seat post in only. No seat (trials style) and creak free. I'm calling Salsa today to get some other opinions. I have to date done the following.
- cleaned and reinstalled BB
- rebuilt pedals (SPDs)
- greased seat post and rails
- put Teflon tape in-between the clamp and seat collar
- lubed the Relish shock normal areas
All in all it seams that when the seat post is snugged up the scandium has little flex this it is getting a stress (creaking) point in the frame. If I touch the top tube with my finger with a little pressure it creaks. Who knows.. If it breaks it breaks.. But creaking is the worst on a SS….
All in all it seams that when the seat post is snugged up the scandium has little flex this it is getting a stress (creaking) point in the frame. If I touch the top tube with my finger with a little pressure it creaks. Who knows.. If it breaks it breaks.. But creaking is the worst on a SS….
Mine creaks too but I think I may have pinpointed it to the rear cable where it contacts the cable stop. Not 100% sure that the seatpost isn't making some noise also, but I know the cable does.
Mine creaks too but I think I may have pinpointed it to the rear cable where it contacts the cable stop. Not 100% sure that the seatpost isn't making some noise also, but I know the cable does.
I have no cables now other than brakes... creak is still there... oah well... thank god for iPods and good sounding 240s hubs with 36 ratchet
shiny green dos niner with stans ztr crest hoops, fsa carbon cockpit, RS Reba and a mix mosh of a drive train that weighs in just over 24 lbs. Have about 50 miles on her and am enjoying both the bike and 29er experience. once she gets rolling she moves nice, is fairly nimble and the 1" helps take some of the chatter out. A great compliment to my 5" titus ML and my new enduro race bike
Well, I have wanted one of these bad boys for some time. My buddy just hooked me up and I am pretty stoked!
2006-7ish?? Dos Niner size Large Green
2010 RockShox Reba Race RL 100mm
Bontrager Race X Lite Wheels
Bontrager XDX tires - running tubeless
Bontrager Hubs
Chris King Headset
Bontrager Race xXx Lite Carbon straight bars
Thomson Elite X4
Shimano XT Disc Brakes
Bontrager Race xXx Lite Carbon Seatpost
Terry Firefly Saddle
Everything else Shimano XT Cranks, 2x9, Derailer, yadda yadda yadda
Anyway, just wanted to say hello and say it feels pretty great to be part of this Cult, errr, I mean family! Yeehaaa
I liked the Dos Niner concept since the moment I laid eyes on one, but it didn't come to my attention until shortly before they went out of production. I was looking for a lightly used Dos before settling on my Spearfish. Well, yesterday was my lucky day!! A fellow Salsa owner took notice of my bike at the trail head and after talking for a few minutes he joined my friend and I for our ride. About 2 miles in we swapped bikes, what are the odds of finding another 6'4" 185lb guy to trade with? I must admit I was horribly hungover (so bad I had to stop and give my breakfast back to the earth), but the Dos was incredible. So quick, so predictable and wow does it like to climb. Needless to say, I am back on the hunt for a used XL Dos Niner to build up. I am jealous of you all!
My Dos has joined the cracked club, cracked thru the pinch bolt tabs on the Relish shock. I waited to post until I spoke to Salsa and my replacement rig is on the way! AMAZING customer service!!! Looking forward to building and riding my new Salsa product! The Dos was a great ride and I am sure that my Spearfish will be nothing less!
Just an update: The Spearfish arrived as promised and it went together smoothly. The green paint w/ the black swingarm is simply amazing. Built up to 27lbs, which isn't too bad for a large frame. I may get some carbon bars and am definitely going to pick up a new XT 2x crank. Just need the rain to stop so I can ride it!
I might have one in the near future and would like to have a stiff fork on it.
Can you recommend one? Want it to be as high as possible in the front.
Rigid stiff, or suspension stiff?
100mm is as high as I would go on a Dos (or rather 95mm to 105mm to be more specific). Any more and you are going to suffer with a slack head angle for high speed XC riding through the tight stuff.
Stiff? Get a TA up front. Or some carbon wheels as well and you'll have a stiff front end. Plenty to choose from between RockShox and Fox.
100mm is as high as I would go on a Dos (or rather 95mm to 105mm to be more specific). Any more and you are going to suffer with a slack head angle for high speed XC riding through the tight stuff.
Stiff? Get a TA up front. Or some carbon wheels as well and you'll have a stiff front end. Plenty to choose from between RockShox and Fox.
Meant a rigid fork and I want to use it with a drop bar thats why i want it t be as high as possible(without sacrificing the ride).
I'm probably buying an '08 Orange Dos Niner this Saturday. Do these crack a lot at the chain stay and bottom braket? I was concerned about this, considering there's a shock with a pivot point.
Here's a better pic of the Dos Niner I just picked up today. I still need to install the FD. And I need to add some chain.
Nice! I have an orange too, it such a good bike. I also had a stiff fork at first and now i have a 100mm Reba but i actially liked it better with the stiff.
Think im gonna put it back on
Nice! I have an orange too, it such a good bike. I also had a stiff fork at first and now i have a 100mm Reba but i actially liked it better with the stiff.
Think im gonna put it back on
Ouch! More power to you. Even with the 100mm REBA, large volume tubeless tires - the bike can be rough on my back and neck compared to my full suspension bikes. No surprise there, but with proper tires and air pressure - most of that roughness can be mitigated.
Of course, it's a dream when compared to a cyclocross bike and the pounding one takes on hammering a rough course during a cyclocross race.
I would think the Dos Niner frame's longevity would be better (as in longer) with a suspension fork compared to running it rigid.
Mine is pretty dang comfy with the big squish tires set at a low psi (around 19-20 psi) and 100mm fork...
This is my Salsa,
this is my second 29 "
The first one was Haro Mery SS rigid
This is a very fun bike, and extremely rare in my country
I look forward to Future Rides
This is my Salsa,
this is my second 29 "
The first one was Haro Mery SS rigid
This is a very fun bike, and extremely rare in my country
I look forward to Future Rides
greeting!!!
Nice looking Dos Niner, Zumberak! Enjoy it once the winter is gone.
Wow, I am intrigued by the Dos Niners, have been ever since I first saw them, back in 2008. I think I now want one....can you guys educate me.....What was the last year of production, 2010? What year was it when they strengthened the chain stay BB joint, to help prevent the cracking. Thanks
Wow, I am intrigued by the Dos Niners, have been ever since I first saw them, back in 2008. I think I now want one....can you guys educate me.....What was the last year of production, 2010? What year was it when they strengthened the chain stay BB joint, to help prevent the cracking. Thanks
This will be my 5th season on it and everything still looks good, but 4-5 years for a Scandium frame is just about all that one can expect out of it. Others, even with the slippery silver frame, experienced cracks and breaks much earlier. Mine shares time in the garage with other bikes, so most likely accounts for the extended duration I am getting out of it.
If you are shopping around for a used one, just be aware that the life expectancy is what it is and buying at this point means (unless the frame is still new in the box or simply has not been ridden much), you are at the tail end of what one could expect to get out of this frame.
Thinking about buying a used dos niner frame set to build. I know the earlier versions of this frame were prone to cracking issues and discontinued. Found one locally and I'm thinking about it. Anyone own one and thoughts on this build?
I had the older version and it broke at the dropouts. Salsa was fantastic and warrantied it very quickly. The newer edition (2010, I think) had an extra welded section. I haven't had any issues.
An engineer friend said that a frame like this is probably better suited to smaller riders (something about lever arms and flex at that joint, not to mention weight).
Hope that helps.
kendalja, "buyer beware". I bought a used Dos back in the day, same model by the way. I put less than 200 miles on it before I cracked the chainstay. Used frame, I was poop out of luck. I knew it going in, so I hold no malice towards Salsa and would buy from them again.
kendalja, "buyer beware". I bought a used Dos back in the day, same model by the way. I put less than 200 miles on it before I cracked the chainstay. Used frame, I was poop out of luck. I knew it going in, so I hold no malice towards Salsa and would buy from them again.
Pretty much deemed that 4-5 years out of the Dos frame was about the life expectancy if ridden on a regular basis. Hard to say how much riding was done on the frame Kendalja is looking at, but be realistic in terms of how long it would last.
My silver Dos is still going, but I don't ride it that often. I did race it on Sunday for the first time this year and realized how much I missed it.
I had so much fun, I took it out for an early morning training ride this AM and am pleased I've been able to get a few years out of the silver frame with no issues (silver frame replaced the dark green version that cracked at the start of its 5th year of service)...
Makes me wish they still made it and I had an option when this one burns out.
Year 7 of my Slippery Silver begins with a complete makeover!
All that remains is the frame, the Chris King headset, and the bottle cage. The rest is new thanks to some great sales going on here and there.
Took it down to 21.62 pounds for the size XL...
Initial ride with the nearly 3 pound weight loss from the former build, stiffer fork, 15mm TA, wider bars and carbon, XL grips, lighter wheels, 1 x 11 XTR, carbon cranks, etc... had a lot of new tech things for me to review compared to the previous incarnation.
Wow - totally different bike now and I am impressed after my first initial 10 miles on singletrack.
Custom Fox stickers to match the frame...
And of course one for the arch...
70mm stem, final fork cut, final brake line cut...
Before (left side of spreadsheet0 and after (right side) weight...
I may be the only remaining member of the Dos Niner fan club.
Last edited by BruceBrown; 04-16-2016 at 03:21 AM.
Nice! I'm looking at an update as well... thinking of swapping rims and trying to fit some 27.5 x 2.8 kicks in there. Anyone know if that would fit?
Pretty dang tight fit for a 2.4 Ardent in the rear of the Dos - in fact, unless one is running stiff carbon rims you'll get rub with a 2.4. Not to rain on the 2.8 parade, but I doubt they would fit.
I may be the only remaining member of the Dos Niner fan club.
I might have still been a silent member except for one niggling new feature of a frame that I bought new. Even though I probably got my money's worth out of the frame, I nonetheless feel like a guinea pig. I am not hard on equipment and I have never broken a frame before, much less had one spontaneously self-destruct while JRA as this did. Fortunately, not far from home. But now knowing that this was a ticking time bomb, I cringe when I think of places I rode it where a broken frame would have been an extreme inconvenience, at the very least.
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Originally Posted by quagmire_1985
I'd probably outfit one with both the drop bar brake levers as well as the inline bar cyclocross levers to give me plenty of options with 4 brake levers. 
SS Set-ups
!!
! The exact model is ' RS Reba Team 29" ' PushLoc U-Turn 2009 90-120mm with 20mm axel, so I can change the travel from 90mm to 120mm.
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