As many of you know, I started off in this forum because it's where I thought I belonged with my BOC. After many arguments, discussions, pleasant conversations, research, and downright helpful hints, I discovered some interesting things about the 90's suspension bikes.
In my quest for parts, I ended up picking up 4) CT FS bikes, 1) CT hardtail, 1) 1996 Amp Research, 1) 1994 Proflex 756, a 96 Adroit, a 99 Attitude V, and a 2000 Turner XC.
As I rode the CT FS bike, I began to see room for improvement in suspension travel front and rear. I started off with a 2.3" travel rock shock in the front and a 1" stroke Fox Alps5 rear. It handled fairly well but didn't have enough travel for the plethora of rocks and roots found here in Va.
I upgraded the fork to an Answer Minute with 140mm travel and a 1.75" Alps rear. This changed the geometry significantly and ended up making my butt positioned almost directly over the rear axle with the help of a layback Thompson post. This gave me the power to climb hills easier and to clear obstacles much easier because the front end was much lighter. This is and has been a SS setup for clarification.
Changing the gear ratio from 32/17 to 32/21 has made it much easier to climb hills although I still walk a fair amount of them.
I've been able to find the right stem length and since I didn't cut the steer tube, I was able to correctly find the right stem height for a near perfect custom fit for my height and reach.
After riding this bike for some time, I realized the need for full disc- rear rim brakes really suck when it comes time to stop a big gorilla like me. I need disc!
I find the Brake Therapy kit and price one out- with new rear wheel, hub, brakes, and kit, it's nearly $800.
I find 2 welders who worked on these bikes originally and get a quote from FTW to change the dropouts to sliders and add an adjustable rear disc bracket for a total of $900.
Castellano's new modern URT bike is $2300.
All of these options are too high for me, so I go in search of an XL frame. I settle on the Turner XC and am waiting to build it up. If I like the geometry and handling of this bike, I will seek an older Burner from 95-96 so I can still post comments here.
FTW did the welding on these bikes in the mid 90's and so much innovation and product R&D went into the 90's FS bikes that they revolutionized the way bikes are built today. The Horst link is still in use, the URT is still being made, the 4 bar is also widely used.
In my quest for parts, I ended up picking up 4) CT FS bikes, 1) CT hardtail, 1) 1996 Amp Research, 1) 1994 Proflex 756, a 96 Adroit, a 99 Attitude V, and a 2000 Turner XC.
As I rode the CT FS bike, I began to see room for improvement in suspension travel front and rear. I started off with a 2.3" travel rock shock in the front and a 1" stroke Fox Alps5 rear. It handled fairly well but didn't have enough travel for the plethora of rocks and roots found here in Va.
I upgraded the fork to an Answer Minute with 140mm travel and a 1.75" Alps rear. This changed the geometry significantly and ended up making my butt positioned almost directly over the rear axle with the help of a layback Thompson post. This gave me the power to climb hills easier and to clear obstacles much easier because the front end was much lighter. This is and has been a SS setup for clarification.
Changing the gear ratio from 32/17 to 32/21 has made it much easier to climb hills although I still walk a fair amount of them.
I've been able to find the right stem length and since I didn't cut the steer tube, I was able to correctly find the right stem height for a near perfect custom fit for my height and reach.
After riding this bike for some time, I realized the need for full disc- rear rim brakes really suck when it comes time to stop a big gorilla like me. I need disc!
I find the Brake Therapy kit and price one out- with new rear wheel, hub, brakes, and kit, it's nearly $800.
I find 2 welders who worked on these bikes originally and get a quote from FTW to change the dropouts to sliders and add an adjustable rear disc bracket for a total of $900.
Castellano's new modern URT bike is $2300.
All of these options are too high for me, so I go in search of an XL frame. I settle on the Turner XC and am waiting to build it up. If I like the geometry and handling of this bike, I will seek an older Burner from 95-96 so I can still post comments here.
FTW did the welding on these bikes in the mid 90's and so much innovation and product R&D went into the 90's FS bikes that they revolutionized the way bikes are built today. The Horst link is still in use, the URT is still being made, the 4 bar is also widely used.