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Weagalize it!

8K views 88 replies 51 participants last post by  trailadvent 
#1 ·
I got out for a quick spin on my new ride yesterday, enjoying the mild late fall weather. I only had time for a short ride, so more saddle time is needed before I can really explore what the bike is capable of.
The frame weighed in at 6.75#, the same as my 07 RFX. The bike built up to almost exactly 30# with the build kit from my RFX.
Build highlights include: Fox 36 Talas, King/819 wheels, Formula Mega brakes (180/160 rotors), Thompson post and stem (70mm), King headset, Sunline V1 lo rise bars, XO drivetrain, WTB Laser V saddle.
I rode a trail that has some medium chunk and a number of smaller doubles and small rock drops mixed with fast hardpack.
The new 5 Spot felt very comfortable from the first moment in the saddle. The main difference I noticed immediately from the RFX was the lower BB and center of gravity, the second was how damn stiff the rear end is.
I slashed the bike into abrupt semi burmed corners as hard as I could and could not feel any deflection from the rear triangle. When pushed into a drift on sweeping high speed turns the rear would slide evenly and predictably without any of the chatter you get from a flexy rear end.
The 5 Spot jumps beautifully, neutral in the air and confidence inspiring.
The suspension feels deep. I didn't feel like I had given up almost an inch of travel from the RFX. I had a 05 Spot and I never felt like it had enough travel, it always felt more like a four inch bike. The new Spot descends like a six inch bike.
I was impressed by the pedaling as well, very firm under power but not locked out feeling like some other mini link designs.
More ride time is needed for sure, but I was more impressed than I expected to be.
Here are a couple of porn shots and poor quality, blurry, timer photo of the bike on the trail. I'll try to get some better 'action' shots over the next couple weeks.
 

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#8 ·
spectacular. these new built-up shots are changing my earlier emotional outburst views and i am now loving the dwl looks. MFC - mea culpa.

gotta ask, whattaya think of the cable routing? is the new taco front clearance too low to sneak thru cables, or is it the height of the ss rocker linkage that prohibits the old routing?
 
#17 ·
RenegadeSo guys said:
Interesting point. At the same fork height there is only 1/2 degree HA difference. That and perhaps a slightly beefier tube set are the only differences (maybe, not sure on this one)? Too bad the Spot doesn't have a one degree slacker HA. A 68 HA with a 130mm fork and 66.5 HA with a 160mm fork I imagine it would climb well while being a rip on the descents.
 
#19 ·
My '02 RFX sports a 67.5 degree HA with a 150mm 66 fork. I'm quite happy with that HA, and it appears I could duplicate that HA, or at least get a 68 degree HA, on the new spot, with the right fork. It has a nice BB height. When I said MOST people's 6 inch bike needs would be met; many current rfx owners are using the bike as their aggro all-mtn ride. I'm going to guess that the tubeset on the new spot can handle those duties quite adequately.
So again, why have this spot, a dumded- down RFX, and no highline in the line-up?
 
#20 ·
Bollocks that's lovely. I thought I had talked myself out of a Spot. Lower CoG and BB + stiffer rear sounds pretty tempting.

Definitely curious to hear your thoughts on the TNT RFX vs. the DW Spot.
Are there areas where the RFX felt better, with the extra travel?
I'd be interested in this too, when you've got some more ride time.
Stunning bike mate.
 
#21 ·
Very nice 1SR as always you build up a nice rig, the granny smith green looks stunning :thumbsup:


Like others have said, this maybe the first time Ive liked the bigger forks for the spot of course its all e-speculation on my part cause Ive never even touched one but it looks right balanced an ya reviews and feedback is always on the money for me:thumbsup:

So is the other half getting an upgrade too :D
 
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