New bike... need help!!!
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New bike... need help!!!
Post by lorifrank on Aug 7, 2007, 12:37pm
I'm making the plunge, and buying a new bike, I've taken Brad's advice and have decided to buy a Santa Cruz Heckler. What I'd like is input on the components based on my 6'4" 225lb frame...
Decided...
Heckler x-large frame, SPX XC package (XT components)
Undecided...
Fork options... 32 Talas rlc , 32 Float rlc or 32 Vanilla rlc
Rear shock options... Float R, DHX 5 Air, DHX 5 Coil
Wheels... the package choosen comes with DT XR 4.2d rims laced to DT 340 hubs w/ DT 14/15 spokes, I'm wondering if these are suitable for my weight.
I'm heading in on Sat. to place my deposit, and would really appreciate some input.
thanks in advance,
Frank
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by brad on Aug 7, 2007, 12:48pm
Sweeeeet! You'll LOVE it!
I have a FOX Vanilla 125 R on mine and I really like it. I've always thought I was too big to run an air fork, but others might have a different opinion. I've heard some less-than-great reviews recently on the Talas - sounds like they've had some quality problems???
Shock - same air comment as above. If/when my 5th Element shock blows again, I'll drop the $$$ on the DHX coil. I've heard great things about them.
No idea on the wheels since I'm not familiar with any of them.
What colour are you looking at?
B
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by lorifrank on Aug 7, 2007, 12:55pm
either powdercoat liquid blue (dark blue) or anodized black
Can't wait to get on a reliable bike! and back on trails... rode Three Stages on Sun. on a rental hard tail Norco from Blue Mountain... I'm pretty sure I cracked a 12" diameter Maple tree trunk with my head on one wipeout
Frank
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by g on Aug 7, 2007, 12:58pm
Vanilla for you Frank. Can't you get a RLC ??
DHX coil, for sure. The rims will be fine.
What year will it be delivered?
Make sure they are firm on a delivery date.
-G
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by brad on Aug 7, 2007, 1:06pm
Quote:
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Those are the same colours I would/will look at if/when I replace my Heckler with the newest version.
OUCH! Nice! Hope the helmet survived...
G does have a point (at least a bit of one - but I still think he's bitter that SC isn't in his line-up anymore
). SC can be slow on delivery dates. Hopefully they'll give a firm commitment that they stick to.Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by lorifrank on Aug 7, 2007, 1:10pm
Excuse my lack of knowledge, not sure what RLC is? The options are based on the XC package, if I'd gone for the AM package, the options would be... Recon 351, Revelation 426, Pike 454 Dual Air, Lyrik 2-step (or the Talas, Float, Vanilla rc2 36).
As far as the delivery date, 8 to 10 weeks, (but honestly, I'd wait till spring if need be)... I just want a reliable bike!
Frank
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by brad on Aug 7, 2007, 1:12pm
Rebound Lockout Compression - three adjustments on the fork.
Mine is just the Vanilla "R" - I would love to have the Vanilla RLC.
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by lorifrank on Aug 7, 2007, 1:28pm
Brad, did you have the heavier springs in your Vanilla? I'm wondering if I should upgrade to the heavier "green" springs?
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by brad on Aug 7, 2007, 1:41pm
Yes, and yes!
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by g on Aug 7, 2007, 1:55pm
For the record.....
I'm not bitter. Disappointed more than anything. It was the salespersons choice, not SC. We will still sell allot of bikes every year with or without them, and it's more every year.
They have not had a dealer in Guelph since.
If they ever replace their sales guy, I'd be happy to sell their product again. I'd never burn a bridge.
Their bikes are great. I sold a ton of them for them, and would again. You just can't be in a hurry to get one. If your willing to wait, great. If you went in any shop and ordered a new model 2008 bike, you would wait for that too.
It's kinda like asking Barry Cullin what he thinks about the new F150 pick-up......
-G
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by jackp42 on Aug 7, 2007, 2:54pm
Like Glenn & Brad are recommending, I'd go coil front and rear unless you are really concerned about weight. Better suspension performance, more tunable and I think more reliable.
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by admin on Aug 7, 2007, 7:36pm
I have a XC heckler with the 125RLC with an air shock. The other heckler has a Fox 32 and a coil over shock. Both ride great. The FOX 36 is air, I like it a lot, no springs to worry about. It is so easy to change the travel on it to whatever you are riding.
DHX air for the shock would be what I would get. I see those on DH bikes @ Blue and there would be weight savings compared to a coil over.
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by morris on Aug 7, 2007, 8:05pm
Hi Frank,
I see everyone is making it easier to choose. Good thing you didn't ask which frame you should get.
I am vary pleased with the fork and shock on my 6.6. Fox 36 up front and DHX air on the rear. Not that i beat the crap out of my stuff but this bike has preformed nicely the way it's set up.
That said I am only 170lbs and if i were 200+ i would go with a coil over rear, front not so.
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by thumbies on Aug 7, 2007, 8:26pm
I have a 07 32 Vanilla RLC on my Stinky, and an old 125 RL on my hardtail....i love Fox products. I have also been testing a TALAS RLC for the last couplea weeks...I love the travel adjust option...i use it a lot, especially for those steep climbs that i seem to be attracted to. Anyway, travel-wise the Vanilla kills the TALAS (except for the travel adjust feature....which has been totally removed from the Vanilla for 07...no even internal adjustment.) The TALAS has more initial stiction, so its not as active on the smaller bumps but once you get it moving it just plunges through the first 50% of its travel....then it takes more force to get the rest of the travel. They say that its linear but it aint, not like a good ole reliable coil spring. Furthermore, coil springs dont have the seasonal variances either...so less fiddling based on outdoor temperatures (a 27 degree C change in temp = 10% change in air pressure). If you dont want to screw around with your fork, the Vanilla is a tried and true platform and is buttery smooth.
I also have a coil Pike and love, love, LOVE it! The MAXLE thru axle is fantastic design and the fork just works. Teh travel adjust feature is not as nice as the TALAS but its still pretty easy to change travel through 45 mm (95 to 140) in about 10 seconds. A reliable platform as well, and cheaper than Fox methinks.
As far as rear goes, I think you would be happiest with a coil shock, although i think the Heckler benefits from having some level of platform (compression damping) adjustability. The float is pretty much set and forget...and you can send it away to PUSH industries to have the platform optimized for your bike, body weight and riding style...about 150$. Both the dhx 5 platforms have tons of fiddly adjustability...which is good if you like making adjustments. The coil version probably adds 500 g+ to the weight (er...mass)
good luck on decision making, whatever you decide on, I am postiive that you will hbe happy with the Heckler. There have been some recent reviews of the new Heckler in the magazines...i can fish for them if you haven't already read...
Dave
Re: New bike... need help!!!
Post by lorifrank on Aug 7, 2007, 9:36pm
Thank you all,
It seems the the way to go is DHX 5 Coil and Fox Vanilla, I'm not overly concerned about the weight gain. According to the Santa Cruz bike builder chart, this combo is rated at 27.59lbs (which I think is for the medium frame... so possibly tack on a few more pounds for the x-large frame)... All I have left to choose is colour?!?
It's going to be a long 2 to 3 months ahead for me!
F