Mountain Biking - Saris Bike Beam or similar...

I've got two purchases in mind for the near future. The first is a trunk rack for occasionally taking my bike to trails within 1-2 hour's drive. I considered other racks, but given the limited use it will see and the fact that I don't plan on keeping my current car too many years, it doesn't seem wise to spend too much money.

The other is a FS bike. In particular, I've been watching for a good deal on an Intense Tracer frame to build up (I waited too long on my last opportunity :mad: ), which doesn't have a straight top tube. So, has anybody used the Saris Bike Beam or a similar product? Is it stable? Is it easy to remove at the trailhead?

Saris Bike Beam (http://www.graberproducts.com/products/bikebeam.htm)

Bump.

Looks like maybe no one's tried it, but maybe it just got missed by being posted right after DNS disappeared :eek:

My buddy uses one on his Cannondale SuperV. Don't know if it's specifically a Saris, but it works very well. Only takes him a few seconds to put it on his bike and then he throws it on his hitch mounted rack.

As far as an Intense, get one! You should've bought that Haro when you had the chance. I've got a "favorite search" saved on EBay to notify me when there are new listings for "Intense", I think there is a frame only there right now.

Other similar bikes to consider along the same quality, are the Titus, and a Turner. Both great bikes.

Have you considered either the SC Blur or the Intense XVP? If I were building up a lightweight trailbike, I'd look into the new 5.5 as well. Intense has got two new colors this year. Powder Blue (Very sweet looking), and a Matte Black. Both limited colors. The Matte Black would be my preference!

L8R

A2, if only I had bought that Haro! :cry: I chalk that one up to relative inexperience on ebay...I waited too long on an outstanding buy-it-now deal.

As for other choices than Intense, I have definitely considered all those you listed. If I don't find any deals significantly lower than new MSRP on one of those rigs, even for moderately used, I'll wait another year and just go with a few small upgrades on my HT. Otherwise, I'm watching ebay, and a few different classifieds sites for Tracers, Blurs, Truths, 5-spots, Switchblades, etc. I think in the end it will be a Tracer, because that seems most appropriate to what I want to do and I have to pick only one. :D

I'm a little wary of the XVP. It's only been out for a year and I've seen more than one review indicating problems with longevity in the pivots. SC Blur seems to be a little stronger.

I was looking at Truth's before I bought my Uzzi, I read a lot of reviews and talked to a lot of Truth owners and they all seem to say that there was a significant problem with breaking of the rear end.

I spoke with one guy who went through 3 rear ends and finally switched to a Ventana.

I'll keep my eyes/ears peeled for a Tracer for you!

L8R

Hey Lucky,

Did you see this?: http://65.54.186.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=55837575f20e986f86d2ae3a41aa9272&lat=1081432849&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fcgi%2eebay%2ecom%2fws%2feBayISAPI%2edll%3fViewItem%26amp%3bitem%3d367121117 9%26amp%3bssPageName%3dADME%3aB%3aSS%3aUS%3a1

L8R

I use the Saris bike beam and have had no problems what so ever hauling my Rockhopper FSR

Thanks Raiyn. I assume then, your bike feels reassuringly secure hanging from your rack? BTW, what kind of rack do you have?

Thanks Raiyn. I assume then, your bike feels reassuringly secure hanging from your rack? BTW, what kind of rack do you have?
A Saris Bones 3 bike model