please help....
01-03-06, 10:45 AM
#1
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please help....
I recently got a Santa Cruz SL with 5th element, was riding a hard tail previously. My problem is this......my front wheel loses traction and comes up on climbs of any grade, even when I scoot to the nose of the saddle and pull down on the bars! I hate riding this bike and wonder if it is the fit vs shock(s) vs me! I just hate that I dropped $$$ on a bike and hate it now! My LBS fitted me on it....to no avail! So far I am completely unimpressed with the Superlight.....will try a different rear shock. I would appreciate any suggestions!
01-03-06, 10:54 AM
#2
Throw the stick!!!!
I honestly doubt that it is the shock or the frame. The Superlight is an awesome frame, I rode one for 2 1/2 years. It was an awesome climber. I would say the problem is more likely a combination of the following; fit, shock set up, or rider.
I doubt that there is any reason for a new rear shock. The fifth element is a very nice shock.
Oh yeah, how long have you been riding? How long have you been riding this bike? When I first went from my Superlight to my Truth I had problems climbing as well. My front tire always drifted. A lot of times it just takes some time riding the bike and getting used to it.
I doubt that there is any reason for a new rear shock. The fifth element is a very nice shock.
Oh yeah, how long have you been riding? How long have you been riding this bike? When I first went from my Superlight to my Truth I had problems climbing as well. My front tire always drifted. A lot of times it just takes some time riding the bike and getting used to it.
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01-03-06, 11:01 AM
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I ride a small frame (5'7", 30" inseam) with a short stem (I want to say 80mm). My road bike is a 54cm with 100mm stem. I was wondering if the top tube length was too short?
01-03-06, 11:06 AM
#4
Throw the stick!!!!
Will the shop you purchased your bike from allow you to try out some different length stems?
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01-03-06, 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by austie
I recently got a Santa Cruz SL with 5th element, was riding a hard tail previously. My problem is this......my front wheel loses traction and comes up on climbs of any grade, even when I scoot to the nose of the saddle and pull down on the bars! I hate riding this bike and wonder if it is the fit vs shock(s) vs me! I just hate that I dropped $$$ on a bike and hate it now! My LBS fitted me on it....to no avail! So far I am completely unimpressed with the Superlight.....will try a different rear shock. I would appreciate any suggestions!
Also, I have my rear shock set pretty tight (Fox RP3); since I too was used to a hardtail, works fine for me this way, and perhaps that cuts down on some of the climbing bob.
Good luck!
01-03-06, 12:06 PM
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Yeah I am sure they will. I just measured it.... 90mm. My effective top tuble length is significantly shorter on my SL than my road. So I will try a longer stem....thanks.
01-03-06, 12:09 PM
#7
Throw the stick!!!!
Also give what litespeed said some consideration. A lower handlebar position could possibly be the solution as well.
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01-03-06, 12:19 PM
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Thanks for the advice. Seems as if I could have just gotten the Medium size frame. Will definately try the longer stem and drop the bars first!
01-03-06, 12:42 PM
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I always found steep climbs to be a compromise between RW traction and FW lift. I just stand up and lean forward enough to keep the front wheel down. Your description "even when I scoot to the nose of the saddle" sounds like maybe you need to stand up to transfer more weight on this bike.
01-03-06, 12:56 PM
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+1 to a longer stem and lower bars. It might take a while to find a happy medium between climbing and descending, as going with too long a stem will make downhills a lot harder. Also, you may need to shift even farther forward past the nose of the saddle. You will end up sort of hovering just in front of your saddle and pedalling. Not entirely comfortable, but quite effective.
