Maelstrom 

I am looking to purchase a frame to build up for next summer. My bighit (old 2002 comp) has been treating me well but I feel the need for something new.

Which brings me to an asx. I have a line on a good price for it, I would have all the parts for it. But I wonder if good from 6'4inches to 7 inches would be signifigant. Biggest differences on paper are the extra travel, better shock and potentially more active suspension (I don't know for sure, but my bighit doesn't feel like it does much in the rough stuff)

So is it a worthwhile upgrade or should I suck it up and get something longer travel. I also have a line on a full 2006 atomik which is an option as it is more travel. This would be really cheap and I would have enough parts to finish my dj bike AND sell off some parts for more money. I just am concerned this bike won't be versatile enough as it does weight quite a bit more.

As for how I use the bike, some dh, some trails/freeriding. I tend to like to keep my bikes pretty versatile as the terrain around here warrants a lot of different riding styles.

Thoughts? Thanks

Dannihilator

I told you this last night and I will say it again, go with the yeti, would be the better all around bike in your situation.

dminor 

The ASX is DEFINITELY worth it!!! That is my ride. Depending on the year you are looking at, there's more than 7". Mine is a 2004 and with the swing link and dogbone modification they did for that year, it bumped it up to 7.5" Shucks, that's almost 8! If the shock is the 5th Element (they've switched to the DHX now), you will find that 7.5" nearly bottomless. Depending on the course I have either an 8" inverted or a 7" right-side-up dual-crown fork on it and either are a perfect marriage.
You will not be dissappointed. Listen to Papa (KonaRider24) and do as he says
Get a good chain guide, though. That single-pivot layout seems to create a lot of chain dynamics. Yeti recommends the e13.
This has been my only bike (trail, freeride and DH racing) for two seasons and I'm still in love with it. Check out this pict or read the "How to Get Sponsored" article in the November Mountain Bike Action and you'll see me perched on it and how I've set mine up. Welcome to the Tribe!

Maelstrom 

I would have an e13 drs to put on it. And the 7in 66rc for the front. It would be the 2006 with the dhx as well

dminor 

Perfect setup. Born for Whistler and the 'Shore. The Flowriders went to ASXs after they retired their DH9s.
Hit Original Sin with it for me when it dries out this season. What an unbelievable trail. The day we went, it had rained most of the week before and it was pure white-knuckle mud slide. Would have loved to try the chutes when it was a bit drier.

Maelstrom 

Well its my top consideration. I still have concerns as my buddy had it last year and blew the shock 3 times, and thats the only complaint I have seen. Guess I won't know till I try it.

Next time you are up try Gargamel and ride don't slide. Both good trails. Gargamel will take your head off if you aren't careful though

dminor 

Check the bearings in the dogbone and make sure that they are all in good order. It might just be that shock; but then again, notchy bearings could be causing some unwanted side-loads on the shock shaft. Mine were toast by early this season, but they're a standard size from the local industrial bearing house.

If the shock does act up again, contact Mike Mooneyham at Fox (if he's still there) -- absolutely one of the most helpful tech people I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with.

mtnbiker66

The Yeti sounds like a good frame. You do more gravity riding than most on here,so you know what you want out of a bike. Make sure you post pics when your done.

Maelstrom 

This looks so good too. More travel but less versatile...so many decisions...

dminor 

Whew, that is a tough one. If that four-bar hadn't been a Horst link one, it'd be a no-brainer; but it is impressive, especially at the MSRP. Norcos are always too cool.
The one thing I will say, if you got weary of dealing with the abbreviated seat mast on your BigHit, you'll get the same pain in the arse with the Atomik (I went from a BigHit too). I was so glad I could put a normal, long seatpost in my Yeti. Made the climbs so much better. 'Course there is the Titec 'Scoper now, too. Hmmmmm

Maelstrom 

The interupted seatpost never bugged me. I found that sweet spot in sizing for the post that was long enough for trails and short enough for dh

I will also be paying around 500cdn less than msrp. Makes it a sweeter deal Like I said, its tough...I really need to decide if I need a dedicated dh bike. or something versatile.

madbiker555

06 Norco Atomik. IMO it's a really nice bike for the money.