New Toy
#1
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New Toy
Just recieved my new shock!
I will do a full Float R vs. Van R comparison when i've had some time on it, but here's a prelim:
When I ordered the Van R, I spoke with them about the "factory set" propedal settings. They said it was a "middle-of-the-road" setting. I thought about going with a DHX coil, but it is quite a bit heavier than the Van R and I this was for an "all around / do everything" bike. I thought about the DHX air, but I hate air shocks. I don't like to check the psi before every ride. Basically what I wanted was a good coil shock with decent platform. I had never owned a shock with platform (or so I thought). A couple days before I recieved the Van R, I looked at the under side of my Float R and it had a Propedal sticker on it. I was shocked! (pun) I had always noticed pedal bob with it and complained about the energy loss. I started to worry that the Van R would be the same with the same setting.
I got the Van R and was instantly at ease. The platform is set perfectly for what I do at a mid range factory setting. There is no pedal bob anymore yet it's super plush! I am very happy with it. The shock is progressive and feels pretty "bottomless" on big hits yet still supple on the small stuff. With my old Float R, I could set it to a fairly plush setting but it would bottom out excessively. If I set it for bigger hits, it was harsh. Not so with the Van R.
The only downside is that the bike gained 14 ounces. I'm okay with that because I was planning on at least a pound. My bike is 14oz heavier, yet the propedal settings make it feel lighter, more nimble, and much faster.
Propedal works. Coils are the bomb!
I will do a full Float R vs. Van R comparison when i've had some time on it, but here's a prelim:
When I ordered the Van R, I spoke with them about the "factory set" propedal settings. They said it was a "middle-of-the-road" setting. I thought about going with a DHX coil, but it is quite a bit heavier than the Van R and I this was for an "all around / do everything" bike. I thought about the DHX air, but I hate air shocks. I don't like to check the psi before every ride. Basically what I wanted was a good coil shock with decent platform. I had never owned a shock with platform (or so I thought). A couple days before I recieved the Van R, I looked at the under side of my Float R and it had a Propedal sticker on it. I was shocked! (pun) I had always noticed pedal bob with it and complained about the energy loss. I started to worry that the Van R would be the same with the same setting.
I got the Van R and was instantly at ease. The platform is set perfectly for what I do at a mid range factory setting. There is no pedal bob anymore yet it's super plush! I am very happy with it. The shock is progressive and feels pretty "bottomless" on big hits yet still supple on the small stuff. With my old Float R, I could set it to a fairly plush setting but it would bottom out excessively. If I set it for bigger hits, it was harsh. Not so with the Van R.
The only downside is that the bike gained 14 ounces. I'm okay with that because I was planning on at least a pound. My bike is 14oz heavier, yet the propedal settings make it feel lighter, more nimble, and much faster.
Propedal works. Coils are the bomb!
#2
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Nice, Now Let's get it out to Perry! With Suspension like that you won't have to worry about staying on the trail! Congrat's
#3
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Agree'd. I've still never been there. I hear it's full'o'baby head kinda stuff. You'll kill me out there with you're roadie stamina and fancy-schmancy 10lb dually.
You don't scare me though. (just stay outta range of my projectile vomit)
You don't scare me though. (just stay outta range of my projectile vomit)
#6
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is that float R strapped on to the top like that in case you blow out your other one? hmm, maybe i oughta start strapping down my old rigid fork, in case my reba blows out.... good thinking!
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Throw some Monster Ts on there and you will be set.
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Your bike looks great stealth, the coil is very cool.
I kind of hate jumping on my bike & damm it feels a bit flat go home grab the pump fill it with some air then on my way. But it’s not that big of a deal.
I need to shop for a coil!
Cheers
I kind of hate jumping on my bike & damm it feels a bit flat go home grab the pump fill it with some air then on my way. But it’s not that big of a deal.
I need to shop for a coil!
Cheers
#10
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Originally Posted by Freeridin'
Throw some Monster Ts on there and you will be set.
Worth every penny though.
Last edited by ed; 02-24-07 at 09:14 PM.
#11
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Originally Posted by sweep242
I need to shop for a coil!
Cheers
Cheers
If you really want more adjustment, then there are so dadgum many shocks out there. The Swinger is pretty sweet, though so is the Roco TST R. I really hate the fact that the DHX coil has an air chamber for bottom-out resistance. One more seal to blow, IMO. It's a killer shock too though.
I thought I'd hate the restrictions of a "rebound only" shock because I'm such a tech geek, but the less there is to dink with the less I worry about it and the more I enjoy my ride.
Fox really does have it spot on. Compression is just right so far. I have plenty of rebound. The thing really does feel pretty bottomless. It does have a bottom-out MCU just in case. Such an improvement.
And at $225 (UniversalCycles), it's a great deal.
Originally Posted by sweep242
Your bike looks great stealth, the coil is very cool.
#12
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i have the DHX on my dakar XAM and love it. But ive only had the chance to ride my bike once while i was home on R&R from iraq but i could tell a big differance from some of the other bikes i tryed before i bought this one.
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Originally Posted by chelboed
I really hate the fact that the DHX coil has an air chamber for bottom-out resistance. One more seal to blow, IMO.
I have never heard of(and I know/ride with many riders using DHX-C shocks) any or experienced any(running a DHX-C since it first came out) problems with the seal blowing.
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Yeah, my "sky is falling" when it comes to air.
I had two air forks that both leaked. (Rockshox) My Fox Float R leaked on medium drops. It wasn't much, but it was enough to notice that it felt squishier and sagged a little more.
I guess a leaky end-of-stroke chamber is a little hyper paranoia on my part.
Oh well, I'm a happy camper. It leaves a little extra cash for drivetrain maintenance and diapers. (not for me, hehe)
I had two air forks that both leaked. (Rockshox) My Fox Float R leaked on medium drops. It wasn't much, but it was enough to notice that it felt squishier and sagged a little more.
I guess a leaky end-of-stroke chamber is a little hyper paranoia on my part.
Oh well, I'm a happy camper. It leaves a little extra cash for drivetrain maintenance and diapers. (not for me, hehe)
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Hope you get to ride more soon and thanks for what you're doing in Iraq.
Congrat's on the XAM, man. I would like to test one of those. (closest Jamis dealer is 6hr drive)
Congrat's on the XAM, man. I would like to test one of those. (closest Jamis dealer is 6hr drive)
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Originally Posted by R. Danneskjöld
(running a DHX-C since it first came out)
Given that you have had a DHX-C for so long...do you find that you adjust it often to suit different trails or set-it-and-forget-it?
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Originally Posted by chelboed
Given that you have had a DHX-C for so long...do you find that you adjust it often to suit different trails or set-it-and-forget-it?
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Originally Posted by chelboed
I have read so many bad reviews on MTBR about them.
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That is a sexy, sexy bike. And what Matt says about MTBR reviews is true--people are more apt to share experiences of being let down than positive experience. You have to remember with a shock like that, people are going to be abusing the heck out of them so yes, they will fail more.
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I'm being misunderstood.
I said: "I'm not referring to reviews leading me to believe the product is bad, but worthless reviews that are meaningless babble."
So...the reviews on the DHX are not terribly negative. The quality of reviews suck rocks. Most reviews on that site are not detailed enough to know what the shock has gone through, what type of rider (weight, hack vs. smooth). It's like a bunch of 13 year-olds write them.
I can't trust them.
Thanks seely, I'll tell her you said that. She's alot o' fun.
As soon as I get my new wheels this wk., I'll try to post some "Glamour Shots".
I said: "I'm not referring to reviews leading me to believe the product is bad, but worthless reviews that are meaningless babble."
So...the reviews on the DHX are not terribly negative. The quality of reviews suck rocks. Most reviews on that site are not detailed enough to know what the shock has gone through, what type of rider (weight, hack vs. smooth). It's like a bunch of 13 year-olds write them.
I can't trust them.
Thanks seely, I'll tell her you said that. She's alot o' fun.
As soon as I get my new wheels this wk., I'll try to post some "Glamour Shots".