metaljim

*I searched and came up empty*

I picked up a KHS MTB frame today with the "Powerstay" rear end. I've never heard of it before, and can't find too much info on it. I'll be using the bike to pull a pedicab trailer, and just want to make sure the bike isn't going to have any "squish" in it while loaded. From what I hear, the frame rides just like a hardtail, but with a slight amount of softness in the rear. Is this correct?

No pics yet, but I can get some later if there's any interest.

Thanks!

delay

what is the model and year?

metaljim

Oops. It's a Team Softail, same as this one I just found posted in the Rigs thread here by invasionusa, same color too. Not sure on the year, but I feel safe in assuming it's around 2000-02. Maybe invasionusa can chime in with his familiarity?

dminor 

You're probably safe from experiencing any "squish" in the rear on one that age - - since the elastomers are probably as hard as hockey pucks by now.

delay

Ah... good times.

I have never rode the soft tail myself, but had a friend who raced the team for a while. Its a design borrowed from Moots I think. The ride is supposed to be pretty good. The one downside of the bike is that the steel flexible stays tend to break. However, if you aren't actually riding it off road that probably won't be a problem.

invasionusa

I have used the bike for 5 years now and I still love it. As far as the squish goes on the rear end, it still works, but its not like having suspension, it will dull out bumps slightly, other than that it feels just like a hardtail to me. I dont know how stiff of a rear end you want for a pedicab, but I would think it would work.

metaljim

Thanks for the input guys.

I talked with some other guys I ride with about the frame, and it looks like I'm gonna pass on using it for work. ~600 pounds relying on that rear end just isn't a risk I feel comfortable taking on a nightly basis.

The good news is that I can build the bike still and just use it for riding off road, as was intended. SWEET.