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RR: Double Squish vs Rigid SS - rambling observations

Started by Paladin · · Last activity · 17 posts · 905 views

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Mountain Bikes
Published
19 October 2005
Last activity
24 October 2005
Original author
Paladin
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17
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  1. This is probably boring, but my observations between going from no
    suspension, on old school geometry, to full suspension with good, 4-bar
    American made geometry.

    Well, last night and the night before, I did pretty good rides on the
    new switchblade, a pretty plush double squish. Jumping into full
    suspension was a big leap for me, as some of you know I'm a retro-fart
    who mostly rides a fully rigid SS, and for longer trips or climbs, I
    have a short-travel hardtail.

    Observations. I can climb longer without stopping, because the RF
    crankset has me spinning at 22x34, so I can drag more weight up the
    hill and get royally exhausted. however, when I stand up on climbs,
    like I always do on the SS, my efficiency is cut at least in half.

    I can turn around very sharply on the blade without losing balance.
    Might be the bike geometry or just how well Titus puts it all together.

    Cornering at speed is a new thing for me, with the front and rear
    working together to double my normal speed and control. wowza, that's
    a dangerous hootie and the blowfish goin on.

    A long descent last night with the intermittent water bars were fun,
    catching air off each one, and landing solid, in control.

    Finally tried this rock drop that had been tempting me for years, but
    fear of busting a frame (or the rider) kept me from it. It's only
    about 3 feet, but it's rock to rock and the landing is slimy from the
    creek running across it, the landing is flat, and it looks scary...
    The first try was a little goofy, and by the 3rd I was nailing it like
    a troo mtndood.

    I can go faster without thinking, but just point, shoot and start
    grinning. Is that a good thing? A bad thing? Just different, and the
    main change I noticed is that the bike really is bearing the brunt of
    the abuse, where after 18 pretty tough miles Monday nt, I felt fine.
    Not wasted, beat up and drug in by the cat like I normally would had I
    done the same thing on the fully rigid SS.

    So, it's nice to have an option, and to take the suspending job off my
    aging spine and lay that responsibility on inanimate shocks and springs
    for a change.

    But I'll never forsake the Gray Lady, who's aging beautifully, and
    still my favorite.. really.

    CDB

  2. "Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    This is probably boring, but my observations between going from no
    suspension, on old school geometry, to full suspension with good, 4-bar
    American made geometry.

    Well, last night and the night before, I did pretty good rides on the
    new switchblade, a pretty plush double squish. Jumping into full
    suspension was a big leap for me, as some of you know I'm a retro-fart
    who mostly rides a fully rigid SS, and for longer trips or climbs, I
    have a short-travel hardtail.

    Observations. I can climb longer without stopping, because the RF
    crankset has me spinning at 22x34, so I can drag more weight up the
    hill and get royally exhausted. however, when I stand up on climbs,
    like I always do on the SS, my efficiency is cut at least in half.

    You'd be surprised about that. It may feel like half but if you ride with
    someone on a rigid with the same standing climbing ability as you you'll see
    that it's nowhere near that bad.

    Greg

  3. G.T. said:

    "Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    This is probably boring, but my observations between going from no
    suspension, on old school geometry, to full suspension with good, 4-bar
    American made geometry.

    Well, last night and the night before, I did pretty good rides on the
    new switchblade, a pretty plush double squish. Jumping into full
    suspension was a big leap for me, as some of you know I'm a retro-fart
    who mostly rides a fully rigid SS, and for longer trips or climbs, I
    have a short-travel hardtail.

    Observations. I can climb longer without stopping, because the RF
    crankset has me spinning at 22x34, so I can drag more weight up the
    hill and get royally exhausted. however, when I stand up on climbs,
    like I always do on the SS, my efficiency is cut at least in half.

    You'd be surprised about that. It may feel like half but if you ride with
    someone on a rigid with the same standing climbing ability as you you'll see
    that it's nowhere near that bad.

    Greg

    It all depends on the terrain. In technical singletrack climbing, a
    well designed squish takes a lot less energy than a rigid or hardtail
    because you're having to wrestle and wrangle a lot less, especially vs
    a rigid singlespeed. A well designed squish will keep that rear wheel
    planted and grabbing, whereas a rigid will bounce a bit, depending on
    how smoothly you are going over the obstacles. On a smooth climb with
    a somewhat light grade, I'll take the rigid SS over the squish any day
    though.

    JD

  4. I agree. My first ride out on the squish I stalled out on a rocky
    section of a sidehill climb, with some scary esposure. I expected to
    lose it and fall over. I resisted the urge to cash it in, or panic
    bail, and I somehow rolled over and through it. Hard to explain, but
    it definitely held me onto the terrain and a little effort on my part
    pulled us through.

    Your other point isn't too bad, either. I did a stout but fairly
    smooth climb, about a 3rd of a mile up. It's pretty steep, but I've
    made it on the SS standing the whole way, working the bar and really
    getting into the boogy of the whole thing. On the squish, though,. I
    was really bushed cleaning the hill sitting and spinning like a tired
    old hamster.

    CDB

  5. "Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    Observations. I can climb longer without stopping, because the RF
    crankset has me spinning at 22x34, so I can drag more weight up the
    hill and get royally exhausted. however, when I stand up on climbs,
    like I always do on the SS, my efficiency is cut at least in half.

    In half?? Sounds like you want to spend some time tuning that shock.
    Assuming it is one of the platform shocks that seem to be on everything
    these days, you should be able to dial it in so that it is close to the
    efficiency of the hard tail.

  6. Chris Crosscountry said:

    "Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    Observations. I can climb longer without stopping, because the RF
    crankset has me spinning at 22x34, so I can drag more weight up the
    hill and get royally exhausted. however, when I stand up on climbs,
    like I always do on the SS, my efficiency is cut at least in half.

    In half?? Sounds like you want to spend some time tuning that shock.
    Assuming it is one of the platform shocks that seem to be on everything
    these days, you should be able to dial it in so that it is close to the
    efficiency of the hard tail.

    Tell us all then Chris Crosscountry, when was the last time you rode a
    smooth trail on a rigid bicycle? Better yet, tell us all about your
    vast experience that allows you to make such judgements. Get this, a
    rigid bike accelerates much more quickly on smooth trails and is a much
    more stable platform for these conditions than any suspended bike, FS
    or HT. What do you ride? I want to know what your opinions are based
    on.

    JD

  7. "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Chris Crosscountry said:

    "Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    Observations. I can climb longer without stopping, because the RF
    crankset has me spinning at 22x34, so I can drag more weight up the
    hill and get royally exhausted. however, when I stand up on climbs,
    like I always do on the SS, my efficiency is cut at least in half.

    In half?? Sounds like you want to spend some time tuning that shock.
    Assuming it is one of the platform shocks that seem to be on everything
    these days, you should be able to dial it in so that it is close to the
    efficiency of the hard tail.

    Tell us all then Chris Crosscountry, when was the last time you rode a
    smooth trail on a rigid bicycle? Better yet, tell us all about your
    vast experience that allows you to make such judgements. Get this, a
    rigid bike accelerates much more quickly on smooth trails and is a much
    more stable platform for these conditions than any suspended bike, FS
    or HT. What do you ride? I want to know what your opinions are based
    on.

    JD

    The last time would have been a few days ago. I have both hard tail and FS
    xc/trail bikes I have been riding these types of bikes (among others) for
    quite a few years (mid 90's). I have a great deal on experience setting up
    most of the available platform shocks. I personally use and own 2 Manitou
    swingers, a Fox DHX 5.0 and a few custom valved Romics. I ride a steel hard
    tail allot as well. I have ridden all over British Columbia and Utah as well
    as some riding in Eastern Canada and USA. So I guess I would say I base my
    opinions on mostly my own personal experience. Which FS bike do you ride?

  8. Chris G said:

    "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Chris Crosscountry said:

    "Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    > Observations. I can climb longer without stopping, because the RF
    > crankset has me spinning at 22x34, so I can drag more weight up the
    > hill and get royally exhausted. however, when I stand up on climbs,
    > like I always do on the SS, my efficiency is cut at least in half.

    In half?? Sounds like you want to spend some time tuning that shock.
    Assuming it is one of the platform shocks that seem to be on everything
    these days, you should be able to dial it in so that it is close to the
    efficiency of the hard tail.

    Tell us all then Chris Crosscountry, when was the last time you rode a
    smooth trail on a rigid bicycle? Better yet, tell us all about your
    vast experience that allows you to make such judgements. Get this, a
    rigid bike accelerates much more quickly on smooth trails and is a much
    more stable platform for these conditions than any suspended bike, FS
    or HT. What do you ride? I want to know what your opinions are based
    on.

    JD

    The last time would have been a few days ago. I have both hard tail and FS
    xc/trail bikes I have been riding these types of bikes (among others) for
    quite a few years (mid 90's). I have a great deal on experience setting up
    most of the available platform shocks. I personally use and own 2 Manitou
    swingers, a Fox DHX 5.0 and a few custom valved Romics. I ride a steel hard
    tail allot as well. I have ridden all over British Columbia and Utah as well
    as some riding in Eastern Canada and USA. So I guess I would say I base my
    opinions on mostly my own personal experience. Which FS bike do you ride?

    So, you rode a rigid bicycle on a smooth trail a few days ago? Where,
    pray tell?

    Define "great deal of experience". Do you work at a bike shop?

    Were you live and ride mostly is what I was really asking, not a
    resume' of where you have been a tourist. Experience starts at home if
    you ride enough.

    JD

  9. "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Chris G said:

    "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Chris Crosscountry wrote:
    > "Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    > news:[email hidden]...
    >
    > > Observations. I can climb longer without stopping, because the RF
    > > crankset has me spinning at 22x34, so I can drag more weight up the
    > > hill and get royally exhausted. however, when I stand up on climbs,
    > > like I always do on the SS, my efficiency is cut at least in half.
    >
    > In half?? Sounds like you want to spend some time tuning that shock.
    > Assuming it is one of the platform shocks that seem to be on
    > everything
    > these days, you should be able to dial it in so that it is close to
    > the
    > efficiency of the hard tail.

    Tell us all then Chris Crosscountry, when was the last time you rode a
    smooth trail on a rigid bicycle? Better yet, tell us all about your
    vast experience that allows you to make such judgements. Get this, a
    rigid bike accelerates much more quickly on smooth trails and is a much
    more stable platform for these conditions than any suspended bike, FS
    or HT. What do you ride? I want to know what your opinions are based
    on.

    JD

    The last time would have been a few days ago. I have both hard tail and
    FS
    xc/trail bikes I have been riding these types of bikes (among others) for
    quite a few years (mid 90's). I have a great deal on experience setting
    up
    most of the available platform shocks. I personally use and own 2 Manitou
    swingers, a Fox DHX 5.0 and a few custom valved Romics. I ride a steel
    hard
    tail allot as well. I have ridden all over British Columbia and Utah as
    well
    as some riding in Eastern Canada and USA. So I guess I would say I base
    my
    opinions on mostly my own personal experience. Which FS bike do you ride?

    So, you rode a rigid bicycle on a smooth trail a few days ago? Where,
    pray tell?

    Define "great deal of experience". Do you work at a bike shop?

    Were you live and ride mostly is what I was really asking, not a
    resume' of where you have been a tourist. Experience starts at home if
    you ride enough.

    JD

    You asked about my expierience, so i told you.

    Which FS bike do you ride again?

  10. Chris G said:

    "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Chris G said:

    "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...
    >
    > Chris Crosscountry wrote:
    >> "Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    >> news:[email hidden]...
    >>
    >> > Observations. I can climb longer without stopping, because the RF
    >> > crankset has me spinning at 22x34, so I can drag more weight up the
    >> > hill and get royally exhausted. however, when I stand up on climbs,
    >> > like I always do on the SS, my efficiency is cut at least in half.
    >>
    >> In half?? Sounds like you want to spend some time tuning that shock.
    >> Assuming it is one of the platform shocks that seem to be on
    >> everything
    >> these days, you should be able to dial it in so that it is close to
    >> the
    >> efficiency of the hard tail.
    >
    >
    > Tell us all then Chris Crosscountry, when was the last time you rode a
    > smooth trail on a rigid bicycle? Better yet, tell us all about your
    > vast experience that allows you to make such judgements. Get this, a
    > rigid bike accelerates much more quickly on smooth trails and is a much
    > more stable platform for these conditions than any suspended bike, FS
    > or HT. What do you ride? I want to know what your opinions are based
    > on.
    >
    > JD
    >

    The last time would have been a few days ago. I have both hard tail and
    FS
    xc/trail bikes I have been riding these types of bikes (among others) for
    quite a few years (mid 90's). I have a great deal on experience setting
    up
    most of the available platform shocks. I personally use and own 2 Manitou
    swingers, a Fox DHX 5.0 and a few custom valved Romics. I ride a steel
    hard
    tail allot as well. I have ridden all over British Columbia and Utah as
    well
    as some riding in Eastern Canada and USA. So I guess I would say I base
    my
    opinions on mostly my own personal experience. Which FS bike do you ride?

    So, you rode a rigid bicycle on a smooth trail a few days ago? Where,
    pray tell?

    Define "great deal of experience". Do you work at a bike shop?

    Were you live and ride mostly is what I was really asking, not a
    resume' of where you have been a tourist. Experience starts at home if
    you ride enough.

    JD

    You asked about my expierience, so i told you.

    No, you keep dodging questions and spinning weak answers without
    specifics on the ones you choose to "answer".

    Quoted message said:

    Which FS bike do you ride again?

    How about I answer your question like you might answer mine?

    I ride a Marzocchi Z100 XFly, a Marzocchi Z150 QR20, Fox Float R and a
    custom sprung Romic.

    I should go into a huge semi-narcissistic back-patting session about
    how great I am at tuning my shocks and ride for the platforms these are
    on, but I'll leave that to the dweebs.

    JD

  11. "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Quoted message said:


    You asked about my expierience, so i told you.

    No, you keep dodging questions and spinning weak answers without
    specifics on the ones you choose to "answer".

    Quoted message said:

    Which FS bike do you ride again?

    How about I answer your question like you might answer mine?

    I ride a Marzocchi Z100 XFly, a Marzocchi Z150 QR20, Fox Float R and a
    custom sprung Romic.

    I should go into a huge semi-narcissistic back-patting session about
    how great I am at tuning my shocks and ride for the platforms these are
    on, but I'll leave that to the dweebs.

    JD

    Sorry, I should have clarified about where I ride. I live in BC, Vancouver
    area, but travel through out the province regularly. Do you need me to be
    more specific?

    What does custom sprung mean? Do you mean custom valved?

    PS. A custom valved Romic is the ticket. It takes few attempts to get it
    right but when it is on, it better than anything I have ridden.

  12. Chris G said:

    "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Quoted message said:


    You asked about my expierience, so i told you.

    No, you keep dodging questions and spinning weak answers without
    specifics on the ones you choose to "answer".

    Quoted message said:

    Which FS bike do you ride again?

    How about I answer your question like you might answer mine?

    I ride a Marzocchi Z100 XFly, a Marzocchi Z150 QR20, Fox Float R and a
    custom sprung Romic.

    I should go into a huge semi-narcissistic back-patting session about
    how great I am at tuning my shocks and ride for the platforms these are
    on, but I'll leave that to the dweebs.

    JD

    Sorry, I should have clarified about where I ride. I live in BC, Vancouver
    area, but travel through out the province regularly. Do you need me to be
    more specific?

    Only on your extensive travels all over Utah.

    Quoted message said:

    What does custom sprung mean? Do you mean custom valved?

    ZZZOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

    JD

  13. "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Chris G said:

    "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    >
    > You asked about my expierience, so i told you.

    No, you keep dodging questions and spinning weak answers without
    specifics on the ones you choose to "answer".

    > Which FS bike do you ride again?

    How about I answer your question like you might answer mine?

    I ride a Marzocchi Z100 XFly, a Marzocchi Z150 QR20, Fox Float R and a
    custom sprung Romic.

    I should go into a huge semi-narcissistic back-patting session about
    how great I am at tuning my shocks and ride for the platforms these are
    on, but I'll leave that to the dweebs.

    JD

    Sorry, I should have clarified about where I ride. I live in BC,
    Vancouver
    area, but travel through out the province regularly. Do you need me to be
    more specific?

    Only on your extensive travels all over Utah.

    Quoted message said:

    What does custom sprung mean? Do you mean custom valved?

    ZZZOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

    JD

    I am not sure what you mean? ZOOM? Forgive my ignorance.

  14. "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Chris G said:

    "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Chris G wrote:
    > "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    > news:[email hidden]...
    > >
    > > Chris Crosscountry wrote:
    > >> "Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    > >> news:[email hidden]...
    > >>
    > >> > Observations. I can climb longer without stopping, because the
    > >> > RF
    > >> > crankset has me spinning at 22x34, so I can drag more weight up
    > >> > the
    > >> > hill and get royally exhausted. however, when I stand up on
    > >> > climbs,
    > >> > like I always do on the SS, my efficiency is cut at least in
    > >> > half.
    > >>
    > >> In half?? Sounds like you want to spend some time tuning that
    > >> shock.
    > >> Assuming it is one of the platform shocks that seem to be on
    > >> everything
    > >> these days, you should be able to dial it in so that it is close to
    > >> the
    > >> efficiency of the hard tail.
    > >
    > >
    > > Tell us all then Chris Crosscountry, when was the last time you rode
    > > a
    > > smooth trail on a rigid bicycle? Better yet, tell us all about your
    > > vast experience that allows you to make such judgements. Get this,
    > > a
    > > rigid bike accelerates much more quickly on smooth trails and is a
    > > much
    > > more stable platform for these conditions than any suspended bike,
    > > FS
    > > or HT. What do you ride? I want to know what your opinions are
    > > based
    > > on.
    > >
    > > JD
    > >
    >
    > The last time would have been a few days ago. I have both hard tail
    > and
    > FS
    > xc/trail bikes I have been riding these types of bikes (among others)
    > for
    > quite a few years (mid 90's). I have a great deal on experience
    > setting
    > up
    > most of the available platform shocks. I personally use and own 2
    > Manitou
    > swingers, a Fox DHX 5.0 and a few custom valved Romics. I ride a steel
    > hard
    > tail allot as well. I have ridden all over British Columbia and Utah
    > as
    > well
    > as some riding in Eastern Canada and USA. So I guess I would say I
    > base
    > my
    > opinions on mostly my own personal experience. Which FS bike do you
    > ride?

    So, you rode a rigid bicycle on a smooth trail a few days ago? Where,
    pray tell?

    Define "great deal of experience". Do you work at a bike shop?

    Were you live and ride mostly is what I was really asking, not a
    resume' of where you have been a tourist. Experience starts at home if
    you ride enough.

    JD

    You asked about my expierience, so i told you.

    No, you keep dodging questions and spinning weak answers without
    specifics on the ones you choose to "answer".

    Quoted message said:

    Which FS bike do you ride again?

    How about I answer your question like you might answer mine?

    I ride a Marzocchi Z100 XFly, a Marzocchi Z150 QR20, Fox Float R and a
    custom sprung Romic.

    I should go into a huge semi-narcissistic back-patting session about
    how great I am at tuning my shocks and ride for the platforms these are
    on, but I'll leave that to the dweebs.

    JD

    You're a true usenet hero

  15. "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    ZZZOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

    JD

    JD, You really have to put a warning label on stuff like that....... I need
    a squeegy for my screen now.

    That's funny. I don't care who you are. (my best Larry the Cable Guy).

    Marty

  16. On 19 Oct 2005 10:07:27 -0700, "Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote:

    [snip hype induced coma]
    ;-)
    I don't want to know what a Oingo Boingo feels like.

    Quoted message said:

    But I'll never forsake the Gray Lady, who's aging beautifully, and
    still my favorite.. really.

    word.

    Quoted message said:

    CDB

    Nice,
    Bill

    The First law, Inertia: Unless acted upon by an outside force,
    a body at rest tends to stay at rest,
    and a body in motion tends to stay in motion.
    Sir Isaac Newton

  17. Marty said:

    "JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    ZZZOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

    JD

    JD, You really have to put a warning label on stuff like that....... I need
    a squeegy for my screen now.

    That's funny. I don't care who you are. (my best Larry the Cable Guy).

    Maybe I should have changed the subject line to SR-71.

    JD

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