First Ride: 2012 Scott Voltage FR 20
Scott's adaptable freeride machine.
Words by Morgan Taylor. Photos by Morgan Taylor.
Date: 2011-12-11
Scott's Voltage FR platform is highly adaptable, from 130 to 180mm rear travel and up to 200mm up front. How can Scott get away with such a large range of travel and still make a confident handling bike in all conditions? Read on to find out exactly how Scott accomplishes that goal, and what we plan to do to put it to the test.
The Voltage FR 20 is the long travel version of the platform that can tackle anything from slopestyle to big freeride.
The Voltage FR 20 is the burliest of the three Voltage FR models, with a dual crown Rockshox Domain RC and the long 240mm Fox Van R shock for either 160 or 180mm out back. In terms of price, the FR 20 is in the middle of the model range; for the spec the bike is a great bang for the buck.
I tried my best to get the Coastal Crew vibe going by shooting directly into the sun.
Here's where the magic happens: three different shock mounting plates that work with shocks from 215 to 240mm—as well as two mounting positions for each shock providing a different actuation ratio. The Voltage FR also has interchangeable dropouts to dial in the rear end length.
Three interchangeable front shock mounts allow the rider to choose rear travel between 130 and 180mm while maintaining head angle and bottom bracket height—smart!
Two shock mounts on the linkage let you choose between two travel modes and leverage ratios no matter what shock you choose. The short travel setting ramps up quicker, while the long travel option gives a bit more squish. Big sealed bearing pivots ensure long-term durability.
The Voltage FR is available in Short and Long top tube lengths, indicating its slopestyle roots. With a head angle of 65º and a seat angle of 73.3º, this little hucker can handle just about anything you can throw at it.
As for the ride? With the long travel spec the Voltage FR 20 is definitely a shuttle-oriented build. While the rear end is a single pivot, the 180mm travel setting paired up with the 200mm Domain and dual ply Schwalbe Big Betty 2.4s lets the FR 20 maintain speed through chunky sections—and it still loves to jump.
Pretty much a dead sailor. Mouse over for the next shot in the sequence. Photos ~ Jason Fuller
Our test bike has seen days at Squamish, Cypress, Fromme, Seymour, and Burke so far. All of the stock parts are performing great and the Voltage FR is a platform that we have enjoyed getting back on every time the opportunity calls.
Before I got on the Voltage FR, Cam McRae popped its cherry with a shuttle day in Squamish. Here he is riding a warmup rock face on Cypress.
As its adaptability is one of the Voltage FR's highlights, we're looking to put a shorter travel single crown fork on this test bike and see how it fares. With lighter tires and fork, the FR 20 should make for a fun pedal-for-your-freeride bike.
Click for a high res version of this shot to check out the details of the FR 20.
Scott's done a great job with the matchy-matchy branding across the bike, right down to the bars, rims, and hubs. This approach can be at times be problematic, but the execution on the Voltage FR 20 is sharp. The size long that we are riding weighs in at 18.5kg/40.8lbs. MSRP for the 2012 Scott Voltage FR is $2699 CAN / $2399 US.
2012 Scott Voltage FR 20 Component Spec.
| Frame |
Voltage FR Alloy 6061, hydroformed tubing, Slopestyle&Park geometry, ISCG & ISCG05 tabs, 1.5" headtube, IDS interchangeable Dropout with 12mm thru axle, 160 - 180mm travel |
| Rear Shock |
Fox Van R coil spring preload, Speed sensitive compression & rebound d |
| Fork |
RockShox Domain Dualcrown R, 200mm travel, Coil oil, Reb adjustable, alloy steerer, 20mm Maxle |
| Headset | FSA Orbit E 1.5R, alloy cups, 1.5“ Reducer to 1 1/8“, semi-integrated |
| Rear Derailleur | Sram X7, 9 Speed, short cage |
| Shifters | Sram X5, Trigger Shifter |
| Brake Levers | Avid Elixir 5S Disc |
| Brakes | Avid Elixir 5S Disc, 200/F and 200/R mm Rotor |
| Cranks | Truvativ Hussefelt 1.0, 165mm, 36T chainring |
| BB | Truvativ HowitzerXR, 73mm shell |
| Chainguide | E.thirteen LS-1, ISCG05, Chainguide w/Taco |
| Bar | Scott Pilot FR 1 Pro, D.B, 20mm rise, 750mm |
| Stem | Scott MJ-Boxxer02, 1 1/8“, 0° angle, 50mm ext. |
| Pedals | Wellgo B155U SCT, Flatpedal w/replaceable pins |
| Post | Scott DJ zero offset, 31.6mm |
| Saddle | Scott Voltage FR |
| Front Hub | Scott Comp, 20mm thru axle |
| Rear Hub | Scott DHL-135, 12mm thru axle, 135mm wide |
| Chain | Sram CN-PC-951 w/pwr lock |
| Cassette | Sram PG-950, 11-28 T |
| Spokes | DT Swiss Industry black 14G 2.0mm |
| Rims | Alex FR 32, 32H, DH disc rim red |
| Tires |
Schwalbe Big Betty DH, Front: 26 x2.4 Vertstar, Rear: 26 x 2.4 Trailstar, Triple Nano Compound, Wire Bead, 2-ply DH casing, Snake Bite |
Riding the Voltage FR 20 off into the sunset... Photo ~ Jason Fuller
Are you stoked on the Voltage FR 20? Could this be your bargain park shredder for 2012? Let us know below...
Comments
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Posted by semaj at 10:49 PM on 12-11-2011
I picked myself up a 2011 Voltage FR frame last month...really looking forward to building it up after christmas. This article increases my stoke even more!
I picked myself up a 2011 Voltage FR frame last month...really looking forward to building it up after christmas. This article increases my stoke even more!
Posted by boomforeal at 10:49 PM on 12-11-2011
oriented but not limited to shuttling; way to haul ass on the burke climb today morg. like the angle you're taking: if versatility is the bike's calling card, a thorough review will put that to the test! we're not sure about your profligate use of the royal pronoun, though
oriented but not limited to shuttling; way to haul ass on the burke climb today morg. like the angle you're taking: if versatility is the bike's calling card, a thorough review will put that to the test! we're not sure about your profligate use of the royal pronoun, though
Posted by morgman at 10:58 PM on 12-11-2011
The 2011 frame is the same, so stoked you should be. The Voltage FR is a perfect next step in travel from my Wildcard, with an even slacker head angle; I'm looking forward to see how it'll do with a 160mm fork.
Wouldn't want to slow you down while you spin to win... we aim to please!
Quote:
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Originally Posted by semaj
(Post 2597266)
I picked myself up a 2011 Voltage FR frame last month...really looking forward to building it up after christmas. This article increases my stoke even more!
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by boomforeal
(Post 2597267)
oriented but not limited to shuttling; way to haul ass on the burke climb today morg. like the angle you're taking: if versatility is the bike's calling card, a thorough review will put that to the test! we're not sure about your profligate use of the royal pronoun, though
|
Posted by Cheez1ts at 11:04 PM on 12-11-2011
A new helmet for Morgan?
Nice teaser! I'm very interested in seeing the small travel set up and hearing how you like it.
The changing picture is very cool too; NSMB's becoming high-tech!
A new helmet for Morgan?
Nice teaser! I'm very interested in seeing the small travel set up and hearing how you like it.
The changing picture is very cool too; NSMB's becoming high-tech!
Posted by gotham at 12:20 AM on 12-12-2011
I'm sorry but I am confused. It was the first ride and it made it from Squamish to Burke?
What trails did you ride and how did the bike feel?
This review is just a list of components and features - something easily derived from the Scott website. I love the pics, tell us how they came to be and the good / bad about the bike!!!
I'm sorry but I am confused. It was the first ride and it made it from Squamish to Burke?
What trails did you ride and how did the bike feel?
This review is just a list of components and features - something easily derived from the Scott website. I love the pics, tell us how they came to be and the good / bad about the bike!!!
Posted by morgman at 06:30 AM on 12-12-2011
Sorry you feel that way. Cam and I have both spent a couple days on the bike—and I rode it again yesterday on Burke after this preview was already ready to go. It's really just a first look at the bike: an overview of specs and things we like—and I chose to take a more detailed look at how the adjustable travel works as I thought that was an interesting and unique feature.
The next time we take a look at the bike, there should be some changes afoot including the fork and any other parts that don't work quite work out over the long haul. I promise some more qualitative assessments, more photos, and some trail tales.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by gotham
(Post 2597283)
I'm sorry but I am confused.
|
The next time we take a look at the bike, there should be some changes afoot including the fork and any other parts that don't work quite work out over the long haul. I promise some more qualitative assessments, more photos, and some trail tales.
Posted by DarylMac at 09:57 AM on 12-12-2011
They look a lot like a Bottlerocket. If they ride like one they should be extremely fun bikes!
I used to have a bike that had adjustable shock mounts and travel settings and found that I never used them... Once I got the bike dialed how I liked it I didn't want to change anything.
I have to ask myself; Is the Voltage really designed to be super versatile or does it just come with an abundance of tuning options?
I'm just concerned that no matter what single crown fork you put on the bike you'll never get away from the weight of the frame and suspension design - it's not going to become a killer "all mountain" bike...
I wouldn't see this as a failing of the bike or the design - rather falling short of unfair expectations...
I look at that bike and instead of versatility I see tunability...
Looking forward to the review - and hope you explore the tuning side of things - I imagine with those options you could get that bike absolutely dialed in.
They look a lot like a Bottlerocket. If they ride like one they should be extremely fun bikes!
I used to have a bike that had adjustable shock mounts and travel settings and found that I never used them... Once I got the bike dialed how I liked it I didn't want to change anything.
I have to ask myself; Is the Voltage really designed to be super versatile or does it just come with an abundance of tuning options?
I'm just concerned that no matter what single crown fork you put on the bike you'll never get away from the weight of the frame and suspension design - it's not going to become a killer "all mountain" bike...
I wouldn't see this as a failing of the bike or the design - rather falling short of unfair expectations...
I look at that bike and instead of versatility I see tunability...
Looking forward to the review - and hope you explore the tuning side of things - I imagine with those options you could get that bike absolutely dialed in.
Posted by boomforeal at 11:05 AM on 12-12-2011
maybe "first look" rather than "first ride" would be more accurate/explicit
i would imagine that is more or less what is mean by versatility - not "change things around every time i'm going to ride/do something different"
at this price point, i could see the fr 20 being someone's first "big bike". if they found that they were using it to shuttle and dh, take out the spacer on the domain and you've got a plush 8 and 8 trail smasher. if on the other hand they found themselves consistently having to grunt up fire roads to access the goods, a tighter back end and less travel up front might be in order.
the versatility of the frame means you can retain those nice geo numbers but get the suspension amount and feel setup for what you end up wanting/needing - yeah you might take a bit of a weight hit, but for the intended use and at the price point that seems like a small price to pay to have some leeway in getting things dialed without having to flip your frame if the stock setup doesn't work out
even if you end up never fussing with the stock setup, for ~$2500 that's a shittonne of bike!
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by gotham
(Post 2597283)
I'm sorry but I am confused. It was the first ride and it made it from Squamish to Burke?
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by DarylMac
(Post 2597334)
I used to have a bike that had adjustable shock mounts and travel settings and found that I never used them... Once I got the bike dialed how I liked it I didn't want to change anything.
|
at this price point, i could see the fr 20 being someone's first "big bike". if they found that they were using it to shuttle and dh, take out the spacer on the domain and you've got a plush 8 and 8 trail smasher. if on the other hand they found themselves consistently having to grunt up fire roads to access the goods, a tighter back end and less travel up front might be in order.
the versatility of the frame means you can retain those nice geo numbers but get the suspension amount and feel setup for what you end up wanting/needing - yeah you might take a bit of a weight hit, but for the intended use and at the price point that seems like a small price to pay to have some leeway in getting things dialed without having to flip your frame if the stock setup doesn't work out
even if you end up never fussing with the stock setup, for ~$2500 that's a shittonne of bike!
Posted by Guest at 12:07 PM on 12-12-2011
I'd be very interested to hear more details about the Voltage, especially a shorter travel setup. I'm currently on a Gambler and am considering trading down in size for something more pedal friendly.
I find the Gambler's stiff frame tracks really well through corners and rough stuff, the pivots are bombproof, the 36 tooth optimized single pivot works wells and the ability to customize your geometry/suspension is great. I'd like to hear if the Voltage have the same benefits as its big brother?
Can the Voltage take Cypress punishment day in, day out and pedal around fromme? (not just the road, anything can get up the road)
I'd be very interested to hear more details about the Voltage, especially a shorter travel setup. I'm currently on a Gambler and am considering trading down in size for something more pedal friendly.
I find the Gambler's stiff frame tracks really well through corners and rough stuff, the pivots are bombproof, the 36 tooth optimized single pivot works wells and the ability to customize your geometry/suspension is great. I'd like to hear if the Voltage have the same benefits as its big brother?
Can the Voltage take Cypress punishment day in, day out and pedal around fromme? (not just the road, anything can get up the road)
Posted by old_school_n00b at 01:36 PM on 12-12-2011
While a significant portion of Morgan and I's friendship has been devoted to trolling him with bicycle nitpickiness 4 teh lulz, I was pretty much at a loss for words after checking out the Voltage up-close. All the details on this bike come together in an impressively cohesive manner, and not just the matchy-matchy branding, but from the frame up: the hydroformed, angular, straight tubes work really well with the shock mount, linkage, and dropout design. It's a well-thought-out and distinctly unified aesthetic.
Quote:
|
Scott's done a great job with the matchy-matchy branding across the bike, right down to the bars, rims, and hubs. This approach can be at times be problematic, but the execution on the Voltage FR 20 is sharp. |
Posted by morgman at 03:18 PM on 12-12-2011
You're right, it does have that poppy feel like a BottleRocket or Wildcard, though with the 9.5" coil shock in the long travel setting it is noticeably more plush than my Wildcard. Swapping to a shorter shock with the optional shock mounts would likely bring the Voltage FR right into line with those "big slopestyle" bikes, and that's what I hope to find out.
I've found with all my bikes over the years that I tweak settings and parts until I find the setup I like—essentially a "plateau" of aesthetic and performance considerations. Occasionally I'll disassemble or poach parts for another project, and when the bike goes back together the reincarnation is not always the same. With most bikes you're limited to a fork within 20mm of stock and speculative short-shocking; while Scott supports these types of mods with the OEM spare parts necessary to make drastic changes.
One of the biggest things to me about the adaptable setup is that if you moved to a different area or bought another bike for the "big bike" or "slopestyle bike" need, the Voltage FR can be adapted to fill a different niche. In that way it has more staying power in a stable of many bikes.
Regarding weight, I don't actually think this bike is that heavy. With 1200 gram tires, a 7.6 pound fork, and a big coil shock, it still comes in under 40 pounds.
Scott puts a lot of tech into all their bikes, so yes the Voltage FR shares many of the things you like about your Gambler. On the other hand, it's not granny ring compatible, and the 14.4" seat tube means people with legs any longer than mine won't even get full extension with a 420mm post. My intention is to do exactly what you're asking, though: to see how the bike fares as an AM bike in comparison to other "big slopestyle" bikes that ride like a big BMX.
It's really cool to see supremely hydroformed tubes and yet a classic-shaped silhouette.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by DarylMac
(Post 2597334)
They look a lot like a Bottlerocket. If they ride like one they should be extremely fun bikes!
I used to have a bike that had adjustable shock mounts and travel settings and found that I never used them... Once I got the bike dialed how I liked it I didn't want to change anything. I have to ask myself; Is the Voltage really designed to be super versatile or does it just come with an abundance of tuning options? I'm just concerned that no matter what single crown fork you put on the bike you'll never get away from the weight of the frame and suspension design - it's not going to become a killer "all mountain" bike... I wouldn't see this as a failing of the bike or the design - rather falling short of unfair expectations... I look at that bike and instead of versatility I see tunability... Looking forward to the review - and hope you explore the tuning side of things - I imagine with those options you could get that bike absolutely dialed in. |
I've found with all my bikes over the years that I tweak settings and parts until I find the setup I like—essentially a "plateau" of aesthetic and performance considerations. Occasionally I'll disassemble or poach parts for another project, and when the bike goes back together the reincarnation is not always the same. With most bikes you're limited to a fork within 20mm of stock and speculative short-shocking; while Scott supports these types of mods with the OEM spare parts necessary to make drastic changes.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by boomforeal
(Post 2597370)
the versatility of the frame means you can retain those nice geo numbers but get the suspension amount and feel setup for what you end up wanting/needing - yeah you might take a bit of a weight hit, but for the intended use and at the price point that seems like a small price to pay to have some leeway in getting things dialed without having to flip your frame if the stock setup doesn't work out
|
Regarding weight, I don't actually think this bike is that heavy. With 1200 gram tires, a 7.6 pound fork, and a big coil shock, it still comes in under 40 pounds.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Guest
(Post 2597382)
I'd be very interested to hear more details about the Voltage, especially a shorter travel setup. I'm currently on a Gambler and am considering trading down in size for something more pedal friendly.
I find the Gambler's stiff frame tracks really well through corners and rough stuff, the pivots are bombproof, the 36 tooth optimized single pivot works wells and the ability to customize your geometry/suspension is great. I'd like to hear if the Voltage have the same benefits as its big brother? Can the Voltage take Cypress punishment day in, day out and pedal around fromme? (not just the road, anything can get up the road) |
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by old_school_n00b
(Post 2597400)
All the details on this bike come together in an impressively cohesive manner, and not just the matchy-matchy branding, but from the frame up: the hydroformed, angular, straight tubes work really well with the shock mount, linkage, and dropout design.
|
Posted by menehune at 03:29 PM on 12-12-2011
would love to see a review of this bike in the short-shocked 5" setting with a stout 5" singlecrown to match.
this is the configuration i've been looking at for a machine-built trail ripper...
look forward to hearing more!
would love to see a review of this bike in the short-shocked 5" setting with a stout 5" singlecrown to match.
this is the configuration i've been looking at for a machine-built trail ripper...
look forward to hearing more!
Posted by Cheez1ts at 04:24 PM on 12-12-2011
I also saw the adaptability being the fact that it accepts different shock lengths and has a 1.5 head tube. It looks like it will be pretty hard to be at a loss for parts to put on this bike. Plus you`ll be more likely to score a good deal on the shock or fork you want because the bike accepts more than one size shock and all different steer tubes (requiring a cheaper change of the headset).
The different niche could be winter and summer set up too. Big travel for the Whistler season and pedal friendly for the other months.
The bike looks like it has great value.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by morgman
(Post 2597431)
One of the biggest things to me about the adaptable setup is that if you moved to a different area or bought another bike for the "big bike" or "slopestyle bike" need, the Voltage FR can be adapted to fill a different niche. In that way it has more staying power in a stable of many bikes.
|
The different niche could be winter and summer set up too. Big travel for the Whistler season and pedal friendly for the other months.
The bike looks like it has great value.
Posted by marcellus at 07:33 PM on 12-12-2011
2011 Voltage FR 20 L - I only lowered the front with a direct mount stem and 250 spring on the back for a bit more static sag. All other parts are stock, no failures.
I use it as a Mini DH and the FR replaced all other gear. The harder you press the better it gets.
My daughters stock FR30 S is a bit more responsive and chuckable.
The rearsuspension is truly modern. Nominally 180mm, the performance and linearity is better than most big bikes @ 210mm. The setup is easy - 4 clicks front and back and you`re done for the season...
The FR is well engineered gravity bike - designed by swiss Peter Denk - trying to make it pedal uphill is pointless.
2011 Voltage FR 20 L - I only lowered the front with a direct mount stem and 250 spring on the back for a bit more static sag. All other parts are stock, no failures.
I use it as a Mini DH and the FR replaced all other gear. The harder you press the better it gets.
My daughters stock FR30 S is a bit more responsive and chuckable.
The rearsuspension is truly modern. Nominally 180mm, the performance and linearity is better than most big bikes @ 210mm. The setup is easy - 4 clicks front and back and you`re done for the season...
The FR is well engineered gravity bike - designed by swiss Peter Denk - trying to make it pedal uphill is pointless.
Posted by Trini-dad72 at 09:22 PM on 12-13-2011
I'm with you. Given the chance I'd like to have one of these bikes with a seperate fork, shock and an angleset for different duties. One bike? Yep, it could work for me!
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Cheez1ts
(Post 2597451)
I also saw the adaptability being the fact that it accepts different shock lengths and has a 1.5 head tube. It looks like it will be pretty hard to be at a loss for parts to put on this bike. Plus you`ll be more likely to score a good deal on the shock or fork you want because the bike accepts more than one size shock and all different steer tubes (requiring a cheaper change of the headset).
The different niche could be winter and summer set up too. Big travel for the Whistler season and pedal friendly for the other months. The bike looks like it has great value. |
Posted by morgman at 01:36 PM on 12-31-2011
***UPDATE***
I tracked down a 215mm RP23 and the appropriate shock mounts, as well as the -10mm dropouts. Swapped my 36 Van RC2, Minion EXO 2.5s, and Wellgo B065s from my Wildcard on to the Voltage FR. Before and after the bike weighed 40.8 and 35.3 respectively (2.1 pounds from the fork, 1.5 from the shock, just under 2 from the tires and 2.125" tubes, and an almost-negligible 32 grams in the pedals).
With the lighter parts, 150mm travel setting, and 415mm chainstays, the bike is a completely different animal. It pops and manuals easier than the Wildcard, but the Scott's slacker head angle and longer front-centre measurement mean that, even though the top tubes measure similarly, the Scott is more stable descending steep stuff. This is exactly what I was hoping for in a bike that evolved from the Wildcard.
There is still weight to be lost on this bike (FR 32 rims and EXO tires aren't exactly svelte) but it's still quite a burly build and that has its advantages. I will need to put a longer post in it, so that will add some weight, but a different seat might offset that. In any case, I'm stoked to continue to test this one. Apparently if I run the 222mm shock mounts with this shock, it will lower and slacken the bike a bit more—so of course I'll try that out too.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6...d0bac31f_b.jpg
***UPDATE***
I tracked down a 215mm RP23 and the appropriate shock mounts, as well as the -10mm dropouts. Swapped my 36 Van RC2, Minion EXO 2.5s, and Wellgo B065s from my Wildcard on to the Voltage FR. Before and after the bike weighed 40.8 and 35.3 respectively (2.1 pounds from the fork, 1.5 from the shock, just under 2 from the tires and 2.125" tubes, and an almost-negligible 32 grams in the pedals).
With the lighter parts, 150mm travel setting, and 415mm chainstays, the bike is a completely different animal. It pops and manuals easier than the Wildcard, but the Scott's slacker head angle and longer front-centre measurement mean that, even though the top tubes measure similarly, the Scott is more stable descending steep stuff. This is exactly what I was hoping for in a bike that evolved from the Wildcard.
There is still weight to be lost on this bike (FR 32 rims and EXO tires aren't exactly svelte) but it's still quite a burly build and that has its advantages. I will need to put a longer post in it, so that will add some weight, but a different seat might offset that. In any case, I'm stoked to continue to test this one. Apparently if I run the 222mm shock mounts with this shock, it will lower and slacken the bike a bit more—so of course I'll try that out too.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6...d0bac31f_b.jpg
Posted by semaj at 02:54 PM on 12-31-2011
Stop making me stoked! :woot:
I've got a 66 RC3 Ti, 9.5x3 Vivid Air, 240mm mounts and +10mm dropouts....as well as Domain U-Turn, 8.5x2.5 Monarch, 215mm mounts and -10mm dropouts. Hoping for a super versatile fun bike! :)
Stop making me stoked! :woot:
I've got a 66 RC3 Ti, 9.5x3 Vivid Air, 240mm mounts and +10mm dropouts....as well as Domain U-Turn, 8.5x2.5 Monarch, 215mm mounts and -10mm dropouts. Hoping for a super versatile fun bike! :)
Posted by morgman at 03:08 PM on 12-31-2011
Those both sound like great setups. Let's see some pics!
Those both sound like great setups. Let's see some pics!
Posted by semaj at 03:10 PM on 12-31-2011
It's still a pile of parts :lol: The frame is being sent for powder coating...I hate the grey of the 2011 FR10 frame.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by morgman
(Post 2603318)
Those both sound like great setups. Let's see some pics!
|
Posted by morgman at 03:18 PM on 12-31-2011
Ah yes, I agree. The FR 20 colours in both years are my favourites of the bunch—that 2011 green is so bright! What colour are you going with yours?
No excuse for no pics though :lol:
Ah yes, I agree. The FR 20 colours in both years are my favourites of the bunch—that 2011 green is so bright! What colour are you going with yours?
No excuse for no pics though :lol:
Posted by boomforeal at 04:21 PM on 12-31-2011
like i said morg
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnxuu5qlZH1qdk87d.gif
and slack! what's the hta on that puppy, still 65*?
like i said morg
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnxuu5qlZH1qdk87d.gif
and slack! what's the hta on that puppy, still 65*?
Posted by morgman at 05:06 PM on 12-31-2011
With the 160mm fork the HA is 66º, but would go back to 65º if I used the 222 shock mount with the 215 shock.
http://picslap.com/sites/default/fil...lsgoodman1.jpg
Quote:
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Originally Posted by boomforeal
(Post 2603327)
like i said morg
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnxuu5qlZH1qdk87d.gif and slack! what's the hta on that puppy, still 65*? |
http://picslap.com/sites/default/fil...lsgoodman1.jpg
Posted by semaj at 05:50 PM on 12-31-2011
I'm going with a bright orange, almost neon :)
I'll take pics of it when it's all together!
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by morgman
(Post 2603321)
Ah yes, I agree. The FR 20 colours in both years are my favourites of the bunch—that 2011 green is so bright! What colour are you going with yours?
No excuse for no pics though :lol: |
I'll take pics of it when it's all together!
Posted by morgman at 08:26 PM on 12-31-2011
Orange... brave man...
Here's a geo chart from the 2011 owners manual:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6...3ae9ed4d_b.jpg
Orange... brave man...
Here's a geo chart from the 2011 owners manual:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6...3ae9ed4d_b.jpg
Posted by Carrot Top at 02:30 PM on 01-01-2012
Do you notice a significant difference in handling with the steeper head angle?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by morgman
(Post 2603334)
With the 160mm fork the HA is 66º, but would go back to 65º if I used the 222 shock mount with the 215 shock.
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Posted by morgman at 09:10 PM on 01-01-2012
I haven't tried changing the shock mount to slacken it yet; I wanted to get a couple rides on the new setup as it sits (today was ride two) before I started changing things. The bike does ride completely different than it did with the big fork and shock, but it doesn't feel steeper (descending steep stuff being the indicator there).
If you think about it, with a 65º HA and a 200mm fork at full compression, the effective head angle would actually be steeper than a 66º HA and a 160mm fork fully compressed. If I had to comment on how it feels with the shorter fork, I would say it actually feels floppy (which would mean slack) at slow speed—this in comparison to the Wildcard with the same fork and a 67º HA.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Carrot Top
(Post 2603418)
Do you notice a significant difference in handling with the steeper head angle?
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If you think about it, with a 65º HA and a 200mm fork at full compression, the effective head angle would actually be steeper than a 66º HA and a 160mm fork fully compressed. If I had to comment on how it feels with the shorter fork, I would say it actually feels floppy (which would mean slack) at slow speed—this in comparison to the Wildcard with the same fork and a 67º HA.
Posted by menehune at 03:52 PM on 01-02-2012
amazing- thanks for posting!
that's exactly how i hope to set my future voltage up!
amazing- thanks for posting!
that's exactly how i hope to set my future voltage up!
Posted by Trini-dad72 at 09:09 PM on 01-02-2012
DayUMM!!!!! You are not making life any easier for me ya know!
DayUMM!!!!! You are not making life any easier for me ya know!
Posted by Matts at 08:46 PM on 02-05-2012
Just ordered myself one of these
Just ordered myself one of these
Posted by semaj at 09:59 PM on 03-23-2012
Finally got mine built morgman....
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...t/2cb5ca3c.jpg
This is my shore setup. Have a vivid air and BoXXer for the bike park :)
Finally got mine built morgman....
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...t/2cb5ca3c.jpg
This is my shore setup. Have a vivid air and BoXXer for the bike park :)
Posted by FullMonty at 10:03 PM on 03-23-2012
digging the bright frame without an ass-load of goofy graphics. solid ride dude.
digging the bright frame without an ass-load of goofy graphics. solid ride dude.
Posted by morgman at 11:23 PM on 03-23-2012
Sweet! Sounds like a great setup both ways. The -10 (415mm) dropouts really make the bike want to manual – part of my ideal Bobsledder.
I'm due for another update on the white machine - seeing Arthur for some suspension therapy early next week. Most recently I swapped to a 785mm bar and 45mm stem (in yesterday's Gear Shots). The wider bar feels good on the effectively "medium" top tube of the Long Voltage.
http://www.nsmb.com/assets/2012/imag...=430&width=700
Quote:
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Originally Posted by semaj
(Post 2630728)
Finally got mine built morgman....
This is my shore setup. Have a vivid air and BoXXer for the bike park :) |
I'm due for another update on the white machine - seeing Arthur for some suspension therapy early next week. Most recently I swapped to a 785mm bar and 45mm stem (in yesterday's Gear Shots). The wider bar feels good on the effectively "medium" top tube of the Long Voltage.
http://www.nsmb.com/assets/2012/imag...=430&width=700
Posted by zofmg at 11:29 PM on 03-23-2012
Lol, I manual that trail on my long ass podium, this bike should be a piece of cake!
Sweet ano colors too!
Quote:
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Originally Posted by morgman
(Post 2630750)
Sweet! Sounds like a great setup both ways. The -10 (415mm) dropouts really make the bike want to manual – part of my ideal Bobsledder.
I'm due for another update on the white machine - seeing Arthur for some suspension therapy early next week. Most recently I swapped to a 785mm bar and 45mm stem (in yesterday's Gear Shots). The wider bar feels good on the effectively "medium" top tube of the Long Voltage. http://www.nsmb.com/assets/2012/imag...=430&width=700 |
Sweet ano colors too!
Posted by morgman at 11:34 PM on 03-23-2012
The slight downhill manual on pavement, like coming out of Mountain View Park and down Hoskins, is a great indicator of the ease of manual factor. I can lock in and sustain a manual for a reasonable amount of time on the 415 chainstay, while on the 425 I fight it – and usually lose.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by zofmg
(Post 2630752)
Lol, I manual that trail on my long ass podium, this bike should be a piece of cake!
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Posted by zofmg at 11:41 PM on 03-23-2012
Searchin for steez.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by morgman
(Post 2630753)
The slight downhill manual on pavement, like coming out of Mountain View Park and down Hoskins, is a great indicator of the ease of manual factor. I can lock in and sustain a manual for a reasonable amount of time on the 415 chainstay, while on the 425 I fight it – and usually lose.
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Posted by morgman at 11:43 PM on 03-23-2012
I need to ride my BMX more.
I need to ride my BMX more.
Posted by semaj at 04:58 PM on 03-24-2012
Thanks! I wanted bright frame and subtle everything else. :)
Yeah I'm running the -10 dropouts right now, will switch to +10 for DH.
I still haven't ridden it though! Life keeps getting in the way.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by FullMonty
(Post 2630729)
digging the bright frame without an ass-load of goofy graphics. solid ride dude.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by morgman
(Post 2630750)
Sweet! Sounds like a great setup both ways. The -10 (415mm) dropouts really make the bike want to manual – part of my ideal Bobsledder.
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I still haven't ridden it though! Life keeps getting in the way.
Stumble this!
Tweet this!
