5 spot vs 575

[phatfreeheeler]

Have you thought at all about a 5-pack? RFX front with 5-spot rear that can be bought at any Turner dealer. Personally, I’d be a bit nervous dirt jumping a just barely sub 6 lb full suspension frame, even occasionally. Body weight would probably play a role though, and I’d likely case it half the time. I personally now like 6x6 bikes for XC/trail riding, especially down in Moab. Of course, Wasatch trails are super tame, so 5” is plenty. I know one Maggette using an AS-X as a XC/trailbike, so I don’t think I can ever whine about bike weight again.

[ColMan]

If the five spot is built anything like my flux, then he's going to have that same problem...at least I do. But, lower BB = cornering like rails.

Yep, the spot has a very low BB height. Takes a little getting used to the pedals slamming into stuff, but worth it IMO for the lower center of gravity.

[kidwoo]

Funny.

I got an 03 enduro instead of a 5-spot because I thought the bb on the 5-spot was too high.

Luckily both yeti and turner build very sturdy bikes that last a long time. Either would be a good buy for longevity's sake.

Just a matter of finding the fit.

And while we're at it, can we PLEASE stop using vertical drop height to measure the durability of something. I've ridden my 28lb xc bike off an honest to god 7 foot drop but regularly aviod 5-6 footers on my dh bike depending on the landing. It's so insanely dependent on the landing that just throwing around drop heights is completely irrelevant. Keeping the rear end in one piece around choppy corners or hitting rocks head on without forming stress cracks around the headtue has much more validity with regards to what most of us do most of the time.

[Arty50]

But I'm so used to going phat to flat.

[Bzzzt]

I am actually considering building the 5 spot up heavier and jumping it... since it seem pretty slack... thoughts? Has anyone done this?

Yes


http://superelectric.net/2006/hafjellmtb/

It's a pretty standard trailbike setup: 130mm Vanilla RLC, Romic, F519+Hope, M4, etc.
Not sure about the weight, but I'm guessing 13kg (28lbs).
I have a heavier wheelset (D521+XT) with 2.5" tires for lift-assisted riding.
Picture from 2003, before properly set tup, here.

Get the 5 Spot. It rules.

[motionboy]

All right guys. I rode the 575 on Tuesday, and the final verdict is in... Let me preface by saying the 575 is an awesome bike. I encountered some strange stutter bump feedback on the one I demoed, noticing, the rear wheel seemed to drag at times over babyhead size rocks. This was something I never noticed once on the spot, rearend just seemed to pick itself up right over them. Next, the bike just seemed all around twitchier; I am guessing this is due to the slightly shorter wheelbase and higher bottom bracket. Definitely made for some sketchy descending at times for me. I also had difficulty picking the 575 up to hop over stuff or get pop on it. It just seemed all in all less reactive when it came to pushing the bike around. The spot also seemed to pedal better when standing. And there is the 575 ugly factor. One nice thing is I am only buying a frame so I am not forking out for a fully built bike sooooo.....

with the final verdict in I have a brand spankin new black 5 spot in my kitchen half built up.

Just need to get my 125 RLC spacers taken out and rebuilt and she should be ready to go in no time. To me it really was worth the extra $400, what is another $400 when you are over a thousand buck anyway, might as well be stoked on your purchase, and I am. Pics to come...

I would like to thank everyone for the input along the way, you guys rule.

[Tap]

Welcome to Boner City

[ColMan]

Right on. Enjoy your new ride.

[truth]

Very cool. If I had a use for a MTB I'd build a 5 spot.

[lph]

good choice (not that there was a bad one)

i have never ridden a 575, but all the things you didn't like about the 575 are things i consider strengths of the 5 spot.

1) not twitchy at all. rails corners.

2) tracks the trail over rock gardens extremely well.

3) very easy to hop on and generally throw around.

4) 5 spot pedals extremely well when up out of the saddle (although i am lazy and try never to do that )

pics?

[skideeppow]

great choice, i just spent about 4 hours on mine today, 45 miles.
It rides so well.