Dirtworks bikes

**bio-smear** · 07-11-2007, 11:37 PM

http://www.dirtworksglobal.com/frsix.html

In my never ending quest for a 6" trailbike with freeride geometry, I've discovered Dirtworks out of southern CA. The FR Six seems cool.... Can anyone weigh in?

I was set on a Commencal Supreme Mini DH but the US distributor that I bought my little bike from is at odds with the manufacturer now. I can't even imagine what trying to warranty a frame would be like with a company based in Andorra.

Squatch · 07-12-2007, 01:58 AM

the head angle seems kinda steep. In constrast, the Enduro SL has a 67 degree head angle.

I don't know exactly what you're looking for when you say "freeride geometry." Do you want a short wheelbase? Short chainstays? Slack head angle? I can't find a geomentry spec on the website.

**Arty50** · 07-12-2007, 07:18 AM

Just be prepared to swap out that Romic. They've given up on the bike business and aren't making them anymore. I've also been told that their service dept only does service/repair 2 out of 5 days now, and it's about a month of turnaround time. Also, it's getting increasingly impossible to get a hold of them. Which isn't so great considering you should send it in for service once a year. I have one on my 5 Spot and it rides great, but it's not the most reliable thing. I blew it after one year, and (knock on wood) it's holding up fine now. Although it does make some squishy noises intermittently.

**bio-smear** · 07-12-2007, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by Squatch

I don't know exactly what you're looking for when you say "freeride geometry."

Short chainstays (16.9" or less), tighter cockpit, and a headtube angle somewhere in the 68 deg area. Steeper than a DH bike but more slack than a XC bike. High headtube, low toptube/seattube juncture like a BottleRocket. You're right, there's a lack of geometry info on their site. He must be too busy welding.

I actually really dig the Preston FR, but I wish they had a size in between their M and L with an inch more travel.

BLOOD SWEAT STEEL · 07-12-2007, 10:15 AM

Can't comment on their FS rigs, but my SS bike is a DirtWorks frame. Rides real nice, good geometry and quality welds. If you can get it for the right price, I'd say go for it. Otherwise I think you'd be better off finding something a little more mainstream (less potential for headaches).

**uncle crud** · 07-12-2007, 10:19 AM

That's the bike they used to call the Termite, I think.

Definitely a weirdly steep HA on that bike, 69.5... measured with what axle-to-crown I wonder?

That Commencal does look pretty nice, and the slightly smaller Meta 5.5 got crazy good reviews last year in several publications. Isn't Go-Ride selling Commencal? I would think those guys would help with any warranty issues, they're not shady.

Also, Go-Ride used to sell Dirt Works, so you might be able to get Scott or Kris to tell you how the Dirt Works and Commencal compare.

LT · 07-12-2007, 10:34 AM

Funny they're in Andorra, not typically the first place that comes to mind when bike shopping. Cool country though!

**bio-smear** · 07-12-2007, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by LT

Funny they're in Andorra, not typically the first place that comes to mind when bike shopping. Cool country though!

It's basically a wealthy mountainous part of France that isn't France as I understand it.

I have been really impressed with the Commencal I own, it's a solid bike. I've heard great reviews about the Supreme MiniDH, and after having gotten my Absolut for cost direct from a distributor, I once again crave being styled in this manner. But, I called my contact yesterday who told me they were at odds with Max Commencal over inventory, so that's shot.

So who's distributing for them in the US now? I should call GoRide I suppose and get the scoop.

**scoober** · 07-12-2007, 11:17 AM

Why not the non-SL Spesh Enduro? Adjustable head angle (68.5 on the low setting), 16.7" chainstays, and sloping top tube with gusset stay at seat tube for low stand over.

They can sometimes be found a year old on clearance, that's how I picked up my '05.

LT · 07-12-2007, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by bio-smear

It's basically a wealthy mountainous part of France that isn't France as I understand it.

Yeah it's actually a principality located in the Pyrenees between France and Spain; not part of either. Approximately 2.5 hours from Barcelona. We send a lot of groups there so know it relatively well. The best skiing in the Pyrenees.