|   Any demo experiences w/ Intense Tracer vs. Ellsworth Truth? | thedog
Jun 15, 2002 9:13 PM | | Has anyone demo'd both of these bikes offroad? I am particularly curious about the Tracer's handling in steep loose technical climbs (were you are on the nose of the saddle) given its 1" higher botton bracket (as compared to the Truth).
Any insight would be appreciated. |
| Ask derby over in the "what bike to buy" section ... | dogbert
Jun 16, 2002 6:23 AM | | derby owns a Tracer and has demo'd a Truth at least once. I've never ridden a Tracer, but have owned 2 Truths. On really steep, loose technical climbs, the rear traction was incredible, making it an extremely good climber. I'd have a hard time believing the Tracer could be any better. But then again, it probably comes down more to the rider than the bike anyway. |
| don't get me started! | derby
Jun 16, 2002 8:52 PM | | Both very good bikes.
Tracer is the most adjustable in suspension and geometry in this travel range and very stable and snappy and smooth pedaling, and awesome braking and cornering at all speeds.
As a larger rider (6'1, 200 lbs) I found the Truth to be unstable handling without very slow damping. I'm probably in between sizes for this bike, rode a medium with a TT size I was long accustomed to and felt comfortable fit wise, the Large is about 1.5 inches longer and would be more stable. It's also very smooth pedaling. The advanced tuning of the Romic shocks are reported to do wonders for the Truth's stability. Larger riders interested in an Ellsworth XC bike would probably like the Isis or Id for more stable handling geometry with a normal TT fit.
- ray |
| Thanks Derby - what fork do run with the Tracer? | thedog
Jun 17, 2002 7:56 AM | | I am contemplating:
1. Manitou Black Elite 80/100 - some say too flexy?
2. Fox Float RLC 80/100
3. Fox Vanilla RLC 80/100
4. Psylo 2002 SL (80-125) - 125 may be too much for this frame
I weigh 150, ride heavy XC and trails
Any suggestions? Thanks |
| Thanks Derby - what fork do run with the Tracer? | derby
Jun 17, 2002 11:48 AM | | I'm big and flex things easily. I'm using an '01 Marzocchi x-fly 100 with coil springs (same as Atom 100 I think). And I like the adjustability and smooth action of the fork.
If you ever were to try the Uzzi link for 5+ inches travel on the Tracer it would be nice to have a 5 inch fork to keep the travel fairly even and the geometry from getting too steep for good handling. Doesn't the Fox Vanilla Fox adjust to 125mm? That or the Float Forx would probably be my choice if money was no object. These are the smoothest feeling forks I've ever compressed on a bike in a showroom, but never ridden. I rode a new Psylo SL and liked the U-Turn height adjuster, but it wasn't as smooth acting as my x-fly (even when air sprung). And the Tracer or Truth are very smooth feeling in the rear.
I have little experience with newer Manitou forks. At your weight I don't think stiffness would be much of an issue with the Black. The TPC+ damping has great reviews. The Marzocchi and Fox forks are stiffer fore and aft than all other makes.
Also at your weight the Truth would be much more stable for you than it was for me. It has very quick handling geometry in the small and medium sizes, great for climbing balance and tight trails, but more twitchy as speeds increase. And there no geometry or travel adjustability except if the fork is adjustable, but it is about 1/2 pound lighter than the stronger built Tracer in the smaller sizes. If you sprint a lot or race a rear lockout shock or a shock with a wide range of compression adjustment would help acceleration efficiency. Tracer has little use for lockouts or firm compression and still rides just as freely and more freely than the Truth at higher speeds through rough terrain.
- ray |
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