|   Advantages of coil rear and/or an Uzzi SL link on Tracers? | Mike Bay
Aug 12, 2002 10:54 AM | | What are the advantages of a coil rear shock and/or an Uzzi SL link on a Tracer?
I read on here a while back that a coil rear shock would increase travel to 4.4" and a coil and Uzzi SL link could increase travel to over 5". Have this been verified? I'm leaning toward a coil rear shock for a smoother suspension especially if it increases travel. But I called Intense and they said it will only get 4".
At 150 lbs, what spring rate is best for small bump sensitivity and where could I get the Uzzi SL link?
Thanks. |
| re: Advantages of coil rear and/or an Uzzi SL link on Tracers? | derby
Aug 12, 2002 11:59 AM | | You may have read some of my posts about going from a Float RL to Vanilla-R.
I measured the potential travel of my Tracer at 4.4 inches by letting the air out of the 1.5 inch stroke Float and measuring before and after at the back of the seat. I could never get the Float to bottom it's stroke unless I used about 40% sag. And that much sag ruined geometry unless I used the steep geometry 4 inch link setting (the upper-forward shock to link pivot). So with preferred sag I never got more than 3.25 inches of full travel. But I don't do any big jumps.
I got the Vanilla-R and can run 1 inch of travel sag (about 25%) and bottom occasionally. The rubber bump stop on the Vanilla would prevent full stoke so 4 inches is real usable travel. The Vanilla-R was a really great change. I softened my springs in front to match the extra smooth ride. There is a little more bob, but not much. Of course you can use firmer springs and tune for harder riding than I do.
I haven't done it, but was told by Intense that an Uzzi SL link will jack the BB up about 1/2 inch and decrease the frame angles about 1 degree (it will handle much like the bike does in the steeper 4 inch link setting. Try that if you want to compare handling first before buying the SL link). This is too steep except in very slow riding conditions. Although I suspect it probably would work well with a 5 inch travel fork and plenty of sag to level the frame better. When I get a 4 to 5 inch adjustable fork someday I'll try the SL link. A friend has ridden his Tracer with the SL link and likes it in urban freeride type use for better traction and momentum climbing steps and more cushion for landings.
You have to order the SL link through a dealer.
- ray |
| So no 5"+ travel Tracers even with the Uzzi link. | Mike Bay
Aug 13, 2002 9:41 AM | | Thanks for clarifying. Too bad the Tracer couldn't have more useable travel.
I read most of your excellent posts over the years. |
| maybe the SL link makes 5+ | derby
Aug 13, 2002 11:32 AM | | Thanks for the complement. It's a fun mental recreation break while chained to a desk during the work week. And I sure learn a lot here.
The amount of leverage of the SL link looks like it would produce at least 5 inches. Maybe I can get a friend with one to measure.
- ray |
| Yes, please verify the travel w/coil & SL link. | Mike Bay
Aug 13, 2002 10:50 PM | | A 5"+ Tracer would be nearly perfect(uninterupted seat tube?).
I, too, have learned so much here. Hopefully someday I will have enough experience to repay the good people of this site. |
| SL link with Coil..Will it Work? | MarrtinC
Aug 20, 2002 10:43 PM | | I'm new to this forum and have a quick question.
Will a Tracer work with both the SL linkage plate & a Vanilla R coil over, romic or other coil shock.
I'm interested in this setup to produce a light, trailworthy bike with 5" in front & about 4.5" in back (Coil sprung front & back).
I'm about 170lb's and plan to use for agresssive single track trail riding.
Thanks for the feedback. |
| Simply changing to a coil shock won't boost the travel... | DeeEight
Aug 13, 2002 11:41 PM | | unless its one with a longer stroke, and then you'd want a longer shock overall otherwise you run the risk of bottoming pedals into the ground at max compression. |
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