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MountainBikeReview.com's Forum Archives - What Bike to Buy
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Green Giant, HAmmerhead questions? (18 posts)
|  Green Giant, HAmmerhead questions? | 4bar bound
Apr 14, 2002 9:49 AM | | I heard you are the one I should speak to. I am interested in a hammerhead 100. However, am concerned for bikes abilities. Could I race this local and some 24 hrs as part of a team? How does it compare to Racer X ( got to ride this one briefly).Is the hammerhead more supple/ plush? Is the hammerhead just the same as Racerx ride characteristics just more travel? Is it efficient,good climbing in and out of saddle? What about brake jack? I am really looking for a all around great trail bike that can be raced occasionally. I live north east coast. Look forward to your response. |
| re: Green Giant, HAmmerhead questions? | Green Giant
Apr 14, 2002 1:56 PM | | Not sure if I'm the only one to talk to as there are several good riders out there on them these days but I'll give you my best shot.
Racing it - sure, why not? Truthfully, 100mm up front is more than most super competitive racers would use, but for the occasional local race, absolutely. For Endurance events it should be fantastic. (Haven't done one on the hammerhead but have done some on the Racer X). Again, it's always more the motor than the machine.
In comparing it to a Racer X, yes it is very similar but with a few differences.
1. 100mm up front, but you KEEP the same handling characteristics as the Racer X. Conversely, if you put 100mm on a Racer X it will steer slower, and IMO floppy. I put a 100mm on my Racer X last year and it really screwed up the handling as far as I was concerned. You also gain a bit of BB height (.2 inches if i recall)
2. It's a bit stiffer, and a bit heavier as a result of the straight gauge downtube, gussets, and boxed rear end.
3. Geometry's are different in the TT, BB height and standover.
- As far as plushness, it gets a tad more rear travel, but the added plushness comes from the extra travel up front.
It climbs GREAT, very efficient both in and out of the saddle.
I'm in Michigan so my riding is simlar to yours, but with shorter climbs obivously, it's fantastic. I have mine set up as a "mountain bike" stuff that just works. I will occasionally race it, but at the sport level and as a team for endurance racing.
I've owned several duallys, including several 4 bars. While all were nice the thing I love about the Hammerhead/Racer X platform is the fact that the bike feels like one. Most 4 bars I've been on feel like a separate front and rear end. Not bad, just different. For some it does result in a more suspension like feeling, to me it's just bob.
No brake jack, horst links and a fully active design!
It's a great bike, I'm EXTREMELY pleased with mine and Charles is great to work with. |
| re: Green Giant, HAmmerhead questions? | 4 bar bound
Apr 14, 2002 6:19 PM | | What is the weight of your hammerhead? How is it set up? I was also wondering about size? I got sized by two differnt LBS and one swears I sholud order a Racerx in med (23.5 top tube) the other states it would be best if I go large (24 top tube) with shorter stem? I am just a hair over 6ft with 31 inch inseam and long torso and arms? I am really leaning toward a Hammerhead at this point which confuses things even more. What do you think? Thanks for helping and your responses/ info! |
| re: Green Giant, HAmmerhead questions? | Green Giant
Apr 14, 2002 6:39 PM | | On the size, I would lean towards the 23.5 inch TT for you on the hammerhead (they size by TT), I"m 5'10 and ride a 23. Talk to Charles he won't steer you wrong and is about your size.
Weight, to be honest I don't really weigh things. I'd ballpark it in the 26lb (REAL weight) neighboorhood. Could swing a pound almost just on tire selection. I could get it down below 24 for sure, but I just ride parts that are light enough, and durable enough... thompson post and stem, king wheels (on order), avid mechanical discs, xt cranks and BB, sram r.der (highly rec the new stuff), fox float R up front.
I'd talk with Charles on size. The weight and parts thing is up to you. It is a sub 6lb frame though. Ti bolts etc could save even more. |
| Racing the HH | TechniKal
Apr 14, 2002 3:28 PM | | I'll be finishing out the Texas State Series on a Hammerhead - replacing the Superlight I've used in the prior races. I figure it'll be just fine for the type of racing I do - the handling is quick, the bike is efficient, a good climber, and there's no weight penalty for me between the Superlight I was running and the new bike. For endurace type events, the 4" fork up front should make the bike a little more comfortable and forgiving.
My first race on the new bike will be next Sunday - a course with a lot of short steep climbing and fast decents. I'll post how it went after it's done. |
| Racing the HH | 4 bar bound
Apr 14, 2002 6:12 PM | | Let me know how it raced? What does your hammerhead weigh, and how is it set up? |
| more from the converted | yankeeheel
Apr 14, 2002 6:58 PM | | 4bb,
I just ordered up my HH100 based mostly on the same criteria that you are looking for, sans the racing thing.
I ride aggresively, and enjoy climbing, so I needed a frame that would be able to crank the short steeps that are common here in central NC. Also lots of washed out roots, rocks, etc. By test riding Metroid's I know this is a more than capable machine. If you match it up with the Fox Float 100, it's a super balanced sled.
There is no brake jack that I could discern. It did "bob" some when climbing, but by moving weight forward and pedaling smoothly it was minimal too non-existent.
Check with Charles on the sizing. I'm 5'10" with long legs and arms, but short torso. The 23.5 fits me super. The two Titus' I've ridden seem to have a short cockpit, but that's just my perception.
Hope that helps you some. |
| I'm just under 6 ft tall... | KRob
Apr 14, 2002 9:42 PM | | with 32 inch inseam and longer torso,and went with the 23 inch tt on Charles' recommendation. After riding a medium Switchblade from the Titus factory I was a little worried that I should have gone with the 23.5. It felt a little short in the cockpit. Not bad. Just a little cramped. In fact, moving the seat back on its rails solved the problem. When the bike arrived, as I'm getting it out of the box and putting it together, I'm thinking, "man this frame looks small." But when I got everything together and set up, it seemed to fit really well. My position on the bike seems a little different than my hardtail, but the effective tt length is identical. The difference comes from bars that have less sweep back than my old bike, and a little less seat to hanlebar height. So even though, I feel a little more stretched out (good), I feel like my overall body position is more centered on the bike. Also, the seat to pedal set-back is a little greater on the HH which has totally solved my knee pain problem I would get on long rides on my other bike At least I assume this is what has made the difference. Other possible factors could be the slightly more free float on my new pedals, or fewer seated to standing transitions because of the full-suspension. But I digress. Go to Charles' site Hammerheadbikes.com and fill out a rider profile form. He'll make an excellent recommendation from there. He rides and tests a lot of different components, and will give you good advise.
Good Luck. |
| I can't say enough good things about this frame... | Metroid
Apr 15, 2002 8:17 AM | | No worries about brake jack, climbing in or out of the saddle are very efficient. It would make a great techincal East coast race bike. If full suspension is appropriate, this bike will be fine. The balance of this bike is incredible.
I'm right at 6' and am extremely happy with the 23.5". Mine was 25.5 lbs on the shop scale.
23.5" Hammerhead 100X with Fox Float R
Fox Forx Float 100 R
Thompson seatpost (now Black) and 120mm stem
Monkeylite low rise
WTB Laser V Stealth
Avid Ultimate Levers
Avid front Disc
XTR rear V brake
XTR 8 speed drivetrain
SRAM PC-68 chain
Time ATAC Titans
Specialized/317 front wheel
King/Mustang rear wheel
Continental Explorer Protection front tire
Michelin Comp S rear tire (now Conti Escape Pro)
Performance Ultralight Tubes |
| I can't say enough good things about this frame... | The Squeaky Wheel
Apr 15, 2002 8:46 AM | | Metroid,
You definitely have the most viewed bike on this board.
Loving mine too. I was considering a road trip with the boys to Asheville, but I think the drive is too long for a 3 day weekend. Will you be swinging by NJ before July?
Squeak |
| Yeah... | Metroid
Apr 15, 2002 11:40 AM | | 14 hours is definitely too long of a drive for a 3 day weekend especially with kids. I probably be up in May sometime but haven't worked out any details. I'll be sure to drop you a line before I'm up there. |
| Yeah... | The Squeaky Wheel
Apr 15, 2002 4:58 PM | | Let me know when you're coming. You'll dig Ringwood.
I'll be away May 17-19.
Squeak |
| Currently gunning for the coveted "Most Viewed Bike" honor. | KRob
Apr 17, 2002 8:42 PM | | |
| Wow!!!! | The Squeaky Wheel
Apr 18, 2002 6:39 AM | | Well, you still have a ways to go to catch Metroid. But his basement pales in comparison to your vistas.
Keep posting those shots!
Squeak (HOGS/HFF/HHPPTT #3) |
| We got some competition here.... | The Squeaky Wheel
Apr 18, 2002 9:17 AM | | Nice shots (except for the one of the hairy chest with the welt).
Pisgah looks excellent. You'll love Ringwood. The rock gardens & log crossings look very similar. Let me know when you're heading north.
Squeak |
| Wait...uh...did you see my post over on passion? | KRob
Apr 18, 2002 9:32 AM | | "Geek captures elusive HH100x" a few weeks ago? Not giving up that easily. No action shots though. Being the lonely poser that I am, I have no friends to ride with therefore no one to record my (in)glorious riding style. I did talk one fellow I saw along the way at Gooseberry to snap a shot of me standing with my bike. Pathetic, I know.
Cool shots btw Metroid. My brother lives in Virginia so maybe one day I'll get over to the right coast. |
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