tbasic1

"I have a bike built around the AM1000 frame: Fox Vanilla R ProPedal shock, Manitou Minute 1 fork, Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes w/6" rotors, Maxxis Harddrive 2.1 tires, Bombshell platform pedals. The frame is a Large. I am 5'10 1/2" and am using a 60mm stem with with a 1" riser bar. It fits excellently. When I turn/push this bike hard on flat dirt/gravel it pushes evenly, no understeer/front tire washing out. I have yet to be exposed to a bike that will oversteer in these conditions. The high bottom bracket is a huge plus. You'll have to try hard to smack your pedals in corners. However, the high bottom bracket reduces available leg distance, which can be bad. I'm probably the smallest person who should use the Large size, and I already max out my seat post on full extension, and I could use another 1/2", at least. Taller persons will have to use a longer post (I have a 350mm) at full extension. A big plus is the post diameter is a big, reassuring 31.6mm. I'd be wary of runing smaller diameter posts at longer extensions. The adjustable travel settings are awesome. There are huge differences between each setting. You can run tight or downhill loving mush. I have no idea what all this whining is about energy sucking suspension; I never run the 4" setting. Just pedal smooth and go over stuff. Wheee! This bike is not a jumper. It is VERY large and long. My wheelbase is 45 1/4", which is downhill racer territory. I.E., it is extremely stable but not a tight, maneuverable thing. 17" chainstays also contribute to the stability. Regardless of these very long dimensions this thing is a very capable trail machine. I'm through with tight, nimble bikes. I just don't have the room to breathe on them and use my full power. I would've thought this thing would've steered sluggish with the dimensions it has, but it seems to carry it's weight low and is easily leaned over and does not steer sluggishly for me. This may be very dependent on my narrow 2.1 tires. I don't know what the heck is going on, but I seem to be able to run extrememly low tire pressures. I weigh 190 lbs. geared up, and I'm running 20 psi front and 23 rear. The thing rolls great with the low pressures over non-street terrain. The suspension handles it all, fine. This bike is not light. My total build is 32.4 lbs. My wheels are heavy Deore disc hub with WTB SX24 and straight 14 guage spokes. Crankset is the latest LX w/external bearing bottom bracket. My pedals are not light, either. However, the weight doesn't bother me. My engine is in a good state of tune, and it runs very well on this large bike. If I had to buy another bike, I wouldn't consider anything else in this midrange level. I would immediately jump to a higher price range, e.g., Titus or Turner, and I think the only functionality I would gain would be less weight. If anything, I'd probably consider something heavier, like a Nomad. This frame is more than good enough for it's level. If you can find detailed pics, compare the layout to the Turners. Look at all the pivot points. You'll be surprised. " more