Morphine

[Scary Mc]

I'm thinking about picking up one of these... http://www.bansheebikes.com/bikes_morphine.php?color=black

Think it looks sturdy enough?:p

[sleepyt23]

that's one beast of a bike there, scary.

i recall that toonces and I saw one of the Banshee Scream frames at Poison Spider Bikes in Moab. That was the freakin' burliest bike I've seen.

-travis the mighty

[toonces]

If the Scream is any indicator of the build of Banshee's bikes, then the Morphine will be more bike than you will ever have the pleasure of attempting to destroy. Amen.

[Squasher]

I think its one of the ugliest frames out there. The buil on them look wierd.

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=56245&highlight=morphine

Now this is one the cleanest looking frames in my opinion
http://drownedgod.com/SinFull.jpg

[toonces]

Clean is...

http://www.243racing.com/2003productline/jpgs-large/anglebmx_l.jpg

or...

http://www.endlessbikes.com/built/endless_fred.jpg

Ahhhhh, steel.

[Scary Mc]

Originally posted by toonces

http://www.endlessbikes.com/built/endless_fred.jpg

Ahhhhh, steel.

What's the second bike?

[toonces]

Endless Lifetime... www.endlessbikes.com. Inbred had a chance to chat and ride with the co-owner. From what I read, his impression is that it's a very nice bike and works well with a 24" rear. Kinda 'spensive from what I hear, tho.

[Scary Mc]

I'm looking for a hardtail that will serve as my trail bike, Flat Rock, OP, Crested Butte & shit like that AND serve as a capable FR/Urban rig. (Is this possible) I've thought about a FS bike (Giant AC) but just can't bring myself to do it....

The Banshee Scirocco seems like it might be a good choice as well... My Strong (32lbs) has almost the same geometry as some of the DJ/Urban bikes, it's just a bit lighter.

Suggestions?

[toonces]

This is awesome. So many people looking at the street/jump bikes. Anyhows, purpose-built FR/urban/jump bikes seem to have slacker head angles than normal trail bikes. That makes for some interesting handling in tight stuff and climbs. Reducing the travel in the fork might help a bit, but not much. And we're not talking super-slack, DH, 8-inch travel slack, but a bit more than on your average bike.

You'll also find that many of these bikes have shorter chainstays to make hopping and back wheel tricks easier. Not a big deal, but again, wil effect handling especially on up and downhills. Acceleration will be snappy, tho. If the bike you're looking at happens to have a 24" rear, best of luck to ya. It's fun on street, but 24 is a bit of a hassle on the trail. Acceleration is the biggest advantage, but there aren't many other advantages. In fact, it's a hinderance, in my opionion. You lose momentum easily, bumps affect the stability more, and parts for 24-inch wheels are harder to find.

With the recent burst of small builders, you're sure to find something that suits your wants/needs. There are bikes out there that are built to do everything and may be what you're looking for. Different forks can be swapped to add to handling. inbetween wheelsets for strength and lightness. 'Lite' freeride tires. XT drivetrain. It'll all build a reasonably light bike that can take it.

I can't really think of anything off the top of my head except for the Norco Shore bikes. Very solid bang for the buck and they're built for heavy trail use. A bit slack, tho. Rocky Mountain as well, but they tend to cost a bit. 360 Cycleworks is an RM dealer so you don't have to trek to Dallas anymore. Kona also has a line of bikes. The frame-only builders will require more research, but you can custom-tailor the build to exact specs. Stick sleepyt's frame down your pants to see how it fits :D

[Squasher]

Originally posted by Scary Mc
I'm looking for a hardtail that will serve as my trail bike, Flat Rock, OP, Crested Butte & shit like that AND serve as a capable FR/Urban rig. (Is this possible) I've thought about a FS bike (Giant AC) but just can't bring myself to do it....

The Banshee Scirocco seems like it might be a good choice as well... My Strong (32lbs) has almost the same geometry as some of the DJ/Urban bikes, it's just a bit lighter.

Suggestions?

Whats wrong with the Strong?
Doesnt it already serve as a Trailbike? Just slam the seat down for urban....

[Scary Mc]

Originally posted by Squasher
Whats wrong with the Strong?
Doesnt it already serve as a Trailbike? Just slam the seat down for urban....

It's a great bike, but I've not been kind to it. The jumping is making it supa flexy, I can't keep the BB cups tight for more than a couple of rides, and I've got two serious dents in the chainstays that are begging for mercy...


So other bikes.... Balfa Minuteman, Banshee Scirocco (even though I get flashbacks of the hideous VW).

I've never run a geared bike w/ horizontal drops. Any weirdness I need to take into consideration? Bolt on axels?

[toonces]

Originally posted by Scary Mc

I've never run a geared bike w/ horizontal drops. Any weirdness I need to take into consideration? Bolt on axels?

Mine work fine. Just keep em tight (duh :))

[Scary Mc]

Originally posted by toonces
Mine work fine. Just keep em tight (duh :))

You mean the QR, right?

[toonces]

Originally posted by Scary Mc
You mean the QR, right?

No. My Tank has bolt on rear, and QR20+ front.

[sleepyt23]

Originally posted by toonces
Mine work fine. Just keep em tight (duh :))

I thought he was talking about the women :rolleyes:

[the Inbred]

yeah, Lifetimes are 24" rear specific. expensive, but purdy.