4X/DS bike for trail riding?

Hi Lee,

I’ve been looking at different four cross/slalom type bikes that can cross over and be used for general singletrack riding. Given your experience with Specialized, how do think the SX (4.2″ travel) would work out?

Thanks
Jason

Me gettin’ some Santa Cruz love, February 2005.

Hey Jason,

I’ve ridden my Specialized SX on trail — and it RIPS!!!!!!!

– Run a small (32-34t) front ring.

– Use a chain guide. The Gamuts work well for me.

– If you do a lot of trail riding, run a standard MTB cassette. 11-32 or 11-34. With a 1:1 ratio you can climb really well. Any steeper than that — just hike!

– Run a short cage rear derailleur, for less chain slap than a medium or long cage. I love X.0 because it doesn’t hit the stay (BTW, I pay for all my SRAM stuff).

– You’ll need a really long seat post for trail and a really short one for 4X/DS/DJ. A Maverick Speedball would be sweet as the long one: You enjoy full XC height on the climbs, then you instantly drop the seat 3 inches for ripping DH action.

After all that, you can run a low seat and rule a 4X or DS. Pretty sweet!

Braaap,

— Lee

Lars Thompsen, jefe of Trail Head Cyclery gets some too. This was on a two-hour XC loop.