hi folks.i own a 2004 model and it is in pristine condition.i was thinking of selling it and buying the 2005 version but as i prefer the looks of the 04 bike i would like to do some upgrades.will a vanilla 130rlc plug in without ruining the handlingwhat are the widest tyres the frame takes and lastly hope m4 or hayes hfx (8" front).im sure these upgrades will REALLY open up the ride on what is a great aggressive hardtail that hss soft brakes and a twangy fork.
The Vanilla 130'll work lovely, or at least the 125 did before it died on mine... The largest practical tyre I've used is a Fat Albert 2.35, which is a biggish tyre. I wouldn't want to go any larger. I have no idea about the brakes, I run an '04 203mm Saint up front and a 160mm one at the back and that works for me. I used to have a set of Hayes and they were strong, but a bit wooden in feel, sort of on/off. I haven't used the M4s so can't really comment on any differences.
The '05 frame has steeper steering geometry as well btw, so it's not just the looks. I preferred the handling on the '04 when I tried one briefly.
Just to throw in my two-penneth, I've had extended test rides on 2 bikes equipped with Mono M4's and really liked them (200mm front/180mm rear). Ample power, good modulation and comfortable levers.
Regarding tyres, I've seen Juan's bike with a 2.4" Schwalbe Racing Ralph on the rear and the 2.35" Fat Albert on the front and it had no problems accomodating either. I don't think you'd need go any bigger than that.
Pikes are very nice, a bit burlier than the Vanillas but a little heavier too, plus you'd need a new front wheel with a 20mm hub. It feels a bit more, erm, playful with Vanillas, if that makes sense, a bit more burly with the Pikes. Both are a big improvement on the RS Dukes the bike has as stock. And yeah, the 2.4 fits, though it's about the same size as a 2.35 Fat Albert anyway.
thanks to you guys for replying to my upgrade queries-its good to know that theres like minded riders out there logging on.anyway,a friend let me try his maxxis hookworms (2.5wide)and there was no clearance issues,well....not for street use and i had a real laugh flinging the bike round the local skate park at obscene angles,although at 43 years old i kinda looked put of place!!On a more serious note however i was a bit worried to read about Juans bad experiences with his fox shoxs.maybe i might just get a Pike and that way i can mess about with travel etc as the trail dictates and not worry about maintenance issues. one other upgrade i made was fitting an 05 thudbuster which not only smooths the bumps but gives a wee bit more leg stretch esp,if your abit lanky like me.
hey these 2004 bikes? how does a 125/130 or more mm fork affect the handling? I was told by a bike shop that wouldnt be a good idea as there only designed for 100/115 mm forks? Oh yeah bike a wildcat trail not a rocky ridge, mx comp eta on it now though instead of the pile of steaming crap judys.
First, there are plenty of people who run Vanillas without reliability problems. Mine got used a lot - think four times a week, longish rides - in the Peak, in highly abrasive conditions over winter. In more typical circumstances, I doubt you'd have a problem.
Second, Dave, your local bike shop is wrong. I ran my Rocky with Vanilla 125s from the off (I had an ex-test bike frame from ATB Sales) and it was fine, steered nice and quick, climbed without problems. The Fox is a good choice as it's quite a short fork for its travel, something like a Marzocchi is going to be significantly taller for the travel and might not work quite as well, but a Vanilla or a Talas at 130 will be fine. The '05 Rocky comes with a 130 Vanilla as stock and still steers quickly.
In fact, my mate at ATB Sales told me not to bother with a fork with less than 115mm of travel on the '04 frame :-) If you're still not sure, talk to ATB Sales and see what they say, but the Vanilla 125R on mine was perfect. I run the Pike with 140mm out on downhills, about 125-130 most of the time, and have no problems.
hi guys,back on the shock travel again!!!!I made a deal with my cousin this week and i can now get a 2005 rocky ridge.basically i get to keep the 04 frame with the 05 forks,brakes,wheels,bar and stem and he gets a brand new frame with the 04 kit which is almost unused.I will let you know how his bike handles or if he is in hospital...i will probably be in casualty after he gets out. stay tuned...
