Suspension bob on a Heckler?

[Jeff_F]

OK, I've searched, but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for - so here's the question:

How well does a Heckler climb?

Some nay-sayers tell me the rear suspension geometry is out of date, and compared to other designs like 4-bar or VPP, that they bob a lot when climbing. Can anyone attest to the truthness or falseness of these-here claims?

I'm looking at it as an option to Dawgs, Slayers, Hustlers, etc.

Thanks

Jeff

[UFO]

they actually climb quite well, even pre-spv shock era--if you can maintain a good smooth pedal stroke. the problem lies in the falling rate suspension design, which no doubt helps them feel plush, but also contributes to excessive bob if you do not pedal smoothly.

with modern spv shocks, bobbing while climbing on single pivot bikes is virtually eliminated.

[pete]

arrapently with a 5th they can climb better than a 4 bar

but... just look out for that brake jack on the way down!

[Wayne P]

You're both right. It climbed like a goat, but under hard effort standing up, it would bob a lot. Brake jack or squat you'll never notice on this bike or even care if you did because it's only 5-5.75" of travel. If you're not racing on it, it won't really matter. Even then, it's something that will not affect its performance. Maybe big travel bikes, but not the Heckler.

[umbullit]

This is all good to hear, as i think my nextbike will be a heckler
:thepimp:

[cycla4sh0]

its pedals really well with a 5th element coil. very nice bike.

[Rat]

Im with wayne on this one ( but then agian Im riding his old bike)

[TheGiggler]

in granny there's pedal feedback... minor.

i can't say i notice too much bob in the middle when given'er but i haven't raced the heckler yet (dirty duo though!). i'll believe wayne though.

on anything else the SPV means you should be riding like a hardtail while climinbg.

my personal story: the section of warden's trail between switchback 4 & 5 (very rooty and rocky) seemed to get a hell of a lot easier on the heckler vs my old 4bar with no platform damping...

[jonny.zee]

Would you guys go with the 5th E or the DHX on this frameset?

[Wayne P]

The DHX makes it feel like another bike as its so plush, but I don't know about the reliability of it.

Rat, that's too funny. One more piece to the puzzle.

[million dola "jules"]

if i can climb on a 223 with zero bob and a fox rc u can do it on a heckler

[heckler]

It's a dream ride. Take one out on a trail, and you'll believe me. Go for the 5th.

[BAC5.2]

Don't worry about pedal bob. You can cancel lots of it out with a 5th and proper pedaling technique.

Worry about brake jack, as that's an unavoidable aspect of suspension design.

It's not a big deal to some, but I'd never buy a bike that has brake jack problems.

[Jeff_F]

Excellent. Thanks for the input. To put it in perspective, I'm coming from a '99 Element that's currently running a 5" fork. So I don't think I can get much more screwed-up than that.

I just want a 5" west coast all-rounder that I can ride all day and can take some abuse because I'm a sloppy rider.

Jeff