150mm fork on a Dirtbag

[MaddSql]

Hi all,
I am looking to buy an '06 Dirtbag, but do not want to buy a new fork. I intend on using it as more of an all-mountain light freeride bike since I am a clyde. Since there is alot of experience with the Dritbag, how do you think it will handle with an '06 Z1? The difference in axle-to-crown is only 15mm. Thanks for the help.

[stubz]

why would it not handle a shorter fork less rake, generally that means less stress

[Dantes Inferno]

itll handle it perfectly fine. Might feel a little steep though.

The Transition dirtbag isnt really a light allmountain design. It will probably build quite heavy.

[ZHendo]

ya, the frame is about 10 lbs with no rear shock. it'll work, but it'll weigh a lot for sure. talk to transition, they have really good customer service and they'll tell you what would work best for you.

[Carbuncle]

Yeah, if you are looking for bombproof (clydeproof) all mountain fun with a 150mm fork, take a long look at the Preston FR. Designed for climbing with all the strength of the Dirtbag.

[MaddSql]

Thanks for the info. I have been looking at the Preston FR, but I have heard that the Dirtbag is better suited for Clydes and I can get an 06 Dirtbag with DHX 5.0 for 900. If I were to buy a Preston it would be the new design which would run me $1039 with Van R shock. The build weight is not a major issue as I could loose a few pounds myself, but I was just wondering if the ~68 degree head angle would make it feel weird, but I guess it shouldn't. Another reason I am looking at the Dritbag is I know that I will get into FR and DH in the future. Any help is appreciated.

[mace2]

If I were you i'd shoot an email to transition. they respond very quickly.

how much do you weigh? and are you doing any freeride now?

if you're going to be doing all-mountain most of the time the preston really might be a better choice, and i think it's pretty burly--the transition guys can tell you if it's burly enough for your needs.

the dirtbag really is an extreme freeride bike, and is built to withstand anything. if you're going to be going on epics it's probably not going to be your best friend.

that few hundred dollar difference might not be worth it in the end if you end up wishing you had a lighter rig for your purposes, especially if you keep for a couple years. call/email transition and they'll give you the goods.

[MaddSql]

Thanks, I just sent Transition an email. I currently weigh 280 and while reading through many transition threads on MTBR many have said that Kyle and Kevin recommended the Dirtbag to heavier riders that were also interested in the same type of riding that I am. Thanks again for all the help.

[brent_14]

Have u ever considered the bottlerocket? its pretty light, petals pretty good and is in between teh preston fr and dirtbag.

[Dantes Inferno]

Considering you will most likely come to the freeride side of things. I would go for the dirtbag cus thats a good deal. You will eventualy want to change the fork though. Trust me on that one.

[MaddSql]

I just heard back from Transition. Kevin said that the Dirtbag maybe a little much for AM and Light FR, but he said that if I was going to progress to FR then if would be the best deal (which I probably will) and he said that the Z1 would make the dirtbag a better trailbike. I will probably pick up another fork and switch them out as needed, but this will not happen until I get some more skills. Thanks for all the help.

[apeshape]

I ran an 05 Dirtbag with a 150 MM Firefly for a few months and it was a good trail bike but it was fuggin heavy even with the SC. I eventually swapped the romic out for an avalanche which improved the ride but I ended up selling it because of the weight issue.

From the archives:

[pedalhound]

Hey man...I have an 04 Dirtbag and I weigh 270lbs and I like it....I am looking at getting a Covert or a Reign X1 for my next bike. I love the dirtbag....great bike but would not get one for AM use...the covert or preston would be WAY better. My riding style has changed since when I bought my bike so I started looking at lighter "all mountainish" bikes. I talked to Kevin and he said that the Covert will take my weight no problem, I hear he has been beating on his pretty hard and its still going strong.

Anyway..I have my 05 18" Dirtbag for sale...great shape and while I am a big boy...I don't huck...keep the wheels on the ground and have not been riding that much...so its a damn good deal.

Whatever bike you will buy you should enjoy it...Transition kicks ass.

[shore-two-four]

my dirtbag build is now something like 47 pounds. i run a 8 inch 888 on the front, and the thing is awesome. it will take... absolutely anything.

i would definitely not reccomend it as an all mtn trail bike, it really is too heavy, and not suited to miles and miles of pedalling.