Well, I was finally able to get my 5 Spot ridable (notice I said "ridable" and not "finished" ).

I took it out for the first time yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. I really didn't expect the ride to be that good. I have some (very) limited time on an RFX and liked the way that rode, so that's why I pulled the trigger on the Spot frame when I saw the good deal.

It rode super smooth and plush, yet I was able to hammer and attack climbs with no bobbing or wallowing through the shock's stroke. It's too early to make any firm predictions, but I see the distinct possibility of my Yeti seeing less and less trail time.

It's sitting at 31 lbs right now--built with all the spare parts I had laying around. I had to buy shifters and a rear der so I went X9 on those. I also needed brakes but couldn't afford to drop big coin, so I found a set of brand new Deore hydros on Ebay for $70--for the set!

I have a few simple upgrades planned that don't involve any carbon and are nothing crazy just too save weight, but simple and relatively inexpensive: Bars (Ritchey WCS Rizer), brakes (Magura Marta SL), cranks (Shimano XT's) and wheels (No Tubes Arches on Hope hubs). I did the math last night and those upgrades will drop the weight down to 28 lbs.

I can't even imagine this bike at 28 lbs. I didn't notice the weight at all yesterday. To think it will soon be 10% lighter is crazy. Also--2 of the 3 lbs I'll be dropping will be rolling weight, so I know I'll notice it.

Nice bike, you could save 10 lbs if you got rid of those pedals

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A mountain biker who doesn't ride road has no legs
A road biker who doesn't ride mountain has no soul

very nice!

Wonderful choice buddy. One thing I have to say is the more you ride it, the more you will love it. It is a go anywhere, do anything bike. In my opinion, simply, one of the best bikes out there. Welcome to Turner club.

Ali

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THOSE WHO KNOW, RIDE TURNER

Ya, I hate clipless and the Azonic A-Frames are bricks -- like 1.5 lbs I think. I normally run Atomlab Trailkings that sit right at a pound.

DMR makes some magnesium platforms that aren't much heavier than clipless -- they weigh the same as Crank Bros Acids.

Nice bike, glad you got to take it out. You can't really go wrong with Turner.

I have some Ritchey Pro Rizer's sitting around if your interested. I know they aren't the WCS you mentioned but they are yours if you want them.

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Long Live Long Rides
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Thanks for the offer but I'm going to hold out for the WCS's. They are nearly as light as carbon bars without being carbon bars.

Very nice!!! The Spot has been at the top of my Christmas list for a coupla yeasrs now. Funny, the kids haven't bought it for me yet.

You said: "but I see the distinct possibility of my Yeti seeing less and less trail time."

The Yeti is also in my top five on the wish list, so if you think you'll be giving it away soon...

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Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin