August Build of the Month - Turner 5-Spot

Posted by PeterD Sat, 26 Aug 2006 02:52:00 GMT

Here is our second Bike of the Month. Going to change to a slightly different format for this one than what I did last time. The owner provided such great details (and has some pretty strong opinions) into why he bought the bike that I could just use it verbatim…

(note- click picture to see larger size)

Question: What about the Turner made it such that you wanted to buy one? How was it a better ride for you than your last bike?

• The Turner has a solid reputation behind it. No amount of marketing would have sold me, the ride and reputation did. Riding is my primary hobby, so I wanted something I could depend on.
• The bike I had before was a bit too small for me, and the Turner is a more stable bike for the type of riding I do out here (longer, swoopy downhills). It felt very stable and confidence inspiring.
• I like the conservative, low profile paint job, so I never really even looked at the Intense 5.5, but I’m sure is a nice ride too. The 6.6 felt like a hobby horse.
• Simply, it fit better than my old bike. I like a bit longer top tube and wanted the wheel out in front of me without having a way way slack headtube angle. My previous bike was more of a racer’s bike, and the 5 Spot feels more neutral and upright, which I like. The longer top tube works for me since I tend to actively switch my weight around the bike a lot, fore and aft.
• The bike is light!

Editor’s note – his prior bike was set up for riding in Texas, where he came from. The trails are tight and twisty with a lot of limestone ledges. A smaller, more compact ride is favored there so you can turn quicker and get the bike up and down the ledges. But out here in CA, we have longer descents which benefit from a more stable platform.

Question: was there any parts (like fork, specific components, etc.) in specific you had to have on it, and why?

• Fox suspension – dependable, solid, plush. Adjustable!
• Hope brakes – I like the moto master cylinder look and the lever feel
• Weirwolf front – hooks up in the loose stuff and has a tough look
• Mavic XC rims w / Magura hubs – this wheelset is made by Hugi at a fraction of the cost. Couldn’t afford kings, and didn’t want ‘em
• X9s – wanted to go with a non-Shimano drivetrain
• XT cranks – solid, cost effective
• Time ATACs – solid engagement and release, with a little bit of a platform on them for when I am riding down steep sections not clipped in, I can still stay on the pedals. Usually.
• King headset – duh
• WTB seat – one of the most comfortable I’ve tried.

No spreadsheet of the components on this 5-Spot. Sorry about that. Will bring that back for next time.

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