Dear MBT:

Can you guys please once and for all explain the difference between rising and falling rates when referring to a mountain bike shock?
Carol Guelton

Carol:
Absolutely. While the processes and configurations in which the suspension setup makes use of rising and falling rates can be complicated, the concept itself is quite easy to understand. Rising rate is a suspension system that becomes progressively more resistant as it uses up its travel (becomes stiffer before bottoming out) and a falling rate design is one in which the initial travel is stiffest and becomes less resistant as it dips into its travel.

Dear MBT:

With gas prices as they’ve been, I have found a great excuse to get out and pedal to work three days per week. My question comes from an argument between myself and my coworkers o nthe topic of fuel consumption. I have heard that fast food chains could turn their left over grease from the deep fryers into fuel, everyone else seems to think I made this up. Have you heard of this?
Sincerely,
Eugene Bitner

Did anyone happen to mention to Eugene that we’re a mountain bike zine? Fortunately the information super highway does make available such data which we will gladly pass along. Vegetable oil, commonly used in fast food fryers, can actually be filtered into a form of diesel fuel. However, the process seems to be yet early in development as, like vegetable oil, this fuel solidifies at room temperature into a glob of grease that would have to be melted back down to a liquid state to be burned as fuel. Tell your coworkers that they owe you lunch, but try to steer clear of the places who use said fryers.

Dear MBT:

I noticed the press gives Colorado very little love when considering some of the nation’s hot mountain biking spots. I moved here from Ontario Canada two years ago and cannot get over the beautiful views, technical terrain, elevation, and climate. Please do me a favor and share the news with your readers that Colorado is more than just ski country.
Billy “B-Mac” McDelli

Billy:
Consider it done.

Dear MBT,  
I recently read Neil Chandra’s article on the 2006 Turner Flux and was interested on how it compared to the Yeti AS-R SL in more detail.  I am currently considering the Flux and the AS-R SL.  I have ridden both but never back to back so the differences seem minimal to me.  I have seen a ton of 5 Spot reviews and Yeti 575 reviews but never enough Flux or AS-R SL reviews.  I know most want a minimum of 5 inches of travel but for those of us who love a more racy geometry and are fine with 4 inches, these reviews like Neil's are greatly appreciated! The Flux seems plusher while the Yeti seems stiffer and race like.  I think I like the more "slack" geometry better on the Flux.  

Thanks,  

Brad
Littleton, CO

Hi Brad:

Essentially, the Flux is slightly more plush than the AS-R SL.  The Yeti makes a better race bike because it is a bit more responsive and quick to accelerate.  It also climbs a little easier due to its geometry and center of gravity/balance.  However, these differences are minute but could possibly be noticed by a racer. 

 They are both excellent bikes and handle beautifully. On a sprint, I believe the Yeti would pull away slowly.  The bike's design is very efficient.  On the other hand, after five hours of hard riding, the Flux leaves me in better shape to ride the next day and fatigues me a bit less.  The Flux’s slightly slacker geometry also makes it a bit more forgiving of mistakes when I get completely fatigued and sloppy with my rider inputs. 

The price difference is also pretty significant since the Yeti costs several hundred more.  The Yeti’s suspension is also not as easy to work on due to its dogbone design.

 I’d lean towards the Flux if racing isn’t in the cards though several Front Rangers do race it with success so it can do that job well enough if needed- the Yeti is just a bit quicker.  The Yeti will also make a superb trail bike but just feels a bit stiffer and quicker.  If beating your buddies up every climb is a priority, then the Yeti may be the ticket.  I’m simply too old for that anymore! :)

Thanks for dropping a line,
Neil  

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