x56 versus x57

[Frankd3000]

While I won't ask a silly question like "which one's better", I would like to hear from people whom have ridden BOTH.

What difference's, in term's of handling/ride quality/etc. exist between the two frame type's? Is it noticeable or minor? Have you found, in your experience, that one frame type suits particular riding more than another? Do you feel one posesses distinct advantages/disadvantages over the other?

All/any details are appreciated. The RD cable routing, tire clearance, general feel while riding - whatever you care to contribute is welcome.

Let me know guys. I'm interested in hearing more.

Only one "rule", if I may - no discussion of the non-strut frame's! That's another thread, coming later.

PATIA!

[rapiddescent]

I have a proflex 856 and a 1997 beast (nearly the same as the 857).

When the 856 was working well - it was the better bike.  lighter, great climber and could be built up to sub 25 lbs.

HOWEVER,
856's haven't lasted very well and the MCU's havce degraded and so people have ahd to upgrade with coil springs or new shocks.  Also, the lightweight aluminium tends to get creaky and the rear swingarm will get noticebly loose.

my 97 beast has survived so much better and is now the better bike.  It is stronger and the shock has survived well.  Even, last night, I took it on a ride with the stirling mtb club on one of the best rides of my life.  I was riding along the top of North Third cliff (over 150m tall) with less than 1m to the edge - at night - in sub zero temperatures.  Maddest thing I've done for a while.

worth mentioning, I've upgraded the beast with marzocchi forks, disk brakes and new everything except the frame shock.

callum
rds

[shovelon]

I did test ride an 856 a while back and loved it. It was wicked fast, but lacked the travel I wanted. So I bought a 97 beast with the intent of upgrading parts later. Honestly I would have purchased the 856 but lacked the dineros. Honestly I would have bought a 957 but lacked even more dineros.

The Beast was a fantastic bike. Stiff and plush, but a bit heavy, like 6 lbs heavier than the 856.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure to weld repair a few 856 frames and swingarms, so I know they were made very light. I have yet to repair a 957 model frame. Yet I had my 957 apart last night and was shocked to see how hollowed out the main pivots were, and the bonded struts were a surprise. Both of these frame configurations are a marvel of craftsmanship.

One thing I noticed was that the 7 series carbon swingarms are not a thermoset construction. They look like they are hand layed, or heavily smoothed.

From what I remember also is that all the 856 and just the 957 framesets were fabed and welded in the U.S.. Lower models were fabed in taiwan.

Enough already.
Terry

[Frankd3000]

Okay, cool. VERY good info there, guys. Thanks.

Terry, I MUST ask - what type of frame repairs have you needed to do for others' 856?

Don't remind me of the bonded strut! I'm trying to forget! [smiley=disbelief.gif]


The more the merrier, eh guys?!

[shovelon]

Cracks at the headtube where the headset presses in. And the dpwntube near the bottom bracket. And the swingarm mount between the seatstay and pivot.  
The usuals typical  for any bike are the seat mast that get broken off or crack at the clamp slot.

Terry

[kiwi]

i thought only the 9's were fabbed in the US the 7 and 8 in taiwan.I also had an an idea the 9's were different alloys the the 7 and 8

[shovelon]

Yeah 957 and 856 were fabed in the US. All others were taiwan fabed I believe.

Terry

[Frankd3000]

Cracks at the headtube where the headset presses in. And the dpwntube near the bottom bracket. And the swingarm mount between the seatstay and pivot.  
The usuals typical  for any bike are the seat mast that get broken off or crack at the clamp slot.

Terry

Oh my god! That's crazy!

I mean - oh, is that all?

Thanks, i'm not buying one anymore. This thread is done by me. I wish I could get a Lithium! Ohhh, low SP, with linkage (although it's no HL, but I can live with that).