Comments on: First Impression: Slingshot Farmboy http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/ 29er Bike Reviews, Rumors and News Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:31:53 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: RC http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/comment-page-1/#comment-18632 RC Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:54:18 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/#comment-18632 Having worked with Aaron at Slingshot on the spec of my bike, I can say they are wonderful to deal with. He really goes out of his way to get you the best deal on any part their suppliers have that you may covet. And the best part is you get the fastest 29'er on the planet. OK, I'm biased. But this bike just makes you go faster and faster. What a confidence builder. It's really rock solid in every situation. I now fly down stuff I previously found fairly sketchy. It turns and corners like it's on rails. I can't say enough good about it. IT'S DAMN FAST! The wheel base on my 20" frame is just under 43". The wheelbase on my 26" wheeled Fetish SS is 43 1/3. Having worked with Aaron at Slingshot on the spec of my bike, I can say they are wonderful to deal with. He really goes out of his way to get you the best deal on any part their suppliers have that you may covet. And the best part is you get the fastest 29′er on the planet. OK, I’m biased. But this bike just makes you go faster and faster. What a confidence builder. It’s really rock solid in every situation. I now fly down stuff I previously found fairly sketchy. It turns and corners like it’s on rails. I can’t say enough good about it. IT’S DAMN FAST! The wheel base on my 20″ frame is just under 43″. The wheelbase on my 26″ wheeled Fetish SS is 43 1/3.

]]> By: carno http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/comment-page-1/#comment-18347 carno Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:08:35 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/#comment-18347 The ERB bike is roughly 7 tenths of a pound lighter than the Slingshot Farmboy...but, I don't think the ERB is a 29er frame, so, this is NOT an apples to apples comparison. The Slingshot Ripper is only about 2 tenths pound heavier than the ERB...so the weight issue comparison seems *negligible*. I believe this is more an apples/apples comparison between the frames. Slingshot Farmboy 29er 16 inch 5.5 pounds. Slingshot Ripper 26er 16 inch 5.0 pounds. ERB 15 inch 4.6 pounds ERB 17 inch 5.0 pounds Slingshot (email reply from them today) will spec out a complete Farmboy to ones requested component level. Farmboy seems like a wonderful bike. Thanks to all for the reviews. email reply from Slingshot: Yes this is very possible. We do it every week! :-) Let me know your budget and component requirements and we will build you a quote around this criteria. Keep in mind because we are a manufacturer we receive better than dealer cost on all items. This savings we pass along to you. Let me know how I can assist further. Aaron Joppe Sales Manager SLINGSHOT BIKES 888-530-5556 ph 616-233-9330 Fax www.slingshotbikes.com www.myspace.com/slingshotbikes The ERB bike is roughly 7 tenths of a pound lighter than the Slingshot Farmboy…but, I don’t think the ERB is a 29er frame, so, this is NOT an apples to apples comparison.

The Slingshot Ripper is only about 2 tenths pound heavier than the ERB…so the weight issue comparison seems *negligible*. I believe this is more an apples/apples comparison between the frames.

Slingshot Farmboy 29er 16 inch 5.5 pounds.
Slingshot Ripper 26er 16 inch 5.0 pounds.
ERB 15 inch 4.6 pounds
ERB 17 inch 5.0 pounds

Slingshot (email reply from them today) will spec out a complete Farmboy to ones requested component level. Farmboy seems like a wonderful bike. Thanks to all for the reviews.

email reply from Slingshot:

Yes this is very possible. We do it every week! :-) Let me know your budget and component requirements and we will build you a quote around this criteria. Keep in mind because we are a manufacturer we receive better than dealer cost on all items. This savings we pass along to you. Let me know how I can assist further.

Aaron Joppe
Sales Manager
SLINGSHOT BIKES
888-530-5556 ph
616-233-9330 Fax
http://www.slingshotbikes.com
http://www.myspace.com/slingshotbikes

]]> By: RC http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/comment-page-1/#comment-18328 RC Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:11:00 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/#comment-18328 As a result of the test rides at the BWB at Decorah(soon to be a world famous venue) I bought a Slingshot Farm Boy(that's a 2-9er to the uninitiated). I'm stoked on the bike. It's super efficient up hill. Instead of mashing as you get to the harder climbs, the slingshot effect is felt as it allows you to sit and spin away. It's uncanny. You think it's time to stand and grind it out and the bike just says, HEY STUPID, sit your ass down and spin-and away you go. The slight rear suspension it gives you is really appriciated as well. Compared to the Dos Niner, it's more hooked up in the rear and doesn't feel as vague. I'm 6'2" and 210#. This is the first mtb that I have ridden that fits me well and is super efficient. And that's from the first one I bought in the early 80's(a Trek-850?).I sense no loss of power going to the ground as a result of the slingshot approach. Just a wonderful bit of rear suspension and the recovery of the downward power from the pedals into forward motion at the top of the pedal stroke. It just doesn't get any better than this. Is it a bit heavy? Yes-compared to the Niner's. But this baby goes down the trail like it's on rails. No constantly correcting your line, no nervousness, no problems whatever. Just nail your line and lower your times on your favorite singletrack. Even downhill it just wants to go faster. Again, super stable. And it builds up really solid as well. Highly recommended. As a result of the test rides at the BWB at Decorah(soon to be a world famous venue) I bought a Slingshot Farm Boy(that’s a 2-9er to the uninitiated). I’m stoked on the bike. It’s super efficient up hill. Instead of mashing as you get to the harder climbs, the slingshot effect is felt as it allows you to sit and spin away. It’s uncanny. You think it’s time to stand and grind it out and the bike just says, HEY STUPID, sit your ass down and spin-and away you go. The slight rear suspension it gives you is really appriciated as well. Compared to the Dos Niner, it’s more hooked up in the rear and doesn’t feel as vague. I’m 6′2″ and 210#. This is the first mtb that I have ridden that fits me well and is super efficient. And that’s from the first one I bought in the early 80’s(a Trek-850?).I sense no loss of power going to the ground as a result of the slingshot approach. Just a wonderful bit of rear suspension and the recovery of the downward power from the pedals into forward motion at the top of the pedal stroke. It just doesn’t get any better than this. Is it a bit heavy? Yes-compared to the Niner’s. But this baby goes down the trail like it’s on rails. No constantly correcting your line, no nervousness, no problems whatever. Just nail your line and lower your times on your favorite singletrack. Even downhill it just wants to go faster. Again, super stable. And it builds up really solid as well. Highly recommended.

]]> By: carno http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/comment-page-1/#comment-18263 carno Sun, 15 Jul 2007 15:28:59 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/#comment-18263 The inventor of the Slingshot, (Mark Groendal), left Slingshot in 2000 to work with a retired aerospace engineer, and together they created the Energy Return Bicycle System. His new bikes are said to be "even faster, smoother and now very light weight." So the weight issue (and ride) is apparently being addressed in his new bikes. Here is a link from the ERB site that includes a dynamometer video proving the Energy Return Bike actually returns pedal energy: http://www.erbbike.com/index-1.html The inventor of the Slingshot, (Mark Groendal), left Slingshot in 2000 to work with a retired aerospace engineer, and together they created the Energy Return Bicycle System. His new bikes are said to be “even faster, smoother and now very light weight.” So the weight issue (and ride) is apparently being addressed in his new bikes.

Here is a link from the ERB site that includes a dynamometer video proving the Energy Return Bike actually returns pedal energy:

http://www.erbbike.com/index-1.html

]]> By: Ed http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/comment-page-1/#comment-18206 Ed Sat, 14 Jul 2007 05:13:31 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/#comment-18206 I rode a farmboy at a recent demo in Michigan. My initial impression was that it was heavy, but once on the trail I really did not notice the weight. The other bikes I rode that day were a C-Dale f29, Salsa dos-niner, ventana el-patron and a trek 69r. The salsa and ventana had higher end builds on them so the bikes were pretty light. I defenitly felt the slingshot was quicker than the f-29. I cannot quite explain the bike, but it felt good. I did not notice any slingshot effect or any flexing or unever front and rear wheel tracking like others, but the bike felt different and not in a bad way. Its like you have to ride one to experience it and see if you like it. The demo trail did not offer much in terms of technical terrain -- I really want to see how the bike handles there. I will probably demo another one and see if it makes my list. I rode a farmboy at a recent demo in Michigan. My initial impression was that it was heavy, but once on the trail I really did not notice the weight. The other bikes I rode that day were a C-Dale f29, Salsa dos-niner, ventana el-patron and a trek 69r. The salsa and ventana had higher end builds on them so the bikes were pretty light. I defenitly felt the slingshot was quicker than the f-29. I cannot quite explain the bike, but it felt good. I did not notice any slingshot effect or any flexing or unever front and rear wheel tracking like others, but the bike felt different and not in a bad way. Its like you have to ride one to experience it and see if you like it. The demo trail did not offer much in terms of technical terrain — I really want to see how the bike handles there. I will probably demo another one and see if it makes my list.

]]> By: Greg the Great http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/comment-page-1/#comment-18133 Greg the Great Thu, 12 Jul 2007 19:35:58 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/#comment-18133 Yeah, I concur with all the posts thus far. Its more soft than a hardtail, but its still not full suspension. Good to ride on the long distance trails where you need the efficiency of the design. Stiffer than you would expect. The negatives are that it is a little on the heavy side and my version has tire clearance issues, so you are limited to 2.1 or less. Yeah, I concur with all the posts thus far. Its more soft than a hardtail, but its still not full suspension. Good to ride on the long distance trails where you need the efficiency of the design. Stiffer than you would expect.

The negatives are that it is a little on the heavy side and my version has tire clearance issues, so you are limited to 2.1 or less.

]]> By: Captain Bob http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/comment-page-1/#comment-18093 Captain Bob Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:25:35 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/#comment-18093 They had a medium with a rigid fork at the BWB. It either had a Origin 8 or the White, can't remember for sure. I ride it on the grass, gravel and up that really steep dyke. (i love that word) I can see how it would make a great singltrack bike as it felt short. Not just the tt but possible the wheelbase too. I was also surprised at how stiff the front end was, torsional. Not much flex at all. It also climbed like a goat. They had a medium with a rigid fork at the BWB. It either had a Origin 8 or the White, can’t remember for sure. I ride it on the grass, gravel and up that really steep dyke. (i love that word) I can see how it would make a great singltrack bike as it felt short. Not just the tt but possible the wheelbase too. I was also surprised at how stiff the front end was, torsional. Not much flex at all. It also climbed like a goat.

]]> By: john kocsis http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/comment-page-1/#comment-18092 john kocsis Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:13:52 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/#comment-18092 i have ridden the farmboy on all terrain in newyork from hyper technical rocks and superfast swoopy singletrack to 1200 foot uphill grinds i find the bike verry efficient (more suspensio0n would be nice in the real tough rock sections) but it is doable a little better than a hard tail in that stuff. it has held up well under my 200 lbs and it is fast as hell in the single track i think it is a great bike . Plus it looks cool johnyk i have ridden the farmboy on all terrain in newyork from hyper technical rocks and superfast swoopy singletrack to 1200 foot uphill grinds i find the bike verry efficient (more suspensio0n would be nice in the real tough rock sections) but it is doable a little better than a hard tail in that stuff. it has held up well under my 200 lbs and it is fast as hell in the single track i think it is a great bike . Plus it looks cool johnyk

]]> By: Guitar Ted http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/comment-page-1/#comment-18088 Guitar Ted Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:55:53 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/#comment-18088 Interstingly, the old school guys that have these claim the "sling power" works even better with a rigid fork up front. Might be a candidate for a Willits WOW fork, or a nice carbon fork like the White Brothers Rock Solid. Interstingly, the old school guys that have these claim the “sling power” works even better with a rigid fork up front. Might be a candidate for a Willits WOW fork, or a nice carbon fork like the White Brothers Rock Solid.

]]> By: martini http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/comment-page-1/#comment-18074 martini Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:29:44 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/2007/07/10/first-impression-slingshot-farmboy/#comment-18074 One of the attendees has bought a Farmboy as a direct result of those test rides. After spending some good time on one there too, I concur with the tracking of the front and rear wheels. Especailly on the slipperyer (is that a word?) trails. Front and rear seemed to follow different paths on the trail. Once I got used to it, I found its another aspect of making the bike ride 'faster' or smoother. This deflection really isn't all that much though. The BB area is stiffer than you'd think. One of the attendees has bought a Farmboy as a direct result of those test rides. After spending some good time on one there too, I concur with the tracking of the front and rear wheels. Especailly on the slipperyer (is that a word?) trails. Front and rear seemed to follow different paths on the trail. Once I got used to it, I found its another aspect of making the bike ride ‘faster’ or smoother. This deflection really isn’t all that much though. The BB area is stiffer than you’d think.

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