Crestline RS 181.2 thread – builds, reviews, technical info

[breakfasttaco93]

You can call me boomer if you upload better footage.... So far I've seen nothing......
Seems like these 181.2 breed are softer than us harcore s180 riders.... heheheheahahahaha.

I can call you boomer because you posted a photo wearing a full face and glasses.

Nothing more boomer than that.

 

[Plummet]

I can call you boomer because you posted a photo wearing a full face and glasses.

Nothing more boomer than that.

Still no evidence from you that you can ride at all. Typical internet troll. Just abuse without any evidence of your own riding skill.

I say put up or shut up.

 

[Tokidokijake]

Getting spicy in here.

Another question how are people feeling about full 29 vs mx???

 

[John_likes_bikes]

Still no evidence from you that you can ride at all. Typical internet troll. Just abuse without any evidence of your own riding skill.

I say put up or shut up.

All due respect, you're trolling too with no evidence of the things you demand from others. You started it now be a grown up and give it a rest so we can get back on topic.

 

[KillerbeeDH]

I feel pretty dumb right now, with a 12mm axle in one hand, looking at a 1 inch hole in the dropout. How am I suppose to mount a rear wheel???? I see no UDH, no hangar mount, I am just clueless here, and there is no useful manual with this frame, and nothing in the accessory box that solves this mystery. Not my first rodeo, but it feels that way.

 

[John_likes_bikes]

I feel pretty dumb right now, with a 12mm axle in one hand, looking at a 1 inch hole in the dropout. How am I suppose to mount a rear wheel???? I see no UDH, no hangar mount, I am just clueless here, and there is no useful manual with this frame, and nothing in the accessory box that solves this mystery. Not my first rodeo, but it feels that way.

You're not, dumb is the other guys starting internet fights, ha.

You have to mount (buy, I don't think they're supplied) the UDH first, the axle will thread into that OR if you're using SRAM Transmission derailleur it'll thread into that.

 

[TTEngineer]

I can call you boomer because you posted a photo wearing a full face and glasses.

Nothing more boomer than that.

Damn. I’m born in 83 and that’s what I do on park days. Goggles are too damn hot here in the SE.

 

[KillerbeeDH]

You're not, dumb is the other guys starting internet fights, ha.

You have to mount (buy, I don't think they're supplied) the UDH first, the axle will thread into that OR if you're using SRAM Transmission derailleur it'll thread into that.

THANK YOU

Troydon figured everyone is using Transmission? Transmission sucks

 

[John_likes_bikes]

Troydon figured everyone is using Transmission? Transmission sucks

It's not unlike any other UDH frame.

 

[BikingBad]

Speaking of the sram power cable, how are y’all routing it to the hanger? Currently mine is routed between the UDH mount ears on the derailleur.

Learned this from someone on 181.1 thread (AlumiPro), done on both .1 & .2.

Plastic cable hold down using a stainless M5-0.80 x 20 bolt that goes through the factory hollow dropout fastener, and the nylon lock nut fits perfectly inside the drop out allen fastener on the inside so you only have to tighten the bolt on the outside, while the inside dropout allen holds the nut from rotating.

 

[sethimus]

I can call you boomer because you posted a photo wearing a full face and glasses.

Nothing more boomer than that.

i ride with prescriptions all the time, some can only see that way, mr ableist

 

[FrogSkunk]

Figured the thread needed at least one actual riding clip instead of another bike leaning against a tree

Some of us are definitely out here sending these things.

Seriously though, we’re all on different levels and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you told me 18 months ago I’d be hitting some of this stuff, I would’ve said you are nuts.

Raw footage from Jarrods Place yesterday…

 

[Tokidokijake]

What are people’s experiences with getting deep into the travel? I was reading through the pinkbike review again this morning and find it interesting that they say it’s unsettled deep into the travel. Troydon(I love how responsive and active he is) mentioned the designed leverage curve etc. and HBO needing to be fully open being reasons why they might have felt it as unsettled. Could this be more of an air shock thing vs coil?

 

[Suns_PSD]

Hi all. What’s the general consensus on air shock vs coil on this bad boy? Building up mine and struggling to decide on what direction to go. Ideally I want the bike to feel lighter so leaning towards air shock but so many people seem to love coils on it. I’m about 100kg if it matters! Riding in aliso. For context I have a Druid core with a coil and it feels a little too “heavy” for my liking but I’m not sure how much of that is the coil vs 800wh battery/build.

No specific personal experience besides a quick test ride on a Crestie, but I really find coil chocks to be a great fit for these long travel e-bikes, and that's what I'd recommend.

Here are the primary reasons:
1) they really do work better overall at the speeds and loads that e-bikes work at. They can take harder, faster repeat hits in a way that air naturally struggles to do.
2) they are more reliable and require fewer services
3) they behave the same at different altitudes and air pressures, something e-bikes often do and an air shock can not do without adjustments.
4) On the weight. It's located in the ideal place. But get this, the X2 air weighs 772 grams (in my shock size), my modified bomber CR with a 450# spring weighs 799 grams, that's a miniscule difference. To top it off, the Crestie's VPP suspension design requires lower spring rates for the same rider and the spring is where a lot of the weight is. On a Crestie I'd likely be on a 375#-400# spring and the coil shock would actually weigh less than an X2.

 

[FrogSkunk]

What are people’s experiences with getting deep into the travel? I was reading through the pinkbike review again this morning and find it interesting that they say it’s unsettled deep into the travel. Troydon(I love how responsive and active he is) mentioned the designed leverage curve etc. and HBO needing to be fully open being reasons why they might have felt it as unsettled. Could this be more of an air shock thing vs coil?

The new Zeb feels great until you really start getting deep into the travel. I’m still tuning it, so I’ll reserve full judgment for now, but I clapped it out hard 3 times yesterday. They were big hits, no doubt, but my previous Zeb would’ve handled them way better. Going to add some more ABO today and keep experimenting.

Right now the bike definitely starts to feel a little unsettled/wallowy when it gets deep into the travel on hard impacts. I notice it most on landings when the front wheel shakes and kind of feeds back into the bars. I’m getting a similar sensation from the rear too. It’s manageable, but it can definitely get a little nerve-racking when things start happening fast.

I should also admit I may have made some questionable component choices for the kind of riding I’m doing Berd spokes and the original Schwalbe Radials are probably contributing to a lot of what I’m feeling… or at least that’s what I’m hoping.

Anyone else on the new Zeb or Vivid noticing something similar once you get into the deeper part of the travel?

 

[fj80psi]

THANK YOU

Troydon figured everyone is using Transmission? Transmission sucks

I’m not using Transmission

 

[John_likes_bikes]

What are people’s experiences with getting deep into the travel? I was reading through the pinkbike review again this morning and find it interesting that they say it’s unsettled deep into the travel. Troydon(I love how responsive and active he is) mentioned the designed leverage curve etc. and HBO needing to be fully open being reasons why they might have felt it as unsettled. Could this be more of an air shock thing vs coil?

I experienced that a little more with my 181 than previous frames but it's nothing new. I would usually chalk that up to the end of travel progressive nature of air shocks and HBO, but without knowing all of your suspension variables it's a general statement. Try removing any tokens, mine had 1 stock and turn HBO all the way down. Beyond that not much more you can do with air. I've said this before, I think the 181 is best suited for coil.

The new Zeb feels great until you really start getting deep into the travel. I’m still tuning it, so I’ll reserve full judgment for now, but I clapped it out hard 3 times yesterday. They were big hits, no doubt, but my previous Zeb would’ve handled them way better. Going to add some more ABO today and keep experimenting.

Anyone else on the new Zeb or Vivid noticing something similar once you get into the deeper part of the travel?

I'm assuming Vivid Air...??? The bottom of travel feel for me on a Vivid Air vs the Zeb B1 is totally different due to HBO vs ABO (basically an elastomer). When the Vivid bottoms out it's like jumping on a half deflated football (for this audience, the American OR European kind). It's almost feels like you bounce off the end of the travel (HBO) which I equate to that unsettled feeling people mention. I don't know that it's something rebound can fix unless you slow it way down, to the point it negatively effects overall rebound.

The B1 Zeb is crazy linear and almost feels like it needs a stronger compression tune but it works really well on the trail, for me. Forget about the SRAM marketing speak but it really does feel like a coil with the common challenge of handling bottom outs, like you've felt. That's why many coil forks have some form of bottom out control, like ABO. I'd keep cranking on that and if you hit the max put in a token then start the HBO at all the way "-" again.

 

[fj80psi]

No specific personal experience besides a quick test ride on a Crestie, but I really find coil chocks to be a great fit for these long travel e-bikes, and that's what I'd recommend.

Here are the primary reasons:
1) they really do work better overall at the speeds and loads that e-bikes work at. They can take harder, faster repeat hits in a way that air naturally struggles to do.
2) they are more reliable and require fewer services
3) they behave the same at different altitudes and air pressures, something e-bikes often do and an air shock can not do without adjustments.
4) On the weight. It's located in the ideal place. But get this, the X2 air weighs 772 grams (in my shock size), my modified bomber CR with a 450# spring weighs 799 grams, that's a miniscule difference. To top it off, the Crestie's VPP suspension design requires lower spring rates for the same rider and the spring is where a lot of the weight is. On a Crestie I'd likely be on a 375#-400# spring and the coil shock would actually weigh less than an X2.

Good points… I pulled the Rockshox vivid. It was crazy heavy. There are a few companies that run short light springs out there. My EXT E-storia coil came in at 730g. With their 600 spring. It’s air shock light. Bike is very poppy and responsive. This is the first coil I’ve had in over 10 years. Highly recommend

 

[Suns_PSD]

I experienced that a little more with my 181 than previous frames but it's nothing new. I would usually chalk that up to the end of travel progressive nature of air shocks and HBO, but without knowing all of your suspension variables it's a general statement. Try removing any tokens, mine had 1 stock and turn HBO all the way down. Beyond that not much more you can do with air. I've said this before, I think the 181 is best suited for coil.

I'm assuming Vivid Air...??? The bottom of travel feel for me on a Vivid Air vs the Zeb B1 is totally different due to HBO vs ABO (basically an elastomer). When the Vivid bottoms out it's like jumping on a half deflated football (for this audience, the American OR European kind). It's almost feels like you bounce off the end of the travel (HBO) which I equate to that unsettled feeling people mention. I don't know that it's something rebound can fix unless you slow it way down, to the point it negatively effects overall rebound.

The B1 Zeb is crazy linear and almost feels like it needs a stronger compression tune but it works really well on the trail, for me. Forget about the SRAM marketing speak but it really does feel like a coil with the common challenge of handling bottom outs, like you've felt. That's why many coil forks have some form of bottom out control, like ABO. I'd keep cranking on that and if you hit the max put in a token then start the HBO at all the way "-" again.

I tried Berd spokes and trail casing radials on my old 44# e-bike, together and seperately, both were an error.

Bike just would not hold a line properly. It was fine while trail riding, but high load situations such as berms and flat landings could be downright scary.

 

[John_likes_bikes]

I tried Berd spokes and trail casing radials on my old 44# e-bike, together and seperately, both were an error.

Bike just would not hold a line properly.

For sure other components, especially those adding compliance, can hurt handling.

Try the updated Gravity casings, they're a substantial improvement.

 

[Suns_PSD]

For sure other components, especially those adding compliance, can hurt handling.

Try the updated Gravity casings, they're a substantial improvement.

I've since settled on gravity casing Alberts for the rear, and I love them.

For the front I like the Mazza Race.

 

[John_likes_bikes]

I've since settled on gravity casing Alberts for the rear, and I love them.

Are you referring to an Albert with the updated Gravity casing available as of about a month ago?

 

[Suns_PSD]

Are you referring to an Albert with the updated Gravity casing available as of about a month ago?

No the one I have mounted was purchased about 3 months ago.

Explain the difference between old and new please?

 

[John_likes_bikes]

No the one I have mounted was purchased about 3 months ago.

Explain the difference between old and new please?

Far from an expert so I'll stay away from the technical stuff. From the hoarse's mouth.

MTB Families

www.schwalbetires.com

Long story short, they made the Gravity sidewalls more supportive. They also updated the US compound. I doubt you run that in the back but it's great up front.

Here I am screwing up this thread... back on topic....

 

[2thebrim]

No reviews out yet, but has anyone considered the Intend BC Rover (hybrid air / coil)? I’m setting my Plaid up as a lightweight 160mm with an Intend Flash. I love my EXT e-storia but this would shave 9 oz and may give me more coil feel with air weight. Or is this shock just going to be overly complicated so just choose air or coil and get on with it?

 

[BBLV]

No reviews out yet, but has anyone considered the Intend BC Rover (hybrid air / coil)? I’m setting my Plaid up as a lightweight 160mm with an Intend Flash. I love my EXT e-storia but this would shave 9 oz and may give me more coil feel with air weight. Or is this shock just going to be overly complicated so just choose air or coil and get on with it?

I asked T about it but he hadn’t tested one on the 181.2 as of about 2 weeks ago. Said he “intends” to soon though

 

[2thebrim]

I asked T about it but he hadn’t tested one on the 181.2 as of about 2 weeks ago. Said he “intends” to soon though

Maybe I'll snag one and be the test subject. It will make a pretty cool paperweight for my desk if it doesn't work out.

 

[Plummet]

All due respect, you're trolling too with no evidence of the things you demand from others. You started it now be a grown up and give it a rest so we can get back on topic.

Back the truck there Jimmy. I did provide evidence as I always do.

Here's another one just for you.

So no, im not trolling.... The internet troll, just trolls without any supporting evidence.
I am heckling, but at least i can back my heckle up with evidence.

I'm still yet to see any 181.2 sends in this thread.... I say go out with ya camera's and mates and get some! I want to see them.

 

[Plummet]

Figured the thread needed at least one actual riding clip instead of another bike leaning against a tree

Some of us are definitely out here sending these things.

Seriously though, we’re all on different levels and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you told me 18 months ago I’d be hitting some of this stuff, I would’ve said you are nuts.

Raw footage from Jarrods Place yesterday…

Awesome,
Thats what i want to see!.
Is that tarseal on the track? or carpet?

 

[FrogSkunk]

Awesome,
Thats what i want to see!.
Is that tarseal on the track? or carpet?

It’s kind of like carpet, but it drains well so you can ride in the rain with confidence. It’s called Trail Armor, and it saves places from endless maintenance.

Trail Armor got me soft