comparing the 129-137-146

[putz21]

How do you like these? I tried to order my carbide of choice, Qualipieces 8-inch staggered carbide, but they are not shipping to the US right now.

Love the Triple Downs. They are so hard to get though and made to order so the lead time is a long time.

 

[putz21]

The setup on my front track shock is the same dual rate spring setup found on the RR's.

Part #'s: 3704-035 (140#) and 3704-039 (250#)

Do you have dual rate springs on your FTS? If so, what are they?

 

[STAIN]

I do have a dual spring set up on the Elka FTS, I will have to look at the specs. I may need to soften one or both of those springs.

 

[putz21]

Looking through my notes to see what I have on my FTS for springs on my Elka Stage 5's that are on my other LTX 137".

Elka Stage 5 FTS: F4.0X52 Tender / F4.0X152 = 224 lbs/in (On my 137")

I really like the dual rate spring combo that is on my XTX with the RR springs at 140/250.

 

[number1kyster]

Rode 80 miles yesterday on our local trails. VERY twisty trail network, 146 not the weapon of choice for this trail system. I don't ride here very often anymore.
That said, with the front limiter pulled, it turns similar to a 137. It also, unsurprisingly, compromised the ride quite bit from where it was. Ski lift was greatly reduced. I continued to back the limiter off throughout the day to find the point to where it won't turn but didn't get to that point yet.
I don't want to make the sled something it is not. I like the "plushness" of the chassis and the ability to pull the front end a bit. I knew going in that it would not be a 137" flat to the ground" type of ride.
I have to wonder if my Elka FTS springs are bit too stiff. They are long and I run out of adjustment quickly.
I have a QS-3 FT shock and a few spring combos I can try. The QS3 i have has a Venom spring on it, which I don't like as they seem too stiff for me. I would like to try the Stock RR front spring set up or a Hygear dual rate set up on that FTS.
I do run the Trac-Link adjustable front limiter, so if worse comes to worse, I will just adjust for the conditions.

I am on year 3 of my 146. I love it for big trails like the NEK, Maine, and Quebec. Especially if we are backpacking.

But for our central VT trails, I sure do miss my 129” Sidewinder! I am starting to feel like a 9000RR or LTX LE with EPS might be a great do all sled.

 

[STAIN]

I am starting to feel like a 9000RR or LTX LE with EPS might be a great do all sled

My friend bought a new leftover 24 9000RR. I will say the out of the box spring and shock package may be the best factory set up I have ridden. Very impressive.
On the 146 I have made a FTS spring change. I think that the spring Hygear installed is too heavy and too long. The lenth of the spring limits my ability to set preload when pulling the strap down slightly. I re-installed the Elka 205lb spring in place of the 250 Hygear spring and will ride it tomorrow.

 

[STAIN]

This is the shock at zero preload, there is really no where to go but tighter with it when installed.

 

[STAIN]

Well, that softer spring worked pretty well . The sled is ridable now. I still need new runners and may still try the Simmons skis I have but I am headed in the right direction. I would like just a bit more ski pressure. It still transfers like crazy, which is fun, not fast, but fun.

 

[putz21]

Well, that softer spring worked pretty well . The sled is ridable now. I still need new runners and may still try the Simmons skis I have but I am headed in the right direction. I would like just a bit more ski pressure. It still transfers like crazy, which is fun, not fast, but fun.

Good to hear you are headed in the right direction.