Moving to CO: 136 to 144, or more?

[leSinge]

Moving from WI to Ft Collins CO and would like advice on how I can use my RS Rage (136x1.25) in the mountains. I'll probably do quite a bit of shoveling learning this new boondocking thing, but would like to try avoiding that by going 144 or more. I don't plan on highmarking (Mtn version of Lake Racing?), and do plan on trying 200+ mile trail/off-trail days that I'm used to on occasion.
Is 144x1.5 enough?
Rail extensions or new skid?
Is FX Nytro RTX with 144x1.5 something to plan for next year?

I may be moving back to WI after 1 year and know that anything over 152 will put you into the trees in the twisties...

 

[rx1mtn]

Leave it 136, but try to put a 1.75, or 2" track on it. If you were staying longer, I would suggest 151". Also get some good ski's, Simmons is what I have, they made all the differance in the world.

 

[WANN4STROKE]

I've been told the Attack has a bad approach angle for boondocking. Can you change it to Mtn sled anble and how?

 

[powder muncher]

I have been in the Mountains with a guy on the Attack It works OK on wide open areas where he can maintain speed but is way under-floated for boon-docking.

The best is to just go out and ride see what you end up doing , most of the guys here start wit a cross over sled only to move on to a full on mountain sled after a season of getting stuck.

It is not the high-marking where you will get stuck(you can always turn out), most of the time it is technical boon-docking through trees and brush where you have to slow down and the small track will not get up and out.

A lot of the manufacturers have started to build the sleds in the low 150" range , enough traction and not too long.

I personally ride a very light TRX1 with a 151" by 2.4" track .
Light - Agile( not too long) and lots of power -----Life is good.

 

[leSinge]

powder muncher:
"...most of the guys here start wit a cross over sled only to move on to a full on mountain sled after a season of getting stuck. " I figure I'll be very intimate with my shovel and the bottom of my sled.
I'm thinking of keeping under 150", mostly because I'll still be trail riding 100s miles per day with a 100lb girl, with some off-trail, she's on a Phazer MTN.

I've been following some of the RX-1 lightweight threads by Katchess, does the battery trick work on the Vector/Rage?

 

[sledskiing]

Go with a min of 151x2. After a few days out you will be avoiding the trails once you get a taste for the POW. If it's not too bad sell your sled and just buy a mountiain sled when you get out here.

 

[sledskiing]

ohh forgot to mention get a highjacker and save some energy

 

[powder muncher]

The battery trick will work on the RS as well. I use the same Battery as on the Phazer on my RX, you can go lighter but if you drop the sled upside down it takes a bit of cranking to get it going again. The batteries are also readily available, that helps the ease of maintenance.

If you go of trail you will find the limit of the Phazer very quick,also make sure you widen the skis out for here. The ski bottoms of the Work sleds work better than the mountain skis and will fit right on your Rage as well as the Phazer, same carbides and ski loops, the floatation in powder is better and they work better for backing up. That is also the cheapest fix for the darting on crusty snow------Don't get the Yamaha mountain skis!---

I am working on a under tunnel exhaust for the Phazer as well as Float shocks ---- It takes some Money to make the Phazer into a Mountain light.

 

[SoCoRX1]

i couldnt even have fun with a 151x15x2. i use a 162x15x2.25 on both sleds and its the only thing i would go with

im up in FT Collins for college maybe we can meet up sometime to ride. i usually ride in the southern part of the state around Wolf Creek.

 

[leSinge]

sledskiing: I'd thought of getting a new sled for myself, but I'll be getting the Phazer MTN (Used...ANY DEALS?) for the girl I'll be riding with and really don't need to (but really want to) get a Nytro MTN just yet. If I like CO and want to stay, then the sky's the limit.
GREAT TIP on the Highjacker. One will be immediately mounted on my tunnel as soon as I get out West.


SoCoRX1:
I'm really resisting the 151+ track length, at least for the first year, cuz that's almost useless for the kind of riding I would do 'back home' if I don't stay in CO...remember, I'm planning for 1 year so far.
Riding would be great, I'll need somebody to get me up to speed on this MTN Boondocking cuz I'm sure the Northwoods 'Boondocking' for you guys would be kinda laughable, and I'd likely pass up some great spots without knowing what to look for...

ALL: Thank You for your helpful advice, and if we ever meet, please don't laugh at my 'cow pattern' snowflap!

 

[BlgsRX-1mtn]

sledskiing: I'd thought of getting a new sled for myself, but I'll be getting the Phazer MTN (Used...ANY DEALS?) for the girl I'll be riding with and really don't need to (but really want to) get a Nytro MTN just yet. If I like CO and want to stay, then the sky's the limit.
GREAT TIP on the Highjacker. One will be immediately mounted on my tunnel as soon as I get out West.


SoCoRX1:
I'm really resisting the 151+ track length, at least for the first year, cuz that's almost useless for the kind of riding I would do 'back home' if I don't stay in CO...remember, I'm planning for 1 year so far.
Riding would be great, I'll need somebody to get me up to speed on this MTN Boondocking cuz I'm sure the Northwoods 'Boondocking' for you guys would be kinda laughable, and I'd likely pass up some great spots without knowing what to look for...

ALL: Thank You for your helpful advice, and if we ever meet, please don't laugh at my 'cow pattern' snowflap!

One thing to consider here when looking at track l;egth is the fact that Yamaha doesn't seen to put as much track to the ground. A Yamaha 162" is more like a 151 on the other OEM sleds. Here's pictures to show you what I mean. Based from this info; I'd say the Yamaha 151" tracks were comparable to a 144 from another OEM sled.

I happen to have my old Camoplast Challenger 2.52" pitch 151" track with 2" paddles in the garage also if your interested. It's in great shape but won't work with extrovert drivers (every 3rd window is closed). I was saving it for a spare for the wife's sled but with 3 seasons now her track is still fine.

Jim

 

[sledskiing]

Used you are looking anywhere from 5200 - 5700. PM me if you want me to keep an eye out for something for ya. Right now all I got for stock motors is a Phazer for 5500. Got plenty of boosted sleds

 

[powder muncher]

SoCoRX1

i couldn't even have fun with a 151x15x2. i use a 162x15x2.25 on both sleds and its the only thing i would go with ?????????????????

Once you get the weight of on a 151'' sled I have more fun than with a long track.( got mine down to just under 520 lb oil and coolant in no fuel )
Compared to a 162" by 16" wide on a heavy sled it is like driving a
sports-car verses a buss.


Just what I like personally so don't start throwing rotten tomatoes at me.