Traction on a 129 inch SW?

[Keith Schmitz]

...about a happy meal ; )

I have never run anything but 121's, so I opted for the 129. I've only got a little yard running in, but I wasn't overly impressed with the transfer. I'm studded & loosened the straps, so obviously, for me, I've got more work to do

 

[dgjr636]

My sled of choice for 90% of the trails I ride is a 137. However my 15 Apex XTX 144 with the tipped rails had more top speed than my prior 121 and handled close to the same. I agree a 129 Winder would be better in the twisties but, who wants to give up the ear to ear grins of the traction of a 137. Not Me.

What if you could have both? What if someone could come up with a quick adjust rear skid that could adjust the track footprint from 121/129 to 137/141. Now that would be Something.

Yes! I just put it out there and will take full credit if a manufacture or company comes up with it.

 

[cannondale27]

I have never run anything but 121's, so I opted for the 129. I've only got a little yard running in, but I wasn't overly impressed with the transfer. I'm studded & loosened the straps, so obviously, for me, I've got more work to do

Hopefully the arm change didnt hurt the 129's. I wouldnt worry much since the springs take a good 150 to 300mi to set in. Will be a big difference. Then start playing with center shock preload 1/2-1 turn tighter at a time. There is a sweet spot.

 

[cannondale27]

My sled of choice for 90% of the trails I ride is a 137. However my 15 Apex XTX 144 with the tipped rails had more top speed than my prior 121 and handled close to the same. I agree a 129 Winder would be better in the twisties but, who wants to give up the ear to ear grins of the traction of a 137. Not Me.

What if you could have both? What if someone could come up with a quick adjust rear skid that could adjust the track footprint from 121/129 to 137/141. Now that would be Something.

Yes! I just put it out there and will take full credit if a manufacture or company comes up with it.

Lower a 129 enough and there you go! At least 137 footprint would be possible kinda!

 

[Fleecer]

My 5 cents coming off 1100 turbo 129. I removed rear transfer blocks and reinstalled just the rod. Almost flipped over backwards doing a 100mph wheelie so tightened front strap one hole and perfect!! On a packed trail from a dig would walk away from my buddies 137 1100 turbo and continue to pull away midrange and topend. Another buddy mpi viper/hurricane pipe 137 track rr bed racing same results. Common sense more rotating mass is parasitic and slower.

I will say the 137 rides better, however the 129 is more nimble and more fun to trail ride. Surprise washouts/ditches can be easily wheelied over and the capability to execute 100 mph power wheelies over rolling knolls on demand will put a smile on anyone's face.

20 years ago a 136 inch track was a mountain sled.....if you want absolute topspeed 129 is the way to go.

 

[SideHogger]

My 5 cents coming off 1100 turbo 129. I removed rear transfer blocks and reinstalled just the rod. Almost flipped over backwards doing a 100mph wheelie so tightened front strap one hole and perfect!! On a packed trail from a dig would walk away from my buddies 137 1100 turbo and continue to pull away midrange and topend. Another buddy mpi viper/hurricane pipe 137 track rr bed racing same results. Common sense more rotating mass is parasitic and slower.

I will say the 137 rides better, however the 129 is more nimble and more fun to trail ride. Surprise washouts/ditches can be easily wheelied over and the capability to execute 100 mph power wheelies over rolling knolls on demand will put a smile on anyone's face.

20 years ago a 136 inch track was a mountain sled.....if you want absolute topspeed 129 is the way to go.

I hope your wrong because I also was talked into a 137 because was told it was faster on top than a 129. I also ride many tight trails and was told if you rode them back to back the difference is barely noticeable!

 

[super_rash]

hahaha debate is still open..but transfer is more important then lengh in traction...so if the 129 transfers well...that will be it

 

[DC5]

The old 129's definitely transferred better but it seems now that the 129 and 137 are using the same front arm the transfer is the same between the two.

 

[cannondale27]

I would also check length from scissor to back of wheel. Is longer on 137 if I remember right. Acts like a wheelie bar! Will say the approach angle is better on 137 though.

 

[Fleecer]

I hope your wrong because I also was talked into a 137 because was told it was faster on top than a 129. I also ride many tight trails and was told if you rode them back to back the difference is barely noticeable!

I wouldn't lose any sleep over it as either way I think every one will be happy. The 137 rides a little better, the 129 is a little faster, 137 little more traction, 129 little more nimble etc, etc.

I think where everyone gets jacked up is for years the 136 apex was better/faster than 121. Then when the new generation of apexes came out, the 144 xtx proved to be faster than 129 apex, therefore people assume the same holds true with the sidewinder which is in cat chassis and rules no longer apply.

My opinions listed above are based on cat 1100 turbo track lengths. Before buying my cat years ago I spoke with one of the dealers in the area who is in the know and I was told 129 was faster. I bought based on this information and it was spot on.

That being said, as someone stated, the sidewinder has longer front arm vs cats of old, which may/may not change the outcome. I haven't had the chance to do any testing yet so these opinions are still to be verified.