Flip-chips and geo shifts

[Gerow]

A load of frames have included geometry adjustment gadgets that allow us to dial the bike to our liking.

I’m curious how many of you have made use of those gadgets, and what makes you decide to flip-the-chip?

If you don’t use them, would you prefer a frame without an adjustable geo?

 

[Sunspot ✓ supporter]

Cannot say I have done a flip chip however, sliding dropouts are a nice way to go.

Frankly, I have a few drawings that are of custom geometry such as BB drop, HT/ST angles, stack etc. Eventually one will be sent to either  Waltly or Marino for a frame fab.

[jgmtb]

I used to use the flip-chip on my YT Jeffsy quite a bit. On long days with lots of pedaling no really gnarly descents, I appreciated the slightly higher bb (fewer pedal strikes) and steeper seat tube. Although at this point I have installed shorter cranks which helps with the latter problem, and I have slid my seat all the way forward for the former. In the end, the flip chip does not make a massive difference. Also, these days there are always a few steep descents thrown into any ride. So now I just flip the chip when I’m going out for a rides which I am certain will not feature steep descents.

[FrankS29]

I think it’s nice that they give the option. Options are always nice to help make a bike more versatile and fit a broader range of riders with a single frame.

however, the two guys I ride with who have flip chips on their Santa Cruz frames have never touched them.

I think for a lot of riders they will be a “set it and forget it” part of the bike once you figure out what position works best for you and your local trails.

[Matt Miller ✓ supporter]

I think it’s cool that some brands have the option. In cases I’ve tried it, like on Rocky Mtn with Ride-4 or Ride-9, or Guerrilla Gravity, it’s apparent that the bike was built around one setting, and things tend to get weird around the other settings, so I’ve found it’s best to leave it in the most neutral setting.

[Jeff Barber]

Great question! I tend to ignore flip chips myself, and make adjustments elsewhere to get the ride feel I want. Not sure if that’s because I just forget, or what…

[BNielsUT]

My bike has the adjustable Geo, (Rocky mountain). I’ve never messed with it, left it slack.  I should try it and see how it changes.

[SKeen]

I used to switch between the 2 shock mount positions on my Mega Trail to adjust travel and HTA. But then I invested in an air shock with shorter stroke for days when I want to drop weight and travel so now I just about always use my coil shock in the 165 setting and swap out the shock for XCish days. Although I am still playing with both mounting positions with the air shock, dialing in which travel setting is best for different trails.

[Phonebem]

I typically slacken my bike for gravity oriented days and steepen it up for trail days. The difference isn’t drastic, but the front wheel is a bit less skittish in the slack position while pedal strikes are drastically lower in the higher position.

[rmap01 ✓ supporter]

Interesting question.  Although my bike has an adjustable flip chip (i.e. slack or slacker) I’ve never adjusted it.  For my bike it requires removing bolts and then re-torquing which is not something I would do on trail.   But if it was just a matter of flipping a switch I would certainly experiment with it.  As to whether or not I want one?  Assuming there’s no cost savings than sure I’d rather have the ability to slacken the bike  further if I so choose.  Now if you told me I could save some coin for giving up  this feature then that would make me at least pause to consider depending on the savings.

[Phonebem]

Considering replacement flip chips for my bike (YT Jeffsy) are $10, I don’t see it adding more than $5 to the retail cost of a bike… I’d rather have the option for that price.

[m.krupp]

Kind of like Jeff seems there is plenty of other factors you can adjust like tire pressure, seat position, shock pressure to get the right feel. This is not an option I would seek on a bike. My perspective is that I want the bike to feel good, doesn’t have to be perfect, and then adjust my riding to fit the conditions and bike I am on. I don’t know how much time most riders have to think about it. Good question though. Not my thing but would love to hear from more who use it.

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