I bought this frame from yishun and at the moment i'm pretty happy with it.
My config is 100mm reba on front and monarchXX shock. I'd say this is a racy setup, clearly XC. As two-one said suspension is more on firm side but with 25% sag i use all the travel. Suspension works but you don't really feel it.
The pivot point is a little bit higher than on the FM-036 frames, so the anti-squat numbers should be a little higher, creating more pedal-support.
32 chainring is the size to get 100% AS (chain is aligned with pivot point)
also, the leverage ratio is a lot lower because of the 51mm stroke shock, so most aftermarket shocks will feel overdamped (a lot of damping), which should create a firm suspension feeling.
I would probably choose a Monarch Debonair RT3 shock, and retune it for this frame to a lower damping setting.
Yes i think if you want to build a trail bike monarchXX is not the shock to go with this frame. High volume shocks will probably make the ride softer.
(I'm not very experienced in FS so that's the opinion from a guy coming from a XC hardtail)
Cool! you're the first! I'm actually working on a paint job, and was planning to order it when I'm ready. Can you place a photo of your build?
I'm also wondering... don't you get any pedal strikes with the 100mm fork? 32t chainring sounds right on the money.
I wouldn't advise using a high-volume aircan, unless it's one with a high-volume negative chamber, like the Monarch Debonair, or a Fox EVOL aircan, otherwise you'll end up bottoming the suspension very often.
I'm still debating between a Monarch Debonair, or a Manitou Mcleod (without king-can).
