Can someone that has experience riding the FM936 talk about the rear suspension a bit?
Is the anti-squat high?
Is an MM tune shock ok for it?
How does it compare to other bikes you have ridden of similar travel?
Thanks!
I moved from an Evil Following MB (120/130) to the 936. Following was my first FS with modern geo. The 936 has a 42.5 shock which probably has around 115mm of travel with the flex stays with a 120 Sid on the front.
Following is an amazing bike, very lively and poppy and rarely upset. I never had a harsh bottom out, though it occasionally did. It felt like a light weight enduro bike on most everything but the rowdiest of descents, difference was speed compared to actual enduro. Never felt limited by the 120 mm rear. Climbed ok, but nothing special. Front end got light on steeper technical climbs. My GX build large MB weighed about 30 lbs.
I wanted something lighter and a better climber, but still capable on the downs. Was really interested in a Spur, but couldn't find one. Built up a 936 figuring if I don't like it, I'll swap out the frame for a Spur. My large built up to about 25 lbs without going complete weight wennie. The 936 feels much more lively, responsive and of course quicker. Strava time was about 5% quicker on the 936 the first time I rode it, quicker now.
If the Following was a mini enduro, the 936 is a maxi XC, trophy truck to rally car. The suspension isn't up to the DW Delta Link, but I didn't expect it to be. Baby heads are ok, but it doesn't tame the bigger stuff like the Following. On the climbs, it blows away the Following, actually climbing so well I got rid of my old hardtail. Suspension moves a little on climbs, but never feels like it's sucking energy. I've never touched the lockout.
Headed to Colorado next weekend and will run the 936 a little harder on extended descents that I rode the Following on for a better idea of how they compare, but doubt it will change any of the above much. I may even be surprised how well the 936 does.
Got to ride the updated Following with steeper STA and slightly slacker HTA. Bike buddy bought it because he loved riding mine. Definitely climbs better, but still wouldn't swap for the 936. Funny thing is now the same buddy wants to build a 936 to do marathon races on. He's a long retired semi-pro road racer and really likes how efficient my 936 feels FWIW. He's trying to decide between the 936 and 909.
