Lowering an 09 XCountry

[ian640]

Does anyone have any practical experience or ideas on how to lower an 09 (yellow) XCountry? Although it's the lowest of the X series, my GF still can't put both feet flat on the ground when astride hers, even though it's fitted with a low seat.

I'm thinking lowering the clamps around the forks and possibly having a shorter shock made.

Thank you.

 

[GFJ]

Should be able to drop the forks in the clamps a little. Other than that it will be getting a shorter shock I think. On my xchallenge I had a wilbers 642 shortened by approx 7mm on a service, which worked out about an inch off the rear end height. Regretted doing it as it tended to bottom out a lot more when off road on the trails, and it was that final 7mm that took the heavier impacts.

Less of a consequence if staying on tarmac I think.

 

[Micky]

Does she need both feet flat on the ground?

Sue (Gracie on here) 5'2" rides her standard 2008 yellow Xcountry just fine

 

[ian640]

Thanks GFJ and Micky.

Technically she can get by, but it's more a confidence and comfort thing. Plus it helps a great deal when riding off-tarmac.

We really don't want to see the back of the XCountry, great bikes.

 

[Micky]

Thanks GFJ and Micky.

Technically she can get by, but it's more a confidence and comfort thing. Plus it helps a great deal when riding off-tarmac.

We really don't want to see the back of the XCountry, great bikes.

Yes, they're great bike's indeed. Are you aware that the standard rear shock has adjustment at its bottom mounting? Can make an appreciable difference, plus then raise the front forks a tad in the clamps.

 

[ian640]

Yes, they're great bike's indeed. Are you aware that the standard rear shock has adjustment at its bottom mounting? Can make an appreciable difference, plus then raise the front forks a tad in the clamps.

Thanks Micky, I'll look into that (any pointers on how to adjust the rear shock and what would be a suitable amount to lower the forks appreciated )

 

[bmstan]

My lass has an 07, the black high one, and I don't know if it applies to your lower version but on the 06 CD Rom it says that the standard setting for the fork is 3mm through the top yoke and the low setting is 25mm through, which is what it's currently running at. It would be good to know if anyone with a later version CD Rom could compare the measurement. Or maybe ask your local dealer?
Regards
Stan

 

[Micky]

Thanks Micky, I'll look into that (any pointers on how to adjust the rear shock and what would be a suitable amount to lower the forks appreciated )

Adjust as in height? Minimum preload for lowest height.

At the bottom of the unit there's a nut just above the bottom mounting, loosen that and the bottom mounting can be screwed further up in to the unit, thus shortening its overfall length .... simples

Front forks just raise through the clamps to keep the 'bike level

But just be aware that if your gal starts to exploit the excellent handling these bike's have, then she'll be running out of ground clearance pretty soon

 

[mikecbrxx]

Warning

From experience lowering an X-Country for my wife. If you go too low, she will have issues when cornering when the foot-pegs keep hitting the tarmac. This, she found, was far more unsettling than not being able to flat-foot.

 

[ian640]

Thanks all. Sounds like some experimentation is called for. We'll see how we get on.

Not keen on scraping the pegs or on decreasing the preload, although the rider doesn't weigh much (I had to say that but it's true) and luggage will be limited to a 30L Ortlieb bag and XTank, plus we won't be doing freestyle MX or Supermoto cornering.

Maybe the answer will lie in some thicker soled boots....

 

[King Rat]

Thanks all. Sounds like some experimentation is called for. We'll see how we get on.

Not keen on scraping the pegs or on decreasing the preload, although the rider doesn't weigh much (I had to say that but it's true) and luggage will be limited to a 30L Ortlieb bag and XTank, plus we won't be doing freestyle MX or Supermoto cornering.

Maybe the answer will lie in some thicker soled boots....

Ha, PLATFORMS ! Can we see pictures of her riding in Mary Quant style mini skirt to go with them?

 

[ian640]

Ha, PLATFORMS ! Can we see pictures of her riding in Mary Quant style mini skirt to go with them?

No you can't.