Airborne Taka Bike
(discontinued)
Where To Buy | |||
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Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply. |
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Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply. |
1 member reviews
Great value, great entry to DH
The Good
Price and spec. Weight - again, for the price, a fully equipped DH rig that tips the scales at about 40lbs is a great find. The Avid Juicy's, once broken in, do their job pretty well. The Marz 888 RV takes big hits without bottoming too easily, same for the Marz coil in the rear. LOVE the Maxxis tires, they hook up very well in a wide variety of conditions - they are a local favorite here. Comfy, soft seat!
As far as handling is concerned - yes. The Taka is actually a fairly nimble rig. It goes where you point and will hold the line as the 8 inches of suspension does its job. I like the top-tube length couple with my 55mm stem, I can get "in" to the bike's suspension/sag comfortably - and have plenty of room for body english adjustments through the rough stuff. If flies straight and true, easy to correct your trajectory or style if needed. This is potentially a very fast bike.
As far as handling is concerned - yes. The Taka is actually a fairly nimble rig. It goes where you point and will hold the line as the 8 inches of suspension does its job. I like the top-tube length couple with my 55mm stem, I can get "in" to the bike's suspension/sag comfortably - and have plenty of room for body english adjustments through the rough stuff. If flies straight and true, easy to correct your trajectory or style if needed. This is potentially a very fast bike.
The Bad
Not sure there's anything bad per se; but the head angle could be a bit more relaxed. At really high speed, the bike is not as stable. For medium speed riding, it's very good, like for freeriding where you have pick you line over a skinny or bridge or switchback. But at racing speed, its a little more work to keep in on track. Personal preference? Maybe, but most DH bikes lately are spec'd closer to 65 degrees.
The bottom bracket is also quite high, getting a bit lower will help keep the center of gravity down, and keep the bike even more stable.
The seat - is a very nice seat - comfy and soft, almost a relief sometimes. But for a DH rig, it's a bit overkill.
Grips are not the keenest - but again, not a deal breaker and easily replaceable.
Understand, these are nits to be picked, not deal breakers.
The bottom bracket is also quite high, getting a bit lower will help keep the center of gravity down, and keep the bike even more stable.
The seat - is a very nice seat - comfy and soft, almost a relief sometimes. But for a DH rig, it's a bit overkill.
Grips are not the keenest - but again, not a deal breaker and easily replaceable.
Understand, these are nits to be picked, not deal breakers.
Overall Review:
I have to disclose: I am a member of Airborne's Flight Crew, which means I do ride a Taka, but I did not pay for it. My comments are as objective as possible.
Remember, you are looking at a complete DH rig for just under $1400. Its not the highest-end spec out there, but this bike is hundreds, and other cases - thousands less than its competitors. For that price, you get a brand-new rig. The parts spec'd on this bike reflect the price, but they are capable parts that will get almost any rider through a season of riding, maybe even racing. While the geometry is a bit on the quick side, you do get used to it pretty quick, and since it's a 1.5 head tube, you can run an angle set to tame it back a bit. At this price, the cons list of this bike does not really exist. This bike has no peers to judge it against.
A great value for a brand new rig. Easy entry in to DH. Can't really go wrong this bike!
I'll be reviewing this bike over the summer as I ride it more and do a few races, you can check the info out at jerryhazard.com
Remember, you are looking at a complete DH rig for just under $1400. Its not the highest-end spec out there, but this bike is hundreds, and other cases - thousands less than its competitors. For that price, you get a brand-new rig. The parts spec'd on this bike reflect the price, but they are capable parts that will get almost any rider through a season of riding, maybe even racing. While the geometry is a bit on the quick side, you do get used to it pretty quick, and since it's a 1.5 head tube, you can run an angle set to tame it back a bit. At this price, the cons list of this bike does not really exist. This bike has no peers to judge it against.
A great value for a brand new rig. Easy entry in to DH. Can't really go wrong this bike!
I'll be reviewing this bike over the summer as I ride it more and do a few races, you can check the info out at jerryhazard.com
Specifications
Product
Airborne Taka Bike
Riding Type
Freeride / Bike Park
Downhill
Rider
Unisex
Sizes and Geometry
16
17
19
Wheel Size
Frame Material
Aluminum
Frame Material Details
6061 Aluminum 8" Travel All Mountain/DH Single Pivot Suspension w/1.5" Head Tube MTB, w/Sealed Bearings
Rear Travel
203.2mm
Rear Shock
Marzocchi Roco R
Fork
Marzocchi 888RV
Fork Travel
8"
Head Tube Diameter
1.5"
Headset
FSA Orbit Z 1.5"
Stem
KORE B18 50mm
Grips
Generic
Brakes
Avid Juicy 3
Brake Levers
Avid Juicy 3
Drivetrain
1x
Shifters
SRAM X-5 9spd
Front Derailleur
N/A
Rear Derailleur
SRAM X-7 Mid-Cage
ISCG Tabs
ISCG '05
Chainguide
e*thirteen LG1
Cranks
FSA MOTO-X
Chainrings
FSA 40t
Bottom Bracket
FSA MOTO-X
Pedals
N/A
Chain
KMC X9
Cassette
SRAM PG-950 12-32t
Rims
WTB LaserDisc DH 32h SV
Hubs
WTB LaserDisc DH 32h
Spokes
Black 14g Stainless
Tires
Maxxis Minion 2.5
Saddle
WTB Pure V Race
Seatpost
Kalloy Alloy
Seatpost Diameter
30mm
Seatpost Clamp
Generic single bolt
Rear Dropout / Hub Dimensions
12x150mm
Max. Tire Size
N/A
Bottle Cage Mounts
N/A
Colors
Desert Sand
Warranty
Lifetime Frame Warranty
Weight
40 lb 3 oz (18,229 g)
Miscellaneous
Did you know that Taka is Japanese for falcon?
Price
$1,399.95
More Info
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Where To Buy | |||
---|---|---|---|
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply. |
|||
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply. |
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