krieg
Husqvarna
Pro Class
Over T-giving, Cody and I did some PA Coal riding. I got some serious "comparison" hours on the '10 TC and the '09 TXC and wanted to post a summary of my opinions about both bikes.
I'll try to be concise.
Motor comparo: The TC will rip the face off the TXC. I think I said this already in another post, but it was confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt this weekend. The TC motor revs quicker (MUCH quicker). The TC motor has a mid like I've never felt before. The mid has what can best be described as "eternal pull" which I'm sure will be a big positive on an MX track. On the bottom, I gotta give the TXC its due. It lugs better than the TC and requires less clutch "finesse" to get launched. Top end kudos goes to the TC by a noticeable margin. It just won't quit pulling. To be fair I didn't use 6th gear on the TXC.
Handling: A mixed bag but definitely in favor of the TC. The TC's light weight is felt from the very moment you attempt to mount. VERY obvious. It's more throwable, flickable, pointable... all the things you'd expect from a lighter bike. HOWEVER... there were times when I appreciated the TXC's extra weight. Dust-like coal is worse than sand. It's almost like talcum powder. The TXC seemed to be more at home in this stuff, especially when transitioning from more gritty terrain. I think this had a lot to do with Kelly's steering damper, but whatever it was, the TXC would definitely be my choice in sand.
Since it rained the day before we rode, we encountered plenty of slippery stuff, ranging from wet leaves on rocks to hidden (by leaves) mud slicks. I gotta give the nod to the TXC here... again probably due to the damper and the extra weight. It just felt more "sure footed" in the slippery stuff.
In rocks, roots and ruts I prefered the TC simply because, when I ricocheted off course, I could wiggle my fat A$$ slightly, flick the bars a bit and quickly correct to a more favorable line. The TXC was much more of a chore in similar circumstances even though the damper made things more tolerable. I much preferred the ability to toss the bike versus wrestle with it.
Brakes: TC. By a WIDE margin. 'Nough said.
Suspension: I think I finally got the TC dialed-in, but admittedly, I'm not skilled enough to offer a fair assessment. I'll say that the TXC's Zokes have grown on me after break-in. Initially, the TC had a tendency to feel like a pogo stick on rough terrain. But with some break-in and some adjustment, I'll just say that both suspensions can be made to work for an old fat guy who will NEVER have the skill to use them to their full potential.
Starting: The TC is still a 1 or 2 kick starter 95% of the time in all conditions. I've never kicked this bike bike more than 10 times (and the 10 times was after a fall). The TXC is E-start. E-start is HUGE for old fat guys like me.
Summary: I love both bikes. I thought I had myself talked-into selling the TXC, but after this weekend, I'm re-thinking. I may keep both bikes. I can't explain it other than to say it's like having a stash of two premium beers in the fridge that you can't decide between. You open the fridge door and say... "DAMN, I'm not sure which one would taste better..."
I'll boil it down to this: When I'm in the mood to feel like I'm 18 years old again (and my body will cooperate), I'll be on the TC every time. When I'm stiff, sore, bloated, and aching... I'll choose the TXC.
I will also say that if the TC had Kelly's steering damper and E-start, the TXC would be for sale... NOW.
I'll try to be concise.
Motor comparo: The TC will rip the face off the TXC. I think I said this already in another post, but it was confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt this weekend. The TC motor revs quicker (MUCH quicker). The TC motor has a mid like I've never felt before. The mid has what can best be described as "eternal pull" which I'm sure will be a big positive on an MX track. On the bottom, I gotta give the TXC its due. It lugs better than the TC and requires less clutch "finesse" to get launched. Top end kudos goes to the TC by a noticeable margin. It just won't quit pulling. To be fair I didn't use 6th gear on the TXC.
Handling: A mixed bag but definitely in favor of the TC. The TC's light weight is felt from the very moment you attempt to mount. VERY obvious. It's more throwable, flickable, pointable... all the things you'd expect from a lighter bike. HOWEVER... there were times when I appreciated the TXC's extra weight. Dust-like coal is worse than sand. It's almost like talcum powder. The TXC seemed to be more at home in this stuff, especially when transitioning from more gritty terrain. I think this had a lot to do with Kelly's steering damper, but whatever it was, the TXC would definitely be my choice in sand.
Since it rained the day before we rode, we encountered plenty of slippery stuff, ranging from wet leaves on rocks to hidden (by leaves) mud slicks. I gotta give the nod to the TXC here... again probably due to the damper and the extra weight. It just felt more "sure footed" in the slippery stuff.
In rocks, roots and ruts I prefered the TC simply because, when I ricocheted off course, I could wiggle my fat A$$ slightly, flick the bars a bit and quickly correct to a more favorable line. The TXC was much more of a chore in similar circumstances even though the damper made things more tolerable. I much preferred the ability to toss the bike versus wrestle with it.
Brakes: TC. By a WIDE margin. 'Nough said.
Suspension: I think I finally got the TC dialed-in, but admittedly, I'm not skilled enough to offer a fair assessment. I'll say that the TXC's Zokes have grown on me after break-in. Initially, the TC had a tendency to feel like a pogo stick on rough terrain. But with some break-in and some adjustment, I'll just say that both suspensions can be made to work for an old fat guy who will NEVER have the skill to use them to their full potential.
Starting: The TC is still a 1 or 2 kick starter 95% of the time in all conditions. I've never kicked this bike bike more than 10 times (and the 10 times was after a fall). The TXC is E-start. E-start is HUGE for old fat guys like me.
Summary: I love both bikes. I thought I had myself talked-into selling the TXC, but after this weekend, I'm re-thinking. I may keep both bikes. I can't explain it other than to say it's like having a stash of two premium beers in the fridge that you can't decide between. You open the fridge door and say... "DAMN, I'm not sure which one would taste better..."
I'll boil it down to this: When I'm in the mood to feel like I'm 18 years old again (and my body will cooperate), I'll be on the TC every time. When I'm stiff, sore, bloated, and aching... I'll choose the TXC.
I will also say that if the TC had Kelly's steering damper and E-start, the TXC would be for sale... NOW.