The updated Turner 5.Spot gets a new head tube gusset, a 142x12mm thru-axle rear end, and new bolt-on cable guides for 2012.James Huang/BikeRadar
Turner Bicycles will use thru-axle dropouts and post mount rear brake tabs across the board for 2012.James Huang/BikeRadar
Turner has neatly integrated the thru-axle threads into the replaceable rear derailleur hanger, making that piece stronger in the process while also cutting down on the number of separate parts.James Huang/BikeRadar
The Turner 5.Spot and Sultan get ISCG tabs for 2012.James Huang/BikeRadar
The seat tube on Turner’s mountain bikes is a busy area given the short dw-links.James Huang/BikeRadar
44mm-diameter head tubes are extremely popular among smaller builders like Turner as they allow for both straight and tapered steerers to fit into a constant-diameter head tube.James Huang/BikeRadar
Bolt-on cable guides on the updated Turner mountain bike frames lend a more finished look than zip-ties.James Huang/BikeRadar
The Turner Sultan 29er gets a new thru-axle rear end, updated cable guides, and ISCG tabs for 2012.James Huang/BikeRadar
Turner SultanRussell Burton/BikeRadar.com
The short-travel Turner Flux gets a new anodized color and a new 44mm-diameter head tube for 2012.James Huang/BikeRadar
In addition to the tapered-compatible 44mm-diameter head tube, the 2012 Turner Flux also gets a beefed-up top tube for improved front triangle rigidity.James Huang/BikeRadar
Turner’s DHR downhill racer has received lots of praise for its capable rear suspension and low-and-slack geometry.James Huang/BikeRadar
The rear suspension setup on Turner’s DHR downhill racer is notably low and compact.James Huang/BikeRadar
Dave Turner still has to justify the use of bushings on his bikes even after successfully using them for years. According to Turner, his bushing setup is lighter, can handle more load, and is easier to service than cartridge bearings.James Huang/BikeRadar
Dave Turner happily admits his bikes have never been the most showy. With anodizing choices generally limited to more lairy colours, it’s taken him a while to find two suitably subdued hues. The orangey/gold and maroon are suitably understated though, with the former complementing new Fox Kashima coated shocks particularly well.
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There are some neat changes under the electro plated skin too. The shorter travel Flux gets a new larger diameter top tube to increase twist resistance between the seat tube and the new tapered fork-compatible 44mm headtube. The rear end switches to a 142x12mm screw thru axle with a particularly neat driveside dropout terminal. Mainframe cabling has been changed to a full length outer clamped arrangement too.
The classic 5 Spot and the big wheeled Sultan both get the same changes, plus a new curved downtube to give enough clearance for a piggy back shock such as the Fox DHX Air or Rock Shox Monarch Plus.
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There’s still no sign of the much anticipated longer travel ‘RFX’ replacement bike that’ll sit between the 5 Spot and DHR. Dave was following his own advice from our interview with him earlier this year, staying tight lipped on when we’ll see it.
