Turner have built their 5.Spot since 2003, during which time it’s gone from a Horst to a DW-Link bike and undergone several geometry updates. This latest version, introduced this fall, continues the tradition but keeps up with modern times, with a new shock tune, chainguide mount and rear axle, among other features.
The 5.Spot retains its 140mm travel figure for 2012 but now uses – finally, some may say – Fox’s RP23 Boost Valve rear shock, with both Kashima coating and Adaptive Logic features. This is a topic we spoke to David Turner about earlier in the year. The down tube has been reshaped in order to accommodate a piggyback shock, should the rider want.
Big news, Turner have a tune they like on Fox's Boost Valve RP23 Adaptive Logic rear shock
The frame now has ISCG05 guide tabs for single-ring users or those looking to try out one of the new dual-ring guides. Despite the already stiff, custom-wall alloy rear end Turner have also added a 142x12mm DT Swiss RWS through-axle (our test bike is equipped with a RockShox Maxle Lite). The non-drive dropout is one-piece and not replaceable, but the threaded drive side axle mount is combined with the derailleur hanger and is replaceable.
Realizing that some riders were choosing to ride their 5.Spots with 160mm forks, Turner have re-engineered the 44mm head tube so that it can accept a ZeroStack bearing cup. This means the bike can be fitted with a 160mm-travel Fox 36 or RockShox Lyrik with only a 10mm increase in front end height. Turner ship their 150mm spec bikes with an external lower bearing.
Turner re-engineered their 44mm head tube for 2012 so to accept a ZeroStack lower cup for those who want to run a longer travel fork, without increasing the stack height too much
To ice the frame, so to speak, Turner have adopted a new ‘no zip tie’ hose control system for 2012, which is made up of both boss and bolt mounts, and even a slick frame pass-through for the rear derailleur cable, just above the crank on the rear swingarm. The 5.Spot is built for full runs of derailleur housing both front and rear.
Turner continue to build their bikes in the US out of 6061 and 6069 alloy tubing; the front triangle tubes are butted in-house, while the rear end is made from a custom set of shaped, straight-wall tubes. The 5.Spot is available in anodized black or grey with laser etched logos; a raw finish; or one of 15 custom powder coated colors ($195 upcharge). turner offer four component kits, two fork choices and 10 wheelset options. Prices for complete bikes start at just below US$5,200.
The cables run clean from down tube to rear swingarm; the 5.Spot is also provisioned to accommodate a dropper post’s cable
Our test bike comes from Turner’s 2012 demo fleet and is custom anodized orange with laser-etched logos – a scheme not currently offered for sale. It’s built with Turner’s XT base kit (Shimano XT drivetrain and Formula RX brakes), a Fox Float RLC Kashima fork and orange Industry9 wheels with Stan's NoTubes.com ZTR Arch rims. Turner quote this build, which weighs 25.83lb without pedals on our scale, at US$6,015.