Comments on: Rebuilding the xc bike, an introduction http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/ Mountain bike news, reviews, and original features Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:05:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=1.5.2 Comment on Rebuilding the xc bike, an introduction by: Cory http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-13361 Sat, 05 May 2007 14:53:24 +0000 http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-13361 I haven't ridden a 29"er at all. There are none that are readily available locally. I haven’t ridden a 29″er at all. There are none that are readily available locally.

]]> Comment on Rebuilding the xc bike, an introduction by: Geof Harries http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-13291 Thu, 03 May 2007 22:07:18 +0000 http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-13291 I am toying with the idea of abandoning my road bike (Giant TCR-1) and picking up a new Kona Unit 29 for commuting and light duty mountain biking. Have you ridden a 29" on road? I am toying with the idea of abandoning my road bike (Giant TCR-1) and picking up a new Kona Unit 29 for commuting and light duty mountain biking. Have you ridden a 29″ on road?

]]> Comment on Rebuilding the xc bike, an introduction by: Cory http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-11464 Wed, 04 Apr 2007 06:13:56 +0000 http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-11464 craig, i've been commuting on my road bike (an '06 Masi Gran Crit) and am pretty happy with it. i also have a set of crossmax xls that are sitting on my trance, so if i really want a set of trail wheels, i can use those. i'll be looking for something similar (but different -- mavic wheelsets cost a fortune up here, almost as much as kings on something or other). i'm going to post up another entry shortly, probably on the drivetrain. after that will come the fork or wheels... ch craig,
i’ve been commuting on my road bike (an ‘06 Masi Gran Crit) and am pretty happy with it. i also have a set of crossmax xls that are sitting on my trance, so if i really want a set of trail wheels, i can use those. i’ll be looking for something similar (but different — mavic wheelsets cost a fortune up here, almost as much as kings on something or other).

i’m going to post up another entry shortly, probably on the drivetrain. after that will come the fork or wheels…

ch

]]> Comment on Rebuilding the xc bike, an introduction by: craig http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-11401 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 21:52:44 +0000 http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-11401 cory, get yourself a set of bomb-proof wheels, use those for your trail wheels only. since you do a lot of commuting you can set those up with slicks or a better street tire while keeping the trail wheels for the trail! i've done this and couldn't be happier, mavic open pro's is what i've got and i've had some really solid hits on them with hardly a wobble to show for it... i'm riding at 193lbs too... start with a wheel upgrade and you will be stoked! cory,
get yourself a set of bomb-proof wheels, use those for your trail wheels only. since you do a lot of commuting you can set those up with slicks or a better street tire while keeping the trail wheels for the trail! i’ve done this and couldn’t be happier, mavic open pro’s is what i’ve got and i’ve had some really solid hits on them with hardly a wobble to show for it… i’m riding at 193lbs too…

start with a wheel upgrade and you will be stoked!

]]> Comment on Rebuilding the xc bike, an introduction by: Cory http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-10843 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 04:19:11 +0000 http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-10843 The head angle on the Rainier with the fork that I've got on it now is a claimed 71 degrees. I have no reason to dispute those claims -- it's twitchy as can be on steep descents. I'm looking for a frame that'll put me between 69 and 70 degrees, depending on the fork travel setting. Comments on the brakes noted -- I was looking at a few specifically: Shimano XT, Shimano LX, Magura Marta. I'd even give the Deores a shot -- they're just a bit heavier than I'd like. I have three forks in mind and, although I'm getting ahead of myself here (forks will be next to last, before the new frame): 1) The <a href="http://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/crosscountry/reba/#tab3" rel="nofollow">Reba Race</a> with the Air U-Turn (85mm - 115mm). This one has all of the features of the higher priced models at a modest weight penalty. 2) <a href="http://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/allmountain/revelation/#tab1" rel="nofollow">Rock Shox Revelation 426</a>. A little heavier than the Reba, but bumps me up to 130mm travel when I need it. And I will need it. 3) Fox 32 TALAS. I have a 36 and I love it. I've ridden the TALAS RLC and I thought it'd be a great trail fork. And I can slam it down for gravel rides. Keep in mind that I'm not looking for a 22lb race hardtail. I want something that will be FUN to ride and I'm willing to sacrifice a pound or so if means I can pin it on the way down. As for drivetrain, it's certainly not glamourous, but absolutely necessary... I'm sold on SRAM chains, but I'm open to discussion comparing an XT cassette to SRAM's 990 series. XTR is too rich for my blood, although the cranks are damn sexy. Rear derailleur is X0, shifters are X0 twisters. Current front is a Deore and I'm inclined to leave it until it dies... I've been running some XT cranks on my trailbike and I love them. Can anyone convince me to go with Deus XC, Noir, FSA, etc. etc. External BB only though. I'm open on wheel choice, although I'm hesitant to go with something like Industry Nine which look gorgeous but have untested support in Canada. Other options include King hubs on Mavic 819s, Hadleys on a similar rim (or 717s), Mavics CrossMax (XL equivalents -- I'll take the extra 200 grams or so). Hope Pro II hubs? I could go on with wheels, but I won't. The only constant will be Mavic rims, although I'd try Singletracks to change things up (and cheapen it up a bit). Saddle? Comfy is king. I love my WTBs, and I've tried plenty of different setups... I think the first selection will be drivetrain // crankset. Any takers on suggestions? The head angle on the Rainier with the fork that I’ve got on it now is a claimed 71 degrees. I have no reason to dispute those claims — it’s twitchy as can be on steep descents. I’m looking for a frame that’ll put me between 69 and 70 degrees, depending on the fork travel setting.

Comments on the brakes noted — I was looking at a few specifically: Shimano XT, Shimano LX, Magura Marta. I’d even give the Deores a shot — they’re just a bit heavier than I’d like.

I have three forks in mind and, although I’m getting ahead of myself here (forks will be next to last, before the new frame):

1) The Reba Race with the Air U-Turn (85mm - 115mm). This one has all of the features of the higher priced models at a modest weight penalty.

2) Rock Shox Revelation 426. A little heavier than the Reba, but bumps me up to 130mm travel when I need it. And I will need it.

3) Fox 32 TALAS. I have a 36 and I love it. I’ve ridden the TALAS RLC and I thought it’d be a great trail fork. And I can slam it down for gravel rides.

Keep in mind that I’m not looking for a 22lb race hardtail. I want something that will be FUN to ride and I’m willing to sacrifice a pound or so if means I can pin it on the way down.

As for drivetrain, it’s certainly not glamourous, but absolutely necessary… I’m sold on SRAM chains, but I’m open to discussion comparing an XT cassette to SRAM’s 990 series. XTR is too rich for my blood, although the cranks are damn sexy. Rear derailleur is X0, shifters are X0 twisters. Current front is a Deore and I’m inclined to leave it until it dies…

I’ve been running some XT cranks on my trailbike and I love them. Can anyone convince me to go with Deus XC, Noir, FSA, etc. etc. External BB only though.

I’m open on wheel choice, although I’m hesitant to go with something like Industry Nine which look gorgeous but have untested support in Canada. Other options include King hubs on Mavic 819s, Hadleys on a similar rim (or 717s), Mavics CrossMax (XL equivalents — I’ll take the extra 200 grams or so). Hope Pro II hubs? I could go on with wheels, but I won’t. The only constant will be Mavic rims, although I’d try Singletracks to change things up (and cheapen it up a bit).

Saddle? Comfy is king. I love my WTBs, and I’ve tried plenty of different setups…

I think the first selection will be drivetrain // crankset. Any takers on suggestions?

]]> Comment on Rebuilding the xc bike, an introduction by: Alon http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-10838 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 00:05:31 +0000 http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-10838 I purchased a very basic Specialized Hardrock XC last year, pretty modest components and such. I upgraded my crappy v-brakes to Deore Hydos and I'm very happy with their performance. They've always worked excellent, I've never had anything overheat, and I haven't felt them squishy or anything. Excellent buy, very cheap (maybe heavy? I don't care.) I also chucked the RST Capa T6 80 mm fork and replaced it with a Rock Shox Dart 3 with remote lockout and 100 mm. It's still far from the top of the line, but the difference is monumental. Finally I upgraded my drivetrain to 9 speed (11-34) with a Shimano LX shifter (not integrated, I don't want the hassle). After these mods I'm riding a bike that cost maybe $850, but with specs that I could not find for the price. You should definitely think about 100 mm and hydro brakes. Both make a world of difference. I purchased a very basic Specialized Hardrock XC last year, pretty modest components and such. I upgraded my crappy v-brakes to Deore Hydos and I’m very happy with their performance. They’ve always worked excellent, I’ve never had anything overheat, and I haven’t felt them squishy or anything. Excellent buy, very cheap (maybe heavy? I don’t care.) I also chucked the RST Capa T6 80 mm fork and replaced it with a Rock Shox Dart 3 with remote lockout and 100 mm. It’s still far from the top of the line, but the difference is monumental. Finally I upgraded my drivetrain to 9 speed (11-34) with a Shimano LX shifter (not integrated, I don’t want the hassle). After these mods I’m riding a bike that cost maybe $850, but with specs that I could not find for the price. You should definitely think about 100 mm and hydro brakes. Both make a world of difference.

]]> Comment on Rebuilding the xc bike, an introduction by: Ashwin http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-10811 Fri, 23 Mar 2007 13:33:38 +0000 http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-10811 What's the geometry of the Ranier? What are your thoughts about putting a 100mm fork on there? It seems like hardtails built around 100mm forks and a slightly slacker geometry are perfect for the application your describing. What’s the geometry of the Ranier?

What are your thoughts about putting a 100mm fork on there? It seems like hardtails built around 100mm forks and a slightly slacker geometry are perfect for the application your describing.

]]> Comment on Rebuilding the xc bike, an introduction by: Cory http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-10750 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:23:24 +0000 http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rebuilding-the-xc-bike-an-introduction/#comment-10750 How about brakes? Has anyone out there run the Deore or Deore LX hydraulics? I can also go XT, but I'm really curious about the performance level on the lower pricepoint models. The only rub is that I was hoping to go with a 185mm rotor up front... How about brakes? Has anyone out there run the Deore or Deore LX hydraulics? I can also go XT, but I’m really curious about the performance level on the lower pricepoint models. The only rub is that I was hoping to go with a 185mm rotor up front…

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