Decisions...decisions...
Welcome to part 1 of the "Winter Project"-- an experiment in which I examine the different paths and choices involved in building up a custom 29er.
This is going to be interesting, because, even though I know what the outcome is going to be on this project (demo bike for the new Bike29 demo fleet), I'm still on the fence about many of the components that I have to choose from. I'm going to take it one step at a time.
So, for example, let's say I'm looking for that XC full suspension rig of my dreams. I've done a bit of research, and have narrowed my needs down to a few key points. I need a XC rig, am not too afraid of a price tag, as I expect the highest quality for the dollars spent. I don't need to go custom, but I want a bike that I can race, or ride all day. This is a chunk of change, and a bike like this, is going to be ranked highest in the "quiver".
I find the most awesome bike shop ever, and give them a call.....
There are a lot off choices out there, but I settle on a US made Intense Spider. It is geared towards that XC race set, but with 4" of travel, and with correct set up, it can easily accommodate my needs.
So here we reach crossroads #1.
I can have a painted frame (size large) that weights 6.59 lbs. Not terribly heavy for what it is. It's Pearl White, and quite possibly the coolest color I've seen on a bike in a while (next to Atomic Blue of course).
Or...
I can have a Works colored frame that weighs 6.34 lbs. One quarter of one pound. It all adds up you know. Do I pull out the stops and go ultralight?
While I'm not an expert racer, I do like nice bikes, and I need a bike that can be as precise as an scalpel, or as reliable as a hammer. And I like folks to notice my nice bikes, so, I'll go with the white frame. Maybe I'll loose that 1/4 lb of off my winter pelt.
As this is such a high end frame, I'm going to re-use some of the parts from other bikes that I have to keep the overall cost down, but boy oh boy, I am stoked on this thing! I'm interested to get feedback from any readers out there as far as what fork I should put on this thing.
Do you have an opinion? I'd love to hear it.
Up next, fork and wheels and tires!
This is going to be interesting, because, even though I know what the outcome is going to be on this project (demo bike for the new Bike29 demo fleet), I'm still on the fence about many of the components that I have to choose from. I'm going to take it one step at a time.
So, for example, let's say I'm looking for that XC full suspension rig of my dreams. I've done a bit of research, and have narrowed my needs down to a few key points. I need a XC rig, am not too afraid of a price tag, as I expect the highest quality for the dollars spent. I don't need to go custom, but I want a bike that I can race, or ride all day. This is a chunk of change, and a bike like this, is going to be ranked highest in the "quiver".
I find the most awesome bike shop ever, and give them a call.....
There are a lot off choices out there, but I settle on a US made Intense Spider. It is geared towards that XC race set, but with 4" of travel, and with correct set up, it can easily accommodate my needs.
So here we reach crossroads #1.
I can have a painted frame (size large) that weights 6.59 lbs. Not terribly heavy for what it is. It's Pearl White, and quite possibly the coolest color I've seen on a bike in a while (next to Atomic Blue of course).Or...
I can have a Works colored frame that weighs 6.34 lbs. One quarter of one pound. It all adds up you know. Do I pull out the stops and go ultralight?
While I'm not an expert racer, I do like nice bikes, and I need a bike that can be as precise as an scalpel, or as reliable as a hammer. And I like folks to notice my nice bikes, so, I'll go with the white frame. Maybe I'll loose that 1/4 lb of off my winter pelt.
As this is such a high end frame, I'm going to re-use some of the parts from other bikes that I have to keep the overall cost down, but boy oh boy, I am stoked on this thing! I'm interested to get feedback from any readers out there as far as what fork I should put on this thing.
Do you have an opinion? I'd love to hear it.
Up next, fork and wheels and tires!
posted by mandy at 9:36 PM
2 Comments:
First thing I would do is clean off that work bench... =Q
Those are some snazzy looking frames. White is a good choice. I like the looks of the 'works' frame, but the white is tight yo!
Lonely in SLC, Sherp
I agree white says bam! look at me. (it's a demo) What color bits? Red,green,blue? rb
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