Zac Hinton
St Bernard
Just finished ordering all the bits for this build, been umming and arrring (is that how it's spelt?) for a while about what way to go. I was originally thinking of buying a complete 160mm dually but after numerous discussions with riding buddies and countless hours of internet research decided that building a bike from scratch suited me better. Out of interest, the complete bikes I was considering were Lapierre Spicy, Orbea Rallon, GT Force X, Giant Reign (new one), and to a much lesser degree the Specialized Enduro (26). These bikes were all between $3000-$6000 depending on spec. These bikes all had a reasonable amount of parts I would want to swap out straight away so none of them were obvious choices. Building a bike of significantly better quality and a lot cheaper that was more original was the way to go for me. Something to consider though is that I don't put a price on the labour to build it as I will do it myself, plus the tools required. If you aren't into getting mechanical and tinkering then building from scratch may not be for you. I love it though.
Used complete bikes just didn't seem good value enough from what I could see when you build up buying from CRC etc yourself. I also need a size large frame and most used bikes seem to be mediums.
After I decided to go a build from scratch I needed to decide on a frame. This was largely based on a cracking deal I got on some 26" Hope Hoops (flow ex rims) and Maxxis High Roller 2 tyres from a rational fellow with two carbon nomads (who guided my choices in the build a lot also). So I needed a frame that was going to be future proof, as the cost of the build was fairly pricey for what I normally spend on "toys" for myself. A frame that was 26 and 27.5 compatible, alloy, with downhill favoured geometry was what I was after. I only really ride at the You Yangs, and love the more aggressive trails there (but downhill itself I don't have the balls for anymore, to be honest). The two frames I came down to in the end was the Dartmoor Wish (new model) from Fearless Cycles or the Banshee Rune (Defcon, see above banner ad). Customer service from both with pre purchase enquiries was excellent. The Banshee was the reliable option as it is so well reviewed and comes with the best rear shock you can get (the cane creek). The dartmoor worked out cheaper but if the same shock was on both bikes it was only a few hundred different.
Waiting for the Banshee frame to be delivered at the moment, looking at a few weeks until it's in my hands. Going for the stealth black finish.
Parts ordered or already on my current bike to swap over are:
Forks: Marzocchi 27.5 350 CR (hopefully the geo is fine with 26" wheels) very excited about these forks. The other option was Pikes or X Fusion Metrics. Couldn't pass up a great deal though on these from Jensen.
Wheels: hope pro2 hubs with stans flow ex rims
Tyres: Maxxis HighRoller2 front and Schwalbe rock Razor rear. Set up tubeless
Brakes: Formula T1R(these popped up on RB last week, was going to get Zees otherwise). Running organic pads, want to change to sintered due to brake fade at Buller
Seat: SDG ti fly
Seatpost: KS Integra 150mm dropper post
Bars: Nukeproof Warhead alloy 760mm 20mm rise
Stem: Answer Rove 55mm
Shifter: XT 10 speed
Rear derailleur: Zee wide range
Chain ring: Blackspire 32 tooth narrow wide
Cranks: SLX (debated on zee but these seem much better for what I need)
Cassette/chain: Sram 11-36 and KMC x10
Pedals: Was XT trail, now DMR V8 flats
Grips: ODI Vans lock ons
Computer: Magellan Cyclo 100
Once they start arriving I will post up some pics of the build. Very excited to see how it rides. Should be rolling in a few weeks. Keen to get your opinions on the specs.
Used complete bikes just didn't seem good value enough from what I could see when you build up buying from CRC etc yourself. I also need a size large frame and most used bikes seem to be mediums.
After I decided to go a build from scratch I needed to decide on a frame. This was largely based on a cracking deal I got on some 26" Hope Hoops (flow ex rims) and Maxxis High Roller 2 tyres from a rational fellow with two carbon nomads (who guided my choices in the build a lot also). So I needed a frame that was going to be future proof, as the cost of the build was fairly pricey for what I normally spend on "toys" for myself. A frame that was 26 and 27.5 compatible, alloy, with downhill favoured geometry was what I was after. I only really ride at the You Yangs, and love the more aggressive trails there (but downhill itself I don't have the balls for anymore, to be honest). The two frames I came down to in the end was the Dartmoor Wish (new model) from Fearless Cycles or the Banshee Rune (Defcon, see above banner ad). Customer service from both with pre purchase enquiries was excellent. The Banshee was the reliable option as it is so well reviewed and comes with the best rear shock you can get (the cane creek). The dartmoor worked out cheaper but if the same shock was on both bikes it was only a few hundred different.
Waiting for the Banshee frame to be delivered at the moment, looking at a few weeks until it's in my hands. Going for the stealth black finish.
Parts ordered or already on my current bike to swap over are:
Forks: Marzocchi 27.5 350 CR (hopefully the geo is fine with 26" wheels) very excited about these forks. The other option was Pikes or X Fusion Metrics. Couldn't pass up a great deal though on these from Jensen.
Wheels: hope pro2 hubs with stans flow ex rims
Tyres: Maxxis HighRoller2 front and Schwalbe rock Razor rear. Set up tubeless
Brakes: Formula T1R(these popped up on RB last week, was going to get Zees otherwise). Running organic pads, want to change to sintered due to brake fade at Buller
Seat: SDG ti fly
Seatpost: KS Integra 150mm dropper post
Bars: Nukeproof Warhead alloy 760mm 20mm rise
Stem: Answer Rove 55mm
Shifter: XT 10 speed
Rear derailleur: Zee wide range
Chain ring: Blackspire 32 tooth narrow wide
Cranks: SLX (debated on zee but these seem much better for what I need)
Cassette/chain: Sram 11-36 and KMC x10
Pedals: Was XT trail, now DMR V8 flats
Grips: ODI Vans lock ons
Computer: Magellan Cyclo 100
Once they start arriving I will post up some pics of the build. Very excited to see how it rides. Should be rolling in a few weeks. Keen to get your opinions on the specs.
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