Ride update.
First rides were on unknown trails,but yesterday took it out on known rocky, rooty stuff. For comparison,i have an anthem 29er 0, and a camber29 as comparison.
The rear was almost like I was on a 2.4" 18psi rear. fantasically compliant on 3 or 4"stuff - the old magic carpet ride cliche comes to mind. The front 120mm sid is nothing at all like the 100mm RLT i have on the anthem - the extra 20mm gives plenty more small bump compliance, ramps up about the same on bigger drops to save going OTB..
The rear smoothness doesnt seem to come at the cost od pedalling - no movement in the rear while sitting down and pedalling. When i bought the camber 2 months ago, I wasnt excited enough to plan my next ride with it, with this one, I'm looking at the other 2 bikes, and wondering what the hell they are for now........;(
Also changed the stem from 84o to +6o - better option for trail riding.
Cost of this build was $3900, not including the wheelset, saddle and brakes which were surplus in my shed
Frame - 2012 $1900 landed on clearance from the USA
XX1 from bike components $930
Hope driver $80
Ritchey seatpost $80 from mate
Ritchey Stem $50, wiggle
Rockshox xx 120mm $620, Bike discount.de
Arundel othersideloader bidon $50 wiggle?
BB $40 wiggle
easton ec70 flat $100
bike guy - $100
Plans - carbon rims from light bicycle - maybe even white grips chopsticks!