S-Works Fork and Crank

[DuncanFG]

Hello,
I'm looking at getting an 09 S-Works carbon stumpy hardtail. I'm lucky enough to be able to change the spec to whatever I want but two choices are giving me grief, the forks and the cranks.

The frame comes with a 'Specialized Future Shock S90' but I'm tempted to swap it for a Fox F100. I know and like the F100 but the S90 is a mystery to me.

For the S90 the pros are:
Designed for the frame
A tiny bit lighter 1397g vs 1430g + adapter
A presumably very stiff 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 tapered carbon steerer.

Cons:
Tricky to setup, a little over complicated.
Unknown track record (to me).

Does anyone have any stories good or bad on the S90? In comparison to an F100 would be even better.

Similair story for the cranks, I'd like XTR to match the rest of the bike but the specialized cranks look pretty nifty.

Pros:
Lighter, can't find exact weights, but possibly 100g+
Match the oversized BB on the frame
Replacable spider for XX, 2x9, 3x9

Cons:
Only usable on that frame (?).
A little worried about smashing carbon on rocks.
Always wanted XTR cranks, match the rest of bike.

Again any useful comparisons betwen the two appreciated.

Cheers,
Duncan.

 

[TimMc]

"always wanted XTR cranks"

haha! Duncan, you are ssoooooo OUTed

will you run the concrete wheel with that setup?

 

[Grover]

Definitely go the Specialized cranks. Lighter, stiffer, better q-factor...and with X.X spider/rings also better chainline, double instead of triple should suit you nicely and the X.X chainring's shift amazingly.

The Futureshock S90 is a great fork and does match the frame very nicely. Remember 90mm vs 100mm for the Fox means slight geo change is you don't run the Futureshock. I guess the big question is do you want the inertia valve brain or the manual lockout? Maintenance wise there's a bit going on inside a Future Shock but Fitzroy has the expertise to overhaul them in house for you so I'd not be worried about that.

 

[DuncanFG]

Thanks Grover, I think I'm sold on the crank, still unsure about the fork.

Tim, well yes I always thought XTR cranks looked awesome, but last I checked they weren't as stiff as XT so didnt see the point. I have sold out. Could I get some cred back with the concrete wheel?

Quick comparison, help me decide:

Weight:
XTR: 828g CW: 23,000g But as the wheel size cultists say, weight == momentum.
Rim:
XTR: Scandium CW: Steel, Steel is real.
FreeHub
XTR: Titanium CW: Screw on
Spoke count
XTR: 28 CW: Not sure, embedded in concrete
Tube type
XTR: UST CW: Maybe UST, if concrete seals airtight around nipples
Bearing type:
XTR: Proper, non disposable, sealed.
CW: Old school, big balled, not very sealed.

The concrete wheel is rim brake though, maybe I could concrete in a rotor.

 

[TimMc]

Duncan,

the salvation of your cred is in your hands

remember, pain is temporary but the internet is forever

Tim

ps neither of those forks have any cred whatsoever, I have some Dukes that I am happy to sell you, they'll complement your hipster wheelset nicely