Excel>

I am thinking of getting a new mountain bike to replace my old one which is completely worthless. I want to get the Banshee Wraith which is around $2000, I would replace the rear derailleur to the sram x.o, replace the rear cassette to the sram pg-990, replace the chain to the sram pc991 hollow pin and replace the front derailleur to the shimano XTR Twin Pull.
Do you think this is a good setup and bike, or should I buy something different?

Pink_Ninja

First up, what type of riding do you do?

Jason222

So, you'll be setting it up with light XC components? It's more of a all mountain machine, whereas weight isn't supposed to be as much of an issue. Great bike though . Something else you might want to switch out is probably the fork.

Excel>

I plan on using this bike for light FR with occasional 3 to 4 foot jumps.

CrashVector

sound like a Kona Dawg to me If you are looking for a bike than can take light FR duty, but is light enough for some XC trails, and more nimble than a true FR tank, then this is your bike.

Then again, I AM partial...but that is exactly what the DAWG line is made for...some XC, some FR.

It's what they call a "back country" bike. Its beefier than a true XC bike, but not quite as strong as a full-blooded FR bike. It's right in between em...and I've taken 4-5 foot jumps on mine without a problem.

here's a pic:

vw addict

sounds like a waste, upgrade the drivetrain when it wears out, and upgrade derailleurs when they break. You aren't really gonna save that much weight there if that's what you are planning. Just get the bike and ride it.

Excel>

I am not trying to save weight, I'm trying to get higher quality parts to make the shifting smother.

mlts22 

How climbable is that Dawg Deluxe? Not much downhill action here in Texas, so my next high-end mtb will need to be able to be able to be climb as much as it descends.

LowCel 

All of your upgrades sound good (not really necessary though) but I just have a couple questions / suggestions. Why the SRAM cassette. Don't get me wrong, I really like SRAM and in most applications I prefer it over shimano. The only exception is the cassette. I would rather have an XT cassette over the pg-990 any day.

I think you will be just as happy with the SRAM front derailleur as you will be with the XTR. As far as the rear derailleur unless you are trying to save weight just go for the X.9. I have the X.9 on one of my bikes and the X.0 on my other one. I can't tell any difference.

I wouldn't bother getting the hollowpin chain either, not really necessary unless you want to save some weight. Once the 951 wears out just get a 971. It's a great chain and costs a good bit less.

Excel>

Ok, I found a great deal on a 2005 banshee Chaparral, it costs about the same as the wraith.
Here are the specs:

Fork:
Marzocchi Drop Off Triple 170mm

Headset:
TH

Crankarms:
TruVativ Hussefelt-Howitzer

Chainrings:
TV Rockguard /36/24

B/B:
TruVativ Hussefelt-Howitzer

Pedals:
Kona Jack****

Chain:
Shimano CN-HG53

Freewheel:
Shimano CS-HG-50 11-32 9 speed

F/D:
Shimano Deore

R/D:
Shimano Deore LX

Shifters:
Shimano Deore

Handlebar:
TruVativ Hussefelt OS Riser

Stem:
TruVativ Hussefelt OS

Grips:
Kona Jack****

Brakes:
Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 HD V8

Brake Levers:
Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 HD V8

Front hub:
KK Disc

Rear hub:
Shimano FH-M525 disc

Spokes:
Stainless 14g


Rims:
Sun MTX-S

Saddle:
WTB Pure V Comp

Seatpost:
TruVativ XR Double Clamp




What do you think is this a good bike for FR? Do you think their will be any problems with this bike?

Excel>

Anyone their??

CrashVector

climbing with my Dawg Deluxe isn't much of a problem...especially with the new bar ends.

The Chap. specs look good for FR...better than the wraith.

mtnbiker66

The Chap is a good bike,post pics when you get it.

CrashVector

BTW, i'm not familiar with Banshee....

I noticed it has a lot of Kona-brand parts and uses basically the same name-brands for the bars, saddle, etc.

Are they owned by the same company or something?

Note that I do not know anything about that company, so I can't comment on the frame or geometry.

Excel>

Thats if I get it, I don't really have that much money right now, but here's a link.
ttp://www.mediaslave.name/cyclesolutions/specials/images/Chaparrell_Bike_Image.jpg
This is a diffrent chap but most of the parts are the same.

CrashVector

okay...that explains a lot then. Its basically a custom-job using a Banshee frame, right?

All I can tell you is that the fork on the bike in the pic is a good fork for FR, and the other specs look clean as well.

Excel>

Yeah its pretty much a custom bike

Excel>

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