ColinL

What I've got so far:

- 2004 Santa Cruz Blur frame, first gen rear triangle, shock, bushings and linkages in good order
- new Mavic Crossmax ST wheelset -- cheap on closeout


Where I'm going to ride:
- typically hardpack or loose over hardpack.
- roots are common. some trails about an hour away have significant rock gardens.
- short climbs are typical.


What I need to sort out:

- Fork. Waiting for the right deal, looks like you can get awesome prices on 26" forks. Need 15mm axle, 120mm travel. Prefer brand new.
- Drivetrain. One option is Shimano XT groupset from ebay ~$650. Second option is piecemeal using SRAM twisters. Definitely 2x10. Don't have brakes figured out for option 2.


Comments and advice appreciated...!

cdp8

Here's a Fox Talas RLC on ebay for $310. It is used, but the seller has good feedback and a 14 day return policy. Even if it needs new seals or a little work Push can make it beter than new for around $200. You're still ahead of a new fork. I was looking at replacing my fork, but it seems like most places are stocking up on 29" stuff and the selection for 26" isn't what it used to be.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FOX-TALAS-RL...item3a76f2f0f3

https://www.pushindustries.com/2009/i...ucts&title=FOX TALAS 32mm&product_id=26

ColinL

Hmm, but a rebuild on that fork will bring it to within $50-75 of a brand-new 32 Float RLC. And it's 9mm QR, that is a big loss.

Daspydyr 

For Kansas this Marzy might be what the bikes hungers for?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Marzocchi-MX...#ht_500wt_1413

Do you ever ride the Gyp Hills? Nice frame you picked up!

I also like the 2X9 setups, SRAM!

ColinL

I've been all over the Gypsum and Flint Hills, but most on dual-sport motorcycles. I'm converting my Cannondale hybrid into a cyclocross bike and finally building a modern MTB. The Blur will replace a Trek 830 I've had since I was 15.

ColinL

Ruled out the super-cheap XT groups on Ebay as they come from Taiwan or Hong Kong and are grey market at best.

Looking at SRAM x9 with the new 2x10 X0 twisters.

cdp8

Give competitivecyclist.com a try. They have an SRAM x9 2x10 kit (no fork) starting at $734. Unlike the XT groups you saw on ebay, their build kits include everything except the frame and fork.

Edit. Forget it. I just tried to build it and the kit does not include everything. Colorado Cyclist does include everything and their kits are more.

ncfisherman

You could try emailing Bob@bikerbob.com on the fork and possibly groupset. I know he has better prices than I can find online on big ticket items. https://forums.mtbr.com/where-best-de...om-758364.html

For the fork, I would probably go with a Float Fit CTD - and actually did just pick up a Float 150 CTD(from Bob). But, there's a lot of good options out there. I was also thinking about picking up a RS Revelation, but RS is going away from the dual-air spring for 2013(to a soloair spring with fixed negative spring), so I crossed RS off the list until they make the switch to solo-air - not that I ever had any problems with the dual air RS forks that I've owned(owned a few SIDs and a Reba over the years). You could probably find some good deals on the dual air RS forks right now. Manitou is also worth a look.

ColinL

I bought a 2012 Fox 32 Float 120mm RLC. I can shim it to 100mm (recommended for the Blur classic) if it feels necessary.

mtb_man_14

pffft who needs gears?

jk this looks like itll be a fun build. Look forward to seeing it done! I have no suggestions as to what components though. You could probably get some Juicy 7's for cheap. I dont know what you're looking for though new vs used.

ColinL

I bought some Magura MT4s. This build is quickly growing out of control.

ncfisherman

Good to see some more Magura MT love. I've been running the MT8's since the fall - so far, so good. Very much improved over the old Marta's.

If you can swing it, you should seriously look into the new SRAM type 2 or Shimano shadow plus rear derailleurs.

ColinL

I like how you think. SRAM X9 type 2 midcage will be here this week. I'll be running X9 2x10 with 26/39 rings and 11-36 cassette. It's probably too much gear for Kansas, but I try to get out to Colorado or Missouri at least once a year.

I'm debating whether to ride the bike or repaint the frame while it's nearly bare. It still would require disassembling the rear triangle and removing the shock, and the paint is in overall good condition for a 2004, but certainly it has a few lovetaps here and there. It looks good at 10 feet.

I guess option 3 would be to build it asap and ride it, then tear it down to repaint in the heart of winter. Last year excluded, we usually don't do any riding in January or February.

ColinL

Here's the start of it...



Build list:

• Frame - 2004 Santa Cruz Blur (Classic)
• Shock - Fox Float AVA R (7 7/8 x 2.0)
• Fork - Fox 32 Float 120mm RLC QR15
• Wheels - Mavic Crossmax ST
• Cranks - SRAM X9 26/39 2x10 (GXP )
• Rear Derailleur - SRAM X9 type 2 midcage
• Front Derailleur - SRAM X9 2x10
• Shifters - SRAM X0 2x10 Twister
• Cassette - SRAM PG-1050 11-32
• Seatpost - Thomson Elite setback
• Stem - 3T Arx 90mm 6deg
• Brakes - Magura MT4 w/160mm rotors
• Handlebars - FSA K Force low rise carbon
• Tires - Specialized Ground Control 2.3F / 2.1R
• Saddle - WTB Vigo SLT Carbon

It's under $3,000. I got a great deal on the frame and wheels, that's what gave me the ability to go for nicer stuff. I know it's hardly a dream bike, but for what I have in it I'll be quite pleased. Best reasons to build this instead of buying a $3,000 bike:

- I got exactly what I wanted. -- which will significantly minimize upgrade-itus / GAS. (what could I need, besides a shock and repainting it?)
- You don't get wheels or a fork like that on a new $3k bike.
- No creaky pressfit bottom bracket. Long live English external!

ColinL

got some work done on it... more to come! the stem is something I had laying around, because I'll need to sit on the finished bike to sort out my fit. (yes, I'm going to incorporate sag. j/k.) the bars are also temporary, as my new ones are literally on the slow boat from china.

sorry for the non-awesome pics. I have neither a digital SLR nor the desire to create print-quality images.

ColinL

It's getting there. Tires will probably arrive last, Thursday-ish. Planning a shakedown ride early Saturday or Sunday to beat the heat.