Finally got rid of the ugly BMX wannabe black and gray checkers, The result surprised even me, hehe. Looks WAY better IMHO. Now I have to gt rid of the 6.5 pound SR fork. It does the job, but the bike could weigh 27 pounds instead 30.6 with a more decent exmple. Not bad for starting out at 33 and change out of the bike shop, just from simple and until now cheap upgrades. Now I am going to have to start spending money. I love the bike and how it rides, so I am going to keep it. I may get a 29er someday, but not just yet. Been looking at the Giant Talons lately at work, and the 2012's look ten times better than the 2011's. Oh well, I'm rambling now. Here's the before and after.,,,,BD