Need a hand from some experienced bike builders

I currently own a Kona Blast (hardtail)




And i just bought a Specialized FSR COMP frame (full susp.)




I got a smokin deal on the specialized frame hoping i can swap most of the components from the Kona on to it.

Can anyone offer suggestions as to what might/might not swap over?

I know ill prolly have to buy a crank, but will the fork fit? and what else might i need to get?

Thanks

Maybe... maybe not. Look up the specs for the fork that FSR was designed to use and make sure you're not going to horribly undersize or oversize the axle-to-crown. Also you will want to match or bias as appropriate the amount of travel depending on your type of riding. And of course, the other thing you'll have to be concerned with is the headtube length. You'll want to make sure your steerer is long enough to accomodate that plus whatever stack height the stem and headset (and possibly spacers) will add.

The crankset will work, the issue will be the BB....which may or may not fit depending on the BB shell width. Everything else should swap over easily, other than the fork issues khuon pointed out. How old is that frame? I can't tell for sure from the pic but does it have tabs for the rear disc. If not, you'll have to go V-brake out back or get an adapter kit.

Bottom bracket shell if I remember right is a 68. If your Kona has a 68 BB or if it's an adjustable 68-73 ,you're in the clear. Also, Specialized makes a disk brake adapter for that frame. Your Specialized dealer can get you one for about $25. It bolts near the dropout andhas an arm that extends up to bolt to the v-brake boss. There are also a couple of aftermarket companies that make them too. Also, if you want more travel at some time, you can get a link from BETD that'll bump it to 5 or 6" with the stock shock. The MaxBackbone frame is very good and versatile. I had an '00 Big Hit that shared much of the same parts. Good purchase!

If you're referring to the "shark fin," I don't believe that has been available from Specialized for some time now. Try Woodman or Therapy Components.



I used to run one of these on my 98 FSR Pro, it worked well but what little damping the shock has to begin with suffers due to the increased leverage ratio.



I agree, however the Comp frame above is not a Max Backbone. It's still a good frame, though.

Hmmm, my bad. I ordered mine about three years ago. Thought it might be an item the dealer could still get.

That's true, especially in 6" mode. My son had one on his '01 Enduro Sport and had to go to a heavier shock spring - - which then of course taxes the damping. But at least, like you said, it does work (hence I didn't say 'works wonderfully). Seemed to do best in 5" mode.

I thought any of those that had the formed-sheet upper were Max Backbone. The configuration is almost a ringer for my old Big Hit (though the Comp's tubes and such I'm sure were lighter).

Digging deep in the memory banks here, but if I recall correctly, the M.A.X. stands for Manipulated Aluminum eXtrusion and was one of the last U.S. made Specialized frames. Here is a 98 FSR Elite with the MAX frame - you can see the differences in construction as well as the MAX tag and the US flag on the downtube:



(disregard the rear triangle, it's all custom BETD)

OK, I recognize that configuration. The factory DH frame was built similarly. Anyway, now that we've had this discussion at poor Scottc's expense - - -

Scott, should be a great ride for you. By the way, if you find that Ritchey seatpost a pain (as many, many have), just get a shim and use the one off your Kona. You'll need to shim out to 30.9

Hehe, no worries guys, chat away.

Im alright at riding them, but unfortunately dont know a lot about building them yet.

I have a feeling im about to learn tho

Sounds like almost everything should swap over with the possibility of having to buy an adapter for the rear disc, and a bottom bracket? Im really hoping the fork will transfer over.

Is $200 cash a good deal on the frame?

(serial number checked out so its not hot, i would never support theft of bicycles!)

I have a friend that used to work in the industry, and knows a ton about bikes, im going to try to catch up with him and recruit his help

It's more than I would have paid for it especially due to it's age. Used full suspension frames aren't something you buy on faith.

It's not a screaming deal, but I think it is a fair price for a frame that is still a proven performer. For perspective, this year I sold my '00 Big Hit frame with:
'Shark fin' disk adapter...
FSA ISIS bottom bracket...
E-type XT front derailleur...
RST Alfalfa 6" dual crown fork w/integrated stem & Bontrager Crowbar XXX bars...
FSA headset...
30.9 Titec 'Big Al' seatpost...
for$300 on e-bay. Basically, I let it go with all the stuff that would not go on my new frame. And I felt good about getting that much.
Don't feel taken. It is still (IMHO) a good design that makes an excellent first FS ride.

The design may be good, but Aluminum doesn't last forever

LOL< hey guys, sorry, forgot to mention thats $200 canadian, so like $150 US