Matt Gaunt

Firstly, apologies for not getting this done sooner. I got a job in London so I have been moving down there over the last few weeks and am just about settling into the role now.

I am very proud of this build as it's all my own work and my first time working with hydraulic discs (on my own bike anyway).

Specs are as follows:
Frame: Kinesis Maxlight Pha5e 16" (Hydroformed Aluminium)
Fork: 2007 RockShox Revelation 426 Dual Air 130mm travel with lockout
Headset: FSA Pig DH Pro
Bars: Easton EA50 Mid-Rise
Stem: Easton EA50 100mm 6deg rise
Seatpost: Easton EA50
Saddle: Tioga MC-Groove
Brakes: 2007 Hope Mono M4 front (183mm) and rear (160mm) hydraulic discs (braided hose)
Cranks: Shimano Deore XT
Pedals: DMR V8
Chain: Shimano HG93
Cassette: Shimano Deore XT 9s 11-32
Shifters: SRAM Rocket 9s Shorty
Front Mech: Shimano Deore XT
Rear Mech: Shimano Deore XT
Wheels: 2007 Mavic CrossRide Disc
Tyres: Tioga Factory DH 2.10"
Tubes: Schwalbe DH 26"
Computer: Cateye Micro Wireless
Others: Hope QR Seat Clamp, SRAM grips, FSA alloy headset spacers

Hope you guys like it. Just to add, its first ride out was a real special one - an hour and a half blast through my local trail - in the fresh snow. I WISH I had taken pics. It was one of the most special experiences I ever had on a bike. It handles so nicely, the rear just floats exactly how you want and the forks are just right for the frame's geometry. Anyway, I'd love to hear what you guys think of it.

Cheers for the support to everyone who advised/criticised and generally contributed to this build - this one's for you!

FreeRidin'

Nice build.

Blue Jays

Hi Matt-

Congratulations on the new bike. Anytime one takes ownership of a new ride, it's a great feeling...and especially if you completed the build yourself. Enjoy!

~ Blue Jays ~

Drunken Chicken

That's one sweet ride you've got there Matt! Post up some action pics in case you go riding with someone or can set it up on timer or something, it must perform really well.

mikejo

Sram shifters with XT rear derailleur? Compatable?

santiago

SRAM sells the "Rocket" shifters that are Shimano compatible.

Matt Gaunt

Yeah SRAM have stopped making Shimano compatible stuff now I think. They definitely don't do the Rocket any more which was their competition model, though I think they still may make limited numbers of the Attack which is the next step down, and which I use on my Max. It's a great combination I find, and so much cheaper than going for the XT shifters (which I don't really like that much if I'm honest). Action pics will be posted as soon as a) I am out with someone and b) we remember to take a camera with us!
Thanks for the encouragement you guys, I'm glad you like it.

free_pizza

Sram has 4 different lines of 2:1 shifters.

Matt Gaunt

Are they still available in the US then? I checked - over here they only sell the Attacks and that's being withdrawn. I bought my Rockets from a shop in the US as I couldn't find any in the UK at all. So what are the 4 levels of 2:1 shifter in the US then?

free_pizza

If you go to sram.com, mountain section, and they have a section for 2:1 shifters.

https://www.sram.com/en/srammountain/...tack/index.php

Matt Gaunt

Ah yeah, but they don't do Rocket any more which is odd. You reckon they'll carry on doing 2:1 stuff?

idleuser

That seatstay/seattube/toptube junction is pretty interesting.

Oleanshoebox

very nice. love the cable housing

Matt Gaunt

Yeah I'm pleased with the braided hose, it's something a bit different. A real pain to cut with a clean edge though, took me a couple of times to get the front one to stop leaking from the caliper, and then Hope sent me some more olives to use when it started to leak from the front lever! They're really good for customer service I have found, contrary to a lot of comment on these forums. Maybe it's because I only live 20 miles from where the factory is and I told them so in the e-mail!

wheelhot

nice bike....I would love to cycle in UK terrain if only I got the money

scrublover

Looks good! Have funn beating on it!

Punx

Wow nice bike. What are you going to be using it for?

Matt Gaunt

Well, mainly XC riding on trails with drop-offs and and more technical things, but also just playing around, jumping off ledges, you know, a generally fun bike. Like I said before, the ride on the trails in the snow was one of the most special experiences I've had on any bike ever. I really love it, and I'm glad the people on here are interested in it too. It's really cool to be able to share it with you guys.

Taylor

Matt,
Very nice build, that is an impressive thing to undertake. I only wish I could pull off something so nicely done at this point. Ride it well.

Matt Gaunt

Thanks man, it means a lot. I put a lot of work into making it look its best. That's something you don't get with a pre-built bike and that's why all my bikes are like this. Is it childish to say a bike has a personality? Maybe, but that's how it feels when you know yours is, if not unique, pretty close to it.

If you put the time in, though, in selecting components and taking care when building, it's really very easy to do. I'm sure you could do the same. The problems arise when you try to rush things/try to save on components that just can't be scrimped on/are not patient with setup routines. As I said above, it took me ages to get the brakes sorted, but now they're done, it's all good experience for future problems which may arise.

Have a go. What's the worst that could happen?! And good luck for when you do.