Got my groove on....
 

A Soma Groove that is.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1004/...468200be_o.jpg

This bike was built up to replace my ancient cannondale sm2000. By comparison, the cannondale was like piloting a tank compared to the ride on this one. Feels a lot more responsive, particularly in the rear. Nothing fancy component wise, really (unless you count the xt thumbies and the brooks saddle). Only one trail ride so far to try and dial in stem/saddle height on a mix of hardpack, gravel, and paved trails. I was really impressed with how it handled.

Ride on!
fc

I know those saddles are popular with the touring crowd, do you think they're too high maintenance for MTB duty?

I had it on my cannondale for years without any issues, so I'd say for the type of riding that I've done, its fine. :)

that is a nice basic no nonsense build. I like the color too

Thanks. I was going for kind of a 'classic xc hardtail' on the build. I would have put centerpull cantis on it if suspension forks came with a cable hanger anymore. Seems they've gone the way of the dodo bird over the years. I have lx v brakes on it, and while not totally 'old school', are great stoppers.

Tires are set to be replaced tomorrow, with panaracer fire xc pros. The (cheap) tires that are on it now were slashed a while back (damned kids!) and booted, but one of the boots slipped the other day on its maiden ride, causing a flat (which I've had a run of lately on other bikes as well). Got home, ordered tires. I hate flats! ;)

The one thing that bugs me about an otherwise nice frame, is the positioning of the water bottle bosses, they're just too close together. No reason for them to be that cramed together on a 21" frame. Still trying to decide what to do about that, as I dislike the weight of camelbacks, and the waist mount ones would interfere with the fanny pack that I carry all the other stuff I haul around.

You got that! Nice. :)


... Brad