Return of the Blindside: Chapter II
 

Coming up will be season 2 on my Transition Blindside. It turned out to be evrything I'd hoped it would be - - as plush and bottomless feeling as my Gran Mal was but without the stretched-out 'lead sled' feel. It pops when it should, plows straight lines like it should and corners like it's on rails.

Of course, what's better than a 'perfect' bike? A perfect bike with new bits. I finally got it all put back together yesterday with the new parts. Haven't even gotten to burn in the new pads/rotors yet; but I did get it out in the snow for a little glam session (in flat-light overcast - - dang!):

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...ncarnated2.jpg

2009 RST R-1 Super has semi-open oil bath, rebound and compression damping circuits:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...ncarnated3.jpg

New Sunline W-I-I-I-DE V-One bars (745mm):

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t.../WIDE_bars.jpg

The new Boxxer-compatible top crown allowed use of some Twenty6 direct-mount bling (thanks, Tyler):

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...09/Twenty6.jpg

Hayes Stroker Ace 4-pistons round out the package:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t.../Ace_front.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...9/Ace_rear.jpg

I really did not like the stock cable/hose routing for the rear (through the upper shock mount / swing link and down the seatstay) - - too much movement and sharp edges to wear on things. I left the shift cable alone for now; but this was an excellent opportunity to reroute brake line. Floater rod was a willing participant and the routing passes right by its front pivot now. All I needed was a couple self-stick plastic hose guides in the center of the downtube:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...able_route.jpg

Now if our south-aspect slopes will clear of snow some, I might get a chance to try it all out before the season starts.

That thing looks really good. I hope that fork is as good as it looks. What do you do about the shock? Looks kinda like a Marz, but I cant tell. Either way, that whole build looks amazing.

Very nice Doug!

Thanks! I hope I like this iteration of the R-1 too. I've liked my others; just hope another dial to mess with doesn't just confuse me now :D.

Shock is a Roco World Cup. I've really liked it. The DHX was out of stock when I ordered the frame, and the Roco was a just a niggling amount more so I went for it. I have it at the bone-stock settings that it had from Transition and it's been fine.

That thing is really nice. I'll be looking at Transitions for my next bike.

That looks like a very fun way to get yourself up to mach stupid.

Dig it!
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...assic/fe_1.jpg

can i ask your bike out on a date ?

I love that bike! What's you toal weight? sub 40?

^^ Unfortunately, no. I'll get it on an accurate scale again and see. I know it's not the 40½ lbs. my spreadsheet told me it was going to be.

In its defense, I built it skewed for durability over weight savings. The Syncros wheelset is a bit on the heavy side; but it has only needed one light retentioning at the end of an entire season. And I have the Gravity cranks instead of the Gravity Lights that I wanted. Stuff adds up . . . .

Oh yeah, it adds up faster than my monthly bills. Hey you won Expert class at Sea Otter in your bracket, and Kevin didn't send you a new frame this year?
If the Covert and Preston your sending me and Ed for the Blur are going to hurt him that bad, Maybe we should rethink this deal. I wouldn't want to be responsible for cheating you out of a new ride.
He He

I missed out on an '06 Preston yesterday...went for $246...I bid up to $239 within the last 15 seconds. Dadgum snipers.

Oh yeah...nice motorcycle Doug, when you installing the four-stroke?

Looks even better than chapter 1

:lol: Actually rode the Gran Mal at Sea Otter, so the Blindside was almost 'mid-season' new and mine was the late model redesign. No need for new hardware for '09; but be looking for something new for 2010.

4-stroke? Pfffft! Got a sweet little chainsaw mill I rebuilt. Figured I'd graft a big Boyesen reed cage on and a 30mm Tillotson pumper. Feed it a little av gas with Blendzall Gold Label and it should scream :D.

2 strokin reed valve, that's old skool baby!
Edit Not really, they still own the mx circuit today.

Do you keep your seat that low in an effort to get a better workout?

Swwwweeeettttt!

That's race height. Keeps it out of the way and removes the temptation to park my butt on it instead of standing and pedalling like I should.

It is a full-length 400mm post, though, so I can get full leg extension for climbs/trail riding.

Nice bike man. Makes me jelous. I think you could cut down the wieght, but maybe you like it that way for DH.

They own the woods too, I am sorry to say.

Nice build Doug.

Apparently you were not involved in the seat height thread. I attempted (and failed) to make a funny.

Link? (I'm too lazy to search)

I'm too lazy, too.

Crap...I'm just gonna drink my coffee then.

Sorry - - I hate that when I make a funny that others miss. That's why I don't go in the 50+ forum any more.