New frame, from a new-ish local builder.


No ride time yet, other than playing around the block. Everything is swapped from my prior frame, but for a new headset. Need a new cable/housing for the Gravity ******er remote, so the non-remote bits are stuck back on. Near exact clone of my TransAM frame, just a few small tweaks and refinements. Very, very "flickable" and easy to whip around, which is what I wanted. Even more than the TransAM. Nothing fancy, no frills, trail ripping goodness. Mostly for the local stuff, particularly the spots I pedal to from the house.

44mm head tube.


Little in the way of frippery. Functional simplicity.




1.5# lighter, nicer steel, Pepto powder-coat. Built up to 25# on the nose.

Looks pimp!

Real nice lines. What's the HA & CS?

What a beaut!

And I thought I rode my MTBs with the triathlete saddle position!

68 (by design with this fork, though i'm measuring near 70......) not sure how accurate my angle finder is, though i took it in quite a few spots in the garage, and all were about 70. the external lower cup i threw on it now makes it closer to 69, or should. CS: 16.5" BBH: just shy of 12.5" STA: 72* WB: 42"

going to trust the builder with his measurements, ride it. not going to worry about it unless if feels too twitchy - then, if the numbers really are off, will go from there.

it's what works best for my arm/leg/torso length, and i very much like weighting the front of the bike when riding. remember: when my fork sags down, the seat tube and saddle angles will alter a bit, making it look and feel more normal. that said, i run my two full suspension bikes nearly the same position-wise.

Nice......

Never mind the friggin' frame - - LOVE the touch of the colander chandelier.

I really like that thing too lol...is there something wrong with us? I gotta ask.. did you make it yourself scrublover?

Looks like pretty nice geo, and I really want a gravity dropper, but I'm not a huge fan of pepto pink. Different folks, different strokes though What size tires can you put on that thing? I like the space it looks to provide.

Here are mine.Bunch of old stuff.

The chandelier was found on etsy.com about a year back.

The one that was in the house when we bought it was on the fugly side. We painted the place, and have a lot of bright colors spread around. Were looking for something that looked "right" with everything else. Found this thing, and it was perfect. 3 and 5 colander versions, and you got to pick your colors. Came nicely packed. Un-boxed it, swapped it for the old one, easy as pie.

The same lady also made/makes wall sconces out of box graters, same bright colors.

should have no trouble with a 2.25-2.35 of most companies. I don't really run much bigger than that in the back most of the time anyhow.

Cool - those are close to DJ numbers except for the CS. There's something to be said about a steeper HA, especially if you're playing in the tight woods as opposed to fire road bomb runs. I'd be initally cautious of those big rock rollovers like you like though!

With that much exposed post...I don't feel quite so bad about the Parker. I'm getting a little weary of "trail experts" telling my my saddle is too high and I should have bought a bigger frame.

looks good scrub.

Agreed, though I'm still finding myself liking closer to 67 for anything as a "trail bike" for myself.

Ed: So long as you have enough post in the frame, and aren't running some superlight weight weenie post, it's not an issue. Most of my rides in the last 10 years or so are in the 15-16" ST length, with lots of post. Hasn't given me any trouble yet.

Koo...I think it feels fine. My ST is around 15.5"...but my inseam is 34". On an XC bike, I'd be around a19-20". I'm on a 410x31.6 Thomson Elite. (not masterpiece) I got plenty in the pipe.

I had to cut the stock bontrager post down on my Trek Fuel to get it low enough for a trip to a downhill bike park here in NH.

Did I mention I crashed? A lot?

Winter rebuild; new partz love, including fork, brakes, wheels, tires, saddle and, hopefully, ti shock spring.

Here's my bike, a true budget ride:









It's pretty sad, but I really enjoy riding it. I mostly ride technical singletrack and some light AM (don't judge). Most of the guys I ride with have all best gear and more experience so, I consider myself fortunate that I am actually able to ride the same lines as them. Actually, that kind of explains how this frame has been so heavily modified. I was trying to keep up with guys on 6" bikes on this bike when it was stock. Over time, I tweaked little things here and there, and soon I had changed every part. The nice thing is, when I upgrade frames most of my parts will be suitable for the new bike, so it will be a little more plug and play. Anyway...

Spec:
19" pre-disc Rockhopper w/RS Tora 289
Deore XT rear, Real disc front
Vredestein 2" tires (would like to have 2.3s and a better tire)
Truvativ FireX GXP crank w/Deore XT 9s chain rings
Shimano clipless trail pedals
Deore XT 9s shifters, derailleurs, and cassette
STX levers and a front Avid BB7 disc
XTR cables
Easton EA50 seatpost
Easton Haven 71cm bar and 70mm stem
Odi Ruffian grips
WTB Speed V saddle (would love to change this)


All told, I probably have about $350 in it, including my Sidi clipless shoes.

Looks like nice bike to me.

It's not a bike...It's the rider!!!!!!!!!!
Engine is the most important...the rest is just for comfort and to show it off (if you are like that) ;-)

The Butler must be hooking you up big time to warrant a downtube sticker!

I'll say . . . I got that one for free.

Angle is off on the non-drive-side pedal. Make your jumps crooked.


KMC chain?

Yep, KMC HL710 SL.

The pedals I've been wanting to try and was amazed with the feel right off the bat. Between the pedals and tires, the bike dropped a pound.