'97 Explosif Build - Updated 11th August '09

[wadsy]

I discounted the XTR as that uses it's own bottom bracket, not sure what the RaceFace uses.

Current Middleburns (RS7/ use 113 length, but look to me a lower profile.
The next step up in profile for shimano would be 122.5mm, which is the good old standrd for tripple chainrings.

Hopefully somebody else can join in this conversation
but
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... 2208434dad

So the irony of Middleburn, is design them light and make you use a long bottom bracket (if the RS2 length there is correct) placing the weight on another component.

So if you have a cheap 122mm bb hanging around, pop it in and find out.

.... aka stick with the RaceFace and mock hang the middleburn ring on it o see what it looks like for a picture.
Then ask opinions or see what you like.

Yes, true about the XTR! I've used a 110mm with the RaceFace.

Thanks for the link, that indicates, as I suspected that the Middleburn RS2 needs a longer axel. Unforunately I don't have one! Looks like I may sell the RS2's or get a BB with a longer axel :?

I may try the 'mock up' as you suggest, or I may just ride it as it is as I'm getting a bit 'cheesed off' now :roll:

Cheers

 

[meeeee]

Wadsy,

Looks really good, just as good (if not better) than the day i picked the frame up from the shop and put it together (in my bedroom as i had no garage at my flat... i remeber my gf being very unimpressed!) 12 years ago!!!

What did you do with the grey P2's in the end?

Hope you're enjoying how it rides

 

[wadsy]

Wadsy,
Looks really good, just as good (if not better) than the day i picked the frame up from the shop and put it together (in my bedroom as i had no garage at my flat... i remeber my gf being very unimpressed!) 12 years ago!!!
What did you do with the grey P2's in the end?
Hope you're enjoying how it rides

Thanks for that, I can relate to working on a bike in the bedroom too, although quite a few back

I'm thinking of keeping the P2's and looking for a '94/'95 Kilauea frame to put them on

Still to give it a proper ride, health has regressed again and it's just been raining all the time :!: I know that shouldn't stop me, but it's nice and clean :roll:

Cheers

 

[wadsy]

Update 29th July '09

Swapped the XT cassette for a nice XTR M950 one, swapped the (unused!) XT Rapidfire shifters for some XTR M951's and swapped the RaceFace chainset and titanium BB (to sell, need some cash!) for the original Sugino Mighty 900 and UN-72 BB. Sorry pics are a bit 'indoor crap' :!: .....

I also tried some new black Onza HO's I aquired, but swapped them for my old ones to go for the ride. I'm a bit undecided as to whether to use them or not :? ....

I'd been desperate to take it for blast for ages and decided to get out today. I obviously got very wet and rather muddy, but it was an excellent, fun ride Really different to the Superlight, it seemed to be 'egging' me on

Must fit a crud catcher ...

Went through quite a bit of fern, some stuck!...

Cheers

wad

 

[DeletedUser006]

Now that is one tasty Kona ,

Loving the new forks they suit the lines so well. I know im a little late now in saying............ but I prefer the XTR cranks much more than the others you have had, even though the middleburns are very very nice (would be nicer if the rings were lined up ) Ithe XTR's look so fitting.

A very nice bike that is one of my all time fav's

Cheers

 

[wadsy]

Now that is one tasty Kona ,
Loving the new forks they suit the lines so well. I know im a little late now in saying............ but I prefer the XTR cranks much more than the others you have had, even though the middleburns are very very nice (would be nicer if the rings were lined up ) Ithe XTR's look so fitting.
A very nice bike that is one of my all time fav's
Cheers

Thanks very much

The Middleburn and RaceFace cranksets are now sold :!: and I've bought a RaceFace Deus XC to go on the Superlight and (due to popular demand ) I'll put the XTR back on the Explosif - I think I'm getting there

Just waiting for the XTR M950 rear mech now and some Syncros seatpost decals from Gil

Cheers

 

[captain8track]

re:

As the RaceFace crank has naff looking black rings with silver ends, the XTR looks much better. The rings just do not go for me.
Which one rides better ?
What was the problem with the bottom bracket for the Middleburn ?

XTR chainset and BB is now on my Superlight as it has other XTR kit on. so much chopping and changing!

Slightly off topic...

I suppose I could look for silver rings for the Raceface cranks or a compact drive middleburn set-up (would give lower ratios as well 42/32/22) at the moment they are 46/36/24 on the RS1/2 cranks.

I think as the Middleburn cranks aren't compact drive I would need a BB with a longer axel to allow correct set-up and chainring clearance. I'll see if they have any info. on their website.

Cheers

nice superlight, I had one last year it was great but a tad to big for me! so I crashed all the time...

 

[wadsy]

Up-date 8th August '09

Right, XTR chainset and BB back in situ M950 rear mech installed and the finishing touches of new Syncros decals (cheers Gil) on the seat post and a set of very nice Hadley Racing titanium skewers slotted in.

More or less done now I think :shock:

Thanks for looking and all the comments

Cheers
wad

Now working on the '98 Explosif frame to build up as a run-a-bout

 

[FluffyChicken]

I think that is job done.

 

[wadsy]

I think that is job done.

I hope so although I would like a tidier rear mech! :roll:

Latest (final?) Spec...

Frame: 97 Kona Explosif (Columbus Max) 18"

Fork: Pace RC36 Evo II

Headset: Cane Creek S2
Stem: Syncros
Handlebar: Renthal RC 130
Grips: OGK
Barends: X-Lite

Brakes: XTR M950
Brake Pads: XTR
Brake Cables: Shimano
Brake Levers: XTR M950

Shifters: XTR M951 8spd
Front Derailleur: XT Top Pull (28.6mm)
Rear Derailleur: XTR M950
Derailleur Cables: Shimano
Cassette: XTR M950 Ti 8spd
Chain: SRAM
Cranks: XTR M952
Crank Bolts: Shimano
Chainrings: XTR M952
Bottom Bracket: XTR M952 - New
Pedals: Onza HO - New

Hub Skewers: Hadley Racing Titanium
Rims: Mavic
Hubs: Hope Titanium
Nipples: Alloy - black
Spokes: DB Stainless
Tyres: Yeti FRO Geo Claw or Conti Vert Pro's 2.3
Tubes: Bontrager Lite

Saddle: Flite Titanium
Seatpost: Syncros 27.0
Seatpost Binder: Kona

Weight: Approx. 24.5lb's

Should you be interested, more pics available here....

http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/ ... =slideshow