I recently purchased this:
Whilst waiting for it to arrive I have of course been thinking about how to build it up (just had knee surgery so have more time than usual to think about this). I'm intending this to be used for local trails and so XC only really, nothing more than that.
I do have the following bits that I think I will be using:
Wheels: Blue Hope pro 2 on black mavic 717s
Brakes: Hope Mono M4 front and Mono Mini rear (black)
The rest is up for grabs at the moment, but as I have some XT bits, I was thinking:
Rear mech: XT M770
Front mech: XT M770
Shifters: XT M770
Crank wise I do have a set of XT 770s as well, but not 100% sure that they will suit, but will probably go with them to get it all rolling, though I think black cranks will suit better - any thoughts on a set that would suit the rest of the build?
Headset is likely to be a chris king, though not sure whether to go blue or black (probably black), and the stem, bars and post are also undecided, but I have a titanium titec stem and bars as a possibility, plus an American classic ti seat post in the right size (though I'd prefer a matching titec post, but hey).
Forks are a big dilemma though, so hopefully someone can help steer me (pardon the pun) in the right direction. As the bike is disc only (not a frequent occurrence for me), I'd prefer not to have a set of forks with the v bosses blanked. I have a nice set of Fox TALAS RLCs in the (dark) grey colour, but these have v bosses. I have been contemplating getting a set of disc only lowers for these, but are the newer lowers the same colour as the older grey: Ideally I would like to match the csu and lowers (well I say ideally, I really do want to):
New:
Old:
If it is unlikely that they will match, I do have some disc only rebas (need to give them a service and replace an air valve), but not used these before so not sure how good they are. I could contemplate alternative forks if I can find some at a reasonable price, so recommendations on a good fork at a good price (possibly second hand) for a frame designed for 90 - 130mm travel would be great. Air preferably.
The hope brakes need a bleed. Willing to do this myself but long sold a bleed kit, so does anyone have any recommendations on a good kit to get (and source) plus fluid? Whilst doing this, I could take the opportunity to replace the hoses as they do have some cosmetic wear - anything I should consider here? Are braided hoses the way to go, or will standard ones do just as well? Should I change/fettle anything else before fitting them? I could do with some new pads I guess, are pads just pads, or are there ones to watch out for/avoid?
Staying on the brakes for a minute, the callipers aren't matching. Should I let this bother me and get a rear M4 to match the front, or stick with M4 front, mini rear? What are the benefits of a floating rotor vs a standard rotor, oh, and what is a good rotor size combination for front/rear brakes.
Wheels could do with new bearings (can't remember if it is the front or rear). What size do I need and where can I get some good ones from?
I'm sure I will have many more questions as I am making an attempt to get back into the now. Retro bikes are good, but I find I care too much for them and don't want to treat them to the ride that a modern bike will take. This bike will be one that will be used in anger once I can get back on a bike after the knee has recovered. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to trash this, but I want to build it as well as I can do, with what I have if I can, as money is now tight after the spend on the frame, wheels and brakes. That said, I'd rather get it right from the off, than having to keep chopping and changing parts at a later date (unless through use of course).
Whilst waiting for it to arrive I have of course been thinking about how to build it up (just had knee surgery so have more time than usual to think about this). I'm intending this to be used for local trails and so XC only really, nothing more than that.
I do have the following bits that I think I will be using:
Wheels: Blue Hope pro 2 on black mavic 717s
Brakes: Hope Mono M4 front and Mono Mini rear (black)
The rest is up for grabs at the moment, but as I have some XT bits, I was thinking:
Rear mech: XT M770
Front mech: XT M770
Shifters: XT M770
Crank wise I do have a set of XT 770s as well, but not 100% sure that they will suit, but will probably go with them to get it all rolling, though I think black cranks will suit better - any thoughts on a set that would suit the rest of the build?
Headset is likely to be a chris king, though not sure whether to go blue or black (probably black), and the stem, bars and post are also undecided, but I have a titanium titec stem and bars as a possibility, plus an American classic ti seat post in the right size (though I'd prefer a matching titec post, but hey).
Forks are a big dilemma though, so hopefully someone can help steer me (pardon the pun) in the right direction. As the bike is disc only (not a frequent occurrence for me), I'd prefer not to have a set of forks with the v bosses blanked. I have a nice set of Fox TALAS RLCs in the (dark) grey colour, but these have v bosses. I have been contemplating getting a set of disc only lowers for these, but are the newer lowers the same colour as the older grey: Ideally I would like to match the csu and lowers (well I say ideally, I really do want to):
New:
Old:
If it is unlikely that they will match, I do have some disc only rebas (need to give them a service and replace an air valve), but not used these before so not sure how good they are. I could contemplate alternative forks if I can find some at a reasonable price, so recommendations on a good fork at a good price (possibly second hand) for a frame designed for 90 - 130mm travel would be great. Air preferably.
The hope brakes need a bleed. Willing to do this myself but long sold a bleed kit, so does anyone have any recommendations on a good kit to get (and source) plus fluid? Whilst doing this, I could take the opportunity to replace the hoses as they do have some cosmetic wear - anything I should consider here? Are braided hoses the way to go, or will standard ones do just as well? Should I change/fettle anything else before fitting them? I could do with some new pads I guess, are pads just pads, or are there ones to watch out for/avoid?
Staying on the brakes for a minute, the callipers aren't matching. Should I let this bother me and get a rear M4 to match the front, or stick with M4 front, mini rear? What are the benefits of a floating rotor vs a standard rotor, oh, and what is a good rotor size combination for front/rear brakes.
Wheels could do with new bearings (can't remember if it is the front or rear). What size do I need and where can I get some good ones from?
I'm sure I will have many more questions as I am making an attempt to get back into the now. Retro bikes are good, but I find I care too much for them and don't want to treat them to the ride that a modern bike will take. This bike will be one that will be used in anger once I can get back on a bike after the knee has recovered. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to trash this, but I want to build it as well as I can do, with what I have if I can, as money is now tight after the spend on the frame, wheels and brakes. That said, I'd rather get it right from the off, than having to keep chopping and changing parts at a later date (unless through use of course).
