Here's my Mountain Cycle shockwave 9.5 as it was built up initially in 2009.
Initially I was just trying to build up something relatively cheaply (for like < €2k at the time) to ride in Tenerife while I was living there. Couldn't really afford or justify spending any more than that.
I ended up ditching the SASO forks almost straight away as the rebound was not fast enough and they were a wee bit too soft and linear also.
(with the combined result that they packed down way too easily)
Since then I have realised that cheap off-brand suspension is probably never really worth it in the end.
More recently, It all started with the brakes (avid code).
They eventually corroded so I swapped them with magura.
Then I changed the saddle (which was a spare one that I had lying around, even though it had ti rails, never liked it, so that had to go).
Was able to sell it and then with the money directly buy a more suitable brand new saddle.
Then something took a hold of me, I don't know what, but throughout 2022 I've slowly been swapping out the remaining components that somehow bothered/niggled me for this build.
The only things left from this build now are the frame, the cranks (hussefelt) and the discs (formula 220mm).
Well, I still have the original wheels as pictured, but they are HEAVY (built them up with straight gauge spokes and those rims weigh a tonne).
I'm still waiting on some parts so it won't be ready for another month (or two).
Look forward to posting more pics when it is finally finished.
Anyway, here is how it was: