And now.. without further ado.. my new bike!

[Ti22]

All I'm waiting on is the Boone Chainrings to replace the crap shimano ones' and that's a month away.. so here it is... all finished as of today! :love:

just my luck that today is the first day of rain we've had in 140 days straight! Had the bike not been ready, the drought would have continued! :mumble:

more pics here: http://homepage.mac.com/sjsamaha/PhotoAlbum39.html

http://pic6.picturetrail.com/VOL146/1913657/9257544/132829169.jpg
http://pic6.picturetrail.com/VOL146/1913657/9257544/132829170.jpg
http://pic6.picturetrail.com/VOL146/1913657/9257544/132829172.jpg
http://pic6.picturetrail.com/VOL146/1913657/9257544/132829167.jpg
http://pic6.picturetrail.com/VOL146/1913657/9257544/132829173.jpg
http://pic6.picturetrail.com/VOL146/1913657/9257544/132829174.jpg

[BIRDMAN111]

im impressed. how much does it weigh?

[chicodude]

Super slick, but whats with the mono 6's up front and the flats?

[blue]

I was gonna say...50/50s? whtf?

[GravityFreakTJ]

Super slick, but whats with the mono 6's up front and the flats?


what he said:stupid:

[Ti22]

Weight 27.8lbs

6's in front as I ride in a very hilly area (1/2 mile down hill from my house to the trails) ... and I wanted max braking power.. the 6's are because going down the hill, the front wheel is doing most of the braking, as in with a car.

I was going to do 6's all around, but it really was just going to be extra weight if I had.

And what do you mean by "flats" .. UST?

[chicodude]

Weight 27.8lbs

6's in front as I ride in a very hilly area (1/2 mile down hill from my house to the trails) ... and I wanted max braking power.. the 6's are because going down the hill, the front wheel is doing most of the braking, as in with a car.

I was going to do 6's all around, but it really was just going to be extra weight if I had.

And what do you mean by "flats" .. UST?

6's are almost overkill on a DH bike. on an XC bike 4's are almost too much.


And you don't know what FLAT pedals are? Not clipped in?

[DaveW]

Looks good Ti22 :thumb:

Flats are those pedals you have on there. ;)

[Ti22]

6's are almost overkill on a DH bike. on an XC bike 4's are almost too much.

I agree.. it was more because I just "wanted" to than "needed" to.. The whole bike is an excercise in that! :D



And you don't know what FLAT pedals are? Not clipped in?

I came up in the early 80's in BMX... I rode BMX for about 8 years and got pretty damn good at it... back then clip peddles were strictly for road bikes.. and even then only racers.. I never rode on them. We didn't call them "Flat", they were just peddles.

I got back into "biking" only last year with a used Trek, and took off the clip peddles and installed some "Flats" cause it's what knew... call it warm comfort, or the old familiar.. but It's how I like to ride! Just like computers, if you get out of this stuff for a short while, a lot changes, and this is why I'm frequenting the bike forums to learn more.. but that doesn't mean I'm going to change what makes me comfortable.

I use this bike 50% on road, and 50% off, so it's not like play by the rules with anything I do.. :looney:

[-dustin]

****, man. that's nice.

is that a King Ti?

is that rear end from Ventana?

what kind of grips are those?

[Ti22]

****, man. that's nice.

is that a King Ti?



yes.. a bit of Ti prep, and it's a perfect match for my Ti frame.


is that rear end from Ventana?

yes, Moots buys them directly from Ventana.. it's the same as in the Salty.. 5" travel.. and minimal bobing..

[quote]
what kind of grips are those?

Damn, I forgot now.. but they were only about $18... and I had some Pedro's on before, but I didn't like their texture, so I found these, and I liked their red color.. so I had them put on today. I've yet to ride with them..

I can't believe it's finally raining here in AZ! On the week my bike is ready! :redhot:

[-dustin]

are they foam, by chance?

[Ti22]

are they foam, by chance?

yeah... very simple and functional. They're a very dense foam, and they are low maintenance. The ends are Hope, and didn't come with them..

[richcreek]

i use disc brakes with 7 inch rotors on my xc bike and i use clip-ins

[douglas]

ride what you like, but i assume after you go down those hills, you have to come back up.....riding flats you loose so much power, my vote is to get use to clip ins!

ps:nice rig, how much $ ?

[Ti22]

ride what you like, but i assume after you go down those hills, you have to come back up.....riding flats you loose so much power, my vote is to get use to clip ins

we'll see, I may have a serious bike, but that doesn't mean I'm going to torture myself with steep hills :D Riding is for enjoyment for me, not competition.. those days are long gone! :nopity:

ps:nice rig, how much $ ?

all told, well north of $7K invested so far... including the Boone chainrings still forthcoming. :help:

[SkaredShtles]

There's nothing wrong with Shimano chainrings.............

:p

[Ti22]

There's nothing wrong with Shimano chainrings.............

:p

Yeah, I love butter... :rofl:

[SkaredShtles]

<snip>
all told, well north of $7K invested so far...
:think::think::think:

:eek:

[-dustin]

i'm gonna have to find me some of those grips

[indieboy]

sorry, no chainrings are worth payin that much :/

[Ti22]

sorry, no chainrings are worth payin that much :/

the thing is a new set of Shimano's for that set which are total **** compared are only $40 cheaper! It's a no brainer for me, and I am blessed to have a decent budget for this bike.

[blue]

the thing is a new set of Shimano's for that set which are total **** compared are only $40 cheaper! It's a no brainer for me, and I am blessed to have a decent budget for this bike.

With no shop hookups at all...ouch.

[Ti22]

With no shop hookups at all...ouch.


I shop for good prices, and don't usually pay "retail" The frame and the wheelset were the only exception as Moots and I9 are VERY tight on that.. but most of my buildup was purchased at a good 20% off retail.... for example the brakes retail for a lot more than the $570 I paid for both set of two.. I also pay $60 to install them, but it was well worth it as I watched them face all of my bosses, align my rear end, true my discs and bleed the brakes... heck, if this were a car, it would have been 3 times that for the same time spent!

bikes are a lot of bang for the buck if you ask me.

[skinny mike]

as nice of a bike as it is, those flat pedals and the 6 pots make me cry.

[Ti22]

as nice of a bike as it is, those flat pedals and the 6 pots make me cry.

tears of joy or sadness and disgust? :confused: :think: :)

[skinny mike]

tears of joy or sadness and disgust? :confused: :think: :)
cry in sadness. no, it would only be in disgust if it was that beautiful frame with a super monster or something outrageous on it. try clipless pedals, they take time to get used to but they are totally worth it for xc. and you will probably learn that the brakes are overkill. but its not my build so i cant dictate what you buy and what you dont buy.

[Ti22]

cry in sadness. no, it would only be in disgust if it was that beautiful frame with a super monster or something outrageous on it. try clipless pedals, they take time to get used to but they are totally worth it for xc. and you will probably learn that the brakes are overkill. but its not my build so i cant dictate what you buy and what you dont buy.


I will try the clipless at some point for sure... but I'm curious about something.. why do they still produce normal pedals if everyone is riding clipless? :confused:

[spincrazy]

Not even going to bother with the clipless vs flat debate. You need clipless.

Very nice bike. Surprised it weighs what it does. Lose those pedals and it'll weigh less too.

(I hope this bike gets ridden at all. I suspect it might not.)

[chicodude]

I will try the clipless at some point for sure... but I'm curious about something.. why do they still produce normal pedals if everyone is riding clipless? :confused:


Most people use flats for Downhill/Dirtjumping/urban. Its your deal, but you could loss some wieght going to a nice light clipless pedal. You get get EVEN MORE ti on you're bikey :clue: :weee:

[Ti22]

I'll look into a set... but I do like to ride BMX style with it, it's what I did for years as a kid and into my teens.... that's actually what I did today at the local makeshift Motorcross track... lots of nice jumps.. And then when I was done, I was able to get up my daunting hill home after all of that without walking the bike.

Bottom line, I got this to get in shape... I've gained 30 lbs in the last 5 years, and that's got to stop!

[sinisteridge]

its really like freeridish with the I9's, the M6's, 50/50'ss and such.

nice none the less

[Ti22]

its really like freeridish with the I9's, the M6's, 50/50'ss and such.


a natural evolution for me as a former BMXer, now if I can just remember all of those tricks and techniques without breaking any bones! :help:

[SkaredShtles]

a natural evolution for me as a former BMXer, now if I can just remember all of those tricks and techniques without breaking any bones! :help:
Forget the bones, Fatty - you're gonna break the bike! ;)

[JRB]

madbob kicks lots of people's asses, including me, on a bighit with a shiver riding flat pedals.

Nice bike. I would be terrified to ride a moots though. I would break that, but it's not mine, so no worries.

That said - beatiful bike.

[Acadian]

I was gonna say...50/50s? whtf?

nothing wrong with that!! Not everyone runs clips - I for one use flats even on my road bike!

I did use clips in the past when I raced XC, but I simply do not like em'. And honestly I think I'm a more efficient pedaller on flats than on clips - I can do long sustain climbs and tackle any techie section.

all you guys giving Ti22 a hard time about flats sound like the stereotypical XC/Roadie geek...

BTW sic bike!! :drool:

[JRB]

I, for one, have reaped the benefits of Luc not liking Time pedals. :thumb: Thanks, Luc.

[Ti22]

I will get a set of clipless and try them, but after at 36 years old, Its going to be hard to get adjusted to a totally new thing like that.. The only bonus is if I can get up the hills that much easier, like some of you claim.. it makes sense as you can pull up on the one leg and push down on the other... but what do you do if you want to step off your bike for a break or something? Do you crunch your clip on the bottom of your shoe??

[JRB]

Clipless is second nature after a short bit Ti22. I don't even think about it.

[Ti22]

Ok so here is the next obvious question, which brand / model should I get if I want to keep with the "Spare no expense" build of this bike?

And also which shoe?

only rule is that it can't be made in China

[robdamanii]

Ok so here is the next obvious question, which brand / model should I get if I want to keep with the "Spare no expense" build of this bike?

And also which shoe?

only rule is that it can't be made in China

Crankbros Candy 4ti would be my vote.

[Ti22]

Finally found a good pic of the XTR960 with the Boone chainrings online.. This one doesn't have the granny gear in it for some reason, but these definitely look great, and will last 3-4 times as long.

[MtnbikeMike]

Finally found a good pic of the XTR960 with the Boone chainrings online.. This one doesn't have the granny gear in it for some reason, but these definitely look great, and will last 3-4 times as long.

But if it's longevity you're worried about, then why not wait until the XTR rings wear?

BTW, as for pedals....something from Crank Bros...like the Eggbeater 4ti or Candy 4ti. And some really expensive SIDI shoes.

[Ti22]

But if it's longevity you're worried about, then why not wait until the XTR rings wear?

longevity is the least of my "worries" of which I really don't have worries per say.. I can replace those chain rings monthly if need be.. I just made the point to show the difference in the quality of the two metals... That said, I'm liable to keep the Shimano on for a good few months anyway before installing the new ones.



BTW, as for pedals....something from Crank Bros...like the Eggbeater 4ti or Candy 4ti. And some really expensive SIDI shoes.

second vote for those..

[mud'n'sweat]

I will get a set of clipless and try them, but after at 36 years old, Its going to be hard to get adjusted to a totally new thing like that.. The only bonus is if I can get up the hills that much easier, like some of you claim.. it makes sense as you can pull up on the one leg and push down on the other... but what do you do if you want to step off your bike for a break or something? Do you crunch your clip on the bottom of your shoe??

It's no big deal at all, just start with them set really loose. You will be surprised at how easy you pop right out of them. The pedaling effenciency is increased for uphill, flat and downhill by a huge margin. All of the light weight components you are tricking this bike out with go toward creating better efficiency. Definitely all the more reason to go all the way!

[SkaredShtles]

Clipless is second nature after a short bit Ti22. I don't even think about it.
:stupid:

[mud'n'sweat]

This bike is really done up nicely so far. One suggestion I would make is to swap the brake lever clamp and shifter clamp positions to bring your levers in a bit closer to the stem/headset direction. This is to position the lever sweeps perfectly in front of your index and middle finger to reduce fatigue and increase control. With a bike this nice, you should be able to bike all the way to Virginia and let me test ride this sucka'!

[Ti22]

This bike is really done up nicely so far. One suggestion I would make is to swap the brake lever clamp and shifter clamp positions to bring your levers in a bit closer to the stem/headset direction. This is to position the lever sweeps perfectly in front of your index and middle finger to reduce fatigue and increase control. With a bike this nice, you should be able to bike all the way to Virginia and let me test ride this sucka'!

Good call man.. I'm impressed with your preception.. I am going to do this tonight actually.. as after I got back from my ride (1 hour ago or so) It occurred to me that this is what I need to do.

This thing rides like my old BMX Redline MX3 did, it's so freaking light, and yet comfortable on the rocks and bolders.. I was riding on a train where it recently rained and there must have been quite a few 3-4" sized rocks imbedded into the dirt making it a very bumpy ride.. with the middle chainrings selected on the front and back, it was effortless!

I am pricing the Ti Candy's, not cheap... Any good shoes to recommend?

[mud'n'sweat]

Nice, that will definitely make a bit of difference. Also, not that it's a performance upgrade, but I'd probably wrap up the rear chain stay on the drive side to keep the chain from marking up that beautiful frame.

Damnit, I'm jealous!:love:

[Ti22]

Nice, that will definitely make a bit of difference.

Well, it's done, and I test drove it, and it's better for sure... I'm still a bit ambivalent as to how I'm going to put the XO shifters, but for now I have them up close to the handles and tucked under the Brake levers... I tested it out on a few curb jumps here in my neighborhood and it seems to flow well... I accidentally tripped a downshift once, but that was more due to sloppy grip on the bar, than position..


Also, not that it's a performance upgrade, but I'd probably wrap up the rear chain stay on the drive side to keep the chain from marking up that beautiful frame.

Already done! Red lizard skin.. with a lot of grease marks on it already! :D Just had it off for the photo op!


Damnit, I'm jealous!:love:

Don't be, cause I prolly can't ride 1/2 as good as you, and the bike is only 10% of the equation.. :mumble: :)

Plus, if you own an Ellsworth, you're not exactly scraping bottom yourself! :nopity: :D

[UNHrider]

clipless pedals are all personal preference, I myself prefer times for their performance in sloppy conditions, but if youre in AZ that wont matter... you could go anyway you want pedal wise. the eggbeater ti's are the top of the line.

as for shoes, sidi's are also top of the line.

and like everyone else has said, after a few rides clipping in and out is second nature.

matt

[SkaredShtles]

<snip>
and the bike is only 10% of the equation..
It's actually much, much less than this. :D

[douglas]

my vote:

http://www.crankbrothers.com/candy_4ti.php#

[ito]

I can replace those chain rings monthly if need be

So um....you want to throw some change towards my current bike build?

Very nice looking bike. I agree with the clipless comments. I'm loving my Eggbeaters, but you would probably be better off with a set of Candy Ti's.

About as bling as you can get.

The Ito

[Changleen]

When you get a set of clipless to play with, you will probably need a few rides in them before you really appreciate their benefits. You also have to learn to pedal in a 'circular' motion rather than 'up and down'. You'll know when you get it, it is considerably easier to accelerate than using flats. If you can't feel much difference, you probably arn't doing it right yet. It takes a while for your brain and muscles to make the change too.

Oh and you'll be able to hop a lot easier, although your technique will be lame. :) Not bagging on you, but you'll see what I mean.

[Ti22]

Shopped some eggbeaters today for $120, the Stainless ones, I believe and a pair of Specialiazed shoes.. total package deal $200.. what do you think? or is there a better way? I really don't want to drop $500 into these pedals and a shoe, as I'm already touching $8K spent! :mumble: and my wife is threatening retaliatory spending!

[GumbaFish]

I searched around one time and found some for like 50 bucks...I didn't end up buying them so maybe they were like the cheapest model but I honestly can't remember. I know they make a couple of different ones that ascend in price.

[Ti22]

I searched around one time and found some for like 50 bucks...I didn't end up buying them so maybe they were like the cheapest model but I honestly can't remember. I know they make a couple of different ones that ascend in price.

there are ones for retail $50 or so, but they're like lead weights and have 0 bling factor, and crappy bearings.. they make a whole series of them from $50 to $400 .. I'm going to go 1/2 way.. I went top of the line on most of this bike, so I don't need to prove anything with pedals that are eventually going to get trashed anyway..

I'm also thinking about Shimano's clipless as they are more newbie friendly from what I can see.

[3D.]

Hey Ti22, don’t worry about the pedals too much right now. From what I understand, you are currently getting back into biking, which means, ride what you are used to.

You will eventually benefit from XC riding with clipless, but unless you are pounding out 15-30mi rides, don’t bother with them for now. I am a DH / 4cross racer who never races with any pedals other than flats. When I'm riding XC I will use Time pedals, I also come from a BMX background and love the loose feel of that brand of pedal.

Not to start any debate over which is better, they both serve their own purpose. You should realize that these days you’re going to come across a lot of mountain bikers who have never acquired skills with riding flats. When this type of biker sees someone riding and enjoying their flats, they can potentially have a problem with that. It's like "pedal envy" or something, I've never understood it. But, I’m fine with it, I like both types of pedaling for different kinds of riding, and you eventually will too.

For now, just get on that thing and ride. Trying to get in tune with a whole new style of pedaling will only disrupt what you are trying to do. Later on, when you are once again comfortable with riding, buy some clipless and mount them for long XC rides, getting the hang of popping in and out of them doesn’t take long.

If your riding has just been ripping around town mixed with some trail rides, flats are more fun anyway, you have to think much more about what your feet are doing for you rather than just simply being locked to your pedals.

When you do get a nice pair of clip-less, what ever you do, make sure you never lose your flat pedal skills, they're priceless!

[Ti22]

Hey Ti22, don’t worry about the pedals too much right now. From what I understand, you are currently getting back into biking, which means, ride what you are used to.

You will eventually benefit from XC riding with clipless, but unless you are pounding out 15-30mi rides, don’t bother with them for now. I am a DH / 4cross racer who never races with any pedals other than flats. When I'm riding XC I will use Time pedals, I also come from a BMX background and love the loose feel of that brand of pedal.

Not to start any debate over which is better, they both serve their own purpose. You should realize that these days you’re going to come across a lot of mountain bikers who have never acquired skills with riding flats. When this type of biker sees someone riding and enjoying their flats, they can potentially have a problem with that. It's like "pedal envy" or something, I've never understood it. But, I’m fine with it, I like both types of pedaling for different kinds of riding, and you eventually will too.

For now, just get on that thing and ride. Trying to get in tune with a whole new style of pedaling will only disrupt what you are trying to do. Later on, when you are once again comfortable with riding, buy some clipless and mount them for long XC rides, getting the hang of popping in and out of them doesn’t take long.

If your riding has just been ripping around town mixed with some trail rides, flats are more fun anyway, you have to think much more about what your feet are doing for you rather than just simply being locked to your pedals.

When you do get a nice pair of clip-less, what ever you do, make sure you never lose your flat pedal skills, they're priceless!


dude, you've said a lot of what I've wanted to say, but didn't quite know how to say it..

I mean, I came across a thread the other day where a chick was asking how to do bunny hops and they kept going on and on about doing them with clipless, etc.. and I'm thinking to myself .. man! I was hopping my MX3 12" at age 14 with flat pedals! And now that I"m (so to speak) back in the saddle, I'm totally reverting to my BMX style of riding and am loving my freedom on the pedals...

but at the same time, I do have a STEEP hill to ride up every time I'm coming home, and it's kicking my ass, even after my condition has improved.. and I can totally see how pulling up with the other foot would help a lot.. but is it worth ditching a $120 set of good petals and spending a $300 on new ones and shoes.. maybe, but I'n not in a huge hurry frankly.. But I am getting sick of the shock and awe that some members are displaying at my lack of "clipless" pedals on "that bike".. if you know what I mean.. :help:

BTW.. I can still bunny hop that 28 lb bike about 3"... even after 20+ years away from serious riding! :D I mean when I was riding BMX, we had guys like Kevin Jones, that were doing stuff on flat pedals that made you think he was clipped in, but he wasn't .. after all who clipped in back then except the gay guys with the tights on the 10 speeds! :D

[GumbaFish]

You could get something like time z pedals or crank brothers mallet if you want to try clipless but still like having a platform for mashing the pedals if you come unclipped.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/images/time%20z%20pedal%2005.jpg

I used to ride clipless all the time and switched to flats a couple of months ago. It took a while to re learn how to bunny hop on flats and I still miss clipless when I have to climb. But even though there are some things I can just do better on clipless I feel more comfy on flats because I can position my feet around and take them on and off as I please, like when I am riding a skinny log or something.

[Ti22]

I like the hybrid idea... I'll have to research a good option for that..

How about these Atomlab DHR?

http://www.rubiconusa.com/store/products.asp?folderid=1248

[ito]

I like the hybrid idea... I'll have to research a good option for that..

How about these Atomlab DHR?

http://www.rubiconusa.com/store/products.asp?folderid=1248

Meh, don't bother. I ran them, got rid of them as I didn't like the feel of the pedals. Even more so than other "hybrid" pedals the DHR's have almost zero grip when you aren't clipped in. You can stand on it, but it is not a good feeling.

The Shimano pedals with the metal cage and the Time pedals with the cage seem to do the best job. Cook Bro. Mallets are also super nice and have a good feel to them.

In my experience though it is best to go all or none. I dislike the feel of hybrids. They are difficult to find the cleat when clipping in and they have almost no grip when off the pedal. With my Eggbeaters I have never missed a critical pedal connection. Really I'd suggest the Times or the Mallets if you want a hybrid pedal.

The Ito

[beestiboy]

I have a set of shimano hybrids and they are ok, I got them cuz im lazy and dont always want to put on my riding shoes just to go for a quick blast. That said it does take a while to get used to clipping in (i usually fall after an extended period away from the bike) but I still prefer it to the flats.

[Ti22]

To all of those interested in my grips... here is the link..

http://www.extremesteering.com/

also... new pics posted of my bike with red hope discs..