New bike - Yipee!!

[BadDNA]

Sold a car, I'm buying a new bike. I'm 99.99% sold on the Specialized BigHit FSR II with a Fox Van-R shock and Rock Shox Domain 318 U-Turn. I'm ditching the traditional drivetrain and going with a Rohloff Speedhub geared 36-15 with a Hope hub up front and giving them both AtomLabs Pimp rims. Control changes will be a Diabolus stem and bar, cockpit will get a Synchros saddle and Diabolus post.

Car is leaving my driveway tonight, LBS owner is back in the store tomorrow and will be getting a visit from me. :monkeydance:

[spacemanspiff06]

you've got your prioities in the right order and a kicking alvatar.

[BadDNA]

Rock on...ordered the bike last night and with the season being as slow as it is for the shop, I should be riding it by this time next week as long as his distributors have all the parts in stock! :monkeydance: :monkeydance: :monkeydance: :banana: :banana: :banana: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :weee: :weee: :weee:

[If_Rider]

Nice!!! Congrats! I can't wait to check it out.

[BikerBoy28]

pics?

[mattmatt86]

Not to rain on your parade, but a Specialized Big hit seems like an odd bike to run a Rohloff hub setup on. I mean, that hub probably costs as much as the frame...

[BadDNA]

pics?

Not yet, ASAP...I'm dying for a ride.

[BadDNA]

Not to rain on your parade, but a Specialized Big hit seems like an odd bike to run a Rohloff hub setup on. I mean, that hub probably costs as much as the frame...

So, to keep other people from making the same mistake, why don't you, with your infinite wisdom, share with the rest of us here...just how expensive should a frame be before I can think about putting a Rohloff on it? Give us some examples too please, and be sure to let us know which ones also have a warranty half as good as the Spec.

[dirtydirtysouf]

how expensive should a frame be before I can think about putting a Rohloff on it? .

i'd have to say aout a mill and a half or so:rofl: :rofl:

[airwalkrob]

just how expensive should a frame be before I can think about putting a Rohloff on it? Give us some examples too please, and be sure to let us know which ones also have a warranty half as good as the Spec.
nothing can beat walmart warranty:lighten: Huffy , Murray, or Next would be a great choice for you ,and your Rohloff!

[Bearmntpicnic]

I think you should have gone for a nicer bike without the rohloff. Or you could have stuck with the bighhit and uprgraded it.

Fox DHX, Rockshox totem?
Different rims

and put a shortcage deraillure on it and get just about the same shiffting efficiancy as with the rohloff.

[OGRipper]

and put a shortcage deraillure on it and get just about the same shiffting efficiancy as with the rohloff.

Care to elaborate on this? A regular derailleur is probably more efficient but has none of the benefits of a Rohloff. So what are you trying to say?

[dirtrider2]

I think you should have gone for a nicer bike without the rohloff. Or you could have stuck with the bighhit and uprgraded it.

Fox DHX, Rockshox totem?
Different rims

and put a shortcage deraillure on it and get just about the same shiffting efficiancy as with the rohloff.

:disgust: Since you know so much about what he needs, you must ride with him all of the time, no? Though it is a bit strange since he's in New England and you're in VA? Quite a commute. Hmmmmm

Anyways... The Rohloff is unique in that you can bring it from bike to bike. It's service life hasn't been found yet since they just don't seem to fail. This is quite different than say the DHX, Totem, "Different" rims, and especially the derailleur. All of which will be destroyed in 1 to 3 years or be incompatible (the DHX) with your next bike.

Thanks for the suggestion on the short cage derailler though, I'm sure he didn't think of that...:rolleyes:

Dave

[BadDNA]

Give us some examples too please, and be sure to let us know which ones also have a warranty half as good as the Spec.


I think you should have gone for a nicer bike without the rohloff.

Such as...:imstupid:

Trust me, there was a lot of thought that went into which bike and what parts to put on it. Why don't you come ride up here for a few months and see how long your drivetrain lasts.

[brungeman]

BadDNA,

I don't think the people understand the terrain you're frequenting! The rohloff may take a while to be accepted in this type of application, but time and more people trying the new technology out, will tell the genious or error in the thinking! My bet is on the prior! :thumb:


I think your focus on a strong frame, and a drivetrain combo is wise for your application. all of the other suggestions are also good, a nice Totem on the front will be a great addition in the future. A short cage der. is a good suggestion for most areas, but with the rock stuff you are up against, you'd probably have to armour plate your chainstays with the amount of chainslap you'd have riding Nam!

Think out of the box, I am glad you are trying something new out! Keep us posted.

[BadDNA]

A man who gets it...

There definitely will be upgrades in the future, most likely to the suspension, but for now a solid frame with a decent suspension and a bulletproof drivetrain were my main concerns. I think this build hit the nail right on the head. I heard a rumor I may have the bike this weekend, we'll see...

[gotnoname19]

Since when is New England such a narly place to ride? I ride primarily on the North Shore and at Whistler, and our traditional drivetrains hold up fine. I am not saying that the Speed Hub was a bad move, I would love one, I am just currious about, "these guys obviously dont understand what kind of stuff you're riding." I thought our trails were pretty up to par out here? Post some pics of this terrain that would eat up a traditional drivetrain, and that these people dont understand. Stoked to see em!!!

[kona-ryder]

^^^True dat.
Greesy on the Shore (and PNW in general) is way above greesy anywhere else. The New E drive-train killer consists of mud, some slimy rocks, and the occasional branch. In the PacNW, we are talking all of the above, plus 5ft+ skinnies, fallen trees 20'' in diameter, slick roots, and super techy stuff that if I told these East Coasters about I would probably have to kill them.

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/298355/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1069452/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1069454/

[brungeman]

Since when is New England such a narly place to ride? I ride primarily on the North Shore and at Whistler, and our traditional drivetrains hold up fine. I am not saying that the Speed Hub was a bad move, I would love one, I am just currious about, "these guys obviously dont understand what kind of stuff you're riding." I thought our trails were pretty up to par out here? Post some pics of this terrain that would eat up a traditional drivetrain, and that these people dont understand. Stoked to see em!!!

you mis understood what I was saying. I would love riding the NS stuff. and I would be riding it with traditional drivetrain gear as well. I was not trying to make a comparison to there, but as East Coast goes there is one place in particular that has pretty tough conditions, and from what I understand, BadDNA is building this bike up for there. It is know as Viet Nam, outside of Boston, that basically looks like someone blew up a granite quary there are tons of granite rocks and some pretty chattery crap. Although they are working pretty hard on the trails there, it is still pretty unrefined! I know that one of the guys BadDNA rides with has a similar setup, and from what I hear his drivetrain reliability has gone up quite a bit.

I wasn't attacking anyone elses terrain or choices in drivetrain, but mearly pointing out that there are some new options that need to be tested, and considered for tough conditions!

I myself would probably run traditional stuff just cause of how often I break stuff, I could break and replace more stuff than the initial cost of the rohloff! but our terrain isn't the PacNW or Nam! :thumb:

[BadDNA]

Here you go...read this or any of Splat's other ride reports for some prime examples of Vietnam terrain.

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174392

As brungeman said as well, this isn't a knock on any NS trails, I too would love to get up there and ride some day. Until then though, Vietnam is where I do most of my riding, I'm building up a reliable bike that will stand up to the terrain without giving me any major problems.

[dirtrider2]

Since when is New England such a narly place to ride? I ride primarily on the North Shore and at Whistler, and our traditional drivetrains hold up fine. I am not saying that the Speed Hub was a bad move, I would love one, I am just currious about, "these guys obviously dont understand what kind of stuff you're riding." I thought our trails were pretty up to par out here? Post some pics of this terrain that would eat up a traditional drivetrain, and that these people dont understand. Stoked to see em!!!

I've ridden some of the trails on Grouse (in North Van) and they're very technical and are tough on equipment. However, B.C. doesn't have a monopoly on technical trails.

We have some very technical trails here in New England. While the derailleur system does work well, you have to admit the rear derailleur is vulnerable. I'd go through 2-3 a year plus about 4 cassettes and many chains. I'm not saying this is average for riders in N.E., its just my experience. In fact, one year I went through 7 cassettes because I kept folding the cogs climbing. And I haven't even mentioned derailleur hangers!

I now have a Rohloff and , though it certainly has its downsides, I'm on the same chain I bought last January (mostly because it doesn't have to bend back and forth on a cassette) and I'm on the same rear cog I've had for 2 years. I just have to change the oil twice a year. I'm so happy with it, I'll never go back. My biggest problem I have now is waiting for all of my friends to fix their mechanical probs on the trail...

Dave
(neither silver nor a turtle)

[gotnoname19]

I wasnt feeling like our trails were being attacked. It's all good boys. I grew up in New England, and will be returning there eventually. I would be stoked if you guys had some nice trail networks waiting for me. You guys should come out here and ride some time. We could show you around. Monkies Unite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kona-ryder]

^^^Word. If you ever come out to the 'ham, I will show you guys a good time.

[dirtrider2]

Cool! Look us up when you come. Splat is the guy to talk to for 'nam rides, but there are lots of great places here.

Dave

[BadDNA]

Here it is, finally picked it up tonight.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/BadDNA/bike/bighit/bighit1.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/BadDNA/bike/bighit/bighit3.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/BadDNA/bike/bighit/bighit-1.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/BadDNA/bike/bighit/bighit9.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/BadDNA/bike/bighit/bighit8.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f226/BadDNA/bike/bighit/bighit2.jpg

[If_Rider]

Looks great!! Can't wait to see it in person. Let us know how it rides tomorrow.

Mike

[bent^biker]

sic build dude

[kona-ryder]

Thats a sick bike!!!

[BadDNA]

Rides like a dream...don't think I'll be bringing it on too many more mainly XC rides though. My legs are burning still from pushing this thing around all day yesterday.

[tlproject7]

pedals have flashers on them still... that is unexpectable and disrepectfull, not only to me but to my family.

[bent^biker]

no dude, those make you go faster, if he had the balloon horn on there or a bell he would be unstopable.

[gonefirefightin]

no dude, those make you go faster, if he had the balloon horn on there or a bell he would be unstopable.

dont forget the mirror

[BadDNA]

Dude, really...you should see the kickstand I've got on it now.


Seriously though, those pedals aren't even on the bike any more. I took those pictures as soon as I got home from the shop, I've got a set of Crank Bros. Mallets on it.

[tlproject7]

thank you very much, i will tell my mother right away... she will happy to hear of your decision

[BadDNA]

I've been looking all night long, can somebody show me a place where I can get a carbon fiber basket to put on the handlebars, and where can I get some streamers for the handlebars too?:imstupid:

[wannabeabonedoc]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/BVfreerider/DSC01015-300.jpg

Here ya go man. Complete with light for night riding!

Awesome bike by the way. I hope you have lots of fun on it.

[Ryancore]

Yeah new bikes are awesome my BigHit came in yesterday at like 5 took 15mins to build. kinda p!ssed that the trails here need alot of work before they're ridable.