Now I've done it

[Potroast88]

Well, after reading this forum everyday and seeing the kick-ass builds, I decided to join the ranks. I placed an order for this today:


http://www.ridesoul.com/tmp/IMG_0107_resize.JPG


And a set of these to go on it:

http://www.sun-ringle.com/contentpages/mtb/wheelsets/xc.php5


I also got the rigid fork from Soul. Probably gonna go singlespeed for a while and see I like it. I'll post some pics of the frame when it gets here.

[DHS]

why alum?

[Potroast88]

because it's recyclable?

[north20]

why alum?


Why a Taiwanese steel frame that costs as much as some custom frames made right here ?

Probably because you, like Potroast and his Dillinger, decided it was what you wanted and would work best for your riding style and budget :bonk:

[MMcG]

Congrats Potroast!!

[Guitar Ted]

Everyone of these I see is impressive.

Anyone got a frame weight?

MMcG: You ever get a ride on one of these?

[Guitar Ted]

I clicked on your wheel link. It says the Black Flag is a 26"er wheel. This frame yer postin' a 26"er? :twitch:

[tozovr]

Why a Taiwanese steel frame that costs as much as some custom frames made right here ?

Probably because you, like Potroast and his Dillinger, decided it was what you wanted and would work best for your riding style and budget :bonk:


Those bad boys are going for about $245 I though? Even without the special, I'm not sure who will custom build a frame for under $400 samolians.

[Arsbars]

Aluminum isn't horrible. Plus it's a decent way to get on a 29er

[tozovr]

I have an Aluminum frame that's about eleventy billion times nicer than many steel frames I've seen... :) :)

[north20]

Those bad boys are going for about $245 I though? Even without the special, I'm not sure who will custom build a frame for under $400 samolians.


My post was in answer to DHS; my point was you buy what the hell works for you and your budget. If it's steel, great; if it's aluminum or whatever else, wonderful.

And yeah, someone building custom frames for less than $400 would create quite a buzz ... and waiting lists of 5 years or more :wait:

[tozovr]

My post was in answer to DHS; my point was you buy what the hell works for you and your budget. If it's steel, great; if it's aluminum or whatever else, wonderful.

And yeah, someone building custom frames for less than $400 would create quite a buzz ... and waiting lists of 5 years or more :wait:

HAHAHAH very true!

[MMcG]

Maybe he meant to link to the 29er Disc O Fleas insted of the ones he linked to.

And, GT - I'm still in a waiting mode.

Mark

[Potroast88]

Maybe he meant to link to the 29er Disc O Fleas insted of the ones he linked to.

And, GT - I'm still in a waiting mode.

Mark

Yes, I meant to link the Disc O Fleas.

[Potroast88]

Well, change of plans. I got an e-mail from Chad and they don't have the yellow in stock. They showed to have 1, but couldn't locate it. I am getting the white, instead.
I also was going to have to wait a few weeks for the wheels so I cancelled those. Now I need to find another set.

[sportcult]

My advice (I have a Dillinger) on wheels is to get something pretty stout, especially for the back. The key feature of this frame is that it is super stable, you will quickly tend to carry lots of speed into rough sections. Point it downhill and let it fly! You need rims that are ready to take the abuse. As far as feel goes, it has turned out to be a smooth ride for a hardtail. The long flat stays are compliant, it is waaaaay smoother than my other, more compact, steel frame. Likewise, if you're running the rigid fork, I'd advise higher volume, tready tires to take the hits and rip the turns at higher speeds than you expect. I started out with racy light wheels and tires and was out riding them pretty quick, they were taking a beating in the rocky sections that no longer slow you down on this steed. I've found that heavier, beefier wheels and tires actually allow me to go faster because I don't have to scrub as much speed in the turns and chunky stuff. The extra tread also helps carve the long wheelbase through tight turns. Honestly, even rigid, it'll barge through sections like a freeride bike if you're willing to go for it.

BTW, the frame weighs about 4.5 lbs...

[Guitar Ted]

You are getting a white one? Oooo! How about this wheel set?

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Wheelset/product_131122.shtml

White on white is pretty fashionable I hear.

[MMcG]

I'd love to try those Syncros 29er hoops out.

[Guitar Ted]

I think you could actually get Velocity Blunts in white too, but the wait time might prove to be a deal killer. Then again, it is winter time!

[Potroast88]

Think these are decent for the money??

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-XT-High-Flange-Mavic-A719-29er-Wheels-Wheelset_W0QQitemZ350000748419QQihZ022QQcategoryZ5 8088QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[sportcult]

Those are road rims, only 19mm wide. I wouldn't use them since they are so narrow.

Are you running gears or single speed?

Do you know what tires you want to run yet? Tubes or tubeless?

[Potroast88]

Probably gonna run it single speed for awhile and tubes.

[sportcult]

Well, for tough inexpensive, pre built wheels these aren't bad deals:

Rhyno Lites on Ringle hubs, disc or rim brake, $199
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/WH308A08-Sun+Ringle+Highrider+29Er+Disc+Wheelset.aspx

Mavic rims on Deore hubs, disc only, $145
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/WH400G00-Shimano+M525+Disc+Mavic+A317+29Er+Wheels.aspx

Tougher, cheaper, heavier you say? WTB Dual Duty FR on Deore hubs, $120
http://www.blueskycycling.com/product3512_77_-Shimano-Deore-Disc-Wheelset-w--WTB-Dual-Duty-FR-Rims-29er.htm

Not sure what kind of wheels you're used to riding. Do you have any decent 26 inch wheels that you could pirate the hubs from?

[MMcG]

That's not a bad price on those bluesky wheels.

Also see what George at www.bike29.com can do for you. I got a set of Dual Duty FR rims laced to XT disc hubs for $200.00 shippped to my door from George - just take some time when you get them to check spoke tension and whatnot.

But that would certainly be a durable wheelset for around $200.00 from a guy who really supports the 29er thang.

Cheers,

Mark

[Scott O]

I've found that heavier, beefier wheels and tires actually allow me to go faster because I don't have to scrub as much speed in the turns and chunky stuff. ...

What model/size tires are you running?