Bombproof Update
June 28th, 2007 by Tim GrahlSince we are running way behind on the Bombproof Bike Project, I figured it was time for an update.
I am currently building it and need to pick up the last couple parts (oh right… brakes need cables to). There were several discussions on which kinds of parts we will be using, mainly 7spd vs 8spd vs 9spd and suspension forks vs rigid forks.
Much to our chagrin we decided on the Shimano 8speed drivetrain. Due in part to the arguments given by you, our fine readers, and due in part to no easily available 7speed drivetrains that would last past the first couple rides.
We are also currently running the Surly Instigator rigid front fork, however that will probably change not far out. I talked to the RockShox people, told them about the project and they recommended that I beat on their Recon fork to see how it does. So I agreed and that will probably be traded out relatively soon.
I’ve also decided to go with V-Brakes. Yes I know and understand all the arguments for disc brakes, however I’ve ridden both pretty regularly and never broken a set of Vs while I’ve bent up several discs. Also, Vs are easier to maintain and adjust. So with the thought in mind to keep this thing easy to maintain and as “bombproof” as possible, I’m ditching the disc brakes.
For the headset, I went a bit on the cheap I believe. I’m sportin’ the Cane Creek S-3. I had my local shop press it in for me and the mechanic gave a prediction of six months before it gives out. He, of course, recommended a Chris King headset (which I can’t really argue with) however I’m gonna stick with the Cane Creek for now, just to see how it does.
On the wheels I went with Rhyno Lite rims laced to Shimano Deore hub. I’ve read a lot of good things about the strength of these wheels for the price of less than $100. I’m a little worried about the Deore hub but again, we’ll see how it goes.
In the bars category, we are sporting the Titec brand. I’ve used their stuff before and been very happy with the beating it’ll take. We have the Hellbent series of stem, handlebars and saddle.
The bike should be done early next week and I’ll have pictures then.
So what do you think of the choices so far?
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Avid Single Digits are so cheap I cannot imagine using the Tektro linear pull on anything meant to go off-road.
Cane Creek S-3 is junk. I got one free with a $100 fork, now I know why it was free. Despite having like 100 parts it doesn’t seal well and I never was able to get the play out of it. I love the FSA Orbit Xtreme Pro, at about half the price of a King, I’m riding them on all my bikes now.
Everything else is spot-on, IMHO. Rhyno Lites are awesomely reliable and huge bang for the buck. I’ve had better luck with Deore hubs than with LX, and at least you can overhaul them easily with just some grease and a handful of bearings. 8-speed drivetrain, linear-pull brakes… Sounds like my last couple of bikes.
Just thought I’d weigh in on the brakes… I’m running a similar setup (8 speed, rhyno lites, lx hubs), with Avid single digit 7’s… they stop almost as well as discs and have been crazy reliable so far. I picked up a complete set (with matching levers) for like 75 bucks on ebay, from some guy in hong kong. They’re definately the cat’s PJ’s ,as the kids say
I run a Rockshox Tora on my Giant, and that seems pretty flawless for a spring based fork so far. Haven’t used the Recon so no idea there.
I also run Rhyno Lites in it (when not in race config), which though are very heavy, I’m pretty sure would have survived the crash which destroyed my front Mavic XC717 (which though in fairness also destroyed a few bones putting me out for 8 weeks
But yeah, Rhynos are also nice and cheap.
I’m yet to see anyone destroy an Easton EA30, EA50 or EA70 component.
Not sure how you can even mention a Chris King headset on a Blue Collar site, but hey there ya go.
Norm: I agree to a certain extent… CK is expensive but that’s where the constant Blue Collar struggle comes in… do I spend a lot now for a 10 year warranty that I’ll probably never even need to use? Or do I spend a lot less and ‘hope’ it lasts?
This is why we went with the Cane Creek. It’s a much cheaper headset and lets see how it does.
I’d consider an FSA headset. A Chris King is at least twice as expensive, and I’m not convinced it’ll last twice as long.