First Look: Bombproof Bike Project
July 2nd, 2007 by Tim GrahlThe Bombproof bike is built and it’s been on it’s first ride. I, of course, wrecked on the inaugural ride. I’m hurting but the bike made it through unscathed.
There’s a few changes coming from what you see here. We have a RockShox Recon fork coming, WTB Stout tires and I ran the lines a little wonky so I gotta fix that. Otherwise, this is the bike… (pictures by my talented wife, Candace)
Now the riding begins… It’ll be my commuter bike for several days to make sure everything is dialed in. I’m installing a computer today and will log all the miles. The goal is to break 1500 miles and be as rough on the bike as possible to see what holds up and what doesn’t.
The Bombproof Bike Project is finally on its way!
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Speaking as a Candy pedal user, they are definitely NOT bombproof. I’m not even in the Clydesdale category and I’ve gone through my fair share of sets. Granted Crank Bros. has great customer service, but that really doesn’t help when you’re actually out on the trail. I guess the final bike probably wouldn’t even include pedals, but still…
Are there any drop offs or stairs in your riding plans? Or is this just mainly for comuting? I know the frame is designed to take quite a beating.
DT: I’ll agree with you that Candys aren’t the longest lasting pedal, however this is a personal preference on the pedals. They clear the east coast mud better than any other (budget) pedals I’ve tried.
Captain Bob: I will be taking it on some urban assault you mentioned, however this will be mainly a cross country and all mountain bike. The commuting is mainly to get some good miles in on it and, upfront, allow me to dial everything in before I take it on an epic ride.
Have you posted a parts list? Or something similar?
Glad to see you upgraded the Tektro brakes to Avid SD’s….
What is the total weight of the bike?
That looks really sweet. Bring it over to Northern Ireland, and we’ll have a go!!!
Thanks,
Rick
Do you think you can get the Mountainbike Militia to test the bombproof-ness of this bike?
I’ve also heard many tales of the vulnerability of those pedals - it pretty much shot the credibility of the project as far as I’m concerned… I break things.
A series of tests with M80’s?????
Looking pretty sweet to see it all together. Definitely curious to see how the components hold up vs the frame.
I love that red paint job….vroom it looks fast even leaning against a tree!
Fred: The parts list is mostly complete and can be found on the main Bomproof Bike page here… http://bluecollarmtb.com/blue-collar-bombproof-bike-project/
James: Not sure on the total weight yet… will post when I get it.
Fritz: I’m guessing it wouldn’t standup to that… it can’t REALLY withstand a bomb blast
Sue: The pedals are a personal preference because they are affordable and clear the killer east coast mud. What’s a better suggestion that fits those two categories and is also bombproof?
I’ve put about 30 miles of singletrack on it this week so far and it’s holding up well… even with several crashes. I’ll be glad to get some front suspension and better tires on there in the near future, but I’m really enjoying it so far.
Looks really cool!!
But, here is just something for you to ponder about that seat post. I own a Redline MC29er. A green 2006 to be exact. I have owned it for about 1 year now. I have rode it a bunch both on road commuting to work and rolling single track and crushed limestone rail trails. Recently after a weekly ride I was siting back coasting with my hands off the bars at about 15mph. All of a sudden I heard a crack and I was on the ground. My allen bolt that holds the saddle on sheared off at the base of the seat post cradle that holds the saddle on. I was riding a WTB Pure V with Chromo rails. I was sitting a bit back on the saddle, but I didn’t think it was anything to crazy. I weigh about 195lbs loaded up, give or take say 5lbs.
I hit the concrete hard and bruised up my right wrist real good. It is swollen pretty good. I also smacked my back pretty hard. At least I had some padding as I had a back pack on.
Now, I am not trying to say there couldn’t have been multiple different issues contributing to my failed seat post. But I will never ride another Redline seat post. I did go and buy another single bolt seat post to replace the RL post (because that is all I can afford right now), and the new post looks much beefier than the RL post. When I get the cash I will be looking to upgrade to a decent two bolt seat post that way if I eve do break a bolt again I will at least have to break TWO bolts at the same time to end up on my back and my butt.
I suppose one should read this post knowing that I am now a little paranoid about my seat posts. Most local riders I have talked with about the situtation say that is the first time they have ever heard of such a thing happening. Maybe just a freak accident, but like I said above, as soon as I have the cash to go and get a two bolt designed seat post, I am going to do so.
Peace out.
Ha, I just realized while loading the bike to go to the LBS for a brake upgrade I thought my seat looked a bit off. I wheel in my ride and my mech takes one look at my bike and says I’ve crushed the hell outa my seat, which I realize he is right! The seat rails are now entirely hidden by the saddle sides when viewed from the side! hahhaa. Not a bomb proof seat. Damn WTB Speed V..;..Can’t take my 220lbs I guess.
Chris - DAMN! That is scary as hell a friend of mine has a redline and I fwd’d him your comment to check his out!
I’ll post on the seat if I go for the Titec Hellbent. Someone else recommended the Terry TI Fly but it’s not very blue collar….damn expensive gear…oh well whats a posterior to do…
Tim, I love the concept, love the bike! Since we ARE talkin’ blue collar, will you tell us what it all cost? Like add costs to the Parts List? I will keep checking back with your excellent project. Almost forgot- what was you final decision process on the fork?
later,
Jeff
http://bikemoscow.org/
Great build! That bike could end up being a family heirloom, it looks so tough. I look forward to reading about the rest of the test miles.