Thursday, January 20, 2011

A couple things for the build

I figured that if I'm going to go light, I should go all the way. My Moto was already very, very light with a ti handlebar, 2 ti egg beater pedals, a Ritchey WCS seatpost, and a front Racing Ralph tire.

I decided to switch out the Ritchey seatpost for an even lighter J & L titanium seatpost that weighs about 70 grams less. It also adds a little bling to the bike. In addition, I purchased a Racing Ralph 29 x 2.25 tire for the rear. I like the look of the matching tires and the RR is a bit lighter than the WTB I have back there now.

I'm looking forward to my build. I hope I get some time for it soon.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

I've Really Done It Now


Beginning at the end of the season last year, I knew I was losing the fight against my urge to switch up my frame. I really enjoy the Moto Fantom Pro 29er as I've written in this blog many times. However, I started thinking lighter, stronger, as is my urge from my triathlete roots.


I had my eye on the Moto fly team ti 29er, but the frameset that was supposed to be re-stocked in November 2010 still has not been issued and the season is quickly approaching. All other ti frames are just too expensive for my limited "family man" budget. So, I began looking at alternatives.


That's when I stumbled upon the material of Scandium. It is an aluminum alloy, but lighter and stronger than alu and relatively inexpensive. Of the Scandium frames out there, the Voodoo Aizan really caught my eye. It offers a unique color, Ancient gold, with bad ass decals. And it is one of the lightest frames on the market hands down.


The frame goes for about $480 - $540 on the Internet new. I was able to track one down on Ebay, used, for $202. You can't beat that! I got it in the mail and it has a couple of paint chips and some scratches by the rear chain stay, but what can you expect. I'm going to put chips in the frame myself anyway.


I plan on doing the build in the next few weeks. I love builds!
I'm going to keep this blog going though without changing the name, despite the fact that I no longer will be riding the Moto. I think the information that I have on here remains valuable to those thinking about getting a Moto.
I'll be sure to post pics of the build when it happens!