The Build List...

The frame is still not here nor are most of the parts, but all of the parts have now been purchased.  Here is the build list:

• Frame: LTK-023 carbon 29er 18" (1250g)
• Fork: LT-FK023 carbon 29er tapered fork (549g)
• Headset: NECO supplied with frame
• Wheelset: Velocity VXC 29er wheelset
• Tires: Schwalbe Racing Ralph 29 x 2.25 (610g ea)
• Seatpost: KCNC Pro Lite Ti Scandium seatpost (178g)
• Handlebar: Exotic scandium handlebar (115g)
• Crankset: SLX m670 crankset (810g)
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano (90g)
• Bashguard:  BBG Superlight bashguard (28g)
• Pedals: Egg Beater C Pedals (290g)
• Saddle: Fizik Arione carbon rail (159g)
• Brakes: Avid BB5, 160mm rotors
• Stem: Hylix superlight 90mm stem (99g)
• Shifter: Shimano XT 9speed, right only (1x9 drivetrain) (255g)
• Rear Derailleur: Shiman XT 9 speed (228g)

More goodies

After selling my frame this past weekend and a bunch of parts this Wednesday, I have a bunch of money in my pocket for this project.  So, of course, I gotta make use of it to get this bike LIGHT, right?

I purchased a super light stem made by Hylix from ebay.  Shipping might be slow (due to come in at end of the month) but the price was right and the stem only weighs 99 grams!  I also got a super light BBG bash guard, 28g!  I purchased a new Race Face evolve crankset as well, although I'm not sure that I'm going to keep that toy.  I may continue using my old beat up crankset to save some bones.  Not much weight savings there, so I'm not sure that I need to keep it.

Now, I just wait for my frame to come in from the main land.  C'mon already!

Out with the old, In with the new

So I broke down my 29er last night to get it ready for sale.  Final weight...26.66lbs.  For a 1x9, that seems kind of heavy and it was unexpected.  The fork and frame were heavier than expected, as was the crankset.  My goodness!

So the parts purchases have begun for the new rig.  First, a scandium handlebar over the Hussefelt giant that I had.  That bar was a tank, but it also was heavy like a tank.  The new bar is around 125 g and feels like air.  Second, a scandium seat post.  I do have a relatively light carbon seat post now, but this scandium is more than 100g lighter and not as delicate as carbon.  Of course the 29er frame and fork that I bought is super light...the frame is 2lbs lighter and the fork is 1lb lighter.  I'm also looking to buying an SLX crankset which probably won't be much lighter, but it certainly can't be heavier.  I also picked up a pair of 29 x 2.25 Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires (610g each) over the very heavy 29 x 2.55 WTB Weirwolves that I have.

All in all, the new rig should be much lighter. I'm shooting for sub 20lbs.

I took the plunge!

With my wife's begrudging approval, I made the plunge to buy a long sought, Chinese carbon 29er from LT bikes.  I've been looking at the LTK-023 model for a long time, like years.  After reading review after review and speaking to the folks at LT Bikes who seem to be nothing but polite, attentive and helpful, I purchased my new 29er, sub 3lb frame this morning.

The frame, listed at 1250g +/- 50 g is super light and from the reviews, is super strong and sturdy.  I got mine in UD matte, but you can also get it in UD gloass, 3k or 5k or have it painted a for a bit more money.  $310 gets you the frame.  I also splurged and got the matching carbon fork for another $90.  I figured the headset is tapered and I would have to get a new tapered fork to keep things easy anyway.  $90 for a rigid carbon fork at 545g +/- 10 g, you simply cannot beat that!

I also ordered the matching headset and a spare rear hanger for another $20 plus change.

My goodness is that a deal!  I could not resist.

Between the frame and fork I'll be dropping about 2 pounds off of my current bike, which is already light.  I also ordered a scandium seat post and handlebar that should take off even more weight, about another pound or so.  It is conceivable that I could have a sub 20lb bike.

I'm currently looking for a light SS crankset, as I'm going to run this bike as a 1x9.  That seems to be the best combination in my opinion.

It should be a few weeks until it comes in.  I cannot wait!!  Here are some pics:

It's been too long!

First, our second child came in June.  Then, in September, my wife and I decided to sell our home and build a new one.  That meant that from October to February, I was knee deep in home repairs and painting.  I had no time between that and the kids to get in the saddle.

Luckily, now that we moved several weeks ago and things are starting to calm down, I have been able to get out twice in the new neighborhood.  The new area is designed for outdoor lovers and endurance athletes.  It features 5 lakes, 36 miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, pools etc etc.  Any much to my surprise, I discovered a secret which is very much kept on the DL there...11 miles of real mountain bike trails.  The best part...the trail comes practically to my front door.  All I have to do is walk across the street and I hop on.  It's awesome!

The trail is perfect for my skill level and even offers a bit of a chance for growth and improvement.  I've also been able to get out on the roads.  The hills in the community are crazy steep.  I'll either get back into great shape or pass out trying.

I'll be sure to update with the latest stats and stories.  For now, I have to keep unpacking before I can really get back into it.  Sheesh!

The Kid Has Come and Bike Time Has Gone

Congratulations to me!  My second son and future cyclist was born on June 18th!  He is incredibly healthy and incredibly big. I can't wait to get both of the boys on bikes.

But since he has come along, my cycle time has been non-existent.  I've been doing the feeding in the middle of the night thing, much more often than the ride early in the morning thing.  Oh well, it's worth it.

That said, and don't tell my wife I'm telling you this, but in a  couple of weeks she is taking both kids to the in-law's while I stay back and man the fort.  That means...wait for it...a little bike time for me and maybe a little project time too.

I'm thinking about either re-painting my new 29er or simply stripping it and going with a brushed metal look.  I'm also flirting with the idea of getting a new, super light frame, after making some money from selling off parts that came with the bike.

I've been incredibly happy with the bike so far, except that the whole single speed, drop handlebar thing was not for me.  The drops put me way to far in front and the single cog simply would not hold.  Every time I really mashed down, it slipped creating way too many dangerous situations for me while riding.  I threw in the towel, threw on some gears and the original handlebar and it is a much better set up for me.  I have actually been able to get in some miles on it while toting my older son around in his bike trailer.  He loves the trailer and I'm able to squeeze in 8-10 miles, so not so bad for everyone involved.

I'll be sure to keep you all updated on my new little project that will happen in a couple of weeks. Cheers!

Drop it like it's hot

So my new mtb with drop bars project is just about complete...well, it is complete sort of.  I have the bike set up with its new midge drop bars and tektro drop bar brake levers.  It looks pretty nice.  I've also set up a second wheelset with slightly more narrow motoraptor 2.1 tires, rather than the giant beasts the other wheelset offers.

I say it isn't quite done yet only because I plan to repaint it some months down the road.  So, there will be a new version on its way.  Nevertheless, I'm ready to take the bike out and test the drop bar set up today at one of my favorite trails, Schaeffer Farms.  It should be nice and muddy from the rain the past two days, but I can't wait to finally ride the single speed with drop bars on a real trail.  If I like it, great.  If not, I'm ready to pop multiple gears back on it and probably run it as a 1x9.  I'll let you all know how it goes.