Soggy

So I finally got to tackle the funny crank link of the GT frame. I really didnt like the single link that is supposed to be on the bike. The previous owners one not only snapped but the bolt snapped trapping the fitting inside the housing. Here is a pic of what it it should look like: Where the stress is actually supported is actually the housing where the little bolt turns into, so the weakpoint is actually the small bolt part of the equation. http://lp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb132735/p4pb132735.jpg Having all that stress on a small piece of metal and bolt no thanks, so I had to come up with something stronger. Got a piece of steel sheeting Then cut and measured a paper stencil: Cut out two pieces of the bracket for each side and grinded away clearance for the pivot. I saw that the holes were perfectly 8mm holes, so I got two 8mm bolts, a locknut and 8 washers for each join. Painted the steel with anti rust paint and bolted it on. So far the install is awesome and feels solid. so far no problems so far and bike feels great. Just need to tweak my rear derailer as it slips gears sometimes on bumpy terrain but so far the ratio is awesome with the single front crank and no probs climbing and fast sprints.

HA HA HA HA!!!! Good one

I think he still needs his arm and leg to ride the bike after buying that....

Man I wish my mountain bike was done already, I would love to set a time!!!!

LOL!!!!

So I fixed the play that was in my headset, reason? I was using the existing crown race that was already attached to the fork and it didnt fit with my new bearing set. So I carefully tapped it off with a screwdriver and put the new one on. Luckily I had a piece of pvc pipe at home that I could use to tap the new one on evenly, worked like a charm!! Next project, getting the bracket for the crank section sorted out, then I am good to go for some trails!

From buying the first part it took me about 4 weeks. I did enjoy selecting the parts. It also helped me to realize that some components are actually ridiculously priced and doesn't need to be so expensive. A slightly cheaper model part is just as good as the more expensive, although I am not talking about the cheapest, which will be pure crap. I had all the parts so piecing it all together took me about 2 hours. I had all the right tools so it made life so much more easy for me. The right tool for the job makes life very easy. I got a bit confused about my rear brake bracket setup, but a vid on Youtube helped me with that. I have been building my own bikes since I was in primary school ages ago, as my parents would keep buying me parts whenever I broke them, so I had to keep my own bikes running.

Thanks all for the good wishes!

so far so good!! after the small tune ups its gonna be awesome!

So anyone who would remember I started buying parts off the hub and most of my other parts at Chris Willemse Cycles, so I finally got a chance to piece it all together. Here is the storyboard of my GT IDXC 4.0 bike build. All in all the total cost came to about R7000. Not bad for a full suspension GT I-drive, considering a brand new one at CWC was priced at R23,000. Ouch!! Just need to sort out the crank pivot and there is a little play in the headset, but will get that sorted out later. I will need to do my fork over as its quite worn, but will play with it on full lockout at the moment. Started off with the frame (bought off hub) Thanks to Quintin for including a nice set of wheels along with the frame :-) Seat and seatpost was given with the frame, and tyres bough off the hub. Crank also bough off hub but picked up a nice FSA handlebar at CWC Got myself a 9 speed cassette and derailer at CWC for a great price!! Picked up an awesome Aliovo full disk brake set brand new with disks for R1800 (calipers,pads, levers, cables and disks), thanks CWC!! A cheapie set of shifters but the work great! Full display of parts, ready for assembly!!! My final product!!!!! Completely stoked! Now the only flaw of the GT frame is the little plate at the front crank that tends to snap often. I will have to make something here to fix it as it needs cuz my crank moves around on the pivot and that is not good.

Yeah I have. I install it as recommended with using the inner rubber strip and valve as well as the rim tape. I'm sure there isnt any leakages as everything is sealed up well, but the beads seem to not stay on the edges of the rim and air leaks out while pumping.

I would say its awesome but I am busy having mo*rse hassles intalling my UST tubeless set. The bead just wont take and I cannot pump mine up

Awesome!!! Great bang for buck!!

+1!!!

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/10397-light-fsa-carbon-cranks/

I recently converted my bike from a cartridge system crank to an external BB system using a FSA carbon crank, and I couldnt be happier. I bought the crank off theHub classifieds and it was the best money I spent so far on my bike. That crank literally was half the weight of my old system (with BB). You cant go wrong with an FSA Carbon crank.

Kewl!! Cant wait until my MTB is built, gonna give Bottlery hills a try

Amazing ride man!!

Damn man!! Hope if gets found soon

I'm amazed this thread has gone so far. Lets all agree that there are idiots on both sides of the fence as well as good and responsible guys and gals. Now lets all get out there and do what we do best, ride out bikes!!! Life is too short to complain about idiots that don't deserve our energy.

Amen brother!!

Youtube has a lot of instructional videos out there. But always, take things very slowly and increment difficulty in small increments. Accidents happen when excitement out weighs skill level. Also make sure she wears protective gear in case she comes down. Good luck with her!! Hope she learns fast

Eish!!! Double Eish!!!

Yep!!! Basically you can go out there in a full biker leathers if you want. Its all up to you how much protection you want. Best bet is to protect the face and joints, as those take the brunt of the impacts of falls.

LOL!! Cool, thanks man. Still a long way to go for my mountie, but gonna get there.