BaltazarMarques

Doing a build will ALWAYS work out more (Yes you could skimp but generally that is not the case) and even using modest parts etc it works out more than if you had just bought a complete bike. BUT, I always find there are loads of things I want to change on a stock bike anyway, even a higher end model so you spend more anyway, but at least you can sell the stock parts to offset the new parts you want... I love a custom build so if you have time and cash to build slowly I think it's the way to go. If you want to get going as soon as then just buy a complete and upgrade as you go.

Wasn't sure if this belonged in the Bikes For Enduro thread or this new Bikes For Trail Riding but decided on putting it here as I already have a bike for Enduro and I actually built this as my Trail and everyday do it all bike. I have not been enjoying peddling the Knolly Warden around as it's too burly for everyday missions... Dartmoor Hornet with 160mm Lyrik and some other decent bits - What can I say, I've missed a hardtail, what an absolute jol ripping this thing around. It's quick, efficient and likes to get rad even when I don't so keeps me on my toes... Or on my face... Haven't ridden the "enduro" bike in a while and haven't missed it to be honest, having too much fun on this thing. Edit: Oh yes, I kept it humble with 2.3 tyres instead of going 2.8" (I have to try that out at some point). Theres definitely a sting in the rear but I'm learning to use my legs a lot more as got so lazy with the full squish...

Like orthopedic shoes for your bike...

Unfortunately went OTB over final jump and crashed across the finish line breaking his collar bone - Bummer but definitely up to speed and should be back in the mix in a couple of months.

Honzo's arriving at Trailtech in the next few weeks, birthday editions included - Drop them or myself a PM if you want to chat about options.

Will see what it'll cost but my feel is that it'll be quite a bit more than my frame budget. Thanks man - Realistically though if they only sell it as a complete bike they probably won't just do a favour and supply a frame only but no harm in asking. Ti, would love but again I fear that'll be out of budget. Will contact you though to see what I'll be in for.

Insane Build!! Would love that Marc, sorry you are selling.

Thanks Dude, if it's Rick, then he's the guy I've been dealing with and no dice on frame only unfortunately.

100% Steve - Also gonna treat myself to an aggressive HT. My Knolly is just way too much bike for general rides and I reckon I'd ride more (Even uphill) if I had something lighter and nimble and a 140mm aggressive HT will suit my needs perfectly. Have most of the build bits already so just deciding on a frame. It was between the Marin San Quentin, Commencal Meta AM HT and Airdrop Bitmap. Marin is out though unfortunately as they don't have a frame only option so I nearly pulled the trigger on the commie last week but then the Airdrop got thrown in the mix and I'm seriously having an internal war. I do love a bit of a boutique brand. I know what the Commie will cost delivered to my door but the Airdrop is a bit of a plus minus situation and already a bit more than the commie. Also the warranty with Commencal will be easier if anything goes wrong as there is local support. Decisions...

Rad, thanks Meezo, gonna check it out.

Daaaaayem that's HOT! Did you import the frame and build it here or did you import the whole bike? I'm looking around for an aggressive hard tail frame and this looks the poodles parts...

Oakley throwing their "Hat" into the helmet ring... Really dig it!! https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/Oakley-at-Eurobike-2018,2447

Haha, I take it he was joking wanting to run SS front and rear. DHR it is then... Or Magic Mary.

You won't be sorry with the Minion SS if you're looking for a faster tyre out back that also hooks up great in corners, give it a bash - You like grip, it has plenty. I've not run a Slaughter but know they are a similar design and from what I've seen and heard the slaughter compound is a bit harder than Maxxis. I have been running the SS for the last few months and my initial worry that it'd be very loose out back was soon put to rest. You notice the ease of roll from the rear immediately, if I could wheelie everywhere to keep the front 2.5 WT DD DHF off the ground I would as that is where I really feel the drag. On the first ride with it I remember being very aware that there was a semi slick on the back and to take it easy on steeper stuff and over rocks etc but to be honest after doing a run or two I forgot about it totally as it just wasn't doing anything that alerted me to it - sliding out, not stopping in time or scrubbing enough speed when needed. It grips great, corners like a Minion and definitely eases the peddling. Instead of running them front and rear, maybe rather look at an Aggressor out front, evenly spaced knobs for less rolling resistance and plenty of them for decent traction.

Actually really loved my Guide RS and RSC's and swore by them but after both had the same issues with the pistons I was convince by a mate to get Hope and glad I went for them. Sure they sorted the pistons under warranty but having to wait while they were being warrantied was a bummer.