Joe Soap

Hmmm... Surprised that some of you are very happy with your SRAM BB's. Might have a dud or fluke piece rubbish that found its way in. Will re-verify installation Thanks for the input

Looking for some advice please. I have a DUB crank set and a frame that takes BSA threaded BB. Obvious choice is to use SRAM's BB, which I have. I am not very impressed with the service life of the SRAM BB. Are there perhaps other options available that is comparable with this setup? If not, what is considered the "best" crank standard to use with threaded BB's?

Thanks, I'll see if I can find a used BSA to see if it might work

Now that you mention it... If my logic is not failing me, then technically it's only the left cup that Italian so I might be able to use English with my existing ITA left cup... Not sure if BB diameters and threads are the same between ENG and ITA?

Took me years to just know enough about MTB BBs, don't have time to invest the same in road bikes. I have a cheap road bike that uses Italian BB with Shimano Ultegra 6500 (Octalink) cranks. My BB is not completely vrot yet but might as well start shopping. As far as I can tell, not going to find a BB easy that works with this combo. Any suggestions on other crank options that will work with IT BB that won't break the bank? Or even better, if you have a lead on a Italian - Octalink BB that would be 1st prize.

This bike ticks a lot of boxes I've never been a Merida fan but this bike (and the new long travel HT) I'm starting to reconsider. Some really useful innovation (twist lock/chain guide/top cap/mounting points/seat tube/2 bottles) on this bike not like other new brands that just did a copy and paste exercise Can't justify the price yet (of any new bike)

Sounds like a great idea. Also have family in DBN so can do a long-long weekend. If calendar allows it then I'll make an effort to join a trip like this.

I've always wanted to take a picture like this

146mm steerer

Royal Bank of Canada?

That sounds like a very logical approach. Apparently I'm looking for fossilized Unicorns at this stage... (Pike/Fox34 with 120-130 travel, boost and 170mm steerer) If a well priced other fork (i.e. SID/32) comes along I might also consider it but has to be 120 travel. But not too fussed about the brand/model

Ahh, I see where we went wrong. You are under the assumption that I have a brand new fresh fork in a box somewhere and I just want to trim for aesthetic purposes. Nope. Still shopping around 2nd hand stuff that has already been snipped. My question in other words are, what is the biggest gap between top cap and steerer that I'll be able to get away with? I.e anything more than 15mm is looking for trouble. I fully realize that the answer will be "IMHO" based and not based on scientific fact.

How much...? Are you guys saying that I have to use a spacer? The way I see it, the steerer should NOT stick out above the stem to be able to "torque" the headset? I.e. Head tube + top and bottom headset + stem = 175mm, so if I get a fork with 170 steerer then I've got 5mm to "compress" the headset (without spacers)

Next topic of of advice please: Fork steer tube length My head tube is 110mm, bottom headset 12mm, top 8mm, and stem is 45mm. All this adds up to 175mm with no spacres. What you you say is the shortest fork steer tube that I can get away with?

Where did you order from? Let me know how they go please, also keen on giving them a spin.

Care to share a link for DMR Versa's under 2k?

Tell me about it! Apart from 1 or 2 small thing, I only need a fork. Also thought I would be spoiled for choice when the time comes but doesn't look that way.

Thanks a lot but blue is not going to look so lekke... Other colours sold out

Thanks Blackheart. Shimano trail pedals confuse me... Are you supposed to use a flat-type shoe with a cleat hole with those or does any clipless shoe work with those. I have normal XT SPD pedals and quite XC-ish shoes (the ones with the fixed/hard soles), will they work (and provide any benefit) with SPD trail pedals?

Quick Update. Parts sourcing coming on nicely. Headset, BB, groupset, handlebars and brakes in the garage and ready to be fitted. Wheels, stem and dropper en route from CT Need the following to complete: - 120-130 Fork - Something to sit on - 34.9 seat post clamp (not as common as I thought) - Pedals (Ideally I would like a set of flats for most days and SPDs for the longer days) - Tyres - Still undecided if I want to go 2.35 or 2.5 Then I can start swinging spanners and take it for a ride

If you are considering Cane Creek, have a look at these guys: https://isikosports.co.za/Headsets-c23798660 Ordered Friday just after 12 noon and was delivered Saturday morning in P-town

Momentum picking up...

Ahhh yes, that rings a bell.

Haven't phoned or ordered yet but looks like the below is what I need: Top: ZS44/28.6/H8/K https://isikosports.co.za/Cane-Creek-40-Series-Top-Assembly-Headsets-p91156701 Bottom: EC44/40/H12/K https://isikosports.co.za/Cane-Creek-40-Series-Bottom-Assembly-Headsets-p91158449 Don't have a clue what the HXX / K part implies. I'll find out before I order though

Thanks Morne, you are exactly the person that I was hoping would comment on this tread. If you were wondering, you are on the short list for a free spin (and beer) when the bike is ready