MTB build - need help

[Rick]

Hi guys

 

I'm a total noob with mtb lingo - and mtb in general - so please be gentle

 

I am busy putting together a bike for xc/marathon mostly. I like to go fast, not v good on the technical stuff.

So far i have an anthem sl carbon frame - 26"

Getting shimano xt 2012 - 2x10

 

Now where i am really battling is the wheel/fork combo.

I am currently looking at this:

http://www.buycycle.co.za/buyparts/suspension-front/rockshox/rockshox-sid-xx-world-cup-qr-tapered-2011-rockshox.html

and

http://www.buycycle.co.za/buyparts/wheelsets-mtb/easton-en-2-3-4-5-6-7-8/easton-ea90-xc-26-wheelset-9mm-qr-easton.html

 

Please let me know if you would agree with these. Like I say, i really don't know much about tapered/straight or 9mm vs 15mm qr etc. I read that the 15mm is obviously stiffer, but will the 9 be ok for most racing?

 

I weigh just under 90kg.

 

Thanks for the help

[Capricorn]

Hey Prisma

 

Get a 29er instead. Your target activities are extremely well suited to a 29er.

 

and oh sod, i just reread your post. U already have a frame. meh.

 

Tapered or straight doesnt matter. take a straight fork and get a suitable headset. Resale value might not as limiting as with tapered (i base this on my own 2nd hand shopping experiences: I give tapered steerers a complete miss, irrespective of the price).

 

15mm is stiffer, but not that you'll really notice. newer forks push the larger size skewer. But you get hub adapters for either, so you can swop between the two if you so require. I guess if u weight weenie, only then will that 15mm skewer really cause u sleepless nights. also, your fork will probably dictate which one you go with.

Edited March 4, 2012 by Capricorn