Steel is real

[CHRISMAESTER]

Well, here is my brand new frame....

I can't decide if I'm doing the single speed rigid, or suspension geared...

I am a XC rider and also enjoy the bit of play...

Nothing on black diamond level, but switchbacks, single trail, roots etc.

 

Any rigid riders that can give valued insight?

How are the wrists at 40km in?

And single speed? 

 

Another question, is 650b a viable option for the marathon rider, or is it 29 all the way...?

[the nerd]

Rigid rider, ride most things, wrists can take some strain but a carbon bar sorts some if it out... 

 

Steel rigid fork has more compliance than carbon... 

 

SS - sorry whats the question? 

[Letum911]

Nice!!

 

I come from a 130mm dual sus, so took some time to get used to it.

 

I run a rigid carbon up front (MKM35), handle bar marketed for it's trail chatter absorption (what ever that is but check it out: Kore Durox), and some ESI grips. I find that I feel it more on my pinky finger than the wrists, takes some getting used to but nothing serious.

 

As for gears, NO. Just NO. SS is the way of the future

[Jewbacca]

OP, how much did you pay for that frame and where from?

[CHRISMAESTER]

Rigid rider, ride most things, wrists can take some strain but a carbon bar sorts some if it out... 

 

Steel rigid fork has more compliance than carbon... 

 

SS - sorry whats the question? 

Hi there,

Will ss be forgiving on the strenuous climbs in XC?

Or is it just a matter of momentum and man the f up...?

[CHRISMAESTER]

OP, how much did you pay for that frame and where from?

Well...

The frame was purchased up here in jhb by a gent who owns a shop called cyclist workshop.

He is an awesome dude, and his pricing was brilliant.

His name is Josh.

Just tell him Big Chris referred you!

[CHRISMAESTER]

Nice!!

 

I come from a 130mm dual sus, so took some time to get used to it.

 

I run a rigid carbon up front (MKM35), handle bar marketed for it's trail chatter absorption (what ever that is but check it out: Kore Durox), and some ESI grips. I find that I feel it more on my pinky finger than the wrists, takes some getting used to but nothing serious.

 

As for gears, NO. Just NO. SS is the way of the future

Apparently Josh was telling me that Hope make a new type of foam internal set of bars.

It supposedly absorbs a lot of the rigid feedback that you get from rigid forks.

I think I want to give that a go....

It's not cheap, but should be worth it!

Also we discussed putting a wider rim on, something with say a 30mm internal width.

Run like 2.4 at lower pressure to increase absorption....

[shaper]

EBB.... got to be a SS !!  Enjoy the build !!

[Letum911]

Apparently Josh was telling me that Hope make a new type of foam internal set of bars.

It supposedly absorbs a lot of the rigid feedback that you get from rigid forks.

I think I want to give that a go....

It's not cheap, but should be worth it!

Also we discussed putting a wider rim on, something with say a 30mm internal width.

Run like 2.4 at lower pressure to increase absorption....

 

The wider rim and tyre should make a big difference. Also it depends on what you're looking for and willing to spend.

 

To spend a boatload  to "soften" the front IMO is a bit silly if you can get a 80mm travel fork (or even a Lauff). I went with the idea of making peace that the bike is a rigid an to Man The F Up!! So the front has a few cheap tweaks like the bar and grips, with a nice 2.25 (looks the same as a 2.3 to me) Vittoria Saguaro tyre. To get a nice wide rim is always a good idea!! This is next on my shopping list.

 

However if you are keen on the rigid and spending a bit more I would go with a carbon MK35 fork (this absorbs a fair bit) and a carbon bar (if you're keen on the Hope I reckon it will be an awesome piece to add). 

[CHRISMAESTER]

Ok the part I didn't tell you bud is I weigh 164kg.

The carbon stuff is out like last month's pay....???? Lauff too

[Letum911]

Ok the part I didn't tell you bud is I weigh 164kg.

The carbon stuff is out like last month's pay.... Lauff too

 

Hahahahahahah!!! Ok I see your point, in that case build yourself an epic steel machine!! Steel front with a lekker set of wheels and the Hope bar!!

[the nerd]

I still maintain unless you buying a Niner rdo fork a steel fork is better.

 

In fact just got myself a steel fork made I feel so strongly about this.

 

 

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[Jewbacca]

I still maintain unless you buying a Niner rdo fork a steel fork is better.

 

In fact just got myself a steel fork made I feel so strongly about this.

 

 

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I fully agree

[CHRISMAESTER]

Results....

 

Throw some feedback....

[Stretched@Birth]

I still maintain unless you buying a Niner rdo fork a steel fork is better.

 

In fact just got myself a steel fork made I feel so strongly about this.

 

 

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Have to disagree on this one (and you were there for my journey), I had a Niner "Licorice" steel fork on my bike, which was later replaced with a Ritchey Carbon Pro, though the steel fork had better compliance (and therefore comfort) on small bumps, it was quite "vague" for lack of a better description in the corners, the carbon fork definitely sharpened up the handling, making the front end a lot more predictable, though at the expense of comfort.

 

But it's a moot point, as the OP has gone with squish, and gears. Nice looking build OP [emoji1303]

[NotSoBigBen]

It seems a bit contradictory to me to want a rigid bike but then putting in an extraordinary amount of effort to make the bike as 'soft' as possible ... But as the long guy says it's a moot point the OP has gone with a bouncer front end

 

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