Cheap Ass FS Project

paul.skibum

OK. Buying a well used but apparently still good 02 Heckler. Thats a 5" travel bike that originally came with a 3.5" fork but probably good up to 5" for downhills at least.

Planning to build it up as a cheap fun bike, dont want to spend a lot.

I have a seat post to fit, dodgy old saddle (will get a new one if I like the ride), stem to try out (90mm 6 rise) and a set of wheels which with a tiny bit of work with a spoke key will be straightish. Wheels are std QR hubs.

So - with second hand cheapy cheapy in mind.....

What forks, brakes and gears?

I have in mind something like U turn Recons, Hayes 9's and soem second hand XT gear I have seen around here. Probably evolve ride chainset going cheap on the bay and new cassette and chain. Chuck on some good n evils and a easton ec30 riser, the only thing missing is a headset for which I will go new but basic.

It wont be pretty but it will be cheap and might be fun.

Any alternates? Imagine the missing bits have to come in at 500-600 total to hit my build budget.

paul.skibum

Should have said - I want the bike for fun riding, emphasis on dh (not extreme racey stuff), has to work and possibly aiming for an alp trip.

Oh - tyre suggestions would be good (wire bead conti verts for 15 quid a pop are pulling my chain currently).

supersonic

Maybe a Tora 318 air as they are silly cheap at the minute (and lighter than coil recons).

Good old Deore for the drivetrain. Check CRC for brakes, have some sets for less than 100. FSA headset.

paul.skibum

Hmm, there's a tora on ebay, buy it now for 160. How do they stand up to rough line choices though - had an idea the recons might be a might stiffer for the weight penalty and the coils might stand up better to long alpine style downs?

Yeah - had seen some good F&R packages on CRC - alternatively a set of 9's on ebay for 50-60!

the XT stuff is 2nd hand for shifters and mechs which have to be worth it at around 70? May go deore new chainset as they are the best for the money and probably pip a rf ride.

deore cassette and sram chain a given.

supersonic

Toras are stiffer courtesy of the steel legs - recons and Toras are exactly the same except the recon has alu legs. The coil pushes the weight over the air tora - both will be fine: the coil a bit plusher and travel adjust, the tora weight adjust via air pressure.

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/rockshox ... 35526.html

paul.skibum

OK - cool - I will have to see which are available when I get frame to judge - the recons on ebay seem to be erring on the short steerer tip so not ideal.

brand new hayes 9's on crc for £80 a pair (with 10% discount to bring thanks to other posters discount!), will probably go for some tyres from them too to get the discount advantage.

paul.skibum

Nuts - no discs in that 9's price.

supersonic

They had El Caminos for 99 tother day.

paul.skibum

Yep - they are still there - dont seem to be disc included either. Merlin have set of 160mm 9's for 99.95 or Juicys for 139.95

jam1e

Hmmmmm, 160mm rotors on a dh/alps bike... I'm sure people do it but I wouldn't fancy it :shock:

I'd try and save on the shifters and mechs - there must be loads of LX/deore stuff around for next to nothing as people have upgraded to SLX/XT when their existing stuff is perfectly functional. Then I'd buy some proper brakes.

Obviously if you weigh 8st dripping wet then 160s will probably be ok!

bramstoker

Any idea if the toras will take a poplock?

supersonic

Yep - but will require a new part for the damper and must be a turnkey or 318 version. SOme come with it ready fitted.