Toasts New Wheels

toastedone

This is my boxfresh 2011 rockhopper, I will be adding/removing bits here and there and will update as I do.

Spec

Frame:
Specialized M4SL fully manipulated alloy frame, fully butted, integrated Head Tube, forged dropouts with replaceable derailleur hanger, disc only
Fork:
SR Suntour SF11-XCR-DS-26-LO-SP, 80mm, 1 piece alloy lower, 30mm steel stanchions, hydraulic damping with mic-tuned spike valve and lockout
Front Derailleur:
Shimano Alivio, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull
Rear Derailleur:
Shimano Deore 9 speed Shadow Long cage
Number of Gears:
27
Shifters:
Shimano SL-M590 Deore trigger
Chainset:
Shimano FC-M430-8, Octalink spline
Chainrings:
44 x 32 x 22
Bottom Bracket:
Shimano BB-ES25, Octalink spline, cartridge bearing, 68mm x 118mm
Cassette:
Shimano HG50, 9-speed, 11-34
Chain:
KMC X9, 9-speed, with reusable Missing Link
Pedals:
Alloy 1 piece body and cage, reflector kit, 9/16"
Front Brake:
Shimano BR-M505 hydraulic disc brake, dual piston, 160mm rotor
Rear Brake:
Shimano BR-M505 hydraulic disc brake, dual piston, 160mm rotor
Brake Levers:
Shimano BR-M505 hydraulic
Handlebars:
Butted alloy riserbar, 25mm rise, 8 degree back sweep, 6 degree up
Stem:
3D forged alloy, 7 degree rise, 31.8mm clamp
Headset:
Integrated 1 1/8" threadless, Campy type full cartridge bearings
Grips:
Specialized Enduro, dual compound Kraton, no flange, 131mm
Rims:
Alex RHD 26", alloy double wall, pinned with eyelets
Front Hub:
Forged alloy, hi/low flange, double sealed, ground race, machined disc mount and flange, Quick Release, 28 hole
Rear Hub:
Forged alloy, mid flange, double sealed, ground race, machined disc mount and flanges, cassette, Quick Release, 32 hole
Spokes:
2mm (14g) stainless
Front Tyre:
Specialized The Captain Sport, 26x2.0", 60TPI, wire bead
Rear Tyre:
Specialized The Captain Sport, 26x2.0", 60TPI, wire bead
Tubes:
Presta valve
Saddle:
Specialized Rockhopper XC, Body Geometry, 143mm width, front and rear bumpers
Seatpost:
Alloy two bolt, 12.5mm offset, micro adjust, 30.9mm
Seat Binder:
Forged alloy Quick Release, brass washer
Extra Features:
Chain stay protector, reflectors, clear coat

toastedone

First things first, there goes them wheel reflectors

Frodo1095

Nice looking ride, always liked Specialized bikes

stubs

Bikes with red spoke nipples go faster. FACT

toastedone

stubs wrote:

Bikes with red spoke nipples go faster. FACT

That is exactly what the shop told me when they sold me it

toastedone

I have now added DMR V8's, white front and rear crud-cathers and Odi ruffian lock-on grips, I will post some more pics when my GF returns with my camera.

toastedone

Some updated pics, All i have added since the first pics are A set of crudcathers, some odi ruffian lock on grips, a spesh chainstay protector and some Dmr V8's

lillywhite79

Nice looking bike you got there mate, enjoy it

toastedone

I am gonna lose the crud's, but i am maybe looking at changing the tyres, currently i have spesh the captains on but have been looking at nobbly nics, what tyre would be better?

dc71

I think the Captains on your model are the sport version, in which case the On-one half price N.Nics would shave almost half a kilo of rotating weight for 35 quid, which would be a great upgrade.

toastedone

dc71 wrote:

I think the Captains on your model are the sport version, in which case the On-one half price N.Nics would shave almost half a kilo of rotating weight for 35 quid, which would be a great upgrade.

do you have a link for them please?

stubs

toastedone wrote:

do you have a link for them please?

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/TYSCNICEVO/schwalbe-nobby-nic-evo-folding-tyre

dc71

Apologies, being outside the UK I get the price excl. VAT so I quoted a bit cheaper. Still a great deal though!

john1000000boy

I run Continental Rubber Queens on my Rockhopper Pro they are a fast, light tyre with an aggressive tread that rolls nicely too. They are the soft compound version but have lasted very well! Love the bike. Not 100% with specs colours for this year though

fivethirtyonepm

toastedone wrote:

stubs wrote:

Bikes with red spoke nipples go faster. FACT

That is exactly what the shop told me when they sold me it

until such time as they need attention and the alloy nipples have seized up totally so break... i desperately wanted red nipples on my wheels (red hope hubs with white crest rims), but in the interests of longevity i opted for dull brass jobbies... i just hope i get the last laugh though.

toastedone

Thanks for the tyre advice guys, My overall plan is to upgrade items on the bike as things wear, Is my bike worthy of doing expensive upgrade i.e forks, brakes ect ect ect, or would I be better keeping the cash i would spend on upgrades to put toward a better bike?

Briggo

Im guessing you ride constantly standing up with the angle those brake levers are at.

toastedone

No not really, i stand and sit and have never had a problem with the brakes, whats wrong with the angle?

getonyourbike

Briggo wrote:

Im guessing you ride constantly standing up with the angle those brake levers are at.

+1

toastedone

+1? explanation please?

getonyourbike

+1 means I agree, basically. Your wrists will be at strange angles with the levers like that and it can cause discomfort and the wrist also isn't as strong when in that position. The angle of your braking finger should basically be inline with your forearm.

Briggo

Aye, ideally the brake levers should be inline with your forearm for the position your in for the majority of the time.

So if you're an aggresive rider and in the attack position most then position them accordingly and same if you're sitting down most of the time.

Basically as GOYB said, it increases strength (usually things are stronger if they're straight) in your hands by being inline with your forearms, comfort is another factor and overally you wont be stretching as much to reach the levers. So imagine if you placed a ruler on your forearm, the top of your hand would be at the same level as that when on the brakes.

Have a play, I was surprised how much better for me it felt being inline.

toastedone

tbh i find it comfortable as it is, sitting and standing, I have never noticed any discomfort from them the way they are they kinda feel right to me.

Thanks for your advice Briggo I may move them and see if it makes any difference.

@getonyourbike, after being on the tinternet for 10 years i know what +1 means i was being sarcastic.

getonyourbike

toastedone wrote:

@getonyourbike, after being on the tinternet for 10 years i know what +1 means i was being sarcastic.

Well how am I meant to know. I don't stalk unlike some on here. (not mentioning any names ) The bike's looking good too

LAUNCH69

Nice bike,
I have a 2008 rockhopper and it upgrades quite well!
Upgrades so far:
Easton alu Haven Bar - much better control
Superstar Nano Tech Flat pedals - Great grip, feel and the ability to dab!
Hope Evo Hubs with flow rims - good wheels, able to deal with clumsy riding and ambitions . . .
Hope Mono Minis - Had v brakes, nuff said.
Kenda Nevegal Stick'e' on front 2.35 - grips and adds cushioning
Maxxis Ardent exo 2.25 on rear - grips, cushions and rolls well.

The above have allowed me to push a bit harder and enjoy chasing my mates on far bigger hitting bikes.
Hope you enjoy your upgrading!

toastedone

Thanks for the advice launch, I just spent a bit of cash on myself before i spend any more on the bike, I bought myself some protective gear..

I bought the following

Camalbak HAWG

661 comp gloves

661 evo elbow pads

661 kyle strait knee pads

some bolle saftey glasses

and some 661 wrist supports as i have week wrists.

I think being a n00b the protective stuff is important I dont want to be put of after a nasty bail and bails are inevitable so i would rather be prepared, i may look like a guy with all the gear and no idea but i would rather be safe than sorry and wearing the stuff will give me more confidence in riding that little harder.

As I spend 700 on the bike, My plan is to run components into the ground and replace as i go as as far as i am aware the frame is a good frame worthy of upgrading.

chainslapp

The angle of your brake levers is very steep, suggesting that this would be the preference of someone that spends more time out of the saddle, standing. A lot of people go for a lesser angle as a compromise to allow for easier access to the brakes when seated.

LAUNCH69

Protection is a no brainer for me.
I work in a gym and lead the running club there. My 661 evo kneepads are there to keep me in a job!

toastedone

chainslapp wrote:

The angle of your brake levers is very steep, suggesting that this would be the preference of someone that spends more time out of the saddle, standing. A lot of people go for a lesser angle as a compromise to allow for easier access to the brakes when seated.

yeah that has been mentioned before i am going to try differnt angles tomorrow to see what suits me best.

getonyourbike

It's well worth spending some cash on the kit you wear aswell as what you ride. Good choice. Gloves, kneepads and a decent AM lid (lots of coverage on the back of the head) are all necessities for me now. Then I have a full face for downhill aswell, I mgiht get some elbow pads.

I don't think protective gear makes you look like the 'guy with all the gear, no idea'. It makes perfect sense, even for the best riders.

toastedone

I currently have a spesh tactic helmet