What would you do with this Frame? 1st Build...

Bigpapapowell

I've been riding around on an old Specialized Hardrock sport (02'i think)

But decided the next best step would be to build a bike from scratch, allowing me to learn and understand my bike as oppose to buying a fully built bike.
I dont earn much so its going to be a slow and steady build, but my question for you is what would you do with this frame?

Specialized Epic Comp (03'I think) Rear shock was serviced 6 months ago, Purchased from a friend at 200gbp

The Northern Monkey

Strip it completely and renew all the bearings.

andrewjoseph

Are you asking what components to put on it for certain types of riding, or what jobs to do?

I agree that all rear swing arm bearings need to be replaced, possibly headset as well.

What components to put on will depend on budget, riding style and intended use.

I would look for robust parts as opposed to lightweight, (coil forks/shock not air). I prefer to ride my bike and not be fixing it all the time. But if you are a light person with a fluid, graceful style, then lighter components may do fine.

The Northern Monkey

andrewjoseph wrote:

Are you asking what components to put on it for certain types of riding, or what jobs to do?

I agree that all rear swing arm bearings need to be replaced, possibly headset as well.

What components to put on will depend on budget, riding style and intended use.

I would look for robust parts as opposed to lightweight, (coil forks/shock not air). I prefer to ride my bike and not be fixing it all the time. But if you are a light person with a fluid, graceful style, then lighter components may do fine.

Thats a fair bit of arse right there.

Light air forks would suit the frame regardless of rider weight. Actually, air forks are easier to set up for heavier riders.

Fox actually recommend that the damper is serviced on their coil forks 100 hours before the air dampers/springs on their air forks.

And the fox coil forks need the oil changing and bushes checking every 30 hours where as the air forks is every 100 hours.

andrewjoseph

The Northern Monkey:

I'm not disputing what fox recommends, or even rockshox. I am stating my preference.

I have had Fox air forks and air shocks break on me mid ride. This has never happened with any coil shock/fork.

I doubt many people have their forks/shock serviced as per manufacturers recommendations, it costs too much.

My coil recons are about 5 year old, with one service last year, the second hand vanilla coil I had on the same frame had a TF tuned service 4 years ago, with nothing in between.

Before the Recons I had a set of Fox adjustable, they needed servicing every year because they would start losing air, this meant at least £80 a time at mojo, plus parts. At one point I had to pay for new stanchions as scratches were leaking air, cost £300 for repairs to a £400 set of forks. I sold them and bought £250 recons and have since spent £35 on one service.

I went through several cheap air can rear shocks, then bought Fox. I nearly had to stop riding at Mountain Mayhem 07 because they stuck down half way through a lap, an air seal had failed. Fox put new seals in for me at the event, they lasted a year and then failed again.

I prefer coil, in my experience, they are more robust and also cheaper.

diy

Don't waste money on Spesh bearing kits just look up the model in the manual and replace with a quality branded bearing instead. could save you 20-30 quid easy.

I would build it up as an XC-trail bike with sturdy XC parts rather than AM parts.

100ml travel fronts in solo air or dual air if you can (tora - reba)

I certainly wouldn't build it up as an AM machine.

supersonic

Coil forks are a little more robust, but not to the extent it should stop you buying an air fork! And air is certainly not just about lightweight kit, you get air DH forks. I really do have to disgaree with you here:

I would look for robust parts as opposed to lightweight, (coil forks/shock not air)

andrewjoseph

I don't mind people disagreeing with me, saying I'm talking rubbish is another thing though.

As I said, my experience certainly led me to buy coil forks and shock. I have an air shock on my new frame now, but would like to replace it with a coil as soon as I can afford it.

As an mtb instructor and guide, I can't afford two mountain bikes for when one is not roadworthy, and it is the air suspension that has let me down more than any other part on the bike. (apart from the front shock bearing on my whyte jw 2 and 4 :shock: 0

But, this is all just my opinion.

supersonic

Things are much better today though ;-). The air seals on a modern fork last a very long time. Also as the air spring is a cartridge in many forks sealed with easily replaced o rings, stanchion damage makes no difference. I think you have just been unlucky lol. You can protect rear shocks (or stanchions) if you wish, and given that 95% of mid to high end bikes are air, I would buy with confidence if I was the OP ;-)

Bigpapapowell

OK, SO......Thanks for all the input,
I'm really wanting to get an opinion on what kit I should add to the frame, I'm fairly new to Mountain biking and living near Aberystwyth, have mainly been riding red trails, but my desire is to mix trail with some longer XC riding.

How much would it cost to replace the bearings?!

I'm wanting to build with Brakes and gear Shifters/mechs first followed by front forks,

Firstly Brakes, reckon either Avid Juicy 3's, Clarks S2's or i've just been recommended Hopes, can anyone point towards a model that aint going to cost to much?

As far as Gears, I looked into XT but then realised spending a few more pennies will get me XTR's...

Forks, I'm open to suggestions but I think the Darts i've currently got will be serving me for a while until i get the pennies together.....

I'm open to hearing what everyone thinks,

supersonic

What is your budget? For example can get a full Deore groupset with wheels for £324:

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop ... s_2200.htm

Or try Activesports.de for good deals on SLX and above.

I would replace the forks - they are heavier than the frame!

Your bars and seatpost look trashed - try Exotic carbon for good finishing kit.

leaflite

^ + 1. That groupset includes the excellent deore 595 brakes and some very nice wheels too.

andrewjoseph

Dunno much about wheels, I like hope hubs, headsets and brakes, not had a major problem with them in 10 years.

My preference is sram shifters and mechs. X7 is good, middle of the range, spec.

and a brooks b17 narrow saddle

diy

I would definately buy a group set if you can - you'll make savings that you cannot make buying parts on their own unless you go used.

Bearings : £1 - £3 depending on the size. You can spend more, but most of those bearing wear out because they don't move much.