[Closed] New bike thread : Time for a small change about.... 29er Spearfish 🙂

FWIW the press fit BB in mine has been fine after a nearly a year although i have been riding the Singlespeed Swift a lot more than the Spearfish. Also i have took the cranks off and wiped out all the seals etc to keep it clean.
Also you can get adapters so you can fit a regular HT11 BB and chainset

Hope you enjoy it

I have to say that I am more than a little curious about these 🙂

The pressfit "thing" is the only deal breaker though.

Whats the build plan?

The PF30 in my Spearfish hasn't been any bother at all for me (that's done it) whereas the BB30 in my Boardman creaked like a bugger to begin with and after sorting it still comes back after about 60 miles or so....

Great bikes, it's the one I'd keep if I could only have one.

SSBoggy, I've got a Swift as well.... 😀

Build plan is most of the stuff from my current Giant XTC29 (which is up for sale in parts in for sale section; )

Hope Pro2 Evo's with Crest
Formula K18 brakes
Fox 32 F100 forks
SLX Crankset
1 x 10 chainset
Some sort of Chain device, will use Superstar XCR for now for testing.
Wellgo B-54's

If your reusing your SLX chainset all you need is one of these and fit your existing BB into it
[url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=71306 ]BB Adapter[/url]

Interesting.... You sure ? lol

It's interesting as i have a spare XTR BB i could then fit. But then again i could sell the XTR, buy a PF BB30 and fit that instead ?

Oooooh decisions decisons

Really interested in these, and now the price has dropped.... damn wish I hadn't opened this thread!

One thing that does put me off is the chainstays are designed to flex... surely after a while (as a serial bike breaker) the alloy will crack?

That's why people invented Warranty 🙂

If it breaks, so be it... lol. Chance you take with all MTb's i think ?

The slx chain set won't fit in a pf30 bb as the axel diameter is different. The adapter I linked too definitely works as I had a xt crank and bb fitted to mine before I got a XO double chainset

> Wanders off to click that button 🙂

Thanks man.

That orange one looks just right

what price have they dropped them to, who are they? ie where are you getting it from?

£630 at Triton Cycles.

£650 at Charlie the bike monger.

I own KTM's too so it simply HAD to be orange over the green 🙂

Bloody hell Thats cheap!!!

and luckily they have no small in stock, phew 🙄

I build an orange one last month and love it. Climbs so well ad does not seem to bob much despite that lack of lock out

Praxis works
Do a pf30 B&B that will work with a 24 mm axle Chainset eg shimano race face etc

£650 you say, hmmmmm

didn't realise it was only 80mm travel

I think it's a spearfish1. Not a 2.

The later ones have more travel and kashima

A mate of mine has a very blinged one he's just finished building up for next year's race season.

I've ridden it round Tesco's car park.

First time I've fallen in love in a Tesco's car park for about 25 years 8)

Pretty sure they are all 80mm rear travel.

There's a small green one in fantastic condition for sale on here and the bay. ;O)

martinxyz - Member
There's a small green one in fantastic condition for sale on here and the bay. ;O)

If yours were a medium, i'd have tried yours instead.

Let the games begin

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Nice! 😀

Cranks are off the Giant and ready to be fitted. I've swapped out to Singlespeed chainring bolts and running just a 32T middle on this bike. Up to now i'm still using a ramped chainring as it's in transition/testing phase, but will swap to a decent 32T Renthal etc if i stick with this config.

So off to the LBS tomorrow morning to get the headset fitted and discuss the BB options. I've bought the BB Adaptor kit from CRC which allows me to run a standard Shimano HT II bottom bracket as i have an XTR BB here unused and spare. However depending on what the LBS mechanic rekons i may just fit a standard Pressfit BB30 bottom bracket.

The Hope headset is all ready to be installed. I have noticed though that my cranks are silver !!!!! Which i'm not exactly happy about so may have to invest in a set of black cranks lol. Then again, a nice set of orange Raceface cranks may have to go on 😉

Nice indeed. Any chance of weighing the bare frame with shock before building it up?

weeksy - i was mega interested in one of these before i opted for a Cotic Solaris. Anyway - the BB thing put me off, but before i made the decision, i was email chatting with one of the techies at Salsa and he sent me some great info on how to build up the bike and do the BB. I have forwarded over the info to your email - it may be some use.

Good luck with the build

is intrigued by half a potato in a plastic bowl.

could we have a live build thread like that student one last week?

is intrigued by half a potato in a plastic bowl

Not a small coconut or avocado skin then?
Nice frame.

no, definetly a plastic bowl.

😆

triton cycles have the horsethief, the spearfish's bigger borther, normal BB woth ISCG tabs, 142x12 rear end, and a kashima rp23 for £809.99

[url] http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/m4b0s251p9206/SALSA_Horsethief_Frame [/url]

anyone want a On-one scandal in 19.5" with a slackset to help fund this???? aaaarrrggghhhhhhh

The half a potato is actually half a Kinder egg of my 4 year old sons.

Sorry Nuke, i don't have anything useful to weigh it with. I'll ask LBS guy tomorrow to do it if he has scales in there.

You could have a live build thread if i wasn't so ugly and also have the attention span of a Goldfish.

It will also be looking not at it's best first build as i'm building with bits fitted to the Giant currently, so will have a Superstar XCR chainguide in BLUE !!!! and a set of Deore cranks in SILVER !!!! neither of which will be staying...
Add to this, a Giant stem, which won't be staying but not purchasing new one until i know the length i want...

I'll also be fitting MUDGUARDS !!!!! so no... no build thread 😉

Steelsreal - Member
triton cycles have the horsethief, the spearfish's bigger borther, normal BB woth ISCG tabs, 142x12 rear end, and a kashima rp23 for £809.99

I was debating that but would have needed to mess about with my Hope rear hub to get that fitted... and it was £200 more...

I'm a happy boy with the Spearfish 🙂

Fantastic value for the Spearfish, they'll sell like hot cakes. Prefer the green colour myself. 😀

I ride KTM's so it was impossible to resist the lure of the Orange 🙂

Love the look of these, especially the orange frame. Am I right in thinking that all these (cheap) ones are the 135 qr rear end?

Yep... well, i say yep, i bloody hope so hahahahaha.

will have a Superstar XCR chainguide in BLUE !!!!

Will look great imo.. orange and a little bit of blue.

Nice frame, I really like the idea of a short-travel 29er like that.

I bought a BB mounted E-13 XCX version last night for a good price on here, so i now have 2 options, seat-tube mount or BB mount as i'm not certain yet how a BB mount will work with the Pressfit BB converters. So open to debate on that....

Sitting here with a frame, HOPE headset, seatpost and a BB/spacers waiting for the LBS to open so he can fit them 'properly' for me instead of with a large hammer 🙂

[i]I'll ask LBS guy tomorrow to do it if he has scales in there.[/i]

Be interesting to know as I saw the review on the MuddyMoles website and their build came in just under 29lb with Crest, Rebas and 1x9 which was heavier than I expected

[img] [/img]

My Fish very very good bike climbs well and goes down even better, sadly had to sell mine, would highly recommend one , the frame is solid and the quality is A1 , maxle back end was very stiff, 25.9lb in the picture, changed out a few parts got it down to 25.66lb with pedals 😀
Rebas had 20mm axles so nice ne stiff 🙂

Jeffus - how do they size up? Are you on an 18"?

Hi yes I was on an 18" medium, they are roomy, I'm 5'9". short stem wide bars , rides really well

Jeffus - where did you get your frame?

Srry, this should really be the completed build thread

Well here's the final pic and final spec (needs a few bits fitting when they arrive)
Salsa Spearfish, size large.
Hope Pro2 Evo with Crests.
Bontrage Mud-x
Formula Mega (rear)
Formula K18 (Front)
Formula rotors
Fox float 32 F100 / 15mm maxle
XTR Bottom bracket mounted in PF converters to standard BB.
Rockshox Monarch
SLX 10 speed shifter
Shimano full lenght gear cable.
Deore cranks running a 32T
SLX cassette 11-36
SRAM generic chain
Superstar XCR-st chainguide
Funn fatboy riser bars
Hope Headset
Ragley stubbing stem
Well B-54 pedals
Giant lock-on grips
Salsa seatclamp
Charge Spoon

To be fitted : SLX shadow+ rear mech. Renthal 32T chainring.

[IMG] [/IMG]

Riding the bike in the street, i'm VERY happy with how it rides... it's a lovely bike/shape/position. However, i've swapped the bars off from this photo to risers due to issues hitting the top-tube of frame with the bottom of shifter. I'll decide on Thurs (working from home) which set of bars i prefer to ride with and set accordingly.

Riding the bike in the street, i'm VERY happy with how it rides... it's a lovely bike/shape/position. However, i've swapped the bars off from this photo to risers due to issues hitting the top-tube of frame with the bottom of shifter. I'll decide on Thurs (working from home) which set of bars i prefer to ride with and set accordingly.

I run my bars low and they hit the top tube on all my bikes, never been a problem (and I crash a lot)

Good to know mate 🙂 thanks. I can base my decision on what position i prefer then instead 🙂

Weeksy how tall are you? I'm so tempted by a Spearfish especially at the reduced price and Charliethebikemonger just 2mins down the road 🙂

6'0 I think they come in a fraction small compared to some, but I do only have a 60mm stem I admit.

Large is only fractioknally bigger than my medium Giant xtc29

I'd have moved the table 🙂

Nice bike mister.

Nice build Weeksy, get out bike-packing on it! Here is mine, im 6ft4 and frame is a Large, tiny bit short but makes it better for long rides.

[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7159082559_31c6e05b32_c.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7159082559_31c6e05b32_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/dickyelsdon/7159082559/ ]Looking down on Gladhouse Reservoir[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/dickyelsdon/ ]dickyelsdon[/url], on Flickr

Looks like large it is then. 🙂

Stato - are those Rebas at 100 or 120?

120s knocked down to 100. Might open them up again and go for 110mm as they dont feel particularly great. Can understand why weeksy was so keen to keep his fox.

Can you go 110? I've got a set and I thought it was 80/100/120?

So today was the Spearfish's debut ride.

So, it was a bit soft on the rear to start, another 30 psi in there and that felt a lot better. Using my rudimentary weighing techniques, the weight came in at 27l, (12.3kg) which is a weight i'm very happy with.

Geometry feels closer to my old Meta rather than the Giant XTC29 which suprised me, i thought it would be VERY XC feeling. However a chunk of the reason for that may be the riser bars and short stem, rather than just the overall riding geometry. However, i don't see this as a bad thing as it breeds and inspires confidence.

Hitting the icy trails is rides smoothly and takes in the bumps with ease, feeling very compliant on the trails. Hard to say how it feels in anger as i wasn't really pushing things, just tootling along and trying things out.

The Formula Mega rear brake is great, really happy with that STW Sales section purchase...

The Superstar XCR chainguide performs silently.... Which is superb 🙂

Overall, i don't see any issues with the bike in the slightest... looking at the rear and front, i need to stiffen both just a smidgen as they're getting a bit too much travel at the moment, but that's a minor thing.

Happily, there's nothing hanging off, broken or flapping about. The cranks running the PF converter to standard BB seems to work like a dream.. so we're all happy.

Final prep before ride at the w'e, fitted the Renthal and chainstay protector and threw a bit of air in the tyres, lined up the brakes... all good to go 🙂

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[IMG] [/IMG]

So, the bike made it's trailcentre debut today...

From the first seconds sitting on it even in the car-park it was superb... the geometry, riding position and the small climbs in the car-park and me and the Spearfish we friends.

It climbs like a mountain goat, eating the trails with ease... showing it's weight (or lack of) on the climbs with superb style. Onto the downhills (Reds and blacks) and the bike is rocking and rolling sweetly... it turns, weaves and changes direction brilliantly. Couple of minor jumps and air time and some switchbacks, berms and sweepers and i'm still feeling the love.

The 1x10 and the new chainring caused me no issues at all. Although there was a climb, short sharp jobbie where an extra tooth would have been nice... but just stepped on the power, pushed the pedals and made it 🙂

I'm still struggling to find this 'rear end flex' i'm honestly bemused as to when i should be feeling it... or the longer chainstay causing a problem... i can't find that either... Add the fact that the thing looking bloody lovely in the flesh... and i'm a very very happy boy.

I'm sitting here trying to think of a downside and for the life of me... i can't.

i wish charlie did 0% finance 😥

Weeksy how do you get on with the mud x,s ? I have a fish with ralphs but the rear clearance is tight.would like abit more traction in the gloop!

Weeksy, I'm really tempted with the Spearfish, but am a bit worried having been used to 5 or 6" bikes, that the rear travel wouldn't be enough. Would you say the 80mm travel is comparable to a 26er with more travel?

The mud x's are brilliant. It was icys y'day and I slipped on climb twice,but then my mate on high rollers informed me he had too. So that stopped my worried. But they're light, grtiipy and still roll well, so I love them.

Comparisons on travel etc are wasted on me sorry. Due to my wheels on ground style of riding even on mountains I am not in a place to comment. I didn't feel under biked at all and the fact the Fish dominated the climbs means I would have allowed for some faults.

Just fitted myself a Shimano Deore rear brake. No matter what i did with the Formula rear there was always a bit of drag, so much so that generally the wheel would only rotate 1 full rotation before coming to a stop. The Shimano was cheap on Merlin, fitted and is LOVELY... wheel spins like a dream now. I'll probably keep the forumla as a spare as 1700mm length brakes are hard to find in emergencies...

Also ordered a 185gr Bontrager carbon seatpost which should arrive today along with a set of 710mm carbon FSA bars, which come in at 230gr. Both of these should give me about 400gr off the overall weight compared to standard. I was debating between going down the Reverb route, but in all honesty a lighter bike would be better than one with a dropper post, add to the fact i picked both items up for very good money so was a lot less cash than the dropper.

Weeksy - now you've had it for a few weeks do you notice the lack of rear travel? I'm torn between a Spearfish or a Spesh Camber Comp.

Thought I had decided on the Spearfish, as I think that will be the lighter build, but I'm not sure 80mm is enough. Not that I'm some sort of air bandit or ride particularly rocky trails, but I'm coming from a 150mm trail bike.

Got a demo on the Spesh over Xmas but can't get one on a Spearfish so any feedback appreciated.

Are you looking at a 26 or 29 Camber?

I replaced my 26" Camber comp & Canyon 29er as the Spearfish was as comfy as the Camber & as fast as the Canyon.

Thought you'd have pulled the trigger by now Kev! Did big ginge mention I'm thinking of selling the 5 spot and getting a Sultan?

Thought I had decided on the Spearfish, as I think that will be the lighter build, but I'm not sure 80mm is enough. Not that I'm some sort of air bandit or ride particularly rocky trails, but I'm coming from a 150mm trail bike.

Having similar dilemma - Spearfish or Horsethief.

Problem for me with the horsethief is the minging colour, can't we get them in black like the yanks?

Kev I confess due to bad weather I've only ridden it the once. Rest of my riding has been gym or road. Even round here though I'm unlikely to be affected due to terrain locally

Jonnystorm - 29er Camber. Already have a 29er ht and thats confused me even more bacause with low pressure it rolls over roots etc with applomb.
Dave - I would have, but been waiting for Whyte to sort my frame, and deliberating over which 29er to replace it with...
Saw on another thread you're thinking of a Sultan? Welcome to try the Camber if you want to hook up over Xmas week.
Weeksy - get out there man; I need feedback! 😉

Kev, I certainly never felt u dear biked at llandegla with it.

weeksy - did you grease your PF30 adaptor?

Clink, I confess I never installed it, I took to my lbs to install headset and he did the BB then too!

Kev, wouldn't mind a go on a Camber but what size have you borrowed? Probably going to be a bit small for me?

Today was the first PROPER XC ride on the Spearfish.

I'm REALLY struggling to find something that isn't brilliant about it. It handles great, rides brilliantly, climbs, descends and cracks along great.

I have had to do something a little bit weird which is to move the rear brake mount in by 1mm-1.3mm by using a spacer, reason is that with the Formula Mega i was getting some rubbing no matter what i tried. I fitted the Shimano rear and it still rubs.. moving the caliper in by 1mm gives it perfect lining up and it's all good.

Did 3 1/2 hours of XC and felt mostly (apart from the thighs) as fresh as a daisy 🙂

How are u finding the monach shock? Does it have lockout etc?

Actually, just googled it, it doesn't 🙁

Rocket, it doesn't have lock out but I don't really notice it (like I do on my camber for example). It's the perfect FS for a facial hair toting swift rider like myself. 😉

It dosnt have lockout but it does have a mild pro-pedal. More than enough with a sensible pressure in the shock, bit bobby if run soft (but you will be hitting the bump-stops a lot if you do that).

Ive just fitted a Fox RP3 to mine, seems a little nicer but you do need that tiny bit of pro-pedal to stop bobbing if out the saddle.