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Decided last year to build up a little hardtail after finding a frame really really cheap on eBay (won it for £12). Decided to build it up with the type of parts that were really good the last time I stopped biking for a while in my youth. So it's got what I think are '99 Marzocchi Bomber Z1's, Magura hs33's and wheels built up around Magic D521 rims.
I've got a new handlebar and stem to replace the really old ones that came with the frame (25mm diameter bar and kore stem) but I decided the gears could be less retro - 1x10 with a race face triple crank, 32t oval chainring and the old x9 derailleur from my main full suss bike. 11-36 cassette from that bike too.
Aside from the main bits all the other bits are fairly new. Tyres I wanted something that would roll ok on the road, but be ok for hard dirt - like say the local pump track. So fairly cheap and cheerful - don't really need to be that good.
Took it out for a road ride today - can't off road bike until at least Feb really unfortunately. Really enjoyed myself though - haven't ridden a hardtail in years and it felt so quick.
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That looks a hoot....the kind of do 90% of things at 90% speed and 90% comfort - and have you giggling for the remainder 10% as you are waaaay out having fun.
It seemed fun - going to be my commuter and play bike for a while I think. Might not see proper trails - although might try it at Ashton Court next year as it's pretty flat / tame there. I feel a bit over biked there normally with 150mm/130mm travel on the full suss.
Would quite like to re-learn to wheely, back hop and a bit of hopping on benches etc with this bike. Rear magura needs some work though to get the lever firm enough.
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Also going to swap out the 32t oval chainring for a 34t round one I've just put on the full suss (also now 1x10) as I'd like a bit more commute top end speed. Figure the 32t will give me more help at Cwmcarn next time I can take the fs there.
Changed the stem for a 70mm one instead of the 60mm ish one and the handlebar to a 700mm one from 680mm (think with more sweep and uplift). Both parts I had spare from upgrading my fs to 50mm and 780mm respectively. Hardtail instantly feels better - especially when stood up.
Really need to re-bleed the back magura and rebuild the bombers next. Although just spending time riding it at the moment.
Update on this bike.
Now got Deore discs front and rear which combined were a bargain £30 delivered from eBay. Brand new and boxed, but old stock so they aren't the current version and have very retro looking rotors.
Frame hasn't got a disc mount so using a tensile solutions rear disc brake mount that has antorque arm to the brake stud and then is held on via the quick release lever and another small screw into the dropout.
Thought it have a go at weighing it with some luggage scales - appears to be between 28 and 29 lbs. Iy has a fairly light frame but everything else is probably quite heavy. D521 Mavic rims / the Bomber Z1's / Rsp plummet dropper etc etc.
Forgot to mention it also got a wider handlebar from my FS bike and a slightly longer stem. Rides much nicer now. Just got to finish setting up the dropper and service the forks.
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