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Mine is Brand X and always had a bit of side to side play. Thought that was normal.
Will see when I install my Fox dropper which is more than double the price at RRP.
Can anyone comment on whether the 29er frames are likely to have clearance for a 650b plus wheel/tyre combo - a WTB 2.8"-er to be specific?
Marley 275, 150m fork @ 30%and a bit sag, very nice 🙂 thanks OP!
If anyone is looking for a Blue Pig in Medium I have one thats one short ride old, its too "progressive" for my winter locals. Its mint and comes with headset and RF Ride 170 cranks, maybe a SLX mech/shifter and Deore MS cassette too, just too nice for a winter beater, probably going to chuck a wide range 10 speed on from the old bike.
@kevin1911 - the gap between the chain stays on my Marley 290 is 3”1/4 just at the point that they curve in, seat stays are similar if that helps?
Can anyone comment on whether the 29er frames are likely to have clearance for a 650b plus wheel/tyre combo – a WTB 2.8″-er to be specific?
Pretty sure it will. The stays curve in but they actually run pretty much parallel where the tyre sits before flaring out and there is plenty of clearance on my 2.4
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The 27.5 frames will easily fit a 2.8 tyre, so I imagine the 29ers will be fine.
I cracked last night and ordered a Marley 1.0 for the boy (using a CC, obvs). How are frame and bike deliveries at the mo?
@dc1988 - did yours turn up yet?
I am fitting a 2.6 (63mm in the real world) on a Big Al if that helps. Plenty of clearance.
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Hopefully the pics above are working.
Ragley BIG AL in size L
RS Revelation 150mm 42mm o/s
DT Swiss M1900 / 2.6 Schwalbe Wicked Wills
Trans X 200mm dropper / Shimano MT500 remote / Charge Spoon saddle
SLX 12 cranks, rear mech and shifter
SRAM GX chain and NX cassette
Nukeproof headset and seat collar
DMR stem and grips
Hollowgram 35mm 800mm carbon bars
TRP Slate 4 brakes + centreline 180mm rotors
12,950g w/o pedals - £1,125 total cost new
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Hopefully the pics above are working.
We need pics.
*edit, now you've added them.
I like the white now I've seen it built - was naturally drawn to the blue, but....
Got one (blue) in my basket now, maybe I'll hit buy, maybe I won't....
Yes I considered the blue but I think I would have got bored of it whereas white is a bit more timeless/classic.
What I have learned from the build:
- praise the lord for the adjustable travel dropper. It was perfect at 170mm when slammed in the Meta HT and is now perfect when slammed at 200mm in the Big Al, which shows how much lower the new frame is. I would have needed a new dropper without the adjustability as I don't like unslammed droppers.
- the frame seems really high quality, perfectly aligned, seemingly good paint, neat welds. The transmission went in and worked perfectly straight away. Chainline bang on 52mm.
- the external cable routing (unlike the Meta) is very well designed and is quite subtle, particularly as I run my brakes continental.
- the clearance on 2.6 is excellent, around 10mm each side of the chain stays, 12mm to the seat stays and 20mm to the back of the seat tube, despite the frame being 2.5 max although the Wicked Wills are not very aggressive but still 63mm wide.
- the forks are a little low rent in action but will be enhanced with the French damper, can't remember the brand.
- SLX chainset plays nicely with the GX chain.
- those cheapo TRP brakes look expensive despite the £70/pair price tag
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Forks already upgraded to very lightly used 36s Rythm at £200. Total cost down to £1,070 courtesy of the accidental profit on the CRC Revelations.
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Help an idiot out, why is there a gap on the tube where it doesn't look like it's welded through? If you know what I mean.
White looks amazing by the way. Tidy build
That to me looks like it's not been welded properly
Possibly a manufacturing defect, is that the bottom of the seat tube?
Its not mine. It looks wrong to me but dont want to say that if there's a reason im missing
Loving the build nick
But that weld does look concerning, hope it's not as it looks
Build looks great and can’t knock the value of the total bike. However that looks like some poor welding on that photo
OMG that weld looks scary. I can't believe I didn't spot it, having inspected it thoroughly. In fact it's the little round black sticker with the frame size seen from the top where the seat tube bends away from the camera. It took me a while to work that out but no bad welds thankfully.
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Ah thank god! Sorry, wasnt trying to rain on your parade at all, just sometimes notice things and wanted to check.
Now enjoy, looks brilliant!
That weld looks awful. I'd not be risking riding it. It's definitely not meant to look like that and thankfully my blue one appears to be welded consistently.
Probably the first time “a sticker” was a good answer on here 😂
Ah thank god! Sorry, wasnt trying to rain on your parade at all, just sometimes notice things and wanted to check.
Now enjoy, looks brilliant!
No, not at all, I am glad you spotted it for my safety and for the best part of a minute I was convinced I had a dodgy frame. I just couldn't fathom what happened! Cheers.
In the offending pic it's also compounded by another weird gap in the weld to the right of the sticker which thankfully doesn't exist either in the real world, just a trick of the light
my blue one appears to be welded consistently.
I also went out and checked my green one after seeing that photo. 🤣
As soon as I get home im checking .. histiera ensuse
I think they will all have that sticker.
Took a punt on a Big Al frame - on CC of course. Let's see if it turns up
Does anyone know where to source a spare hanger? My search is fruitless
This is it, but everywhere seems to be out of stock
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/ragley-mtb-derailleur-hanger-2019-current
This is it, but everywhere seems to be out of stock
Yep
Meant to order one with the frame, forgot, then went looking. Could be an 'Oops' moment when I can no longer get a hanger
Tommy C on it.
Tommy C on it.
But not on cutting gear cables to length. Gnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
Does it it look like any of these!...
https://www.mountainbikecomponents.co.uk/product-category/derailleur-hangers/
Does it it look like any of these!…
No mate, but cheers
Tommy C on it.
That headset installation brought a tear to my eye.
And he's forgot the dropper cable
@TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR
try calling some of the places on here
https://www.ragleybikes.com/pages/find-ragley-retailer
Anyone know the max dropper insertion for a large Big Al?
That headset installation brought a tear to my eye.
Same here. Let's have a whip round and buy him a block of wood?
And possibly a file so he doesn't have to de-burr the top of the fork steerer tube by dragging it across his driveway.
Anyone know the max dropper insertion for a large Big Al?
No but my 170-200mm adjustable travel Trans X fitted just fine slammed which is as well as I needed the full 200mm and I am a compulsive slammer. I am 6ft.
Unless you're after more travel I am pretty sure any 200mm will fit as I doubt my cheapo one is optimised.
In fact if you checked the TransX's inserted length then that would give you a benchmark.
On the other hand if you Google "Trans" and "X" you might end up down a somewhat different rabbit hole...
No but my 170-200mm adjustable travel Trans X fitted just fine slammed which is as well as I needed the full 200mm and I am a compulsive slammer. I am 6ft.
Unless you’re after more travel I am pretty sure any 200mm will fit as I doubt my cheapo one is optimised.
In fact if you checked the TransX’s inserted length then that would give you a benchmark.
On the other hand if you Google “Trans” and “X” you might end up down a somewhat different rabbit hole…
Cheers, just checked and a One Up 210mm has slightly less insertion than a 200mm Trans X - both around 300mm give or take.
And haha
What's the usual timescale atm from placing an order to getting a despatch notice on frames?
Only been 24hrs, so not expecting it just yet, but want to wait until I see they are actually sending the frame, before I order some other bits
Just hit send on most of my build kit for the Big Al
Nukeproof Horizon Pro Wheelset £360
Lyriks £299
Full Nukeproof Horizon/Pro finishing kit inc V2 carbon bars, Sam Hill pedals, stem, headset, seat collar, BB, saddle, grips. £964 all in (inc wheels and forks)
SLX drivetrain (XT shifter), dropper and tyres to get now.
Going to run at around £1600, so nowhere near as cheap as nick's, but will be a nice build for the outlay
want to wait until I see they are actually sending the frame, before I order some other bits
One hour later...
Just hit send on most of my build kit for the Big Al
What’s the usual timescale atm from placing an order to getting a despatch notice on frames?
I think mine was two or three days?
One hour later…
The price of the Lyriks jumped £85 to £385, so guessed they were running low. My basket and checkout price still showed £299.
Could have waited for all the other stuff, but I've got a specific set of stuff and didn't want things to go out of stock - especially the wheels
The Marley complete bike I ordered for my boy on the 24th just turned up via Parcelforce, looks to be amazingly well boxed up. Leaving opening it until he gets back from school, I bloody hope it's the right one!
The Marley complete bike I ordered for my boy on the 24th just turned up
Hooray, we were all rooting for yours to show up after all these pages.
Going to run at around £1600, so nowhere near as cheap as nick’s, but will be a nice build for the outlay
Yes but your spec is higher, I only have Fox Rtythm and they are used, albeit very lightly, I only have the cheapo dropper in 30.9 shimmed up. Plus I am counting the new value of parts that I bought recently at silly prices which are not available anymore, like the £50 SLX crankset in 30t. Plus I am counting the accidental profit out of the revs. Plus my NX cassette is the weight of Lola Ferrari's left boob. And my wheels are a bit entry level, despite the DT Swiss logo...
Yes but your spec is higher, I only have Fox Rtythm and they are used, albeit very lightly, I only have the cheapo dropper in 30.9 shimmed up. Plus I am counting the new value of parts that I bought recently at silly prices which are not available anymore, like the £50 SLX crankset in 30t. Plus I am counting the accidental profit out of the revs. Plus my NX cassette is the weight of Lola Ferrari’s left boob. And my wheels are a bit entry level, despite the DT Swiss logo…
Should hopefully come in quite svelte - the wheelset is only around 1800g
And those hubs 😍
Gone for silver finishing kit to match
Update - frame ordered yesterday, just had despatch notification
Mine's currently built up as a rat bike.
The intention is that as bits wear out, I'll move them over from my full suspension, and then upgrade my full suspension.
The only issue is going to be needing to upgrade at that point to boost forks.
A quick question if I may. It's my first 29er, coming from a 27.5 wheeled META HT.
The stack is now probably 15mm taller from front axle to stem as forks taller of course and despite head tube being shorter.
Is that normal or should I replace the 30mm riser bars that I have transplanted from the Meta by lower rise bars to offset, even partially?
Gorgeous hub TAFKASTR! My wheels are 2050g, but an incredible £165 for the set.
Late to the party, but just pushed the button on a white Big Al just need all the other bits now! Don’t really need it but I’ve never had a hard tail so why not.
Cheers Kramer. It makes sense! I won't ride it properly until spring although I might have a go when I have finally found the courage to cut my rear hose and connect it to the lever😀.
@ljarch I haven’t had a hardtail for 15 years. I am now regretting that decision.
My last hardtail was quite boring. I can’t believe how much fun they are now with longer travel and modern geometry.
Almost the opposite for me I only ever had hardtails over the past 30 years that I have been mtbing. And then I thought why not and got a Foxy R carbon and then a Decoy 29. I really loved both but ultimately, because I am a one bike person, I had to go back to a HT.
They've become an in-between a short travel trail bike and an old school HT now, particularly with a decent fork and 2.6 if not 2.8 tyres.
And they're cheap to build and maintain as a bonus.
I’m really looking forwards to finding out they sound great fun. I’ll have to be a little patient though while I get everything together. Not sure which fork to go for will be keeping an eye out for any bargains over the coming weeks.
I was lucky to buy a very lightly used 36 Rythm for £200 locally as the guy didn't want to ship it but I would still consider one at £250 or £325 new on Merlin if you have a loyalty discount.
So what rear tyres are people running on these? Need one for my new big al as I'm wondering if my usual choice might rattle my teeth out!
Don't mind something a bit draggy if it's comfier, am used to big Betty's on my full sus.
Not sure which fork to go for will be keeping an eye out for any bargains over the coming weeks.
I bagged some Lyriks for £299 off CRC. Everyone will tell you they are shit without the latest damper and buttercups, but had a similar spec Lyrik (27.5) on my ebike before I went with Fox 38's and they were really good forks
Those £299 Lyrics are a brilliant choice too. I had some 2018 Lyrics and even that was fantastic.
So what rear tyres are people running on these? Need one for my new big al as I’m wondering if my usual choice might rattle my teeth out!
Don’t mind something a bit draggy if it’s comfier, am used to big Betty’s on my full sus
I have moved away from draggy tyres now even on aggressive HT. I find that the grip benefits are not worth it for me. I don't ride in the wet much mind you so I fitter Wicked Wills but in 2.6 for comfort, front and back. They fit the rear nicely with plenty of clearance. They yield 63mm width, which is plenty.
Only problem is that they are not TL ready even though they came up nicely, don't lose air and seem to have a strong bead interface. If I stop posting, it's pretty clear what has happened to me though.
@ehrob I’ve got a 2.4 DHR Exo + on the back, same in 2.6 on the front, because that’s what I had hanging round in my garage. Rides fine. I’ll put something less draggy on when it wears out. The frame is pretty forgiving.
I'm going for Hutchinson Griffus (pic is on a Canfield), got some good feedback on here when I asked. Just hope they suit my build. 2.4 rear, 2.5 front
The Marley was superbly packaged, probably only topped by Canyons boxes. Literally slid it out of the box, removed the comprehensive foam tubes taped everywhere, with masking tape so no residue, turned the bars and it's ready to go (although obviously I couldn't resist a bit of tinkering with silver ano, etc) . The bike itself is so nice, the paint is mint, it just looks right. I might even bother to try and upload a photo.
Based on this if you're thinking of one and can pay with a CC I'd give it a punt. The Marley is a proper bargain at £800
^^ forget the description, how excited was your son??
Dancing with glee excited! Straight out on it after school, lucky kid. I am defo nicking it for a rag when it's a bit drier
My insurance came through to replace nicked bikes so we got three new bikes in four days, it's like (the best ever) Christmas around here. And yes my security has been upgraded about 1000%....
Dancing with glee excited! Straight out on it after school, lucky kid. I am defo nicking it for a rag when it’s a bit drier
^^this is ace
Well, a load of bits have arrived earlier than expected. 4 big boxes landed 5 minutes before I had to leave for football 😬
I assume you have therefore cancelled football...
Anyone fitting frame protection?
Lol, no
Lol, no
Think Kramer might have been, earlier in the thread, but don't know if it happened
*edit - it was mac89
What's wrong with £10 worth of Heli tape or the likes strategically placed on the frame?
I’ve put some rubbing tape on the headtube to stop cables rubbing, but that’s all.
Cashflow’s tight for me at the moment, and the point of this bike has been to make a cheap winter bike.
From experience a few patches of helitape don’t make much difference and look worse than a patina’d frame.
I will be fitting some Gusset tape on the top tube. When i stop on the bike, i tend to stand astride the bike and drape one inner thigh on the top tube.
If my shorts are dirty or gritty, it really abrades the gloss surface and makes it look scruffy very quickly. Some tape over the top tube def stops this. Also some screwfix self amalgamating tape wrapped around the DS chain stay
Ian
More stupid questions I'm afraid. There'll be a few this week 🤣
For those with TRP brakes, they come with a P23 mount. Fine for the Lyriks (180 standard) with a 203 rotor.
What have you fitted at the back? +23 with a 180 rotor, or bought another mount? Can't see any 183 rotors apart from Hope, but guess that's an (expensive) option