jason
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Posts: 88
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Post by jason on Sept 14, 2007 19:07:27 GMT 8
are there enough SS 29er components available locally for us to build a bike from scratch? aside from availability, are there enough brands/variety/choices to choose from? approximately how much do you guys think it would cost to build one up? also looked at the jamis exile 29er which sells for P38,000 (list price at sabak) but as the other thread mentioned, parts to upgrade are the hubs and the hayes sole hydraulics. i prefer having shimano clipless pedals (vs the stock eggbeater c's), avid bb7 mechs for lesser maintenance, and less porky cockpit parts (than the stock ea30 stem, handlebar, seatpost). since i currently have 2 giants already (nrs and xtc) i wish giant made 29ers. hehehe my ideal (if it's not too painful on the wallet) components are: surly karate monkey frameset (frame and rigid fork) in white or brown american classic mtb disc 29 (so that it'll be light) on one mary bar (for that retro look) what other brands are worth looking into? voodoo, trek, gary fisher... hope the 29er market develops here so that more choices would be available to us without having to import the stuff.
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Post by baboinsky on Sept 14, 2007 19:38:19 GMT 8
My Surly KM was built way under the value of the Jamis Exile. Got the used frame of Agu (32x18) really cheap. I just settled for second hand parts and did a little spring cleaning in our bodega to look for other parts that I needed. In terms of the rims and tires, I ordered at Ross Bike Shop and they forwarded my order through their supplier (YKK Bikes). I took a month for the rims and tires to be delivered by the way (2k each for the WTB Dual Duty and 1.5k each for the WTB Nano Raptor Race Tires). I'd say go for building the KM instead of the Jamis Exile. Ykk Bikes naman brings in surly stuff so you can order it. The Karate Monkey frame with fork costs around 500 US Dollars. You'll end up spending a little more than 38k, but you get all the parts you want.
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jason
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Posts: 88
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Post by jason on Sept 14, 2007 22:52:28 GMT 8
sir manitou mentioned to me (thru pm) that for 29ers one would have to get the next smaller sized frame. he's 5'10" but uses a jamis exile 29er size 17". i'm 5'6" and my nrs is a size small 16.5" and my xtc is a size small also 17", both with 90mm stem btw.
what 29 frame size should i look for in this case? sir baboinsky, what's your karate monkey frame size and what's your height if you don't mind. for sizing reference only. thanks!
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Post by 32by18 on Sept 14, 2007 23:17:10 GMT 8
Hi Jason
The only 29er-specific parts would be tires, tubes and rims (of course Mary bars etc - but these aren;t for 29ers only). And front suspension if you are inclined to go that way. 2008 will see more options for us 29er riders. I do hope distributors here start bringing in the good stuff.
Early last year when I decided to try out 29ers, I had to order the Karate Monkey, my rims, tubes and tires via Hong Kong, since YKK didn;t have the Surly distributorship then.
You can check out the geometry charts of Salsa, Surly, Voodoo and other manufacturers and compare them to your NRS.
Take note of the EFFECTIVE top tube length first, followed by sweat tube length, since most of the smaller frames have sloping top tubes.
Another thing to consider is HOW manufacturers measure their frames. My Karate Monkey (now Baboinsky's) was a size 16, measured center to center, but effectively it's like closer to a 17 or 17.5.
Before purchasing my Voodoo Dambala I compared the geometries and decided that indeed, a 17 would fit me better - I prefer a more stretched out position so the longer effective top tube worked for me.
As for the Jamis, my brad measures 5'7" and rides a 17.
I'd gladly have you take a spin on my Voodoo. Just PM me. I'll be riding Maarat tomorrow with King and Vic P., if you're in the area.
Or maybe we can organize a 29er ride, where curious riders can try out Manitou, Baboinsky, and my bikes (maybe even NVP's On-One Inbred as well).
If there's a market for 29ers here, distributors and bike shops will take notice.
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Post by baboinsky on Sept 14, 2007 23:23:48 GMT 8
I'm 6'1 with a 32 inch inseam and I'm using a Medium or a size 18 KM. I'm used to 19-21 frames so I was a bit concerned on building a Medium sized frame. When I tried it out it felt just right with around an inch and a half allowance for the family jewels (standover height). By the way, I'm using a 100mm 5 degree rise stem.
OT: after getting used to a 29er the regular 26 wheels looks small (awkward) already ;d Comtemplating on selling my 26 and getting a 29er geared bike.
Big wheels keep on turning! hehehe
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Post by baboinsky on Sept 14, 2007 23:26:43 GMT 8
Hi Jason Another thing to consider is HOW manufacturers measure their frames. My Karate Monkey (now Baboinsky's) was a size 16, measured center to center, but effectively it's like closer to a 17 or 17.5. Didn't know that I was using a Small! LOL anyhoo as long as it works, i'm fine by it. ;D
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jason
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Posts: 88
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Post by jason on Sept 14, 2007 23:37:06 GMT 8
okey, will take your advise (more reading on geometry first!). glad to know there are ss 29er gurus here with real world (and real gear) experience. test riding your 29er's a generous offer. thanks for that! pero slow by slow muna. hehe *btw, what's your height sir? i guess steel is the way to go. steel + ss + 29er + full rigid = 4 things my 2 bikes aren't already. yebah!
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jason
Urban Assaulter
Posts: 88
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Post by jason on Sept 14, 2007 23:42:23 GMT 8
so which is which? ---> "I'm using a Medium or a size 18 KM" or "Didn't know that I was using a Small! (16)" hehehe
after finding out that you're riding a small sized KM, maybe somehow you'd feel uncomfortable and would want a real medium sized KM... in that case maybe you'd want to sell your small white KM to me cheap! hahaha
thanks for the replies guys, appreciate it.
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Post by 32by18 on Sept 15, 2007 20:45:02 GMT 8
Jason and PA - it's a 16, albeit a big 16 (close to 17 in fact)
Jason - I'm 5'8" thereabouts.
Guys, next year MOST major manufacturers will have at least one 29er in their stables (SS, geared, or full-sus even)...Giant and Merida haven't commited yet, but Specialized, Haro, Raleigh, GT, Cannondale, etc are in.
Hopefully we'll see these bikes (and parts!) in local bike shops soon!
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Post by 32by18 on Sept 15, 2007 20:47:18 GMT 8
Got the used frame of Agu (32x18) really cheap. HAHA! It's only now that I've noticed you posted this! hehehe Glad you like the frame (and the plice) hehe
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Post by baboinsky on Sept 15, 2007 20:51:19 GMT 8
Measured it today and it's 17 (center to center) and 17.5 for the entire seat tube.
Jason: I don't feel uncomfortable on it naman. so selling it hasn't crossed my mind (selling my bullit perhaps hehehe). I love this bike too much. ;D
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Post by fattire on Sept 15, 2007 22:23:04 GMT 8
hi agu my name is owen i was one of the first guys who tried your KM i went for a spin inside allterra you were hauling your ti bike sans wheels (where's the frame now?) i will introduce myself again later and ask you about your Dambala boss P.A. congrats on that KM
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Post by 32by18 on Sept 15, 2007 22:44:29 GMT 8
Hi Owen! Yes I remember of course! and we chatted quite a bit before the Tour of the Fireflies as well. Edmund bought my Ti bike Feel free to quiz me about the Dambala, or 29ers, or SSing in general! Would gladly let you try the Dambala too
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