What to build next?

[Carbon_Dude]

That's a good plan bxcc, she should like the 650B+ wheelset.  I'd like to build one of starting with the frame, maybe they have some close out pricing on a Large Hightower frame, I could go that route as well.

[bxcc]

We didn't get a chance to demo one so I hope it all works out. We did take a Transition Smuggler out for a good day of riding and the geo is pretty close to the TB3. I'm a fan of the new short travel slack head angle bikes and it should suit her quite well. She is also a huge fan of my 29+ hardtail so that is sort of why we chose to go the 29er route. If she wants a plus bike, she can take the 29+.

[Carbon_Dude]

Well, the CS-057 is officially sold.  I swapped out the XX1 drivetrain from the 057 with the GX drivetrain from my Trek Stache as the buyer asked if I could reduce the price.  I was thinking of doing the swap and putting the XX1 drivetrain on the Stache anyway to make the price of the -057 more attractive to a buyer, anything to help sell a bike I no longer like to ride.  So now my Stache 7 is better equipped (mostly) than the Stache 9 that Trek sells.

I've not come across a full suspension Chinese frame that is making me want to build a new bike just yet.  The only frame from XMcarbonspeed.com is selling that I was interested in didn't have quite the geometry I wanted.  I will keep searching though, the Chinese carbon is such a good deal that it's hard to buy a branded carbon frame these days.  I don't want to build a fat bike, however, I am considering a 27.5+ FS of some kind, maybe.

[SportingGoods]

I'm with you Carbon_Dude. I have reviewed all 27.5+ FS Chiner frames and none fits my need. The closer was the CS-M04 but travel is a bit too short. 120mm would have been ideal...
The CS-496 buys me time to find my ultimate bike (a FS). And I'll use this 496 to jump into 1x. No choice anyway!
Eagle is finally available here in France, I found a "good" deal, but that's not good enough. Still >800€ for the drivetrain (w/o crankset). Too much. I've started to order a mix of GX, X1, X01 and XX1. That way I manage to get  a weight in between X01 and XX1 for a cost below 400€. I found a GX shifter for 24€, amazing (the only GX part of my mix because it's cheap w/o real downside).
I plan on a 30T chainring which is really tough for my trails, but if it doesn't do it I have to buy a new crankset (Currently shimano XT 104mm cranks, 30T minimum). I think I just need to harden to the fuck up

[Carbon_Dude]

I'm with you Carbon_Dude. I have reviewed all 27.5+ FS Chiner frames and none fits my need. The closer was the CS-M04 but travel is a bit too short. 120mm would have been ideal...
The CS-496 buys me time to find my ultimate bike (a FS). And I'll use this 496 to jump into 1x. No choice anyway!
Eagle is finally available here in France, I found a "good" deal, but that's not good enough. Still >800€ for the drivetrain (w/o crankset). Too much. I've started to order a mix of GX, X1, X01 and XX1. That way I manage to get  a weight in between X01 and XX1 for a cost below 400€. I found a GX shifter for 24€, amazing (the only GX part of my mix because it's cheap w/o real downside).
I plan on a 30T chainring which is really tough for my trails, but if it doesn't do it I have to buy a new crankset (Currently shimano XT 104mm cranks, 30T minimum). I think I just need to harden to the fuck up

When I installed the GX drivetrain on the 057, it didn't shift as well as it did on my Stache.  It climbs the cassette just fine but doesn't drop down the cassette as smoothly.  I checked the derailleur alignment, hi/low stops, b-screw tension, etc.  I also ordered the correct, non-boost spacing, chainring to make sure the chain line is correct.  My only thought is maybe the chain length is too short which doesn't make any sense since the chain, distance between crank and axle, and gearing is the same as before.

I may need to check with my friend at the LBS and see what he suggests.

Now that the XX1 is on the Stache, with a new SRAM Eagle 30T ring  , the smoothness of the XX1 setup over the GX is very noticeable.  The trigger shift lever is in a better position, shifting is a little more crisp, and the lighter carbon cranks are more energy efficient.  I'd love to ride a new bike with an XX1 Eagle 1x12 setup to compare the latest of what SRAM has to offer.

[SportingGoods]

I thought I would share my 1x spreadsheet. It covers weight (and cost in France) of all SRAM 1x options + Shimano XT 1x + SRAM 1x12

My selection is the first column, based on cost and weight. I still plan on sub-400€, waiting for some discounts



By optimizing the selection within GX, X1, X01 and XX1 you can get a cost <X1 for a weight between X01 an XX1. This also shows how cheap Shimano is, and how expensive Eagle is

BIG EDIT: My god... I was working on updating the spreadsheet above when I noticed that prices had move a lot. GX and X1 cheaper, X01 and XX1 more expensive. But I also ran into crazy prices for Eagle. I JUST BOUGHT EAGLE!! See yourself

[carbonazza]

Where did you get that Eagle price? I'm scouting too 

[Carbon_Dude]

The buyer of my -057 came back over today and I resolved the GX shifting issue by adding two links to the chain.   Seems the chain tension was just a bit high and the bike just didn't want to shift in the middle cogs.  The new owner was really happy with the bike now that it's working perfectly.  I got one more last chance to ride the -057, and again thought I was just sitting to high on the bike for my liking.  Funny how when you move on to something new, what you had just feels wrong.  I guess my tastes have changed quite a bit since 3 years ago when I built the bike.

So, I'm shopping around for a full suspension plus bike and found a deal on a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Carbon 6Fattie (that's a mouthful).  The LBS near me is selling the bike for $3,100 which is $1,400 off the retail price.  Seems Specialized manufactured way more of these 2016 6Fattie Stumpy's than they sold so they are running some hefty discounts.  I think Specialized expected the 27.5+ wheel size to catch on even more than it has.  They have plenty of Large (white) bikes in stock.  I did a pretty extensive demo ride on one at the shop.  The owner of the bike shop likes the 6Fattie Carbon Stumpy so much he bought one for himself and is selling off his other bikes.  The bike rides really well and would be a good compliment to my Trek Stache.

As much as I wanted to build another Chinese Carbon bike, they just don't have the full suspension, plus size tire, frame options I'm looking for.

[carbonazza]

Where did you get that Eagle price? I'm scouting too 

Ok I did some research...
Here is what they call an upgrade kit: https://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=181322;menu=1000,2,16 for 639€

[SportingGoods]

Hey Carbonazza, you found an even better deal then me on Eagle! I got mine from Starbike.com, they offer free shipping.
Honestly I'm really surprised by those prices. It's a lot cheaper then what I thought it would be. I'm glad I did not pick 1x11, the price difference is just over 200€.
It will be a big change for me switching from 2x9 to 1x12

CD, I'm convinced Stumpjumper 6fattie is an excellent choice!

EDIT: Bike24 price is actually 645€, out of Germany. Still the best price I've seen. I've picked my "upgrade" in red and plan to just change my chainring. My cranks are Shimano XT, 3x9 but it is rock solid and decently light (608g w/o chainring). I'm sure the position of the middle ring will be ideal for a Boost setup!
I don't understand prices in the different shops... Bike24 is 250€ cheaper then my French shop on Eagle but 100€ more expensive on the Ultegra group.
I'll take my time the day I want to change my fork for a Pike!

Still browsing through various shops... and found cheaper (still in Germany). 634€ + 10€ shipping.
https://www.bike-components.de/fr/SRAM/X01-Eagle-1x12-fach-Upgrade-Kit-p49688/

[Carbon_Dude]

CD, I'm convinced Stumpjumper 6fattie is an excellent choice!

I agree, I placed an order for one.  At least it has a carbon frame, so I can continue using my "Carbon_Dude" screen name.  I will pick up the bike next Saturday.

[SportingGoods]

Upgrade it with carbon rims from China, modify the name to "Chinalized" and you will even be granted access to this forum

Just kidding!!!!!

PS: I thought I had dropped a lot of cash this week (about 2000€ for both the road bike and MTB) but you beat me here!

[Carbon_Dude]

Upgrade it with carbon rims from China, modify the name to "Chinalized" and you will even be granted access to this forum

Just kidding!!!!!

PS: I thought I had dropped a lot of cash this week (about 2000€ for both the road bike and MTB) but you beat me here!

A set of Chinese carbon wheels are on the list, just might wait until next Spring to order them.

I think maybe you still beat me, considering the difference between selling my -057 and buying the new bike is significantly less than 2000€.

[Carbon_Dude]

Picked up the Carbon SJ Fattie today.  Lots of scattered rain in the area so I won't be hitting the trail until tomorrow morning.  However, I did do several adjustments, installed a set of Ergo grips, and my put on my bike computer.  The bike feels like it will be a good complimentary ride to the Stache.




Not the best picture but look at the difference in tire size between a 27.5"x3.0" and a 29"x3.0" tire.  The 29+ is still much higher volume tire than even the 650b+.