Cool build dcriffraff!!

It's nice-looking and very lightweight indeed! I'm humbled that my bike was an inspiration to so many riders.

I've got a little intel to share, but I'd love to hear what others have heard from agents I may not interact with as much.

Pro-Mance is finishing up 3D drawings of a bike inspired heavily by the Scott Ransom. This should be available later this spring. They are also hoping to get on the trail bandwagon with a long and slack model, and I've been pushing them hard to be original. Specifically, I've advocated for a slacker HTA, shorter chainstays, higher BB, and steeper STA. I've given them specific numbers and aesthetic design tips. They seemed enthusiastic and we are keeping in touch.

TanTan hopes to release "more new MTB models", specifically full-suspension with trail-optimized travel (120mm - 130mm).

We've just got a barrage of aero road frames from TanTan, Pro-Mance, and ICAN, so they are really interested in mountain right now.

Wheels based on Bitex-clone hubs and Mavic XC421 rims, not so light, but strong.

I'm really curious, what are these Bitex-clone hubs and how do you know so? Have a specific contact or link to share?

Thanks for posting!  This is exactly what I'm looking for -- a lightweight boost hardtail for cheap!  I'll be ordering a 21" if I can, otherwise a 19" and building up super-light (17 pounds?) this winter

LaneDetroitCity on the MTBR thread says:  "I emailed the company. $658 for the light version, $595 for normal. 1785g ,1860g thats 17.5" frames."  http://forums.mtbr.com/29er-bikes/21lb-fs-29er-build-pro-mance-m9007-1076993.html#post13655278.

I'll add that it's about $80 for shipping and $80 for painting for the first color.

And remember, everything is subject to negotiation--especially if it ain't in stock.

Thank you for the great build report, and other informations( I've just ordered a bar  ).
Most of my hardtail friends are moving out, maybe it's time for a shift for me too.

I'm just intrigued by your comment about Workswell:

Quote from: sissypants on May 01, 2018, 02:26:59 PM

...That is, until the new Workswell frame hits the market later this summer...

Is it that revolutionary ?

http://www.workswellbikes.com/PRODDUCT/MTB/Trail/20170809/153.html

Revolutionary?  No.  But it sure looks trick!

Very nicely written, bike looks amazing, and thank you for your impressions on a hot frame right now. This is what interests me more:

Quote from: sissypants on May 01, 2018, 02:26:59 PM

A friend of mine also bought a Spark RC Pro bike, and I’ve got to say the bikes would feel identical except that my bike is 3 pounds lighter.

Would you be able to do a more scientific comparison? Like a camera fixed on both bikes recording how each frame flexes under breaking and under power? That would be totally bonkers, as there are not many people with both frames at hand. The break mount placement differs and stiffness might too. There are videos of such comparisons like this one:



The power delivery was not effected, but one frame did wobble more under full power, which effected feel. The T800/T1000 should be very stiff, so it would be very interesting how both frames compare.

I don't have the resources for doing something like this.  You're definitely digging the details at this point.  All I can say is that ride quality is at least the same, and components are going to make more difference than the frame just based on total weight and tire selection.  My friend is happy to ride with me, but isn't likely to sit down in studio for a frame stiffness comparison...

I noticed you use similar stem length I use. I've been running on this carbonal bar for a while and have been really happy with it.

Hm, very interesting bar.  I wasn't aware combos came that affordable at that weight.  My combo is 134g for the handlebar and 80g for the stem (with bolts) so I'm still 20g under where that integrated would sit weight-wise.  Price-wise my handlebar was $13 and the stem was $25.  I'd do an integrated if I didn't mind spending a little more for sure.