STEEL Full Suspension

[Rynio]

All the hardware is literally no different from other frame brands I've had, like Transition. Everything is really high quality. If you need, I can send you some photos. Overall, the frame and the finish make a really good impression. The only thing I'm a bit worried about is how it'll actually ride and how stiff the rear triangle will end up being

[duiletter]

I got my frame built up. It's a size medium and, although the seat post insertion is quite short, I'm able to run a 200mm dropper (I'm 178cm tall). I'm very happy with that.

The quality of the frame seems really good. I'm not a welder, but the welds on the frame look really tidy, and the paint finish (metallic grey) looks great. The only thing I don't like is the gold decals, but it was the only available option for a medium frame. I am not very patient!

I took the linkage apart, excluding the main pivot, and the alignment, hardware and bearings are all good. I took the opportunity to polish up the rocker link as the machining was a bit rough. There were no problems with pressing in the headset cups and threading in the BB etc.

I'm running a 150mm fork and, whilst I'm waiting for the correct weight coil to arrive for my DHX2, I've temporarily borrowed my wife's 210x55 Float X, which gives ~135mm rear travel.

I took the bike for a short ride on our local "enduro" trails today and first ride impressions are good. It pedals way better than I expected, comparable to my wife's Norco Fluid FS A1, and a lot better than my Zerode Katipo. It'll be interesting to see what it rides like with the longer stroke coil shock.

The only "chiner" parts are the frame and the brakes (Onirii IV4R). Otherwise, it's a parts bin / second-hand parts / clearance deals build. I splurged a bit on the DHX2 shock and a Sprindex coil, so the full build has come in around $2,500 NZD ($1,500 USD).

[Rynio]

Wow, congratulations! The bike looks absolutely fantastic. I’m really excited about this build.

Could you answer a couple of questions for me? With this shock length and fork travel, does the head angle actually come out to 63.8°? Also, do you know what shock tune/valving is required to achieve 150 mm of rear travel?

Thanks!

[scourge]

Wow! that bike looks amazing. I love it. Please post more ride impressions? Is it flexy? Is it crazy heavy? Can you tell a difference between the steel frame and an aluminum one?

[duiletter]

Wow, congratulations! The bike looks absolutely fantastic. I’m really excited about this build.

Could you answer a couple of questions for me? With this shock length and fork travel, does the head angle actually come out to 63.8°? Also, do you know what shock tune/valving is required to achieve 150 mm of rear travel?

Thanks!

I made a typo in my last post, I'm running a 210x50 shock which gives ~135mm travel. The frame is designed around a 210x55 shock which gives 150mm travel. Either way it doesn't affect the head angle. With the 150mm fork, head angle should be around 64.2°. Shock tune and valving doesn't affect travel.

[duiletter]

Wow! that bike looks amazing. I love it. Please post more ride impressions? Is it flexy? Is it crazy heavy? Can you tell a difference between the steel frame and an aluminum one?

I've been on a few rides now. The weight isn't an issue, it climbs nicely. You can feel some flex if you lean the bike over and stand on the BB, but hasn't been apparent (negatively) when riding. It may just be placebo, but it tracks really nicely through rock gardens and off camber roots. I would need to do some side by side testing with the same wheels and tyres to say if there was really a noticeable difference to an alloy frame.

[Atwork123]

Since this is a 100% custom project, I decided to make a few modifications to the frame. The frame has been completely sandblasted, and some of the components have been satin-finished. I also decided to weld additional reinforcements around the head tube area.
At this point, I’m just about to have the frame painted and assemble the entire bike, as I already have all the parts available.
As for the seatpost insertion depth, it is 117.5 cm

Can you confirm what the insertion depth is? I can’t work out what you mean by 117.5cm

Thanks

[duiletter]

It's how far into the frame you can insert a dropper post before it hits an obstacle

[Atwork123]

It's how far into the frame you can insert a dropper post before it hits an obstacle

I know that but I doubt it has a insertion of over 1 meter, which 117.5cm is.

[duiletter]

I know that but I doubt it has a insertion of over 1 meter, which 117.5cm is.

Oh yes good point. On my medium frame insertion is 220mm (250mm if you count the actuator). As mentioned, I'm able to run a 200mm dropper with about 20mm of 'spare' insertion depth.

By way of a general update, I have the frame set up with a coil shock and I've done about 120km of riding now (~6,000m descending), pretty much all 'enduro' type trails. I'm really happy with the bike and I've had lots of compliments on the frame from other riders.

[Rynio]

I finally managed to finish building my bike, and I’m excited to share the result with you guys!

[duiletter]

I finally managed to finish building my bike, and I’m excited to share the result with you guys!

Wow it looks incredible! Hard to believe it's the same bike. The way you have painted it almost makes it look like a lugged frame. I love all the silver parts too. Did you get a chance to ride it yet?

Can you give a run down of the full build spec and where you think the geometry has landed?

[Rynio]

Thanks so much for appreciating my project! It took me quite a while to put everything together, but I’m really happy with the final result. I’m planning to take it to some local dirt jumps soon. I’m also heading to a bike park later this month, so hopefully I’ll finally get to see how it rides!

Apart from the lower ride height resulting from running 27.5-inch wheels, the geometry remains pretty much unchanged.

Fork: Manitou Mezzer Expert — 160 mm, upgraded air chamber to Pro spec
* Rear Shock: FOX GENIUS from Specialized Stumpjumper
* Wheelset: Newmen SL A rims + Ngbut hubs
* Drivetrain: Single speed — Reverse Components conversion + tensioner
* Crankset: SRAM Eagle 90 — 155 mm
* Pedals: Newmen Millennium
* Brakes: Magura MT7 calipers + Chinese aftermarket levers
* Handlebar: BikeYoke BarMate
* Stem: Reverse — 35 mm
* Seatpost: Chinese
* Saddle: Chromag

Total weight: 15,200kg

[scourge]

That really turned out sweet. Looks killer. Can't wait to hear how it rides.

[duiletter]

Nice! Thanks for the breakdown. I'll be interested to hear how it rides with the Genie shock.