Ordered a CS 496...

[cwareham]

...and a set of wheels with DTSwiss 350 Hubs and HR940C 40mm width rims in 29". Frame Should ship in a day or so, wheels in a few weeks. Looking for fork options for a 29+ build, will probably opt to do a used Fox 34 or Rockshox Pike in 120MM. The range of info on what works for a 29+ setup is a bit confusing :^). Can anyone here confirm based on personal experience the following:

".....the only difference between the Boost 29 and the Boost 27.5+ is that the + is wider. The tire clearance and A-C is exactly the same. I personally prefer the Boost 29 because it is plenty wide enough for 3.0" tires."

Thanks, and looking forward to the build.

[carbonazza]

After some research the only fork that matched 3" 29+ tires with a boost 110mm hub was the Pike:
https://r2-bike.com/ROCK-SHOX-Suspension-Fork-29-PIKE-RCT3-DebonAir-SA-120-mm-BOOST-tapered-black-2018_1

I do not remember why but the Reba, that was less expensive didn't work.

This list was interesting although it dates back to 2016.
https://fat-bike.com/2016/04/fat-camp-show-12-plus-bike-talk-with-ken-and-andy/

[bxcc]

One of the tech's at the LBS has a Trek Stache with a Reba 29/27+ on it. It's at 140mm of travel and running the 29x3 Chupacabra on Bontrager Line Plus (39mm inner) wheels.

[cwareham]

Thanks fellas.

Frame arrived yesterday, after shipping on the 23rd. Was packed really well, and the frame is *flawless.* I'm really impressed.  Managing file size to post photos is a pain. Here's a link to the unboxing pics. https://photos.app.goo.gl/PTrEepQeP5n40QRl1

Build List
CS 496 Frame
Fork - Fox float 34 27.5+
Wheels 40MM carbon rims from carbon speed + DT350S + spokes
Cassette -  m8000 42 tooth
XT boost 175mm Cranks
30 Tooth raceface chainring
XT 11 sp Derailleur
XT 11 speed Shifter
XT brakes
XT Rotors
XT Chain
tires - Trax Fatty
Bars - Renthal fatbar carbon lite 10cm rise
Seatpost - Fox transfer 31.6 internal dropper 125MM
Wolf Tooth lever for dropper post
Saddle - WTB Volt Pro
Stem - Race Face XXMM
headset - neco from Peter
Bottom bracket Shimano bb94 (bb92)
Cabling
Egg Beater 1 pedals

Everything but the wheels should be arriving today.

Those links on fork options got me pointed in the right direction. I think the general consensus is that in the absence of a 29+ fork, the 27.5+ works with a really wide range of tires, even well beyond 3" wide. I ended up going with a Fox 34 27.5+ with 140mm of travel. I'm not sure I'll want that much travel once I'm dialed in, but the switch to 130 or 120 should be achievable for pretty reasonable expenditure of money and effort.

[cwareham]

Wheels just arrived, they look great. Very well packed, beautifully finished, can't believe these arrive in a week from mainland China.

[cwareham]

Bike is together and fully shaken out. CS496 frame, Peter's 40mm rims with DTS350 hubs. Went with Renthal Fatbar Lite, Fox 34 140mm 27plus fork, Fox transfer dropper, XT brakes and drivetrain. Bike weighs 24 lbs on the nose sans pedals. That's with 29x3" (VeeTrax Fatties) tires, each weighing ~1.7 lbs. Been through the local trails, and flogged it at the Deer Valley lift-served trails on Sunday. That wasn't just big flowy stuff, it was also some of the burliest, technical, rocky, rooty descents I've ever done.

Bike is performing *flawlessly* so far. I would absolutely do this again, and would go straight back to Peter. Can't recommend it enough.

Pic: https://photos.app.goo.gl/13tIXNt6koqLmFVy1

[buszz]

Hey There - Awesome build. I'm new and have a couple questions. I sent a note off to Peter and am hoping to replicate your setup, to a degree, mainly with different suspension (if possible).

Questions:

• What race face chainring did you get to work with the XT crank? I can only find Shimano compatible.
• Do you think the manitou mattoc fork would work with this setup? https://www.manitoumtb.com/products/forks/mattoc/

[carbonazza]

What race face chainring did you get to work with the XT crank? I can only find Shimano compatible. [/li][/list]

Do you know the brand Garbaruk?

These are great: https://r2-bike.com/GARBARUK-Chainring-Round-1-speed-narrow-wide-BCD-96-Shimano-XT-M8000-Crank-34-teeth-black
If you like oval: https://r2-bike.com/GARBARUK-Chainring-Melon-oval-1-fach-narrow-wide-LK-96-Shimano-XT-M-8000-Kurbel

They sell direct too: http://garbaruk.com/products/chainrings/round/bcd/96-asymm.html but are slightly more expensive

[buszz]

What race face chainring did you get to work with the XT crank? I can only find Shimano compatible. [/li][/list]

Do you know the brand Garbaruk?

These are great: https://r2-bike.com/GARBARUK-Chainring-Round-1-speed-narrow-wide-BCD-96-Shimano-XT-M8000-Crank-34-teeth-black
If you like oval: https://r2-bike.com/GARBARUK-Chainring-Melon-oval-1-fach-narrow-wide-LK-96-Shimano-XT-M-8000-Kurbel

They sell direct too: http://garbaruk.com/products/chainrings/round/bcd/96-asymm.html but are slightly more expensive

Cool. I'll check Garbaruk out and let you know. If their shipping isnt too much to get to US, I'll probably go that route.

[buszz]

I was all set to go.. Had my lists all set to purchase and I found out this bike isnt available right now in a 19".

What now!? Ha. I had my heart set on a + bike.

[buszz]

Do you guys think I could make a 17" work? I'm 5'11" tall and about a 33.5" inseam.

[cwareham]

• What race face chainring did you get to work with the XT crank? I can only find Shimano compatible.
• Do you think the manitou mattoc fork would work with this setup? https://www.manitoumtb.com/products/forks/mattoc/

Sorry for the delay, I'm not getting email updates. I ended up with Shimano chainring, misordered the raceface piece (doesn't fit.)

Don't know on the Mattoc; if it works on a Stache it'll work on this frame.

[cwareham]

By way of update, I PR'd most segments on Porcupine Rim in Moab this weekend and it did great. I'm ~230# with a pack, wheels are true, couldn't be happier.

[carbonazza]

Congrats !! 

Beware! Strava is bad for your mental health

By way of update, I PR'd most segments on Porcupine Rim in Moab this weekend and it did great. I'm ~230# with a pack, wheels are true, couldn't be happier.

[hmpws]

Looks like a really nice build. I checked out those links are the beginning of thread, will come in handy! Still can't decide between this hardtail it there cs-fs27 for a 27.5+.. oh, the choices! I also noticed you have a 30t chaining, will a 32t it bigger fits?