Bikes of Singletracks is series of blog posts that takes an in-depth look at the bikes the Singletracks crew rides. These are our personal bikes, not bikes we have in for review. This is what we ride, and why we ride it.
I rode my single speed Jabberwocky exlusively for a little over two years. Then I joined the Singletracks blogger team and the first two items I got to review were a set of 29er wheels and a fork – aka, two of the most expensive components on a bike. Since I still had all the parts from the Anthem sitting on a shelf, all I needed for a geared 29er was a frame! This is the resulting bike. It’s the one I take to the mountains, and is used on really long rides since the gears save my legs.
Frame: On-One Scandal, large
I knew I wanted a geared bike this time around because while I love the single speed, it’s hard to push a single gear when I take a trip to the mountains. I chose to go with an aluminum hardtail frame to keep weight and cost down. I like the looks and geometry of the Scandal, the fact that it uses full length cable housing, and most importantly the price was right. I have no major complaints; it fits well, rides comfortably, is reasonably light (especially for the price), and handles well. My one minor complaint is the paint: it sucked, it was really rough. So before building the bike up I stripped the frame down to bare metal and had Nate over at Zukas Cycles spray it with a flat urethane clear coat to keep corrosion at bay.
Fork: Fox F29 Terralogic, 100mm
This fork rules. Period. Read the review here to find out why.
Headset: Cane Creek 40 Series
Newer model from Cane Creek, replaced the S3. But, just like the S3, it works great and doesn’t cost much.
Wheels: Custom, American Classic hubs and Stan’s Crest 29er rims
I built these myself, and they’re really light, weighing in at only 1,557g. The hubs are light, feature well-sealed bearings and a strong freehub mechanism, and are super smooth rolling – these wheels will spin forever. Look for a review of the rims in a future blog post.
Front Tire: Specialized Ground Control, 2.0” set up tubeless
Since I have suspension on this bike I use a narrower tire than I usually do on the Jabberwocky to save some grams.
Rear Tire: Specilaized Renegade, 1.9” set up tubeless
FAST FAST FAST. That sums it up. Oh, and light too. This one weighs in at only 509g.
Stem: Thomson X4, 100mm
Handlebars: Specialized S-Works Flat XC
Light and wide-ish.
Grips: Ergon GP3
Seatpost: Thomson Elite
Saddle: WTB Volt (not pictured)
This is a new model from WTB, and I haven’t put many miles on it yet, but look for a review here in a month or two.
Brakes: Avid Elixir 9
To be blunt: I hate these brakes. Yes, they’re strong and have good modulation. But they vibrate and make so much noise!! And I have to bleed and flush them every 9 months or so. The left and right lever never feel the same. After putting up with them for a few years… I’m ready for something else. I’m not putting any more time or money into these.
Shifters: SRAM Attack Gripshift
YEAH BABY- GRIPSHIFT! I love it, I really do. The Attack model works with Shimano derailleurs, which I had before I got the shifters, and I didn’t want to upgrade the entire drivetrain just to get gripshift. Drivetrain stuff can be expensive.
Front Derailleur: Shimano XT
It’s Shimano XT, which means it works great, is pretty light, and is somewhat affordable.
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Shadow, 9spd
Yep, I’m still rockin’ 9 speeds. And I’ll continue to until this stuff wears out, or someone gives me a 10spd group to review! The 9spd stuff still works great (and my gear has thousands of miles, and lots of nasty conditions on it) and as a bonus the parts are cheaper now that there is newer, “better” stuff out.
Cranks: Shimano XT, 22x32x44
I like my triple crank. Never need the granny around home, and mostly just use the big ring on gravel roads, but when I go to the mountains I use every gear I’ve got!
Cassette: SRAM PG-990, 12-34
Aluminum carrier is light. And I got it on sale.
Chain: SRAM hollowpin
Light, and on sale.
Pedals: Crank Brothers Candy 3
Other: Specialized bottle cages, Thomson seatpost binder, Cateye Strada Wireless computer, Incredibell Brass Duet bell, DIY chainstay protector
Weight: 24.68lbs
I also have a road bike, a Raleigh Clubman. Nothing exciting there. It’s steel, 2×10 Tiagra drivetrain, heavy (about 3lbs heavier than the Scandal!), and has a rack and fenders. It’s used for commuting to work a few days a week and road rides when the trails are too wet to ride, or I want to get in a quick ride and don’t have time to drive out to a trail. I’m actually riding it a lot though–I’ve put almost 1,000 miles on it in the five months I’ve had it. Riding this bike definitely makes me stronger on the MTB.
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4 Comments
Dec 30, 2012
Dec 19, 2012
Questions:
*how did you strip the frame down to the metal?
*why doesn't Avid do something about their crappy brakes?
Dec 19, 2012
2) Excellent question!
Dec 17, 2012
Dec 17, 2012
No, never did review the Civilian CX bike, never asked for it though. The company changed hands while I had the Luddite, and I didn't want to bother them any more while they were going through all that.