7/7/2011 - Update: Purchased a set of Neuvation Mountain Max Wheels. Went tubeless with Stan's and 2.1 Nevegal and 2.1 Slant Six. Bike weight 29 lbs!
6/7/2011 - Update: I decided to weigh the bike. It weighs in at 32 lbs in 16" frame.
Of course I did not weigh it before doing upgrades but, the Motobecane website claims around 30lbs. Difference from stock: Kenda 2.35 nevegal front, Kenda 2.35 excavator rear, Avid BB7 Mech discs, Avid speed dial levers, 44t chain ring removed, stans tubeless and, diamond back BMX pedals, with Sunlight lock on grips, E3 Pro form saddle, SRAM sqwers and bar ends. This is 2lbs lighter than the Motobecane 500ht 17" that my daughter has.
6/8/2011 - Update: I contacted Bikeisland.com and asked a question regarding the bearing type in the hubs for the WTB Cross Country Speed disk that comes on a lot of the Motobecane bikes. Sealed bearing could mean a couple different types as I understand so I wanted to find out exactly what types of bearings are used.
Here is the response:
Hello and thanks for your interest in our wheel sets. I'm afraid your wheels have regular ball bearing hubs not cartridge. Since all the components are different with cartridge bearings, It would be best to simply upgrade the entire wheel. I like these:
Thanks for your inquiry.
Best regards,
Jeff
So I get why they use ball bearings because it is proven reliable technology. I have been happy but, like a lot of people I have upgradeitis. I found some neuvation MTB wheels for 99.00 on sale plus shipping and tax. These are about the same weight but, contain cartridge bearings. Which I think should be smoother rolling in comparison and that is what I'm looking for. I'm not sure but by looking on the neuvation website the rims look just like the WTB speed discs. I have not received them yet but, expect them tomorrow.
Recently, I purchased the Motobecane Fantom Trail. The bike comes in just at 30lbs and is nicely spec'd in my opinion. Here in Southern California where I live the trails are mostly hardpack with some loose. Because of this I swapped out the original Panaracer Fire pro XC tires for a Kenda slant six up front and a Small block 8 out back also I just wanted to try them out too. I like the small block 8 on the back and am very surprised on what excellent traction it has had so far. These tires are some what specialized for my terrain in my area. A few weeks ago I was in Fresno and took a trip to Auberry at the foothills of sequoia national forest. I found that the trails consisted of softer dirt and in some areas crushed granite. It was there that I realized how great the Nevegals were (what I run on my windsor cliff). Mostly what I found going down steep switch back was the sb8's did not dig down into the dirt very well during braking and the slant six in that same soil would tend to wash out a bit.
More about the bike the Dart 3 not as bad as everyone says unless you are a reall advanced rider. I have ridden the Suntour and RST entry level models and I can say without a doubt the Dart 3 completely exceeds those as it is plush in comparison and has rebound adustment. I'm 235lbs and the fork has held up so far.
The avid BB5 disc brakes drag regardless of how you adjust them at least this has been my case. I found a blog that describes a way to adjust the brakes and it did stop the dragging but, then the brakes were backed out so far that there was no brakes. I gave the rotors a visual and they do not look warped but, who knows. While they still drag a bit they stop pretty well. On another bike I have Tektro aquila's that squeel real bad when braking but do not drag at all and brake just as well I don't know what that means maybe I expected the Avid BB5's to be leaps and bounds better in comparison. I found some BB7's that I will upgrade too as I have heard both sides of hydraulic versus mechanical debate. Sounds like they compare to the Juicy's in braking and use the same pads so they probably will be good enough for my riding style.
Shifting has been flawless and has not required any adjustment after a few months even with daily rides. I did not know that the SLX rear deraillers did not have an adjustment barrel. The WTB speed disc have held up so far considering my weight and the hard terrain. I recently mounted Kenda Nevegals 2.35's without tubes using stans on them but, that is another story.
The ritchey cockpit components tapered bar, stem and seat post all seem to be of good quality I suppose items could be lighter but, will suit me just fine. As far as the ride the bike feels solid, handles well enough for me and I think it is a good base.
2 comments:
I have the 2010 model and have really enjoyed it. I'm 6'1, 215 and feel like the bike will handle my load for a long time. I do wish I could lighten it up a bit; maybe a fork replacement down the road will help.
You say you mounted the Nevegal's tubeless. Did you change rims? I was under the impression you needed a UST rim to go tubeless.
Hi Dave thanks for the question. I used the Stans No Tubes Kit. I have the WTB Speed Disc Rims like you.
Stans kit was created to convert standard clinchers to tubeless. I have read this is lighter than UST tires and rims and obviously cheaper.
There are some tires that don't work so google "Stans no tubes" If you are interested.
I have successfully converted Nevegals and Excavators.
I had some trouble with the valve/ rim strip that came with the kit. And ended up doing the Ghetto tubeless (google this too) I used the Gorilla tape method and it worked the first time. You still need to use the latex liquid though. If I had known this I could have saved some money because the kit cost me 85 bucks at the LBS and I think the sealant alone is around 15.
Good luck!
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