TomvanHalen's MTB allsorts - drop bars are dead

So far I'm umming and ahh-ing between the Soul and Oka. Waiting on pictures of the Oka to come through.

The Oka seems the superior bike; people properly rave about the Shan, and it can be had for cheaper than the Soul. But it's hard to tear myself away from the 853 goodness and overwhelming popularity of Cotic.

Have ordered in an XL Pinnacle Iroko in to the local Evans to have a play on, as it's very similar in geo to the Oka (just taller stack). They didn't have anything else close in at the time, so I just borrowed a Mondraker Foxy for 15 minutes and chucked it down some stairs.

Moar charts!

2 Attachments

My first bumblebee :)

2 Attachments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UePtoxDhJSw

Had the same debate as you last October, weighed up the Oka, Shan, BFe, Soul or 45650b

In the end went Sham and have absolutely no regrets. Figured any propensity to full on downhill riding vs the oka or soul will be offset by it being a hard tail in terms of efficiency.

As for lack of 853, the Shan has absolutely magic grip and small bump absorption for a hard tail, I keep thinking I've broken it each time I ride it!

2 Attachments

Only just seen this after I posted, great choice I know you won't be disappointed

Thanks man! Nice Shan. PP seem to be the only company that's nailed the Gulf colour scheme.

Hopefully my rigid-adapted arms will make any rowdy descending shortcomings of the Oka compared to the Shan minimal. And it's going to be running 150 on the front while it's built up as a 26 anyhow!

Yeah the gulf colours are what sold it for me really, it's such a nice look.

And yeah I think set up identically it's only about a degree steeper in head angle isn't it, so in terms of us mortals the oka and sham are probably pretty interchangeable ha ha. But with 26inch wheels and a 150mm fork that should be extra long and low and properly rowdy.

Dunno really why I was worrying about the fit, it should fit almost identically to the Saracen I've been riding for years.

So the frame will be on its way to me after Christmas. Check

Things still left to sort out:
Cockpit: BN is sorting me some bars for the short term. Still need a stem. May even try find a 40mm, not sure.

Eventually? Dunno now, I'm not sure the Renthal gold will go with the frame, need something stealthier. I may be alone in rather fancying the Ultimate USE Vyce stem, and the matching bars look very competetive.

Mech: I sold the Trans Am as a whole bike so I'm now short a Zee. Between that and XT, Zee seems the better buy.

Cassette: Tempted to try one of the Sunrace offerings, probably the MX3 if so.

Saddle: Pretending they don't exist.

I should probably buy real tubeless valves too

I have a ten speed Zee shifter and rear mech in the parts bin if they are any use?

Rear mech would be much use! Pics?

Working this morning, will take a pic or two this afternoon.

Zee rear mech.

Is it the XCish version or the DHish one? The later doesn't play nice with 'normal' gearing IIRC.

How would I know? Is there a noticeable difference between the two? Markings/product serial no. etc.

Just trying to find out!

The Zee DH version has "DH" stamped on the bracket axle unit

apparently.

No markings. So XC I presume.

This modern mtb stuff is all a waste of time. Tom actually rides faster on his ancient Saracen.

Yep. Far too complicated.

Zexy! If the bid I'd already put on a mech on eBay fails, I'll take it

This modern mtb stuff is all a waste of time. Tom actually rides faster on his ancient Saracen.

This is depressingly probably true

No problem. Let me know.

have been outbid, finally. Let me know whatchoo want for it

£30 posted. Do you want the shifter? How soon do you need it?

Just the mech. Not soon, going away for Christmas, I'll be in touch when I'm back

No problem. Have a good Christmas.