456 evo 2 (formerly inbred) 26” budget forest—botherer

It's a 9 speed sram x7 shifter with a 10 speed SLX clutch derailleur

Ok cheers, good tip - will bear in mind when I start building it up

Very close to being able to update this build! Except now I've sold the (18") inbred frame and have a (16") 456 evo 2 in the post. Looking forward to the pile of bits on the floor of my studio being bolted on to something.

I have been taking a look at the forks that came with the bike when I bought it. They've cleaned up ok but it's clear they've not been fastidiously looked after. I think they might be losing air so I'm steeling myself for taking them apart and springing for a set of replacement seals. Not something I've ever done before, so should be fun!

Also got some Deore cranks, a new Hollowtech BB and a very cheap (and presumably shit) NW chainring.

The frame turned up - annoyingly half an hour before the end of my morning off.

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I’ve slung some parts on it in a rather haphazard way (although I did install the BB properly) and it’s looking like this at the moment.

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Frame is great! That stem is one chunk boi. Had I imagined you were pondering rigid?

Placeholder stem...?! I like the frame & logo colours.

Stem is to get an idea of what length I need - if it’s about right I’ll get one a little more svelte :-)

Got a real issue with those red bars, too so will probably get some black ones at the same time.

I was pondering rigid, but I think I’ll stick with sus for now. Although the fork is on lock out till I can be bothered to service it.

I like the feel of this. Subbed!

Checked the brakes that are on the original bike (juicy 7s) and the front one looks like it’s got issues - too tight, so it barely fits over the rotor. I’m a hydro virgin - do I need to bleed them? Was hoping I’d get this in a usable state for a Sunday ride :-(

Probably just need to push the pistons in (lever get squeezed without rotor in there?). Removal pads, find suitable tool for squeezing. Win.

Remove the pads, push the pistons in with something soft. Platic tyre lever will do.

I’ve kept bits of card in between the pads since I took them off, but actually I remember now that the front was already tight on the rotor when I got the bike.

Will give that a go - cheers!

Edit - and cheers @pit too :-)

Great little bikes, have loved and ridden mine to death.

I worked the pistons a bit but they weren’t budging, so I opened the levers (the little torx screw) and did it again and they went back in and now they work fine. Brakes are now on the bike.

Popped a chain on, cabled up the mech/shifter, just need to find a top cap and bolt and it’s rideable.

With any luck I’ll be taking this to Leigh woods for its maiden voyage on Sunday morning!

I’m positive I had a big bag of cable ties lying around yesterday!

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Shit yeah! That looks like a lot of fun!

@smac yeah I’m pleased with how it’s turning out, considering what I’ve spent on it so far (<£200ish). Looking forward to ragging it about at the weekend.

I’ve noticed the chainline isn’t great. In the biggest sprocket, the chains coming off the chainring at a pretty jaunty angle. I installed the BB with the spacer driveside so I’m going to swap it to the other side and see how that looks.

Ok, I've taken the spacer out, for all the difference 2.5mm will make (73mm shell, so only one spacer to play with). It was probably fine before. In fact it somehow looks steeper in the photo without the spacer...

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Apparently there is not a single zip anywhere to be found so have styled it out with electrical tape for now. Raised the saddle a bit (I’ve left it lower than I have my road/track bikes still though) and done a bit of tweaking. Slightly less crap photo:

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Also got some maxxis ikons on the way from off here, as my neighbour was going on at me about how those Specialized ones are rubbish.

Looks good, except stem of course!

Specialized ones are rubbish

Nothing like good advice... Why would they be rubbish?

I keep nearly ordering a new stem and bars off wiggle or Planet X, but keep telling myself to actually ride it first and see how the length is.

Not sure why he thought they were rubbish, but I was swayed by yellow logos and minor weight saving.

Took this to Leigh woods this morning. First time riding it (apart from down the road) and pretty much my first proper time riding a trail. Just stuck to the blue ‘Yer Tiz’ trail. So much fun! Took me a little while to get my confidence in myself and the bike, but I managed to loosen up and sling it about a bit.

I feel like I’d have had more traction in places with the forks unlocked, so that’s something I want to sort soon. Tyres did feel a bit sloppy at first, but I took some air out of them and that made a big difference. Seatpost got raised a couple of times too.

It’s a fun bike! Going to order a new stem and probably bars today. I need a little more rise. And fewer flames.

Got rid of the hot rod stem and red bars finally. That ratty Romin was not comfy on this bike so I’ve stolen the spoon off my Surly until I find something else for either bike. Maxxis ikons on. Going to take it for another ride tonight and do adjustments, but I’m pretty happy with how it’s looking. Bars are wider (740) than the others (700) but I’ll give them a whirl before eyeing up the hacksaw!

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