456 build

So I picked this up on here for my girlfriend so we can do some off road stuff (inc light touring) together.

I've stripped down my old MTB and have most bits for a get us going build. 9 speed SLX / Deore mix.

What would be a nice fork to pair with this? Looking at 120 -130 mm travel, but willing to listen to expert opinion (all so far have been fairly contradictory though). She's novice to MTB, but cycles alot so has base fitness just needs a bike to learn skills on. Also for when using with luggage on the handling needs to be fairly steady still. Lockout preferred.

Headset. Not sure we can afford any Chris King bling. Is the smoothie light from On-One any good? Any others to consider?

Cranks. I had a Truvativ square taper on the old MTB which I didn't really like. Thinking Deore Triple at £58 is a reasonable deal.

Wheels - Mavic Cross Rides all the way? Anything else to consider?

Brakes - have Hayes Stroker Ryde ready to use but think upgrade to Juicy 3's would make for nicer experience... or am I being picky and the Rydes could be ok?

This'll be a slow burner as we scrimp / sell other stuff to fund the build.

You can get a deore chainset and BB for less than £58.. Try £44 from Rose..

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/shimano-deore-crankset-hollowtech-ii-fc-m590-l/aid:367974

I bought a load of bits from them including a set of wheels and the total shipping on the order was €5

If you're interested I'm probably going to be selling my 9speed SLX shifter set and Deore front Mech (all only 4 months old)now that the MTB is turning into a polo monster. Let me know.

I've got a Smoothie Reg on my DMR and it's bloody solid. The bottom race is huge and it does weigh a bit but I'd say it's a solid bit of kit. You're welcome to have a look at it if you're up to braving a polo visit.

I've a 456 Summer Season, it's got the On-One smoothie light headset which seems fine (but it should as it's fairly new). I've also got some Hayes Stroker Rydes on a different bike, they're ok but mine feel wooden and not too powerful, I think it might just be the pads though, as my mate's ones are much better feeling. My gf's juicy fives feel much better to be honest, I've not rode the threes though.

If it's a first mtb then I'd build it with what you've already got, any hydro brake will be likely to be a significant improvement on bikes she's ridden before.

cheers both,

f&b - that £44 is a good price. Probably won't go for your shifters it mech but they'll sell no probs.

Alkali, what fork are you running on the summer season?

Defo thinking best to cobble it together with spares for now then upgrade in stages.

Looks like I've sourced a 120mm fork without breaking the bank, so build will happen soon.

As a spares box bike it's gonna be pretty fugly at first for sure before we start to swap bits about.

Rigid or sus (I'm doing same build for me in a few weeks with fork still needed)

Mine, Forks are RS Revelations.

^^ suspension.

^ looking good, what travel on the revelations?

150mm.

cheers both,

f&b - that £44 is a good price. Probably won't go for your shifters it mech but they'll sell no probs.

Alkali, what fork are you running on the summer season?

Defo thinking best to cobble it together with spares for now then upgrade in stages.

Sorry for delay, 140mm air revs on my 456 ss.

So both up nearer the 6 in the 456 scale, nice.

The 120's plus some other bits are on, had to get a new front mech as old one I've got had too big a clamp.

In progress, tiny pic from phone Flickr:

Spruced up the wheels for this so far this eve, Rigida rims on Deore hubs, rear cup n cone bearing service was nice job, happy with results.

Could be finished assembling this eve if all goes well.

^ Got some Racing Ralphs for 7.50 each to go on them too... looking good.

Got some pics of the finished bike earlier, and the in progress.

Looks less fugly than I'd thought it might, once I'd cannibalised a couple other bikes of mine for colour matching pedals and saddle

Ready for birthday tomorrow, with a surprise trip out with the bike to Llandegla on Sunday sorted now too.

Kitchen looks like mine; about half of the unit space dedicated to coffee!

Nice looking bike.

Kitchen looks like mine; about half of the unit space dedicated to coffee!

Priorities!

Nice looking bike.

Cheers!

Great present. I hope you both enjoy it.

Just ordered some Marzocchi 44 rlo's (140 travel). Componants start arriving next week!!

How was the first outing?

Was great fun, Jess enjoyed her first loop of Llandegla blue with me following, then had a kip in the van whilst I hacked around a loop including some the black sections. Will chuck a pic of both our bikes up later.

Be good to see pics of your build as it progresses.

that is my dream kitchen!

Job well done. I really need to get the missus into cycling (although bit hard with 4 month old in tow). Will post build shots as it happens - will also try to get a kitchen based shot in as well for coffee paraphernalia comparison!

^ Got some Racing Ralphs for 7.50 each to go on them too... looking good.

Where!? 2nd hand I take it?

^^^ dibs the PM please

^^ Nice one. Bike in Kitchen shots may become de rigueur for Summer 2012...

^ New, one chance offer. V.lucky to be in right place at right time.