I've decided to build myself another toy. Unlike others (Belizean) I keep my bikes for a loooong time, so I plan this to be used for many years (unless of course someone offers more than what it actually cost to build).
After having done a few of the QnD races, and my car racing backgroud, I decided if I was going to do more of that I needed the right tool for the job, so I'm building an uber light Carbon hardtail, and not just hardtail, it's going to start full rigid, for simplicity and to save for the right fork in the future.
With the well known fact that lots of product comes from China and get's marked up because of the name on the frame, I decided to give it a go and order a frame direct from China. With the cost savings on the frame I'm also able to do a set of Carbon wheels, as well as several other pieces.
Well, all told, the frame, wheels, bar, seatpost and a pile of other misc parts, spare drop outs, different sized axles for the wheels, shipping and Paypal fee I'm in for $1600, which is about what a name brand carbon frame goes for alone.
I ordered this frameset http://www.xmiplay.com/ProductDetails1571 and wheels, etc from this vendor. The guy on the other end Peter is involved in many of the Forums involving these carbon bikes and was very helpful and responsive throughout the process. Even set me up to do a deposit to get things rolling so when I had the full amount it would be a short turn around.
So about a week ago I made final payment and was told everything should ship by this coming Monday or Tuesday. Now I'm not sure how long shipping will take, I've seen anything from 2 weeks to a month.
In the meantime, I also started shopping for drivetrain, brakes, etc. I was originally planning to go with the new Shimano XTR 1x11, because I know Shimano product, but somewhere along the way I decided to go with SRAM XX1 1x11 for various reason. Those include the uber cool rear cassette with 10x42, vs the Shimano 11x40, and I decided to go with GripShift to keep a super clean cockpit.
Well, from here I say let the pictures begin, because today was like Christmas as parts started to arrive!!!!
What all did I get????
And now with some weights.
Rocket Ron, Box says 520, actual is 532
Thunder Burt Snake Skin, Box says 515, actual is 551 (someone was dyslexic)
XX1 Crankset
XX1 Spyder
Wolf Tech One piece, only 30grams heavier than the spyder alone, so there must be some weight savings in there. Not to mention Money Savings!
Looks good mounted on the crank
XX1 Rear Mech with the shipping stop in place
The giant sexy cassette
You aren't going to get that beauty dirty are ya?
