neo_pop_71

I’ve always had good results with newer Manitou forks, especially the Ti line which seems to hold up better with use. I’ve always been one to look for Marz Bomber forks but that’s just preference (and a bit of advertising). The Ebay fork is nice since it has a long clean steer tube… big points for that! Looks like a winner to me!

I do feel lucky to have grown up when I did and where I did for various reasons… BMX… skateboarding… punk music… old or kustom cars…these thing gave me a purpose in life and kept me from spinning my wheels or getting into much mischief. Everyone I knew growing up got nicked by johnny law at some point, I did too but being I kept busy with outdoor activities and amateur boxing, I never got slammed like so many!

Yeah, that’s what I thought before I tried it, it’s a different sensation but has its cool points for sure! As far as “Dirt Drop,” that started with Charlie Cunningham (no relation to Richard cunningham from Mountain Bike Action and Mantis Bikes) in the late ’70’s. He is one of the founding partners of Wilderness Trail Bikes (WTB) and was the first guy on the west coast to pioneer the use of aluminum in frame building (same time Gary Klein was doing it on the east coast). Charlie was an aerospace engineer from Berkley and was there at the beginning with all the rest of the developers. He even won some of Charlie Kelly’s Repack races since he was the only guy on an aluminum purpose built bike going up against 50 pound pre-war Schwinn Klunkers. The whole Dirt Drop scene sort of exploded about fives years ago, I think there was even a Dirt Drop bike or two at InterBike in 2006 or 2007. Here is an article in DirtRag that got me pondering a build, since then I’ve built three and I’m piecing together another right now. They make awesome commuters… slack geometry compared to a road frame, fatter tires for safety against potholes, and a more stable platform for racks and/or panniers.

http://www.dirtragmag.com/reviews/wtb-mountain-road-drop-bar

Also Rivendell jumped in with a Dirt Drop specific build called The Atlantis, it’s a tasty bike that has big cred with commuters. My buddy Daniel ordered one last year and he loves it! Here’s a link:

http://www.roadbikerider.com/product-reviews/bikes/atlantis-rivendell

Here are a few more of my hero… enjoy!

First pic- Nothing to say, simply an awesome photo!

Second pic- I love this shot of Johnny T. taking the holeshot, ala BMX style racin’, but he was such a pro that he snagged the holeshot and had the skills to reach down and adjust his Tioga “Hot Button” toe strap!

Last pic- You think you kick A$$ on the trail? Check out the crazy chain slack, top and bottom, this picture always humbles me!!! Johnny T., The Mash King!

As I do not trust carbon, I would suggest building your own light weight (non-disc) wheels using titanium hubs. The Hope Ti hubs are usually found pretty easily, are lighter than carbon center hub, and are sort of a sleeper on Ebay. Here is a link to some active listings:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=hope++hubs+titanium&rt=nc

I’m liking the front hub for $20.00, it would be an insanely light front wheel!

When I say these Hope Ti products are sleepers, check out this low price score:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Union-Titanium-Spokes-HOPE-Hub-Swami-Ceramic-rim-26-front-MTB-wheel-/120999796116?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2c265d94&nma=true&si=sn%2B5TObZ1CLLCxuYYtVdRzK4n%2Fc%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Hope Ti center hub
Union Ti spokes
Matrix hard anodized ceramic rim

only $29.88 ! ! !

Custom built race ready wheel for cheaper than Shimano LX, damn!!!

Good mornin’ WillyWill,

Thanks for he interest in a 96’er/69’er build! I’m a huge fan of the build, it’s replaced all my other bikes (aside from my Smor track bike-so simple) as my favorite by far. Sorry Cudheads, I know the truth hurts, but if I can find a high end steel Cuda frame, I’ll build up a 96’er Cuda. Fair enough? You spot on with the roll over of the 29’er front and the hook up of the 26’er rear end. Zero “float” like a full 29’er is sometimes dinged about. I would not do it with an aluminum frame Cuda, I think the increased rake to head tube angle will stress crack the frame… c’mon now, not like an aluminum Cuda needs much help in the cracking department! I would also go with a frame that has shorter chainstays, it’ll bring the wheelbase in and help the rear to track better. I have yet to find a negative aspect to the build, yes I’m biased but I have been looking for drawbacks and there don’t appear to be any at this point.

Here is a link to the build thread that you’re talking about (I think):

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=425&hilit=raskal

Attached is the most recent pic of my 96’er Frankenbike

-D-

p.s. If I ever find a 96’er/69’er MOOTS, I’m buying it! I think will they’ll be the cult bike of the future.

That first pic, Left_thru_bushes, is a great shot… it looks like a pic that would have been in Mountain Bike Action for a Barracuda write up. Sweet!

Damn!

I miss my A.R.C., the turquoise and yellow color scheme is my favorite!

I wouldn’t want the full suspension… I’m a sucker for the Yeti looptail… a throw back to my BMX childhood!

For your viewing pleasure.

Oh, not too keen on Bible thumping… conservative Orange County clashed with my liberal views (so says the wacko therapists)