I've been a bit lax in posting this. I've only had it a few weeks--just long enough to get the position dialed in on a few shorter rides before taking it on the Kokopelli. I hadn't owned a single speed in almost two years, and hadn't ridden one in about as long. Fortunately, my last two ss's reside happily with close friends, so I was able to get a few rides in on each to remember my particular likes and dislikes before drawing up this dream machine.

Simple specs:
HTA 69.4
STA 72.4
CS 17.3


I didn't want discs, and didn't really want an ebb. Moots said "No problem" to the first, and "Errr, problem" to the second. They've gone whole-hog into the ebb thing, and so they don't stock horizontal drops anymore. I hemmed and hawed for awhile before I tilted toward the ebb. So far the jury's still out. Yes, it's nice to be able to put the wheel in and take it out with no muss, no fuss. But really, was it all the hard to do with a bolt-on hub and horizontal drops? Mutter mutter...

The ride is supreme. All day comfy for sure, courtesy of the YBB, the made-for-me geo, and the compliant ti frame. And that's not just whistling dixie--the first "real ride" I did on this bike was the Kokopelli Race last weekend. 15.5 hours in the saddle, and while I was a bit sleepy the next few days, I can't say that any part of me was sore or hurting or otherwise worse for wear. Hard to beat that.

As far as parts, most of it is obvious. Smart (but I can't say specifically HOW smart) internals on the WB fork are light-years ahead of anything they've produced so far, and better than any other fork I've tried in the last 2-3 years. Simply put, it's plusher than anything else, yet it only moves when it needs to. Here's hoping they get it to market asap to capitalize on it.

Tried-and-true Zipp 404's (homemade tubeless), DT SS hubset, revolution spokes, Zipp proto road cranks with a 38 x 24t ti drivetrain by Brett Brown. Old-school Paul Crosstops mated with not-as-old school SRAM 9.0 carbon levers make for great stoppers that are also pretty light. Ti stem and post by Moots, bars by Syntace, and that about wraps it up.

Most of the rest of the summer I'll be racing this bike. I needed a change from multi-day grinds (the body demanded it--I said "Okay!") and so I'm working on speed and trying not to get my keister handed to me at a buncha hundred+ milers this summer. One thing's for sure--if I do get spanked I can't blame the bike.

Cheers,

MC

Ssweet as ussual Mike. Where's the report on the Kokopelli jaunt or did I miss that memo?

Doogan needs some mtn. air doesn't he?

Ssweet as ussual Mike. Where's the report on the Kokopelli jaunt or did I miss that memo?


Very nice, Mr. C.



I think you meant Bret Boone?


Brett Brown is running Bruce Boone's former chainring/cog biz.

I didn't want discs, and didn't really want an ebb. Moots said "No problem" to the first, and "Errr, problem" to the second. They've gone whole-hog into the ebb thing, and so they don't stock horizontal drops anymore. I hemmed and hawed for awhile before I tilted toward the ebb. So far the jury's still out. Yes, it's nice to be able to put the wheel in and take it out with no muss, no fuss. But really, was it all the hard to do with a bolt-on hub and horizontal drops? Mutter mutter...

Cheers,

MCWhat's wrong with an Eccentric BB? Weight?

It really is a great looking rig. I just can't get used to seeing ZIPPS on a mountain bike - just looks odd - big time. Go ahead, flame away!

nice!

Was the curved toptube a custom option or is this the way the frames are made now (instead of the extra bracing like the 2 smaller stock sizes have/had)? Can you tell me what stock size this frame comes the closest to (18/19/20.5")?

The WB, I understand it's not a production fork. Can you tell us the specs like travel, weight and features (lockout, compression, rebound). What's the little red knob for, do you have clearance problems with the downtube?

As long as we're all asking questions, how's the handling with that HTA?

For you, what is the primary strength of the softtail design, comfort or climbing traction?

Does your gearing work out to be 46 inches or so? Do you spin it out a lot, or do you just rarely find yourself on flatter terrain?

Jpre--the HTA was my personal choice. It rides as though it were built on high and descended down to GJ on a velvet pillow. Sorry--too much bs already... It rides like a bike, IMO. I've gradually evolved to this geo over my last three ss's, and this one is the best so far. It makes sense to me to slacken the HTA because on a ss you ride standing so often, so why have a steep front end when all of your weight is out over it, and none of the weight is on the saddle helping to stabilize the rest of the bike? Plus, when you do get back in the saddle, or at least over the back end of the bike, you have a made for downhilling cockpit--slack angles and high, wide, swept bars. It's overused as all get out, but 'singletrack scalpel' is an apt description for the handling.

Re: softtail, YES. Those are the primary strengths. Can't say that I discern between them anymore, EXCEPT when I get back onto a hardtail. Then, in order, I miss the comfort, climbing traction, and descending control. It's surprising how much difference that 1" makes going downhill.

Re: gear inches. Yep, it's 45.9". I settled on that gear on a weekend in Crested Butte a few years ago and haven't found a better combo yet. I guess most of the trails that I ss are steepish climbs and descents, so spinning out isn't an issue. Hasn't been yet, anyway. Besides, I'd rather spin out on a flat than walk on a climb.

TiBiker--the curved tt was custom. This frame is nowhere near any of the stock sizes in any dimensions. TT is longer, ST is shorter, angles are way slacker. WB fork info that I can disclose: 90mm travel, 3.5 lbs, externally adjustable rebound damping. No issues with the knob and the downtube. Also, it uses the same air internals as all of the current WB BW forks, it's just the damper that's changed.

Quasi--there's nothing 'wrong' with the ebb, I just wonder if it's really necessary in general. It seems like it solves a problem for disc brake users, but it doesn't really solve any problems elsewhere. I know that it'd make it easier (in some ways) if I switched gearing all the time (I don't), but it'd also make it more complicated when I did because then I'd have to readjust the ebb, seat height and position relative to it, as well as possibly stem reach (unlikely, but possible). So (for me) it doesn't make things harder or easier, just different. And it does add a bit of weight, albeit in the best possible place to ignore.

MC

To hell with how the bike rides. I'm sure it's great in the legendary Moots way.

It's the crank I'm lookin' at. Tell me it's a 110 square taper???

Alaska Pat

It's the crank I'm lookin' at. Tell me it's a 110 square taper???


I bet it's a 130mm BCD... a) he mentioned it's a road crank... b) he's running a 38t ring... c) bolts are awfully close to the edge of the ring...

Hmmm...all of the sudden I'm doscontent with my dream ride:-(

Mike you're a genius.

B

I am happier every day with my Mooto X. Yours looks great. I like the swoopy top tube better than the brace on the others. Now you just need an H-bar to complete it (perfect for SS). Scott

Pat--the cranks are 130 bcd/Isis.

IBIKEAZ--no thanks on the Jones bars. Tried 'em for awhile and liked them a lot for climbing, but I didn't care to have my hands where they were for braking/descending. Hard to unlearn 20+ years of muscle/brain imprinting, I guess. I've had a certain 29" framebuilder fab up a bolt on solution though, so that I can have the climbing position of the Jones bars with the descending/attack position I'm comfy with.

Donkey--thanks for the compliment. Care to share which part of 'genius' you're referring to so that I can slap myself on the back?

BW--sorry I missed your comment earlier. Doogs would love some mountain air. Care to send the Acme chopper over to pick us up for the day? I'll buy lunch at Teo Tamale.

MC

Have I just been talked into the YBB? Dang....
Donkey...help....talk me off the ledge!

oh wow. SO nice.

I love the YBB. yours is super one of a kind nice.

Oh man, your bike is so damn hot it makes me feel dirty just for lookin’ at it. All that ti and carbon ohh baby that thing is dead sexy. I am with you 100% on the EBB thing, I’ve been single speed/travel bike shopping a bit and I just don’t get the EBB appeal. It alters the way the bike fits the body in some of the most important ways (at least to my way of thinking). But it’s really a non-issue if you don’t change the gearing much and it gives you that nice clean rear end (umm...uh well on the bike).

The geometry just screams snowbike to me. Slack seat angles for comfy all day seated pedaling and a nice slack HA so you don’t spend all day fighting to keep the thing on task. Hope it does well by you.

I’m really curious about that fork, I love my BW .8 but I am constantly fiddling its knob while riding. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you or the WB folks as soon as full disclosure is allowed.

Adam

It really is a great looking rig. I just can't get used to seeing ZIPPS on a mountain bike - just looks odd - big time. Go ahead, flame away!

I would not touch the Zipps again. No Warranty. Mine started delaminating and Zipp said don't bother us.
Other than that, a great looking bike.
Dan C.

Donkey--thanks for the compliment. Care to share which part of 'genius' you're referring to so that I can slap myself on the back?


I know which part of 'genius' he's referring to because I'm sensing it too. It's the build as a whole. Every part and dimension chosen to complement the rest, for the type of riding you do. I've always admired your steeds in my mind, but I really wish I could take this one out for a spin to see what it felt like on a short casual loop, like I more often ride.

Wow, thats some serious porn right there..
I think I need to leave the room...

Thanks for the compliment--I'm truly flattered. Of course if you're ever in the area let me know--and it's yours for the day.

Except for today and tomorrow--Jason at White Brothers already has it...

MC

No, I was not. I actually was out on the 18road trails with Mike C's Moots Uno (the one pictured above). Mike and I are similar enough is size that we can regularly trade bikes - I only have to raise the seatpost approx. 1 inch on his bikes.

First things first...I have now recieved over 20 calls asking about the fork on his bike and the technology on it. All I will say is that we are working on a few new versions of advanced damper technology that the industry has not yet seen. We will have one aspect ready for the 2006 line, sometime in August (maybe sooner). And yes, it will be backwards compatible for those that already have a BW .8 or 1.0. I have no idea what pricing will be so please don't yet ask.

Many have also asked about Mike's 90mm of travel. The fork is actually based on the 100mm set-up, but being a prototype it currently measures out at 90mm.

Back to his bike.... His geometry is spot on - in my view it goes against most theories and should handle very slow - it is the exact opposite. The bike was quick and predictable, and very stable descending (Kessel run for those that have been here).

Climbing was wonderful. The bike has absolutely no issues with traction. Mike and I go around on the wheel set-up, as have a few others on this board. I will say that his current build is the first I have truly enjoyed. They are very stiff with a light feel, but it is a set-up that each individual must evaluate if they would like them - I currently have too many other projects to justify the expense, but if they found their way to me I would ride them on a regular basis.

I was testing some other products and bikes at the same time, so I did multiple loops of Prime Cut (up) and Kessel (down) all at a very comfortable pace. I'm keeping the quantitative info to myself, as well as the other stuff being tested. Suffice it to say that Mike's bike was very impressive in my results, as you might expect.

The one thing I really took away from this ride was that numbers don't lie, but when used in various combinations they can be very deceiving (his trail measurement is very big). I would not have expected his bike to handle nearly as quick as it does, and yet it steers very close to my custom Mudbats (with a with a very low trail measurement). Please don't ask about these measurements, I have them but just don't wish to share for now.

Jason

Hey Jason,
thanks for the great write up.
I own 2 WB's right now and used to own a CX-1.
I love their stiffness and their weight, but the travel has never felt "good," only okay.
More importantly to me, is the offset, or lack thereof.
I'm hoping that on the new forks that the new damper makes okay turn to good and that possible the WB offset would move ahead technology wise.
Perhaps if the offset will not be changed, will the new ones be available w/ the thru-axle?
Also, a stable platform 29er fork would almost stop my heart. Like a version of the terra-logic. *drool


First things first...I have now recieved over 20 calls asking about the fork on his bike and the technology on it. All I will say is that we are working on a few new versions of advanced damper technology that the industry has not yet seen. We will have one aspect ready for the 2006 line, sometime in August (maybe sooner). And yes, it will be backwards compatible for those that already have a BW .8 or 1.0. I have no idea what pricing will be so please don't yet ask.

Many have also asked about Mike's 90mm of travel. The fork is actually based on the 100mm set-up, but being a prototype it currently measures out at 90mm.

Jason

Padre,

Send me mail at jtillinghast@ekosport.com qualifying your thoughts on travel (is it quantity, quality, useability), I would like to hear them.

The future forks will be available with a 20mm option just like they are today, and we are looking at possible offset changes for down the road as well, but I must still be honest in saying that there is not a unified feeling among builders out there as to what this should be, which makes it difficult - everyone has a correct opinion on this matter.

I'm throwing around the idea of a "custom" fork build program as well - more so than we currently have, that could allow for many different options...for a price of course. However, it has been most important for us to advance the internal technology while also focusing on delivery. The other stuff will come.

JT

Ssweet as ussual Mike. Where's the report on the Kokopelli jaunt or did I miss that memo?

Doogan needs some mtn. air doesn't he?

Right here. http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=100979

Glad you liked the ride and I'm not surprised by your findings. I agree with your statement that the numbers don't lie but they can be misleading, and I think there's more at work here than meets the eye. I'm not suggesting that this geometry is for everyone--far from it. But I suspect that many who tried it would really like it.

As far as the 90mm travel fork, it's an anomaly. In other words, it's not gonna happen so please don't call WB to bug them about it. It came about for a variety of reasons (primary among them that this was a proto that would never be sold) and it'll go the way of the Dodo when this fork makes production. 'Nuff said.

MC

Mike, how much difference is there in terms of feel, between the upcoming stable platform WB forks & the current Reba? Does the new tech add much weight?

I have been super pleased with a WB .8 on my hardtail, and now have to choose between a Reba (comes with) or a WB 1.0 on my new FS.

Is it definate that the new SPV feature will be backwards compatible with the older forks?

Yes, the forks will be backwards compatible. Sorry folks, the older CX-1 forks are not - we will always be able to maintain and repair CX-1's, but the threads and leg lengths are too different for any of the new stuff.

At the moment it looks like we may be adding ~50 grams with our new damper technologies. However, we are looking at other areas to take that weight back from.

JT

Jason,

Does that mean we can send in our WB 1.0 and get an "upgrade" for a nominal fee? Say in November when the weather isn't that great and we want to ride our rigid singles for a change?

jl, that's what I hope to do with my WB .8!
I'll probably pay extra, as I hope to also upgrade to the large air chamber of the '04 and upwards forks, my '03 is still small-chamber, high-pressure. I guess the larger chamber added a bit of weight as well as the SPV stuff will, but I'll just cut my losses. Stiff+smart+still lighter than a Reba, YES!

Jl - yes, the intent will be that when your are ready (and we are ready) you will be able to send your fork in for an upgrade. I have no idea about pricing yet as we are not far enough along the production phase to forcast that. I'm sure it will not be nearly what a new fork would cost, but it won't be a few bucks either...

Cloxxki - The large air chamber actually weighs less than the high pressure cartridge you currently have in your 2003 BW .8 - the biggest difference is how the spring feels due to the mapping of the curve - I'm very surprised you have not already changed it.

As for our new damping technologies, most will like the options we have. However, I'm sure there will be a few that will still prefer the existing set-up. We'll have to wait and see.

Maybe this should be a different thread (don't want to continue to hijack the Moots thread) at some point, but let's wait a little longer as we get further through development stages.

JT

Post some more pics of the Moots as you've been riding it, and we'll de-hijack :-)

Even lighter for the large chamber??? That's HOT! My BW. 8 sits at 1565g, ready to roll.

I haven't upgraded to large chanbers yet, because I just don't fiddle with forks. I was actually a bit bummed you introduced those even better chambers so soon after I proudly got my Bw .8 :-)
I own 3 29" suspension forks, but ride 2 rigids. Always have something more to long for in a susser, while the rigid can't be complained about, heck it's a rigid. The new damper technology will definately see me ride suspension forks again, I truly believe in it's advantages when the trails get rough enough (mine are quite smooth) or forks get smart enough.

You had a difficult time with tire clearence on the Dos Niner at the seat stay. You haven't shown any pictures of the tire clearence using the same tire on the Moots.

are they at an angle? if so is why so? its amazing whats noticed when bored at work..sheesh

swoopy bike...

If this was a legitimate question (and not an obvious troll) I'd have no problem going out to the garage and snapping a pic of the more-than-ample tire clearance at the Moots' seatstay. But since you seem content to pick at festering wounds, I'll skip it.

The Salsa that I tested and reviewed was a prototype. The tire clearance issues were addressed and fixed for production.

MC

...more-than-ample tire clearance at the Moots' seatstay.....

I agree.

My 2 Mooto-X's had ample Seatstay clearance...although I only seriously raced/rode 1 of them offroad...I double checked my pic's, I don't have a clear shot of the clearance on hand...but it was enough of a non-issue, it never occured to me to photo it...

are they at an angle? if so is why so? its amazing whats noticed when bored at work..sheesh

swoopy bike...

yipe. i did of course mean the brake PAD posts not the brake arms seem to be at an odd angle to rim..

.i dunno. brain cramp?

The drilling of the brake arms is a bit off (90's "engineering" for you) the result of which is that they set the pads in a funny spot, necessitating tilting the pads upward for better contact. If I had a spare minute to mess with it I'd simply grind the pads down at an angle so that I could run 'em straight in.

As it is they work well, and I don't have a spare minute to mess with it, so I guess I'll just let them wear themselves down...

Now get back to work!

MC

nowt happening except the ruckus in the pubs...

interesting...i have a set of the moto bmx things to convert a 26 to a cross wheel and i was wondering re the pads...ta for info...

right. off to look busy somewhere...

If this was a legitimate question (and not an obvious troll) I'd have no problem going out to the garage and snapping a pic of the more-than-ample tire clearance at the Moots' seatstay. But since you seem content to pick at festering wounds, I'll skip it.

The Salsa that I tested and reviewed was a prototype. The tire clearance issues were addressed and fixed for production.

MC

I ask the question out of interest, why would you think I'm picking at "wounds" . Would like to see how Moots deals with the seatstay issue as compared Salsa and the difference between the two given their design. Nothing around here for me to look at.

Once Salsa comes out with their revised Dos-Niner, with the change in shock mount location, you will be able to use any tire you want.

I ask the question out of interest, why would you think I'm picking at "wounds" . Would like to see how Moots deals with the seatstay issue as compared Salsa and the difference between the two given their design. Nothing around here for me to look at.

I guess I'm a little touchy about the subject--sorry. A few months ago Salsa sent me a proto Dos Niner to review. I wrote it up here on MTBR, praising a few high points and critiquing a few low points. Many folks attacked me as though I were making up or embellishing the low points, and above I suspected that you were referring to that review.

Again, sorry--my bad. Dig up that review and you may understand.

Without further ado--the seatstay clearance of my Uno.

Good weekend.

MC

Man that's cool!
Mike, what's your take on the toughness of the YBB system?

My hesitations about it are thus:
1. Just another potential thing to break under me, and at that, it's part of the frame.
2. It might not feel like a hardtail...or should I say...pedal like one..especially out of the saddle.

Do you have any thoughts on this?

Remember...I'm 240lbs of love.... :cool:



Without further ado--the seatstay clearance of my Uno.

Good weekend.

MC

I don't think of it as a 'system', or as 'full suspension', when you're talking about durability. This design has been around for 13+ years, is pivotless, and has been tweaked to the Nth degree. In my mind, there was no other choice when I drew up my end-all-be-all most comfortable and durable bike for long races like the GDR. Having bonded with the suspension on that and other jaunts, it seemed a natural for a single as well.

Living in Colorado means that there are no shortage of these frames (in 26" anyway) around, and all of their owners are raving fanatics. That alone is not enough to make me a believer, but after I heard the 3rd story (firsthand) of the frames finally breaking after 11 years of constant pounding (and breaking at the headtube/downtube junction--not anywhere close to the suspension) I was convinced. But even those stories have to be tempered with the knowledge that those frames were 11 year old technology, tubing, etc... The current models use size specific tubing (your frame would, of course, weigh more than mine for many reasons) and are made to be ridden hard.

Still not enough? Two words--lifetime warranty.

My frame was built light and a bit whippy because I wanted all-day comfortable. Tell them your weight, riding style, tendency to break things, and how you want it to feel and perform, and you'll get it, spot on.

As far as your second concern--that it wouldn't feel like a hardtail, I can only respond, "Good!". The first few rides the YBB is a bit different (I almost wrote disconcerting, but it doesn't quite get to that point) in that you notice the movement when seated pedaling, especially on paved or packed climbs. Standing, I can't say that I've ever noticed it. But after a few rides (possibly/probably less) it becomes invisible. You know it's there, you feel the slight give, but you never find yourself thinking, "I wish I could lock it out". It's just, I don't know the best word, comfy/compliant.

People that ride with me often ask about the bobbing, as you can see the constant movement at the rear slider. And my response is usually some version of, "Yes, it's moving and eating small chatter, but I really don't feel the movement". And that about sums it up.

Without a doubt you notice it the most when you get back onto your hardtail, or when you loan it to someone on a ride and are forced to ride their hardtail. Then you miss it and immediately want it back.

Hope that helps.

MC

As far as your second concern--that it wouldn't feel like a hardtail, I can only respond, "Good!". The first few rides the YBB is a bit different (I almost wrote disconcerting, but it doesn't quite get to that point) in that you notice the movement when seated pedaling, especially on paved or packed climbs. Standing, I can't say that I've ever noticed it. But after a few rides (possibly/probably less) it becomes invisible. You know it's there, you feel the slight give, but you never find yourself thinking, "I wish I could lock it out". It's just, I don't know the best word, comfy/compliant.


Does it ever give you the sensation of the rear tire going flat, out of curiosity's sake?

I owned a Litespeed Tsali Softail for 2.5 yrs and that was the best way I could describe it. It was like you were running a large volume tire with very little pressure. For the first few weeks/months of owning the bike, after riding my roadbike and then switching over to my softail I'd have to stop and check the pressure in my tire. Over and over I was sure that my tire was going flat.

Mike,

Greetings from Michigan!

Great looking Moots. Is this the SS you are going to race at the Lumberjack 100 in June? You are the favorite to win the Michigan Single Speed Championships at the Lumberjack 100. I hope the Moots will deliver you to a win, maybe Todd can give you a run for your money?

PS-Great presentation at the MMBA Annual Meeting in February. I was the guy who ask the last question, "29er or 26er?"

Take care and see you in June,

Chad

Does it ever give you the sensation of the rear tire going flat, out of curiosity's sake?

On the first ride, yes I felt that for a little while. Second ride, I felt it, but after a very short time (~10 minutes) it became invisible. Aftter that I can't say that I ever noticed it again. In my mind this is a 'set it and forget it' system, and one of very few that requires little to no adjustment from your current bike, whatever it may be.

MC

Chad-

Yep, this is what I'll be racing. Care to give any hints as to what a good tire for this course will be? Gearing? I haven't ridden or raced much in Michigan since I lived there ~13 years ago, so any qualified input is welcome.

As far as being the SS favorite for the LJ, I think that's a longshot at best. This is the shortest race I've done in ~5 years. I do better at races that involve strategizing, sleep deprivation, and lots of planning. 100 miles is a drag race, and that's something I've never done well at. Still, I'll give it my best and I look forward to a fun (albeit brief) day of racing.

Glad you liked the presentation--I really enjoyed coming to give it.

See you in a few weeks.

MC

Padre, you are not going to break a YBB setup. I own 2 of those and have owned 2 more over the years. I am 200 lbs give or take, never had any issues. I've seen people breaking their moots, but never the YBB. I love the YBB.

Padre, you are not going to break a YBB setup. I own 2 of those and have owned 2 more over the years. I am 200 lbs give or take, never had any issues. I've seen people breaking their moots, but never the YBB. I love the YBB.

Wow! Is that a 1.0 on that frame on the left? I'm thinking of a similar set-up.
If I end up going custom ti, I hope to have the frame built on the heavy-duty side of it all, so no one ever hears of mine breaking.....

Does the YBB "bottom out" on harder hits or more sever drop-offs?

Chad-

Yep, this is what I'll be racing. Care to give any hints as to what a good tire for this course will be? Gearing? I haven't ridden or raced much in Michigan since I lived there ~13 years ago, so any qualified input is welcome.

As far as being the SS favorite for the LJ, I think that's a longshot at best. This is the shortest race I've done in ~5 years. I do better at races that involve strategizing, sleep deprivation, and lots of planning. 100 miles is a drag race, and that's something I've never done well at. Still, I'll give it my best and I look forward to a fun (albeit brief) day of racing.

Glad you liked the presentation--I really enjoyed coming to give it.

See you in a few weeks.

MC

If you have ridden the North Country Trail at all, it is similiar. Mostly singletrack which is off camber and is some areas tight (600mm wide tight). The course is mostly rolling with a few good hills thrown in for measure. There is some rough stuff that is newly broken trail. And of course throw in some Northern Michigan sand and you have a great course. I will be preriding the course Tuesday night, I will give further details.

The tire of choice will be the Nano Raptor. I put in 125 miles on the NCT(similiar terrain) with the Nano and it performed well. I will maybe use ACX's if the course is muddy.

As for gearing, I do not know. I will be racing a geared Sugar 293. 42/32 front with a 9spd 11-34 in the rear. A buddy of mine who is racing his Walt 29er SS will be using a 32-16 set-up. I hope this helps.

A drag race? I wished I could say that for me. Well, I have trained hard, so it will be a suffering drag race for me.

I will give more details of the course on Wednesday.

See you in a couple of weeks.

----Chad "29er will rule the Lumberjack" Schut

Padre,
YBB comes with different springs - you will need a heavy duty one and you can change them yourself. I am using medium and it never bottoms out. Yep it is 1.0 fork - works well, but custom geometry is recommended.

I do better at races that involve strategizing, sleep deprivation, and lots of planning. 100 miles is a drag race
Fock, that's cool....and lots of pain....

For some reason I got a vivid flashback of Rocky 3, with Mr T as Clubber Lane, and before the big fight an interviewer asks him what he projects for the fight....he only says: "Pain!" .... Not sure what the parallels are, but that's what I got....