Stem ordered and shipped, thanks for the info.
Son of a... You nabbed the last new 70mm Shorty in existence!!
I know everyone will think I'm crazy but as I have 2 sets already with no problems (touch wood) I'm going to look for another set of caramba double barrels.
No offence, but they don't even look that good, imo. It's not easy to make CNC machined, ano mtb parts look as average as that, each to their own I guess. Check out old Paul rear derailleurs, they're a highly collectible work of art;
Paul's Components Rear Derailleur - Weight Weenies
I've no idea about the DB's performance, never heard of them tbh. That doesn't happen too often, so I'm going to assume they're extremely rare or nothing special, likely both. That's three good reasons (don't forget pug fugly) to get different cranks. Cranks are a huge statement on a mtb, only the forks and frame itself are of greater import. Their prominent, central location, inherent chunkiness, and relationship to the rest of the drive train all command attention, immediately drawing the eye, complimenting (or detracting from) the overall aesthetic.
Both the Shimano and Sram cranksets use a similar hollow tube design (Hollowtech refers to the cranks themselves) supported by bearing cups. It's a lightweight, simple, elegant, and entirely proven design, completely superseding the traditional sealed BB in every way. I'd go a
Shimano Saint M810 dual chainring crankset(note 170mm length), or red XO cranks, if you can afford it. I have the Saint M810's on my VP-Free, awesome cranks, they look tough as hell, imagine how cool the fat black arms would look set against the metallic candy red of the front triangle. You'll also require a Saint M810 front derailleur to match it, not sure about swing or pull type, can't do everything for ya.
This is definitely being used as a trail bike so XO shifters are a must for me plus Hope tech X2 brakes and goodridge lines.
My only experience with Hope brakes is with the early gen, late 90's model. Never again. Not super impressed with the power of the XT M785's on my VP-Free, even with 8" rotors. No doubt they need to be bled, but the M775's on my Bullit always felt much stronger, ie. an inopportune handful of lever could catapult you over the bars. My former mechanic reckons the SLX's are easily the best value brakes on the market; same calipers as XT with less adjustable levers, not much different.
My mate has Saint M820's on his VP-Free; amazing power (full-on boat anchors), can lock-up the rear wheel instantly, true one finger braking (no BS), makes my XT's look very average. They also have a premium look and feel about them which the XT's and SLX's do not.
I'd go the Saints because I know they're totally bullet proof, not ridiculously expensive (plenty of sales), and not so boutique I'd have trouble sourcing parts. In 20 odd years designing hydro brake systems for mtb, Shimano haven't made a lemon yet, or even a system requiring anything more than a bare minimum of maintenance. Who else could make such a claim? I wouldn't feel as confident about any other brands, particularly Hope, which traditionally have always been high maintenance. The Hope's do look great though, I'll give 'em that.
I have a San Andreas too which has been dialled in nicely with some modern components and feels better than my modern ride although it sounds like a filing cabinet being chucked down a stairs ha ha.
There's no denying the San Andreas' place in mtb folk law as one of the all-time great designs. However, I never liked massively over sized aluminium monocoque tubes. With the significant internal cavities acting as echo chamber, the constant, hollow knocking sound can be more than a little distracting, and bloody infuriating at times.
Mainframe is getting decorated in a deep metallic candy red currently. I'll post pics when I get it back.
Sounds delightful, can't wait.
I've got a bunch of foes decals too but don't have a full set of originals, it will still look awesome though.
Tried to find some on the Foes site (not much on Ebay), seems to be experiencing technical difficulties, unfortunately;
Foes Racing USA - Handmade Full Suspension Bicycle Frames