My FTM build project

[jjkitt]

Thought I would share some pictures of my build project.

I've always wanted a Titus but never could get my hands on one. With the transfer of the brand to On-One and a new purchase point I bought a medium FTM frame in November 2011 as a learning build project. The guys at Titus couldn't have been more helpful. This is my fifth full suspension bike, so I'm using legacy components and last years sales items I find on the web.

Just installed my headset, fork, and stem last weekend. Next weekend I plan on installing my bottom bracket and crank.
Thought I would share some pictures and get your thoughts. I was thinking of using colored shifting cable housing. Maybe white or blue....any thoughts?

More pictures to follow next week.

Cheers,

[jjkitt]

Update to the build...slow but steady. Plan on putting on different tires...maybe Maxxis or Continental Trail Kings.

Cheers,

[jjkitt]

Sorry, the pictures.

Cheers,

[kovi]

Nice one! That fork is a good match to your frame.

[jjkitt]

Update to build, installed my bottom bracket, crank, and rear derailleur this weekend. Overhauled a 2009 X-9 derailleur I had on an old bike. Got a great deal in the XX 2X10 crank...cheaper than an X-9, and my weakness for Chris King caused me to get his stainless steal bottom bracket. I have a front mec X-9 on order as well as some Gore shifting cables and a Loader Precision Inc seat post.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Cheers,

[Vespasianus]

Dude, that looks really nice. Great job.

[00sable]

Nice build. This has been asked before on another thread but do you know the frame weight?Stuck in between EG and FTM.

[Vespasianus]

Originally Posted by 00sable

Nice build. This has been asked before on another thread but do you know the frame weight?Stuck in between EG and FTM.

This is coming out of my arse but I think the FTM is closer to 6lbs and the EG is closer to 7.

[jjkitt]

To all,
Thanks for the comments...its been fun building my FTM...learning a lot.

00sable,
I did weigh the frame with shock when I received it in Nov11. I believe it was around 5.5lbs-ish...sorry didn't take any pictures. I will weigh, in its current state, today and take a picture and post. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful...guess my memory if the sign of my age!

Cheers,

[jjkitt]

All,

Incomplete build weighs 24lbs, 4oz.
Still require:
Loaded seat post: 280gr
Sram pc1091r chain: 255gr
saddle: 224gr
X-9 front mec: 133gr
= 892gr/1.9-2.0lbs remaining.

So looking at a sub 27lb 5.5" trail bike!

Cheers,

[00sable]

Thanks JJ and Vesp. I thought the other thread read 5.8 lbs for Med FTM and 7.25 lbs for large EG. Going back to check Craigstr's weight on his EG thread to be sure. He got a large 2011

[jjkitt]

No worries 00, sorry I couldn't be more helpful. I've been following Craigstr's posts...since he is a Titus brand ambassador he might be able to give you the exact weight specs for both if you PM him.

Cheers,

[krtwinger]

Great looking build

[jjkitt]

Winger thanks for the comments.

On a separate note...has anyone have any experience with "SHOCK EYE
NEEDLE BEARING CONVERSION KITS"? Has anyone used them and do they offer any real benefit? For your reference go to this link...http://http://www.enduroforkseals.com/id275.html
Appreciate anyone's help/advice.

Lastly, final parts are coming in...should have the FTM completed by mid next week. Will post.

Cheers,

[jjkitt]

Sorry...didn't correctly post link:
RWC SHOCK EYE NEEDLE BEARING KITShttp://www.enduroforkseals.com/id275.html[/URL]

Cheers,

[00sable]

I read a thread a while back that discussed those bearings for shocks. What I got out of it was that the shock didn't move enough when mounted horizontal, like on your ftm, to benefit as opposed to the vertical shock position, like some other suspensions, where there is more circular motion on the top eyelet of a vertical shock and seemed to have smoother travel with the needle bearings. Just some peoples opinions though. No science behind it or testing that I remember reading about. Try searching RWC in here. It might pop up but its been a couple of years since I saw that.

[Et tu Tite?]

Originally Posted by jjkitt

Winger thanks for the comments.

On a separate note...has anyone have any experience with "SHOCK EYE
NEEDLE BEARING CONVERSION KITS"? Has anyone used them and do they offer any real benefit? For your reference go to this link...http://http://www.enduroforkseals.com/id275.html
Appreciate anyone's help/advice.

Lastly, final parts are coming in...should have the FTM completed by mid next week. Will post.

Cheers,

I'm not sure I'd bother with the needle bearing version. I'm sure it'll move smoother, but will you really notice it? And adding more bearings, i.e. more moving parts just worsens any mean time to failure calculations as I see it.

There was a very lengthy thread - 09 FTM Broken Swing link Shock Mount Bolt! - on this forum regarding the replacement of the shock eye reducers with something more substantial. Some very useful information in there if you're prepared to wade through the willy swinging contest!

I have just replaced my shock eye reducers (on the swing link side only) with these: Bicycle Suspension - TF Tuned Shox Heavy-Duty Mount Kit, 12.7mm, M8x40 for GBP12.50. It has a steel shaft that goes through the shock bushing (which is polymer, so you replace the DU one) and "sleeves" the bolt. Cheap at the price and unlikely to fail any time before I hang the frame on the wall for sentimentality..

[craigstr]

Originally Posted by 00sable

Thanks JJ and Vesp. I thought the other thread read 5.8 lbs for Med FTM and 7.25 lbs for large EG. Going back to check Craigstr's weight on his EG thread to be sure. He got a large 2011

My large 2011 frame was 7.14 lbs with no cups or seat collar. After I stripped the paint it was 6.96.

[jjkitt]

Hey, thanks to all with the comments and information. I think I'll pass on the needle bearings!

As for the build...looking to be finished by Sunday with a trail test to follow. Hopefully post the final pictures by next week.

Again, thanks to all!

Cheers,

[00sable]

Thanks Craig. The raw looks great. If there is paint left on the frame I could'nt find it in your pics.

[jjkitt]

All,
Finally finished my build:

frame: 2011 Titus FTM aluminum (med)
headset: Chris King Inset 3
stem: Thompson X4, 70mm, 0 rise
bars: Race Face Atlas (green)
grips: ODI lock on
post: Loaded Precision Inc
saddle: Chumba Zulu
fork: 2011 Fox Fit 140 tapered with through axle
shock: Rock Shock Monarch RT3
drive train:
X9 medium cage rear derailleur
X9 2X10 front derailleur
XX 2X10 crank (39, 26 T) 170mm
Sram PG 1091R chain
Sram PG 1070 cassette
Chris King bottom bracket
peddles: Crank Brothers
brakes: Avid Juicy 7, 180mm front, 160mm aft
wheels: Stan's Arch with Chris King hubs
shifting cables: Gore
tires: Continental Trail King 2.2 (with Stan's No Tubes)

Total weight: 27lbs 2 ounces

Going to upgrade the bolts with blue anodized titanium over the next several weeks.

Going to try a test ride tomorrow if the weather holds!

Cheers,