Want to upgrade

[EVIL BOTA]

Since I can't aford to build new bike like I wanted this year.I want to upgrade the one I have .I have picked out a couple of items ,but need advice on a two other things. Head set and stem.I was looking at the chris king KING KONG for a head set ,but Not sure where what to go with for the stem. I would say that I'm an aggressive xc rider who likes to do some hucking ,but nothin to crazy. Any and all advice would be appreciated.

Thank Evil

[C.P.]

King Headset = nobrainer
So many stem choices out there - I have had good luck with my Thomson stem www.lhthomson.com

[EVIL BOTA]

Well this is what I've come up with so far.

RaceFace BB LIST $50

RaceFace Evolve dh Crank set List $135

KingKong Head set List $114

Easton ea 70 Monkey lite xc Bar List $109

Easton ea 70 Seat Post List $80

Thomson Elite MTN Bike stem List $80

RockShox firm spring kit $45

Thats all I can afford right now..

Any suggestions??

[SloMoJo]

Hey Evil.
Lookin forward to ridin with ya again!
Did I mention that already?

All sounds good.
I have 2 minor points...almost trivial.

1. Leave some dough for a nice night light if you don't have one.

2. Do you think those smancy light carbon bars is the right fit for a huckster like you? Lotta dough for a handlebar imo.

You aready have disc brakes and studded tires right?
Couple things I really have enjoyed.

remember the ebay shop is open 7X24. ;)

Have you started the south park...I mean south beach diet yet? :)

[splat]

Here is one ,I have never understood.

thing like Headsets and Bottom Brakets , I never think about upgrading , unless I have trashed one. Upgrading those when not needed I just don't find they by you much bang for the Buck. ( if they need replacing that is another story)

[EVIL BOTA]

Splat I have replaced a couple of BB's .I seem to get alot of play in them after a good season of riding. So I figurd I would upgrade .As far as those handle bars SMJ. They claim to be strong and light so I will give them a try ,unless some of you have a better option for me. I can't wait to get out there and ride.I am weening myself of of the Steak - n - cheese diet and slowing down on the suds.Should be in tip top physical peak condition in no time.LMAO!!!!!!! Phat guy on a little bike!

[jaime]

I am weening myself of of the Steak - n - cheese diet and slowing down on the suds.Should be in tip top physical peak condition in no time.LMAO!!!!!!! Phat guy on a little bike!




Slowin' down on the suds?!? Nononono, dude, you've got that ALL wrong! You gotta keep the carbs rolling in to fuel that jet-engine! Anyway, that's my story, & I'm stickin' to it!;D

[steve_b]

Any suggestions??

My $.02

A quick calcuation shows over $600 in upgrades. Does it make more sense to put the $$$ towards a whole new bike and / or frame? ??? Just something to consider.

I word of warning, though. I was going to do the upgrade / weight reduction thing for my Giant, until I saw a picture of the Craftworks frame. It was like crack. All I know is I'm now out about $1700. F*cking bikes, it's a disease. ;D

[EVIL BOTA]

Steve thanks for the .02 cents ,But like I said I can't afford to build the bike I want so upgrading is the next best thing. Those prices were what I got off the Jensen web site. I'm sure I can find them a bit cheaper than that. I don't want to start looking into a new frame ,because it leads to more money. Since I've been out of work 10 weeks out of the last 5 months I would rather spend 500+ .My bike is solid and just needs a few things .I can make it last a couyple more years.
Suggestions on better parts would help though..


Peace out!

[splat]

Splat I have replaced a couple of BB's .I seem to get alot of play in them after a good season of riding. So I figurd I would upgrade .As far as those handle bars

If there is Play in the Bottom Braket that is another story. that means it needs to be replaced any way!

[steve_b]

Evil:

Crank & BB:
$114.99
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail.htm?stylepkey=12767&style_id=135%20RACFD2%2 0KIT&dept_id=3&deptName=Parts&sub_id=56&subName=Cr anks/Bolts&lprice=114.98&hprice=114.98&detailName=Race% 20Face%20Prodigy%20DH%20Crankset%20w/%20Bashguard%20and%20Evolve%20FR%20Bottom%20Bracke t
They have a 3-ring version for the same price.

Headset:
$44.00
http://www.cambriabike.com/head_sets/fsa_orbit_xlii.htm

For the seatpost, stems, and Bars, watch Ebay. There's a bunch on there, and you will probably save some $$$. The Thomson Elite is regularly there for $60.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3660165609&category=22 694

[EVIL BOTA]

Thanks dude .Nice stuff.

[joe]

You can also get the Thomson Elite for $60 from www.bikeman.com (http://www.bikeman.com)

I have only ordered from them once but I know there are others on this board who have used them more. They are up in Maine and my limited experience with them has been positive.

Here are some lessons i learned from my recent bike build.

Race Face cranks have less offset. This can lead to the pedals striking the chainstay on full suspention bikes. The problem can be solved with a BB that has a longer shaft. Check the measurement from the centerline of your frame to the inside edge of the crank at the pedal end. Be sure the new BB and crank combo combine to match this measurement.

Seat post and stem should match. Yes it is a style issue but its an easy one to follow. I prefer the Thompson for its clean lines, one piece construction, and stellar reviews. But thats for my bike. For the Evil sled i have to go with RaceFace Diabolus.

Avoid anything with "Lite" in the name.

New crankset = new chain
New bar = new grips. get the ODI rufian.

Bikeman answers the phone, matches prices, discounts on package purchaces, and ships quick. I've been to the shop and ordered on line. I reccomend their services.

By the way, I have a brand new Fox Vanilla Propedal that i think will fit your frame. Trust me, its an upgrade worth every penny. $120.

bill

[EVIL BOTA]

Well thanks for the info men. I think I have it down to what I want.

Handle bars Speacialized S-works carbon fiber(new grips ty bill good tip)

Easton ec 70 seat post Carbon fiber(sorry bill I know it doesn't match)

Thomson Stem(I know I'm all over the place)

King Kong head set== no brainer :)

Crank and bottom bracket combo that FS Steve sent me. Would like the evolve ,but 140 just for the crank.
Any suggestions on a chain?I know all here hate shimano.

The reason for the HB ,stem and suspension kit.I got from my lbs at cost . Well Friday I will order it all.. again ty for the help..

[steve_b]

Any suggestions on a chain?I know all here hate shimano.
Sram


Crank and bottom bracket combo that FS Steve sent me.

Think how nice it will look on your Specialized:

[EVIL BOTA]

No problem with the crank hitting ur chain stay???

[steve_b]

No problem with the crank hitting ur chain stay???

Nope. I'll take a picture tonight.

[steve_b]

Chainstay clearance:

[AA]

for what it's worth here is my .02

Handlebars- stay away from carbon

Stems- Thompson is nice but they can have a tendency to creak (the wedge, not the face plate). I've been using a Azonic shorty & I like it

Seatpost- Thopmson is the best IMHO

Cranks/BB- I used to like Shimano but the XT now uses the octolink splined BB that I dont particularly like. XTR is nice but isnt compatible with any aftermarket rings/BB's. You can often find the Race Face cranks cranks like on FS Steve's bike for cheap money, very strong, very nice. Race Face BB are nice, you can adjust your chain line unlike Shimano, a nice feature.

Headset- If you want one that wont ever wear out buy the King. If you want to save some cash look at the Cane Creek sealed bearing models, I actualy have one on my tandem and it's held up (tandems are tough on headsets)

AA

[EVIL BOTA]

AA Why say away from carbon.I'm hearing there stronger than the aluminum???????plus lighter

[mtbnick]

i dont think i ever had a shimano chain but sram i have had problems with the power link busting but you can just take a rock and bang it back in place.

[mtbnick]

i personally would stay away from carbon on any part of my bike if when it failed it would caused serious bodly harm. when carbon breaks it just snapes it doesnt bent like metal.

AA Why say away from carbon.I'm hearing there stronger than the aluminum???????plus lighter


The strength of most materials is dependent on the manner of testing. Steel roof trusses will hold more weight but in a fire will collapse long before wood. Down is warmer then wool but if it gets wet you freeze. Carbon Fiber is stronger and lighter then Aluminum when placed in a press and subjected to steadily increasing pressure. The metal bar will bend and fail at less pressure. The composite will hold its shape until it fails catastrophically.
The big question is, which one holds up longer while placed under pressure and whacked into a tree causing the tester to fly head first into the nearest frozen mud puddle 5 miles downhill from his car in the dead of winter while his "buddies" continue on their way all the time complaining about how he is always holding up the ride with his broken weight weenie "light but strong" components? The choice is up to you.

[EVIL BOTA]

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=HB703A03

AND


http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=SE701A00



I think this way will be better? cheaper any who!

[C.P.]

Evil,

That race face Diabulus bar is a 31.8mm clamp dia - just make sure you choose a stem that can take that bar...the Thomson and most others have 25.4mm clamp dia. There is a new diabulus that has a 25.4 clamp dia...make sure you get the right one
Just something to be aware of...

BTW Most mtn bike stems have 25.4 mm clamp dia...I know you are trying to get a sturdy aluminum bar, but this one takes it over the top...

Here's the one I use...(staying with jensonusa for now) - plenty of bar to work with (and plenty to cut if you need to)

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=HB707A19

[EVIL BOTA]

Thanks C.P. I would have f'd that right up..Bills gonna kill me nothin will match..lol ;D

[AA]

AA Why say away from carbon.I'm hearing there stronger than the aluminum???????plus lighter


I think nm & justbill summed it up nicely

[CouchingTiger]

AA Why say away from carbon.I'm hearing there stronger than the aluminum???????plus lighter


I think nm & justbill summed it up nicely


AA is suggesting a ban on Carbon simply because he has waffled like 5 carbon seatpost in the course of a month ;)

-Couch

[EVIL BOTA]

I guess spearing urself in the arse a few times would make you feel that way.. :P

[EVIL BOTA]

http://www.teambota.com/botasig/evil/Family%20068.jpg



Part one .Shizit came in..

Bike porn ;D

[C.P.]

Evil,

Nice - now go get it built up!

[EVIL BOTA]

OK here it is. $500+ in upgrades. Sorry about the links I was to lazy to resize the pictures.. I know Bill. I didn't go with the matching parts trend,but I was never like the rest of the other kids...

Before
http://www.teambota.com/botasig/evil/Family%20069.jpg
After
http://www.teambota.com/botasig/evil/Family%20070.jpg
http://www.teambota.com/botasig/evil/Family%20071.jpg
http://www.teambota.com/botasig/evil/Family%20072.jpg
http://www.teambota.com/botasig/evil/Family%20073.jpg
http://www.teambota.com/botasig/evil/Family%20073.jpg

http://www.teambota.com/botasig/evil/Family%20074.jpg
Now the get my fat ass on it and ride..

[steve_b]

The crankset looks nice on your ride. Are you using all of your hosting space on those 5 pics? Damn their big! You might want to try Irfanview to resize them. ;)

[SloMoJo]

Good job Evil!
Look forward to the rides.

[C.P.]

ouch - painful on dialup (pics too large)..I gave up after the first one...nice work. See you on the trails!

[steve_b]

ouch - painful on dialup (pics too large)..I gave up after the first one...nice work.

;D

[steve_b]

2

[steve_b]

3

[steve_b]

4

[steve_b]

last one.

[EVIL BOTA]

Thanks Steve. I was to lazy to do that..lol

[steve_b]

No problem. :) It honestly only took about 2 minutes using this:
http://www.irfanview.com/

Image>Resize> "enter new dimensions" > click "ok" then save as....

You might want to try lowering your digicam picture settings to 1 meg or 1028 x 768.

[BrianK]

i personally would stay away from carbon on any part of my bike if when it failed it would caused serious bodly harm. when carbon breaks it just snapes it doesnt bent like metal.


I thought Aluminum was pretty brittle too, snapping more than bending. Steel bends. I'm no materials expert though...

-BrianK