|   first time builder seeking advice | Fell
Jan 1, 2004 12:37 AM | | I'd like to start out saying I'm somewhat of a noob. I have never built a bike, but can usually fix what I manage to break on the one I've got now. Thanks in advance for being patient!
I'm going to build up a 29er' with a Buzz Bomb frame I got off ebay. The auction came with a bunch of parts; everything but the fork and hub, it seems.
I was thinking of getting the 2004 Marzocchi Marathon SL 29er ($549.99 w/shipping). Any advice against this fork? Something else that claims the 'latest and greatest' title?
The only place I found selling the Rohloff hub I want (OEM w/disc) was Harris Cyclery. Is there anywhere else that sells these hubs? I live pretty close to the Rohloff US headquarters, anyone purchased directly from there? I don't mind Harris, but I figured I'd shop around as long as I'm spending 1k+.
The hub also comes in a threaded axle and quick release version. I suspect I could use either with the Buzz Bomb frame, but are there advantages to one vs. the other (aside from quicker removal of the wheel)?
Thanks,
Dan
dan@omitted.net |
| My 2 Cents on Forks... | C-Hog
Jan 1, 2004 6:09 AM | | I have limited experience with the Marathon SL... I own a 2003 White Bro's BW.8. My impressions of the SL are that it is more "plush" than the WB, at the expense of being slightly heavier. I would charaterize the WB as more of a "racer's fork"... lighter & stiffer, but not as plush. That said, others on this board have said that the WB has been improved for 2004, and has a much better feel. (I hope so, as I'm sending my fork off to White Bro's in a couple of weeks for the 2004 upgrade.) All that said, I don't think you would be hurt going with either fork. Both are solid performers. Good luck with your build. Keep us updated.
Jim |
| Can they retro the CX-1 too? | Padre
Jan 2, 2004 9:21 AM | | |
| Marathon forks | 242Barham
Jan 1, 2004 12:37 PM | | Dan;
I love my 2003' Marathon SL. It was a little "sticky" out of the box, but everyday it just gets better. The ECC, or dampening adjustment works great, and can really help with varied terrain. I am about 195lbs and ride 32pounds positive air and 120-130 negative air.BUTTER!
People complain about the fork leaking not getting full travel, I actually think I get more than the advertised 80mm. I set my fork up with about 10mm of sag, set a zip tie just above the seal ride all day and when I stop, I measure the difference from the seal (at 0 compression) to the zip tie, and it is actually 86mm. I run a 180mm disc with zero problems. Fork is stiff which makes steering so percise it seems to actually help me out of trouble. The lockout works great on smooth climbs and #1 or 2 works great on technical stuff.
Wade |
| re: first time builder seeking advice | TimT
Jan 1, 2004 5:04 PM | | Check your LBS on the Hub QBP has them in there catolog. You can order them any way you want.
TimT |
| re: first time builder seeking advice | rossixc
Jan 2, 2004 7:58 AM | | The '04 White Brothers BW .8 now has a high volume low pressure air spring allowing it to be very plush (the old system was high pressure low volume which needed a larger hit to activate the fork making it feel "racier") also, the new BW .8 fork is almost 3/4 lb lighter than the Marathon, has larger stanchions (much stiffer torsionally), and is made domestically (if that matters) for only $50 more. |
| Best Speedhub deals come from ebay, but use caution... | fy'nætik (aka næstep)
Jan 2, 2004 10:02 AM | | A number of OEM Speedhubs turned up on eBay recently, but they had non-US serial numbers and Rohloff USA told me they were considering requiring any warranty claims be shipped to and processed by Rohloff GmbH.
I did purchase one of my hubs through Rohloff's Berkeley location. It was reconditioned and included a full warranty, so the price wasn't any better than some of the eBay units.
If you do phone Rohloff, you may want to ask them for a dealer list since they sell direct to shops (not just through QBP). There are potentially some deals to be had if you can find a shop that's had a hub sitting on the shelf for a long time.
Only real benefit I can see in getting the touring axle is if you plan to use horizontal dropouts. I've got the QR version on three bikes (all vertical dropouts, one a Buzz Bomb) and haven't had any issues. |
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