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MountainBikeReview.com's Forum Archives - General Discussion
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Help me finish my Blur (fork, brake, wheel recommendations) (6 posts)
|  Help me finish my Blur (fork, brake, wheel recommendations) | fallzboater
Jan 15, 2004 9:32 PM | | I have a polished XL Blur (Fox shock) on the way, should be here in a week! I'm going to use a number of parts off my old bike, but am looking for advise on a few others. I'm 6'3", 185lbs, roadie/trail rider. Want to keep it light, simple, reasonable cost.
Fork:
LBS has good price on left-over '03 Float 100RLC or TALAS RLC. TALAS is about $70 more, and heavier. Also disk-only. I rode a TALAS on a Turner XCE and liked it, but don't know if I'd use the travel adjuster that much. Other than the possible warranty issue, anything else I should consider between these two? Any other forks I should consider (under $450).
Brakes:
If I get the 100RLC, I could use my Avid v-brakes and existing wheels for a while, but intend to upgrade to disks soon, anyway. What is the best deal in a good, light, hydraulic disk system? I'll be using my LX 9-speed pod shifters, if it matters. One possibility would be keeping the Avid v-brake on the rear for now, and slapping a disk up front. I have tried the Avid mechanicals, which seemed OK power-wise, but grabby (poor modulation). Are Shimano or other mechanicals better? I have worked on motorcycle brakes, so I'm not too concerned about maintenance.
Disk Wheels:
I've built a lot of wheels and like to be able to easily true and replace rims, so I'm not looking for a "system" wheel. What are the best/lightest reasonably priced disk hubs? What are the lightest rims you'd recommend? Any really good deals out there?
Thanks,
David |
| re: Help me finish my Blur (fork, brake, wheel recommendations) | Damion
Jan 16, 2004 3:28 AM | | First, The fork. SC only allow for a 100mm fork in their warranty for the Blurr. So, if you are going to run a Talas, it will void your warranty if SC finds out, even if you leave it at 100mm. Go with the Float RLC. As far as brakes, My Hayes Hudros are 4 yoa now, and going strong. Hard to beat. Hubs? King, baby. I know they are pricey, but ohhhhh man, how sweet they are. Later. |
| Easy questions.... | Mikerj
Jan 16, 2004 4:55 AM | | I had a Blur all last season...super bike but just could not handle the type of riding I've grown into.
FORK: Fox Float RLC set at 100mm. Great match for the rear end. Trail-worth and raceable. Nay on the Talas. It's unlikely that you'd go below 100mm often (and the Floats are internally adjustalbe down to 80mm), and IMO the frame is not built to handle the type of riding that would require 125mm up front. Also, floats can be serviced at home and I hear the Talas needs to be sent back to Fox form maintenace.
BRAKES: If you get the Float you could simply stick with the Vs as you said above but I'd really consider Avid mechanicals. I've tried and worked on alot of disk brakes, and have owned Avid mechs and Hopes. For starters you can still use your V brake levers with the Avid Mechs. The mechs work great, are much more cost effective (especially if you do any kind of swappping rotor sizes), and about 1/10th the hassle of haydraulics. Even if the Mech cost the same as hydraulics I'd still go with the Mechs.
WHEELS: I build my own wheels and find that the best thing I've done is invest in some nice durable hubs (Chris Kings). Rims and spokes will wear out and break but a good hub lasts a long time. If you can build a good wheel I'd recommend King hubs on Mavic 317 disk specific rims. (I think the 317s now go by a different name.) You'll realize the cost savings in the long run and the performance benefits immediately. Take the cash you save from going with Avid Mechs and put it toward the CK hubs.
Mike |
| agree on all points | laffeaux
Jan 16, 2004 10:38 AM | | I ride a Blur, and have for over a year now. Instead of the Fox fork, I have a 100mm Marzocchi Marathon, but the Fox is a good choice as well.
I ran the bike with v-brakes for the majority of the time that I've owned the bike and they work fine. I switched to Avid mechanicals last fall. They do have more stopping power, but IMO are not as cheap to maintain (replacement pads are expensive) or as bullet-proof as v-brakes (maybe it was just bad luck, but I bent a rear rotor on a rock within 100 miles of installing them, and spent over an hour trying to perform trailside repairs). If you want the stopping power, they are hard to beat (at the price) though.
And yes, buy nice wheels. |
| re: Help me finish my Blur (fork, brake, wheel recommendations) | Jrm
Jan 16, 2004 5:52 PM | | I ride a blur using a talas, Avid discs and 317's. The only thing i would change is going with a mavic 819/ CK, Hugi, or XT disc wheelset. that will happen soon enough though. |
| I'd rather have the TALAS | Nat
Jan 18, 2004 2:17 AM | | I currently have a Float 100RLC on my Blur with Float shock, and while it's a good fork, I think it's not a good match for the rear. Although the biggest selling point of the TALAS is that it has adjustable travel, it's actually a lot more supple than the Float. If you have a chance to compare the two forks side by side you'll see what I mean. There's a big difference in feel. My bike feels unbalanced with the current setup, which is one you're contemplating. |
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