Old Guy Goes Old School

So, after spending the better part of 2011 off the mountain bike, I decided it was time to get back into the woods. I’ve raced and/or ridden mountain bikes for the last 25 years, but that’s gradually been replaced with road riding. A couple of weeks ago I decided to build up a pretty basic bike to get back to what attracted me to mountain biking in the first place. I’ve had plenty of full and front suspension bikes, but seeing as I’m not racing and I don’t downhill like I used to, this is what I came up with-

This is a Surly “Karate Monkey” 100% chromoly steel frame and fork. It’s a 29er too. The fork is suspension corrected at 80mm for consistent geometry if a suspension fork is installed. We sell these at Sunshine Cycle as custom builds or as framesets. Here’s how I built mine up-

First, I decided to go with SRAM’s new X7 2X10 drivetrain. SRAM has been making a big deal about 2X10, and at first I was curious as to what was so special about it. Most of us have been riding 2X10 on our road bikes for the last 10 years. However, by using 26/39 chainrings and an 11/36 cassette SRAM has come very close to triple gearing without the sloppy shifting, and smaller chainrings mean better clearance, especially on 29ers. Shifting precision is MUCH better under load than the other “S” brand. It also tolerates cross chaining reasonably well. I’m not crazy about the X7 shifters, as I’ve always ridden Gripshift, so when the 10 speed versions come out I’ll install them.

The fork actually works well with the fat 29X2.3 WTB Exiwolf tires. I’m running 28psi front and rear, and the combination of steel frame/fork, 29” wheels and large tire air volume make for a very comfortable ride. Almost feels like an inch or so of suspension on a fully rigid bike. Traction is not an issue. Nice.

Another thing that makes a HUGE difference on a rigid forked bike is the grips. WTB Comfort Zone Clamp-Ons are the best grips I’ve ever ridden. Period. The paddle area of the grip is made of stiff dense rubber and isolates your outer palm area (the part that takes a beating with round grips) from handlebar shock. The Ritchey Comp alloy bar is quite stiff, so the grips do the trick. Also, a word about bar position on a fully rigid bike- high is good. With no shock to soak up front wheel hits, high bars take some weight off the hands and transfer it back to the saddle. This also keeps the front end light and responsive.

Other components are Easton EA70XC wheels, Ritchey Pro seatpost, Cane Creek 40 threadless headset, Avid BB7 Disc brakes with Avid Levers and Time ATAC pedals.

After three two hour plus rides at Paris Mountain State Park over the last week, I’d have to say I’m very pleased with the bike. I’m no more beat up than normal after a ride and although I have to descend a little slower, climbing seems to be easier and faster, especially the technical parts. No more fork bob!

So that’s my report on the new bike. No more checking shock pressures, just air up the tires and go. As equipped, the bike weighs 27lbs 12oz. That’s with heavy wheels, medium weight components and NO carbon fiber (except the X7 rear derailleur cage ??). Not Bad.