Thought I’d fire up some thoughts on here regarding my latest bank-account emptyer. Previously has a Nicolai Helius AC:
Build Specs:
– Liteville 301 MK 10 XL (similar in size to Nicolai L)
– 140mm linkage plates (not 160mm)
– Fox RP23 Kashima (supplied with frame)
– Marzocchi 44 RC3 Ti 150mm
– Liteville/Syntace headset, seat clamp, seatpost
– XT M785 brakes with 7″ rotors
– Crossmax SX wheels
– Easton Alu bars
– Thomson Stem
– Straitline Silentguide
– XT shifters, clutch rear mech, cassette (11-26)
– WTB seat
– XTR cranks
– Hope BB
– Middleburn ring
Build Notes:
– Has a 34.9mm seatpost – yes, that’s right!!
– Minimum of 7″ rotor on rear
First Thoughts:
– Frame is a lot lighter than the Nicolai
– longer in TT and longer rear end. In fact long full stop!
– Low BB
– Finish is awesome
– Frame detail is incredible – cable routing spot on, X-12 dropout is well simple and stiff, everything supplied with frame – even seat clamp and headset and correct adaptors to run 1 1/8 or tapered forks
After A Week:
– Hooooly crap, this thing is awesome! (sorry)
– Very stable at speed (from length and low BB)
– Suspension super-plush but very controlled
– Stable in the air and no odd suspension quirks
– Not much bob even with PP disengaged
– Riding position felt spot-on straight away (normally I’m fannying around with stem lengths. bar height etc)
– Corners VERY well
– Thought this would be a nightmare on tight switchbacks given the length but didn’t really notice it over my massive, massive grin
– Some ghost shifting when pedalling through large rock gardens but think I need to adjust the mech a bit with the clutch etc.
– Nothing broke. Winner!
A big thanks to Mark at The Bike Chain, Edinburgh for sorting me out in a very short timeframe and being an all-round good chap.