The R3V Bicycle Thread

[j0oftheworld]

Mine came in last week.. Love it!
Might go up from 44T to 48T front (moar speed) and plan on flipping the stem (15deg flip/flop) for a faster riding position but that's about it.

[gearheadE30]

Here's mine, a bit dirty though and the saddle is out of it. Need to get some new tires; last time I rode I kept washing the back end out and spinning on climbs.

It's a 2009 Specialized XC FSR Pro, with the 203mm brakes, Avid calipers, Juicy levers. Just rebuilt the forks after discovering that the Reba's are known for leaking, and a good sign is when your lockout stops working. I then read the manual-you're supposed to put new oil in after every 40 hours of riding. Crazy. I use BMW fork oil, though :). I rode this bike back to back with an Epic, and I actually felt more comfortable and was faster on this one. Go figure. It was a Specialized prototype bike so it has a hand-painted factory woodgrain paintjob. It hides dirt well, haha. I've only put about 100 miles on it this season, but that will go up a lot once school is out for the summer.

EDIT: photobucket ftl. Sorry, can't rotate the pic...

[BlackbirdM3]

@ Blackbird M3...thanks and here is how it stands now....

Picked up a set of AirlineOne/Shimano wheels for a good price, and mounted some(on sale) Continental MountainKing 2.4's....

Had to remove the rear brakes as the cantilever cables didn't fit, and they were damn old and crusty. Picked up (2) sets of Avid SingleDigit 5's today for the F & R, Avid FR5 levers, new cables & the in-frame liner.

I also have new/take-off 2012 SLX 2/3 & 9spd shifters/cables, SRAM 9spd casette(11-34), KMC chain w/ missing link, and a set of 1st Gen MAVIC Crossmax's(650g F/850g R) coming to me as a trade for the Inferno's.

Pics:















....Now i just need a decent and long(680mm +) riser bar for this thing am i'min business. I wanted to ride this weekend SOOO bad but this bar is way too damn short, like 560mm.

I hope you can get the rear brakes to work. I don't know if you can route the housing through the frame or not. If not, a solid piece of housing running from the lever all the way back to the brake should work. It won't be really pretty, but if its zip-tied onto the outside of the top tube, it should work.

As for bars, I can't ride super wide bars. I'm mega old school and I love my short 560mm flat titanium bars (Titec 118s) with bar ends. Oh yeah, the -17 degree rise stem is a must have as well. I have no issues riding up steep technical areas that most people pull wheelies on. Going back down the hill isn't an issue either. I'm not big on catching air (it usually ends in broken parts and broken me, neither one of which are a good thing.) Sure, I can do 4 foot drop ins, but I really don't like to since my wheels are really light (King hubs, 15/17 gauge spokes, alloy nipples and WTB Laserbeam rims.) and I'm 190 lbs. Its just not worth it to me.

You have a sweet bike, and yes it looks way better without those heavy Spin wheels.

Will

[Nick_S]

Rode into work today. Stoked for the ride home, taking the long way.

[Farbin Kaiber]

This guy lives not to far from me and UNHCLL.

http://www.44bikes.com/ Builds them in his garage at home.

I really liked his shop build.

[Flourine]

I want that bike!

[cbouchez]

Any input on the GT Avalanche 3.0 (2009)?

I'm 5'7" I tried the Medium frame and it works but the Large is on sale for less than $300.00 which is my budget. New to this stuff.... I have been long gone from the bikes, I used to do BMX on my GT.

[valleymotorwerks]

Any input on the GT Avalanche 3.0 (2009)?

I'm 5'7" I tried the Medium frame and it works but the Large is on sale for less than $300.00 which is my budget. New to this stuff.... I have been long gone from the bikes, I used to do BMX on my GT.

Way too big... MTB frames should be fitted a little small

[cbouchez]

Thank you sir!^^

[valleymotorwerks]

The bike I took to Bogota Colombia in February



My last bike:

[Restoman]

Any input on the GT Avalanche 3.0 (2009)?

I'm 5'7" I tried the Medium frame and it works but the Large is on sale for less than $300.00 which is my budget. New to this stuff.... I have been long gone from the bikes, I used to do BMX on my GT.

Go with the medium, but ride the bike on a trail and make your own decision. If your budget is this low and you would like more bike look around at used. There are plenty of good used bikes in that price range.

[cbouchez]

Go with the medium, but ride the bike on a trail and make your own decision. If your budget is this low and you would like more bike look around at used. There are plenty of good used bikes in that price range.

I have been looking around in Criag's any brand or model that I should keep in mind for that $$. Thanks for your help guys, I have been looking online and shops but it's just crazy w/ all the options out there.

[valleymotorwerks]

I have been looking around in Criag's any brand or model that I should keep in mind for that $$. Thanks for your help guys, I have been looking online and shops but it's just crazy w/ all the options out there.

No worries - I typically look at the best frame I can afford then see if there are lower component options. You'll replace all the components as they wear or you find the $$ to upgrade.

[cbouchez]

Thanks for the info.

[j0oftheworld]

Adjusted my flip/flop stem down... more race!!