2008 Iron Horse Sunday

I've literally not weighed a single thing in relation to this build. I'm proud of myself haha!

That said, it turns out the rear tyre is a 2.7 and the front is a 2.5 so I swapped them around. I found very fat and heavy Maxxis inner tubes in there rated for 2.7 tyres (I can't even find these for sale anymore!). Both tyres are downhill specific 3C wirebead tyres, insanely tough and stiff sidewalls, but the tread itself feels crazy hard and slippery to the touch. Not at all like any of the other tyres I have on other bikes, especially nothing like how soft and gummy my Assegai MaxxGrip tyre feels on my Amflow.

Not sure if the tyres are just so old that they've gone hard? Or is this just typical of DH specific tyres? The Maxxis tubeless ready folding tyres I recently bought for the Yeti SB66 build are super soft to the touch. Any thoughts/input appreciated (happy to just test them when the bike is ready in any case).

Previous owner had concerns about the shock hitting the frame when completely bottomed out (he never checked), so I removed the coil to test and good news, nothing is touching anything. The Ti spring is a LOT softer than the black spring. Rebound knob works great, ProPedal knob seems to work too. Not sure what to do with the top knob which is labelled "bottom out" but everything seems to work despite the previous owner saying he set up the shock for his 90kg weight (I'm 60kg's).
 
Justin Fox said:
Not sure what to do with the top knob which is labelled "bottom out".
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Here's the manual. You'll need to huck some shit to test it.
Bottom-out resistance affects the final part of the compression stroke. The knob can be turned with a 4 mm hex key inserted into one of the holes around the perimeter. Do not use any other tool to turn the knob; use a 4 mm (or 5/32") hex key only!
Turn the knob all the way clockwise for the most bottom-out resistance and counter-clockwise for the least. There are three (3) rotations of adjustment and three (3) corresponding adjustment indicator lines on the reservoir.
For more bottom-out resistance, turn the knob clockwise.​
For less bottom-out resistance, turn the knob counterclockwise.​
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ironhorse_sunday_hope.jpg


sram_7speed_gx_dh.jpg


Found an 83mm SRAM X0 carbon crankset cheap on FB Marketplace. Ordered a new BB, but when the cranks arrived I realised they're GXP so had to order a GXP BB.

Got the Hope 34T DH chainring on using a Stone 3-bolt to 104 BCD adapter from AliExpress. Was on the piss when I installed it as I've just realised I installed the chainring on upside down.

All good though as I want to replace the OneUp chain guide and bashy to a chain guide and bashy with a lower roller (for a more period correct vibe more than anything!).

I've zoomed in to a lot of Sunday pics to figure out how people have done their chainstay protection as the rear stay has 2 tabs for zip tying the rear derailleur cable directly to the chainstay (putting it in harms way). I ended up using a protective sleeve which is pretty much what Sam's mechanic did to his 2008 bike.

Chainline is good, gears shift great! Really happy with how the gold chainring and gold braided cables look but absolutely can't stand how they don't match the bronze Hope stem. Will either put the black stem back on, or look into other gold stems (all of which are 35mm so I'd have to replace the bars too). Otherwise, just got to cut the brake cables + bleed.
 
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So awesome. From nothing to two of the coolest 26in rigs around.

Justin Fox said:
That said, it turns out the rear tyre is a 2.7 and the front is a 2.5 so I swapped them around. I found very fat and heavy Maxxis inner tubes in there rated for 2.7 tyres (I can't even find these for sale anymore!). Both tyres are downhill specific 3C wirebead tyres, insanely tough and stiff sidewalls, but the tread itself feels crazy hard and slippery to the touch. Not at all like any of the other tyres I have on other bikes, especially nothing like how soft and gummy my Assegai MaxxGrip tyre feels on my Amflow.

Not sure if the tyres are just so old that they've gone hard? Or is this just typical of DH specific tyres? The Maxxis tubeless ready folding tyres I recently bought for the Yeti SB66 build are super soft to the touch. Any thoughts/input appreciated (happy to just test them when the bike is ready in any case).
Click to expand...

Like cars tyres, they do go off and hard. And when you are skidding down a hill I predict those knobs will last exactly one run, and will feel like riding on PVC tyres.

I probably wouldn't even bother trying to ride them if you want to have a good time. It does look like maxxis still make DH wire bead DHF/DHR2 in 26in - that might be the go. Otherwise even the trail TR/EXO tyres like you have on the sb66 will probably be fine, and much better than the old rocks you have on there at the moment. Id actually suggest running the trail tyres with inserts, It looks like Rimpact make a 26in insert (Pro2 model) that would be pretty sweet - I run them on my longer travel bike and they have been awesome.
 
Haylex said:
Like cars tyres, they do go off and hard. And when you are skidding down a hill I predict those knobs will last exactly one run, and will feel like riding on PVC tyres.

I probably wouldn't even bother trying to ride them if you want to have a good time. It does look like maxxis still make DH wire bead DHF/DHR2 in 26in - that might be the go. Otherwise even the trail TR/EXO tyres like you have on the sb66 will probably be fine, and much better than the old rocks you have on there at the moment. Id actually suggest running the trail tyres with inserts, It looks like Rimpact make a 26in insert (Pro2 model) that would be pretty sweet - I run them on my longer travel bike and they have been awesome.
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Yup I think you're right man, tyres just feel so rock hard to the touch. I do think the EXO tyres would be fine as I'm light and I also ride light (lol), but I think I'll still take it out as is for lols.

The SB66 fork decals come in today and I'm booked in to get the brakes bled tomorrow morning. I've got a bit of a flu but I'll go direct from the shop out to Loftus for it's maiden ride. Can't wait!
 
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Ultra Lord said:
Almost time for you to find out if the DH trails behind sutho cemetery still exist!

Or just push run black hawk down at Mill Creek……
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Those trails still exist. In fact, there are heaps more if you go towards wonnie side. May not be the easiest to find.

I also recommend heading to Bulli and sample some of the goodies there - the gulag and locked up is my personal fave. It'll be perfect for the iron horse :cool:
 
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