phillynight
Likes Dirt
Ayo!
So I just made a weird mid-life decision to pick-up a medium Transition Bottlerocket frame. When I lived in the US my friend had a BR and I loveddd ripping on it so I've been feeling nostalgic. I currently have a ole 2010 Norco 125 that I beat around on but it is terrible on anything other than street, dirtjumps and packed dirt trails that only go mildly downhill. I wanted something more that I can kick around all over and hit some decent downhill sections sooo yeah here's my Norco:
Now I am left with mad questions about my decision hahah here is the frame I just picked up:
I am thinking I am going to strip it all the way down, get the bushing pulled and get it powdercoated white with black linkage, then get it rebuild with new bushings (I think this is what I need https://www.shockcraft.co.nz/transition-suspension-bearing-kit-2-enduro.html) From there is where I need lots of advice. I am hoping to do the build for about $750-1000 which means salvaging any parts from the Norco that'll work half decently (until I have more cash to upgrade or start breaking things). I've looked at the specs from both bikes and the main things that look like they'll swap over are:
So I just made a weird mid-life decision to pick-up a medium Transition Bottlerocket frame. When I lived in the US my friend had a BR and I loveddd ripping on it so I've been feeling nostalgic. I currently have a ole 2010 Norco 125 that I beat around on but it is terrible on anything other than street, dirtjumps and packed dirt trails that only go mildly downhill. I wanted something more that I can kick around all over and hit some decent downhill sections sooo yeah here's my Norco:
Now I am left with mad questions about my decision hahah here is the frame I just picked up:
I am thinking I am going to strip it all the way down, get the bushing pulled and get it powdercoated white with black linkage, then get it rebuild with new bushings (I think this is what I need https://www.shockcraft.co.nz/transition-suspension-bearing-kit-2-enduro.html) From there is where I need lots of advice. I am hoping to do the build for about $750-1000 which means salvaging any parts from the Norco that'll work half decently (until I have more cash to upgrade or start breaking things). I've looked at the specs from both bikes and the main things that look like they'll swap over are:
- Drivetrain should swap direct (both have 73mm shell BB) - Is it possible to re-use the BB from the Norco or is it better to buy a new one?
- Front sprocket will likely need to be changed for better downhill gearing, not sure what sizes to be looking at tho?
- Chain guide might be a direct swap but I am not 100% sure on the ISCG / ISCG 05 stuff, both mounts look the same on both frames
- Wheels should swap direct
- Brakes should swap direct
- Seatpost/clamp should work (not 100% but this isn't a huge deal if I have to buy new)
- This leaves the front end and where I have the most questions: the 100mm DJ forks will be useless for what I need. I've been searching around and 26" forks seem to be either stupid expensive for "new" old stock or completely thrashed second hand, which led me to see if 27.5 forks will work and from what I've read a lot of people use 27.5 forks on 26" frames/wheels... any recommendations on what kind I should be looking for? Budget in mind maybe max of 5-600 if possible? Better for me to go second hand on forks and rebuild if they need love or should I be looking for new? I don't quite understand the 1 1/8 tapered vs straight steerer stuff but it looks like both bikes use 1.5 headtube with 1 1/8 forks so I am not sure if the stem will be direct swap depending on which fork I get.]