AM Back in Alloy: Spitfire

[Jim Junkie]

The Spitty is finally (mostly) complete. It’s a half new, half old mix up with a lot of the bits coming off the old Blur.
I say mostly complete because brake hoses still need some trimming (rear) and lengthening (front), but it’s all there now.

The details for the new bits:
Frame: Banshee Spitfire XL
Dropouts: 142x12
Rear Shock: RS Monarch+ RC3
Forks: Manitou Mattoc Pro 2 160mm - IRT upgraded
Hubs: Hope Pro 4 (Non-Boost)
Spikes: Sapim Race
Nips: Sapim Brass
Rims: Spank Vibrocore
Headset: Hope ZS
Top cap & bolt: Hope head doctor
Tires: Michelin Wild Enduro
Bottom Bracket: Hope SS
Chain: Shimano XT
Cranks: Raceface Aeffect
Pedals: VP Harrier
Chainring: Raceface NW Cinch 30T

The old bits:
Rotors: Hope 203F / 180R
Brakes: Saint M810
Shifter: Shimano XTR
Derailleur: Shimano XT
Cassette: 11-46 Shimano XT, 11sp
Chainring: Raceface NW 32T - Retired
Dropper: Bikeyoke Revive 160mm
Seat: WTB Pure Comp
Cranks: Shimano Zee - Retired
Pedals: DMR V12 - Retired
Bars: Renthal Fatbar 800mm
Stem: Renthal Apex 50mm

I think that about sums it up. Credit to @Boom King for the idea on the rims & tires. It was going to be Good Years & Spank OOzy rims, but then I saw his Banshee and the price of the Good Years.

I also seemed to get lucky with the rear shock: Mtb direct spec a RT3 on the spitty, I even asked them direct if I could swap it with an RC3 with no luck. Then it rocks up with an RC3 anyway .

The only annoying bit is the weekend’s weather forecast: 90% chance of rain and thunderstorms.

 

[slowmick]

It is rains cut laps inside the house and huck the dining table. It is only fair.

 

[Jim Junkie]

It is rains cut laps inside the house and huck the dining table. It is only fair.

I like the way you think. Might have to set up a wall ride through the corridor too.

 

[The Reverend]

If there's one thing we love it's sublime trail bikes in alloy. A spec to ride and not worry about too. Nice work.

 

[Ultra Lord]

The rev’s on it. Bikes that just keep on keepin on are what it’s all about

 

[moorey]

I LIKE it. You’re gunna LOVE it.
Nice work.

 

[wkkie]

Nice rig Jim. Are you going to keep the 100mm forks on the front or go bigger?

Looking at it... Is that a typo? Are they actually 160mm?

 

[Jim Junkie]

Nice rig Jim. Are you going to keep the 100mm forks on the front or go bigger?

Looking at it... Is that a typo? Are they actually 160mm?

Whoops, typo. They’re 160. I think I was actually putting in the axle spacing, as they’re non-boost too.

 

[Boom King]

I had to go and check the garage.....

Did you do the wheel build?

 

[Jim Junkie]

I had to go and check the garage.....

Did you do the wheel build?

Yep, favourite part of the build that. I did warn you it was a pretty close match .

 

[Boom King]

Yep, favourite part of the build that. I did warn you it was a pretty close match .

A man of impeccable taste....

 

[Jim Junkie]

@moorey was right. I love it.

I must have done something right in a previous life, because the stars aligned for a ride today. Perfect weather (despite forecast), both kids asleep and the wife suggesting I go out. Done.

That bike rides beautifully. Just amazing. A few tweaks along the way with bar position and some other bits and it’s smooth sailing. XL was definitely the right size choice.

& @Boom King ; those wheels & tires are amazing. Grip for days and a super smooth ride, cheers for the idea!

& Obligatory dirty bike pic:

 

[Jim Junkie]

A man of impeccable taste....

I gotta say; those rims where good to build with too. Thanks to the foam fill I didn’t lose any nipples inside the rim, which is always a curse worthy moment.

 

[moorey]

Imagined those tyres would drag like a bitch on the flat and up...not so?

 

[Ultra Lord]

Who cares they look amazing. i want a set so bad, probably be terrible for the flat trails I’m riding at the moment, but meh, worth.



The bike looks great with the dust @Jim Junkie, that shade of brown really complements the black.

 

[Jim Junkie]

Imagined those tyres would drag like a bitch on the flat and up...not so?

Not that I noticed, 20km ride with no undue pain on the climbs. Then again I’ve been riding with either Hans Rear & Magic Mary Front for the last while, so may be used to it.
Trail was very dry and hard though, so good rolling conditions anyway.

 

[Sethius]

How are you finding the vibrocore rims? trying to come some good feedback from those who have carbon wheels previously.

 

[Boom King]

How are you finding the vibrocore rims? trying to come some good feedback from those who have carbon wheels previously.

I went from Zelvy to Spike 350 vibracore. They track as well as carbon (the tracking was what I noticed most going from Flow to Zelvy, steering seemed much more direct) and seem to offer a softer and more quiet ride. Can't see myself going back to carbon (unless I come across another stupidly cheap pair that I don't need).

 

[Boom King]

How are you liking my Spitty Jim?

 

[Jim Junkie]

How are you liking my Spitty Jim?

Loving it. A few teething issues up front setting up the Mattoc's, but that was to be expected changing to a new fork.

Rides haven't been as frequent as I'd like due to getting sick and busy, but on the occasions I've had I found I got used to the new feel very quickly and have more confidence on the spitty over the same terrain. GPS generally agrees that I'm faster on the descents too.

Servicing the Mattoc's was easy, bar the need for a new thin walled 8mm socket (which I just bodged up from an existing 8mm with a file), so happy there.

All over, it's a blast to ride, looks awesome and didn't bankrupt me. All wins, would do again.

-Edited for awesome tapatalk formatting on a new phone.