Whilst most areas in the World begin to put the bikes away, in trade for skis and snowboards, Winter in California is when we’re most excited to get outside, build trail, and ride hard. In anticipation of an “off season” filled with long climbs and rowdy descents, we reached out to some brands to get our ideal ‘Quiver Killer’ bike built. Based around a size medium Scott Ransom frame, we’ve built up a 28 lb (with pedals!) 27.5 “/ 29” trail weapon. Read on for a rundown part by part on what we’ve selected for our dream bike.
Originally 170 / 170mm we dropped the front of the bike to 160mm to help with the smaller rear wheel, combined with the BB in the heigh setting, the head tube angle is only .5 ° slacker than factory.
The white top tube and paint splatter fading to black looks darn cool in photos, and even better in person.
Though we shelled out a good chunk of change for this drivetrain, being as this is a ‘Dream’ bike, we figured SRAM’s XO1 Eagle AXS group was the only way to go, I mean just look at that oil slick chain! Also, hidden from sight is a Kogel bottom bracket rolling on ceramic weather sealed bearings keeping things rolling super smooth.
A Schwalbe Nobby Nic Addix soft compound tire is wrapped around the rear specific, crankbrothers Synthesis rim, laced to an Industry Nine Hydra hub. Also no derailleur cable, how nice is that!
A closer look at crankbrothers Synthesis rear specific rim.
The legendary motorcycle exhaust brand Yoshimura has branched out with a cycling sector, currently focused on a line of Californian made high end flat pedals. We were lucky enough to try a pair of the ‘Chilao’ pedals in the pewter colorway. So far, so good!
A simple cockpit with only one cable and two brakes, a sight to see. We more than achieved our goal of simplicity with this build. A tried and true Fox 36 factory up front with short offset handles business.
The incredibly light (260g) Syncros Hixon IC SL bar is a stray away from the norm, with a one piece design, simulating a 50mm length bar / stem combo.
We were incredibly lucky to spec the new (and limited) TRP DH-R EVO Gold brakes. The brakes have been updated in countless ways from the last iteration we rode and we’re excited to put them to work in the steeps this Winter.
A closer shot of the updated DH-R EVO calipers. Gold originally meant for World Championship race rigs? We’re humbled to have it on our bike.
We don’t have an abundance of single track here at home, mostly long climbs and long descents, so with no need for remote lockout, Fox swapped the Nude TR EVOL TwinLoc shock for a new DPX2. Our 36 Float fork also got a swap from the TwinLoc system to a Grip2 damper.
Small but important bits to mention are the Syncros bottle cage with integrated CO2 and tool storage, the SDG Oso Radar saddle mounted to the Crankbrothers Highline 7 dropper, a trusty Schwalbe Magic Mary in the front, and our absolute favorite go to Sensus Lite grips.
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Thanks again to all the brands that helped make this bike a reality; Scott, Crankbrothers, Fox, Yoshimura, TRP, Kogel, Sensus, and SDG. You’ll find us out on the trails all Winter aboard this do it all machine.
