Manitou R7 MRD '08

[Gunchie]

Hmmm, 'Huskier' would definitely describe me, but 'smooth'.... um, well, lets say I'm working on that one. I may still try it out, hell for the price if I don't like I can sell it on ebay and damn near make my money back. Of course, if I bought it I'd need a bike frame, build kit, and a Easton wheelset I found on jensenusa thatt is also extremely discounted for $350 and weighs 1590g. So $300 for fork, $350 for wheelset, add a carbon frame and x.0 build kit... ok, this is were I have to ask... Do you think I'm too fat to be building a lightweight hardtail race bike? Don't be shy now, we all know that if I wasn't spending all my time biking I'd be in a field somewhere grazing on grass and mooing. Honest opinions needed.

[Rage]

Do you think I'm too fat to be building a lightweight hardtail race bike?

Well, it depends on how you're going to ride it. A thrasher? Then it's probably not going to hold up. XC Race? You're probably better with a light HT than FS. The fork has the chance of giving you the most grief, with the wheelset a close second (not sure what the wheels are you're looking at). I think you could ride SPB (keeping your wheels on the ground - no hucking Palos drops...) and be ok.

Besides, if you decide you don't like it, no problem - just build a new one!

Rg.

[Dirt]

Gunchie, I've been looking at the same components on Jenson for the Homegrown I'm looking to build (which might end up being too small of a frame anyway-another post for another time). Everything I read on mtbr.com etc makes me nervous about this fork for beefy fellas like you and I. There is also a SID Race '08 on Jenson for a few $$ more. If you click on "outlet store" it's listed for $440.

I have questions about a lot of parts. We should start a "Novice fat dudes asking questions about how to build a bike from lean & mean bikers" section. It could keep us busy all Winter long.

[dru_b]

We should start a "Novice fat dudes asking questions about how to build a bike from lean & mean bikers" section. It could keep us busy all Winter long.

i agree.......... we "husky" guys need all the help we can get.

[Gunchie]

Yeah, after really thinking about it I just don't think my riding style (nor weight) is meant for such a light fork and wheelset. I swear I'm going to loss my mind figuring out what I'm going to race next year. The Trance X just isn't going to cut it for sport class.

[Rage]

Well, no sense living at the extremes... the Trance may be a little squishy and heavy for XC racing, but you don't need to go as lightweight as you can. A good hardtail, a decent wheelset, and medium fork (think Reba or Minute-ish), and you'll be good to go.

Rg.

[SPLASH]

There's no need to fret about being a little "husky" When the "END" comes, the skinny ones always get eaten first.