Big Ripper for the fleet.

[BDC]

You're bike are really nice. I never thought that these bikes would fit me at 6'5" but since you mentioned your height I'm going to look at these bikes as possible off roader/dirt road bikes. I see your seatposts aren't too long and your use of a the bent post opens up the cockpit some.

Yep - they are comfy - The only down side / issue is that if you have size 13s like me is that that can catch your toes slightly on the tyre on a hard lock, slow turn. The Big Ripper is not too bad - mild. I have to ride around it on the STR.

It also depends on where you put your foot on the pedal. I sit with my foot about the middle - if you are a balls of feet rider it's no issue.

 

[Tallbikeman]

Size 14 but I use 1" pedal extenders on everything so that might make it work. I going to check out some of these bikes and see if any interest me. Thanks.

 

[JA331]

Sweet bike mate. This is my fast ripper with a few mods. Frame is similar to yours and the ride is super smooth. Its actually better then my 2012 Cromo kos. Best alloy frame bike I’ve ridden. I’m 6’2.

 

[BDC]

Yup - It's very nice too.

I ran some Thickslicks on the ripper for a few days after the stock tyre failed - before I got the Maxxis.

 

[BDC]

Size 14 but I use 1" pedal extenders on everything so that might make it work. I going to check out some of these bikes and see if any interest me. Thanks.

I'd not seen pedal extenders before - but I just ordered some 16mm to give a try. Cheers.

 

[JA331]

Velo sabot or dmr v12 pedals are great for big feet. I have the v12 on my ripper and the sabot on my panther.

 

[BDC]

Nice - Unfortunately I tided up my parts boxes in the garage on the weekend - I have about 8 sets of replaced pedals in stock. Not including the better pair I put on the Ripper. I cannot justify buying any more till I build some new bikes.
Besides - pedal size isn't the issue - it's shoooo size

 

[BDC]

Interestingly, the gold anno finish on the chain rollers lasted under 2 days. I didn't expect it to last forever - but 2 rides is a bit sad.

 

[JA331]

Maybe an Izumi in the same finish might be more durable.

 

[BDC]

Maybe an Izumi in the same finish might be more durable.

It is an Izumi. I guess more importantly it hasn't stretched at all.

One of these: https://www.izumichain.com/all-chains/410-collaborations

 

[JA331]

I would not have expected that to happen.

 

[BDC]

Can't help myself lol.

I installed an 'SE Eluder' sealed bearing headset today. Some of the places I ride are a bit dusty and I like sealed better than the stock ball cages.
I'm sure I paid an absolute premium for the SE logo etching on the cup, but what the heck, these bikes are my joy. Looks much nicer than stock.

It was a fraction of the cost of a Chris King no threadset though. They have doubled in price since I put one in the STR.

The cheapo press I bought on Ebay made it a pretty easy job this time too.

Hmmmm - bliiiing.

 

[Karate Chicken Industries]

The great thing about the Chris King headsets are that the bearings are easily serviceable. I have a few that are decades old and have only had to service bearings twice, both times they were on heavily used MTBs that had been in service 10+ years. Set It and Forget It

 

[BDC]

Yeah - agree - I have installed them on two bikes and they haven't actually needed servicing - but - they have become crazy expensive here in Aus.

I could buy four complete SE headsets or ten reasonably good quality replacement bearings for the same price as one nothreadset.

For a hard working MTB - yeah probably worth it - for a BMX Park and foreshore cruiser - too much $ to justify.

 

[JA331]

The SE headset is decent. It is supplied with Tange bearings.

 

[BDC]

And btw - I have a sticker you'd like Mr KCI

 

[BDC]

The 'failed' Izumi was annoying me (on principle) so my bike shop did me a great deal on a different chain - I fitted a Shadow Conspiracy V2 half-link yesterday. They really do roll much more smoothly.

I did away with the lay-back seat post too. I've lost a heap of weight (through diet and pedalling every day) and fit much better on the bike now.

And I've added more bling bits. Gold nuts!

 

[BDC]

I've just been asked to build another bike for my son in law - so the chrome bits are coming off this one and it's going black ... er

 

[Karate Chicken Industries]

How did an Izumi chain fail? I've put thousands of miles on Izumi chains and the only failure I've experienced was a pin not being set properly when not using a master link (someone else set it).

 

[buses 'n bikes]

How did an Izumi chain fail? I've put thousands of miles on Izumi chains and the only failure I've experienced was a pin not being set properly when not using a master link (someone else set it).

The anodizing on the pins failed. The chain itself was rock solid.

OP, the half link chains look cool but isn't it much heavier? I LOVE what you're doing with this bike - nice build!!