Matts Bikes

2008 Gary Fisher Rig

2007-12-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

I added another bike to my stable. I will have to say this is the most excited I have been over a bike since I purchased my first true mountain bike back in 1996 (Fisher Montare). Sitting on the bike everything just feels "right". Compared to my Supercal I feel less stretched out but not too upright and the handlebar/seat/crank locations feel very natural. I have had no time yet outside to test out the new G2 geometry, but will try to get out soon. The only changes I have made were to replace the stock bar with a bontrager X-lite strait bar and put on Ritchy foam grips. As it stands the bike weighs 25.8# a little on the heavy side, but with a few mods it should be easy to get around 24#.

I will post up a few pictures when I get a chance.

Update (Late 08 Race Season)

I now have almost a season riding on the Rig and I can honestly say that I like the bike even more than my first initial impression. The bike still feels perfect when I ride it and has been extremly fun to race and ride on the trails. For a hardtail the bike is much smoother than my geared 26er and close to the full suspension. I have raced it in four races this season (Harmon Park, Afton, Fire Cracker, and White Tail Ridge). I think I am just as fast on the SS but for the longer Exper races I am pretty drained by the end, but I think that is the point. Anyway good times.

Tires (Change of Plan)

2007-06-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

After last weeks race at Buck Hill, I made the decision to purchase a new set of tires that could handle a greater variety of conditions. I have been running a pair of Hutchinson Pythons NG tires 2.0 width. Although they roll extremely well, I always have the feeling that they are going to slide out in the turns. For example the long fast down hill section leading into the start/finish line I have to be exceptionally careful with or I would be sliding across the service road.

I have heard a lot of good things about both the Kenda Karma's and Small Block 8's. I checked the online retailers and the SB8's are very expensive due to the demand, but Pricepoint has the Karma's on sale for under $30. Originally I had placed an order with Blue Sky Cycling, but later cancelled because they were on back order. So Monday this week I placed the order and payed an additional $4 to have them shipped 2nd day air. After anticipating the tires the better part of the day, I was severely disappointed when I found out that they had shipped the wrong size. They send me 2.2's vs 2.0's. I looked carefully on the packaging and the only thing labeled as 2.0 was the bar code label that they apparently scan when filling the order. I quickly called customer service and with a bit of coaxing persuaded them to send me out the correct pair next day air so I have them in time for the race at Mt. Du Lac. Originally they wanted me to pay the difference for the next day air. My comment was, "So I have to pay an extra $6 to have the tires arrive 2 days later than I needed them" (I was hoping to have them for the Thursday Buck Hill Race). They did the right thing in the end and I will give them credit for that.

In the meantime I have set up my backup set of wheels with my Kenda Nevegals filled with Stan's. Although I know it is not recommended, I decided to not use the Stan's rim strips with the tubeless rims. From what I can tell the fit between the bead and the rim is very tight so as long as they hold air I don't feel that I will blow off a bead. I will give an update on how they perform. I do know that I will have much better traction, but with more rolling resistance. I think overall I will be able to push harder and conserve more energy in the loose sections. We will see how they work.

New Wheelset

2007-05-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

Spinergy Xyclone Disk

I just received my new race wheelset, a set of Spinergy Xyclone Disk wheels. This set was originally purchased for the Fisher Supercaliber full suspension because I have had such good performance from the rim version of the Xyclones. I recently converted the Big Sur hardtail to disk, however, so now I can also use this set on both my race bikes. I have become a strong believer in disk brakes and the performance and consistancy if much better than rim brakes.

Specifications:

http://www.spinergy.com/Bicycle/xycloneDisc.html

Gary Fisher Supercaliber

2007-03-07T09:36:00.000-08:00

This bike is a work in progress. Overall I really like the bike, however, I just can't seem to get comfortable on it compared to my hardtail. I think the problem rests in the front of the bike. The front end feels too high which forces me to ride more rearward. The geometry (by my measurements) is very close to the Big Sur hardtail, but the head tube is about 1" longer and the axel to crown height of the Manitou R7 fork is at least 1" longer than the SID. I have already turned the stem over for a neg 6 deg rise and the riser bar has been removed in favor of a flat bar. From a component standpoint the bike is well rounded.

Frame: 2006 Gary Fisher Supercaliber (size M)
Fork: 2006 Manitou R-7 Super 80mm w/lock out
Headset: Cane Creek S-6
Stem: FSA XC140 90mm 6 deg rise
Bar: Answer Hyperlight Carbon Flat 23"
Grips: Ritchey TGV true grips (Foam)
Seat Post: Bontrager ACC 27.2mm x 400mm
Saddle: FSA SLK Carbon/Titanium
Brakes: Avid Juicy 5 (hydraulic disk) 160mm
Levers: Avid Juicy Five
Shifters: Shimano LX 9 spd
Rear Deraileur: Shimano XT
Front Deraileur: Shimano LX
Cassette: SRAM PG990 11-32
Chain: Shimano HG73
Wheels: Spinergy Xyclone (Disk)
Seat Post Clamp: Aluminum non quick release
Skewers: Spinergy
Bottom bracket: Bontrager GXP
Cranks: Bontrager GXP
Crank bolts: Steel
Pedals: Time XC Carbon ATAC
Rear Tyre: Hutchinson Pythone NG Airlight w/Stan's
Front Tyre: Hutchinson Pythone NG Airlight w/Stan's
Cables: Shimano (small diameter)

Update (5/7/07)
Received my new Spinergy Xyclone (disk) wheels today and quickly changed over rotors and cassette to give them a try. I absolutely love the set of Spinergies that I have on my hardtail, however they are not disk compatible. Maybe that is part of the reason that I prefer the hardtail. I have them set up initially with tubes to evaluate the Hutchinson Pythons and determine how they perform. On the initial test the wheels performed flawlessly, although I could tell that there was a slight amount of drag initially due to tight seals. I could tell the difference in the compliance of the wheels due to the vibration dampening of the PBO spokes and in conjunction with the large volume tire the ride was exceptionally smooth. The bike handled very well and I am almost at the point where I would feel as confident on the FS as the hardtail on any course. The only real test know is how well it climbs compared to the HT.

Gary Fisher Big Sur Hardtail

2007-02-14T08:13:00.000-08:00

Bike Details

This bike has been molded into a solid yet light race bike. The bike started its existance as an 97 Gary Fisher Montare, which was the upper middle of the trimline back in its day. Orginally it was used primarily on the road with hopes that someday it would see it true calling. That happened when I joined the "Ward" research group in graduate school and hooked up with Steve Martin who loved to ride. It wasn't until the first true torture test (The 24 Hours of Afton) that it became apparent that the bike was in need of a few upgrades.

The first upgrade was to replace the front fork with an 2001 Marzocchi Z3 (air) and install V-brakes. These changes alone transformed the bike from scary to solid. Soon after I replaced the stock wheels with a set of Spinergy Xyclones, which were much lighter and more durable. The bike was used extensively over the next couple of years until I purchased a used Gary Fisher Sugar 4 (full suspension). During the 2003 24 Hours of Afton, however, the bike meet its match. During the race Steve's bike started to have some mechanical problems and my Fisher was used by both of us. During the race a noticable creaking developed that only got worse as the race went on. A couple weeks later a hairline crack was discovered across seat tube in line with the top of the top tube and the seat stay. I originally though about having someone weld the section to fix it, but I was reminded that Gary Fisher frames have a lifetime warrenty. I had County Cycles contact the local Fisher rep and about a month later recieve a shinny new silver 2004 Fisher Big Sur frame.

I recieved the frame at the end of the 2005 race season and decided to by a few new components to build up the new race rig. A new drivetrain was in order: Truvative Stylo GXP, SRAM X-7 shifters and R deraileur, XT Front Deraileur and PC-69 Chain. I also purchased a FSA XC-140 stem and a Answer Hyperlight carbon bar. I got a good deal on a 2001 Marzocchi Atom Race and it was painted to match. Below is a pictur of how the bike looked before the 2006 race season.

Frame: 2004 Gary Fisher Big Sur (Special Silver only point)
Fork: 2004 Rock Shox SID Team
Headset: Cane Creek S-2
Stem: Syntace F99
Bar: Easton EC90 (flat), 22"
Grips: Ritchey TGV true grips (foam)
Seat Post: Thomson Elite 31.6mm x 400mm
Saddle: Bontrager Race Lux
Brakes: Avid SD 7
Levers: Avid SD 7
Shifters: SRAM X-7 trigger
Rear Deraileur: SRAM X-7
Front Deraileur: Shimano XT 34.6mm
Cassette: XT CS-M760 11-32
Chain: SRAM PC971
Wheels: Spinergy Xyclone "Rim"
Seat Post Clamp: Aluminum non quick release
Skewers: Spinergy
Bottom bracket: Truvative GXP
Cranks: Truvativ Stylo Team GXP
Crank bolts: Truvativ Steel
Pedals: Time XE ATAC
Rear Tyre: Conti Twister pro 1.9 kevlar/Stans latex and rim strip
Front Tyre: Conti Explorer pro 1.9 kevlar/Stans latex and rim strip
Cables: Shimano (small diameter & Avid noodles)

Bike as it looks ready for the 2007 Race Season

Upgrades (May 21st, 2007)

Disk Brakes (Avid Juicy 5)

Frame: 2004 Gary Fisher Big Sur (Special Silver only point)
Fork: 2004 Rock Shox SID Team
Headset: Cane Creek S-2
Stem: Syntace F99
Bar: Easton EC90 (flat), 22"
Grips: Ritchey TGV true grips (foam)
Seat Post: Thomson Elite 31.6mm x 400mm
Saddle: Bontrager Race Lux
Brakes: Avid Juicy 5
Levers: Avid Juicy 5
Shifters: SRAM X-7 trigger
Rear Deraileur: SRAM X-7
Front Deraileur: Shimano XT 34.6mm
Cassette: XT CS-M760 11-32
Chain: SRAM PC971 (new 5/21/07)
Wheels: Spinergy Xyclone "Disk"
Seat Post Clamp: Aluminum non quick release
Skewers: Spinergy
Bottom bracket: Truvative GXP
Cranks: Truvativ Stylo Team GXP
Crank bolts: Truvativ Steel
Pedals: Time XE ATAC
Rear Tyre: Conti Twister pro 1.9 kevlar/Stans latex and rim strip
Front Tyre: Conti Explorer pro 1.9 kevlar/Stans latex and rim strip
Cables: Shimano (small diameter & Avid noodles)

Specialized Single Speed

2006-10-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

This bike has been a fun project and a nice change of pace to ride. I believe the frame is a 94-95 specialized stumpjumper pro chromoly tubeset. The frame is very light for a steel frame and with the minimal components it weights around 23#.

Bike Details
Frame: 94-95 Specialied Stumpjumper Pro
Fork: Stock Chromoly
Headset: Threaded
Stem: Threaded
Bar: Aluminum Flat 23"
Grips: Ritchey TGV true grips
Seat Post: Aluminum 27.2mm x 350mm
Saddle: Specialied
Brakes: Linear Pull
Levers: Suntour Pro
Shifters: None
Rear Deraileur: None
Front Deraileur: None
Cassette: BMX freewheel 18t
Chain: SRAM PC69
Wheel front: Shimano LX/Mavic X221
Wheel rear: Bianchi SS/Mavic X221
Seat Post Clamp: Single Bolt
Skewers: Shimano LX
Bottom bracket: Truvative ISIS
Cranks: Truvativ Stylo Team ISIS
Crank bolts: Truvativ Steel
Pedals: Time Aluminum ATAC
Rear Tyre: Hutchinson Python Air Light 2.1 kevlar w/tube
Front Tyre: Hutchinson Python Air Light 2.1 kevlar w/tube
Cables: Shimano (small diameter)

Update (5/7/07):
Brakes: Avid SD-7
Levers: Avid SD-7
Rear Tyre: Kenda Nevegal 1.9 kevlar w/tube
Front Tyre: Kenda Nevegal 2.1 kevlar w/tube

Gary Fisher Sugar 1

2006-03-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

Bike Details
Frame: 2001 Gary Fisher Sugar 1
Fork: 2001 Marzocchi Z3 Air
Headset: Cane Creek S-2
Stem: Truvative Wavo 90mm 6 deg rise
Bar: Sette Aluminum flat 23"
Grips: Ritchey TGV true grips
Seat Post: Thomson Elite 31.6mm x 400mm
Saddle: Specialized BG
Brakes: Avid SD 7
Levers: Avid SD 7
Shifters: SRAM X-7 trigger
Rear Deraileur: SRAM X-7
Front Deraileur: Shimano XT 34.6mm
Cassette: SRAM PG-990, 11-32
Chain: SRAM PC69
Wheels: Spinergy Xyclone "Rim"
Seat Post Clamp: Aluminum non quick release
Skewers: Spinergy
Bottom bracket: Truvative Stylo ISIS
Cranks: Truvativ ISIS
Crank bolts: Truvativ Steel
Pedals: Time Alum ATAC
Rear Tyre: Conti Twister pro 1.9 kevlar w/tube
Front Tyre: Conti Explorer pro 1.9 kevlar w/tube
Cables: Shimano (small diameter & Avid noodles)

Note: The frame for this bike along with the Sugar 4 frame were sold and the parts used for other projects

Going Tubeless for 2007 Season

2005-05-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

This year Andrea and I will be running tubeless on our race bikes. We were forced to switch for the 24 Hours in the Old Pueble because of all the cactus thorns. We went with Stan's because of all the recommendations and it is easy to obtain.

Installation

Installation was strait-forward, I paid special attentions to ensure that the rim strip was centered in the rim and not overhanging the bead hook. I did have more trouble getting the twister to initally seat on the rim, but once it did everything sealed up just fine. My father gave me a air compressor for Christmas and it came in really handy for getting the tire to seat initially.

Matt's Set-up

Front Wheel: Spinergy Xyclone PBO (Disk)
Front Tire: Contintental Explorer Pro w/Stans Rim Strip and 1.5 oz sealant
Rear Wheel: Spinergy Xyclone PBO(Disk)
Rear Tire: Contintental Twister Pro w/Stans Rim Strip and 1.5 oz sealant

Adrea's Set-up

Front Wheel: American Classic (Disk)
Front Tire: Contintental Explorer Pro w/Stans Rim Strip and 1.5 oz sealant
Rear Wheel: American Classic (Disk)
Rear Tire: Contintental Explorer Pro w/Stans Rim Strip and 1.5 oz sealant

Performance

Andrea and I are running a heavy 1.5 oz of sealant per tire. The system worked flawlessly for both Andrea and I during the entire 24 Hours in the Old Pueble, not a single tire related failure.

Tubeless Disk Wheel Set

I am still not sure if it is recommended to run the stan's sealant without their rim strips on a tubeless wheel set, but I will try it out and see if it works.

Last night I made an attempt to set up the Bontrager disk tubeless wheel set (from my fisher supercaliber) with Stan's. They suggest to seat the tire on the rim dry (without sealant) first to allow everything to seat. Then you simply break the bead, pour in the sealant, and inflate the tire. You typically need to swish the sealant back and forth for a little while to seal all the micropours and the bead. The tire I tried last night was a Continental Explorer Supersonic, which is the light weight race version of the standard Explorer Pro. During the initial seating perioud (without sealant) the sidewall had so many pours that the tire immediately went flat. I added about 2 oz of sealant and inflated the tire to about 60 psi. I was amazed at the amount of sealant weeping/spraying through the sidewalls of the tire. I spent at least an hour filling all the pours with sealant and let the tire sit while I watched the last half of CSI Miami. I could occasionally hear a new poor open up and I would grab the wheel and rotate it to allow the sealant to pool in that area and it would seal instantly. Before bed I leaned the wheel against the hallway wall and expected it to be mostly flat by morning. Amazingly, the tire was fully inflated and it didn't feel as if it lost any pressure over the night.

I tried unsuccesfully to get the a continental twister to seat on the rear wheel, so I put a tube in and inflated the tire to 60 psi so it would conform to the rim.

Update: The rear tire is still sitting waiting for me to get it set up with Stan's. Fortunate for me I think I will be switchin to the Hutchinson Pythons for a while. I have used them for a couple of laps at Stahl's Lake and they feel really good on the tacky trail conditions early in the year.