Couldn't wait,Carbon frame,Al S/Arm built.

[Simon]

Just couldn,t wait,all the required parts where made,the new shims bolts etc had arrived,really pleased with my custom disc adaptor, so just had to build it up,so the Carbon frame with an AL S/Arm converted to pivot on sealed bearings is built,posted some pic's in my gallery (Simon) as usual they're a bit large so best click on medium,also took a pic of all the components I used to convert to sealed bearings,first impression bloody hell the suspension is so much smoother,(only so far tried it with bouncing and off a few kerbs etc),had to re-check the shock pressure incase that had lost some pressure,it hadn't, this was unexpected so got some others who know my bike to try it incase I was imagining it,they agreed so a bit of a result,yet to find out if the conversion to an AL S/Arm has reduced the rear end latteral flex which is the reason for the conversion in the first place,will keep you posted as I've got the holidays in which to give it a thorough test.Simon

[Old Proflexer]

very attractive simon -

conversion project of the year -

disc adapters now come in a variety of shapes and sizes

OP

[Carbon_Kiwi]

yeah - like it, that's kinda cool  
quick question - i see yr running sid's up front, what are yr impressions of these forks? i'm thinking of upgrading my duke xc's [i can drop a whole pound!] as i'm an xc guy who keeps his wheels on the ground i'd think these would be ok - yeah?

[Simon]

yeah - like it, that's kinda cool  
quick question - i see yr running sid's up front, what are yr impressions of these forks? i'm thinking of upgrading my duke xc's [i can drop a whole pound!] as i'm an xc guy who keeps his wheels on the ground i'd think these would be ok - yeah?

Hi Carbon Kiwi,if as you say your more xc and wish to shed some weight then the sid's will be fine,the sid's are a great xc fork but don't expect them to perform with anything too hardcore,in fact the duke's will cope better but as you say are a tad heavier,there are better forks out there but at a weight penalty,having said that I'm happy with the sid's and having tried many other forks on my local trails they haven't really out performed them in the xc riding I do,they can be a bit flexy giving a bit of disc rub on hard cornering, they can also flutter under heavy braking,you tend to adapt your riding style to compensate,full travel can be hard to achieve but they can be modified to cure this quite cheaply,if your prepared to put up with this for the weight loss you'll be happy with them, mine have been very reliable and the pure damping system is a doddle to service,Simon [smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif]

[Matno]

When I first saw the new swingarm, it was just BEGGING to be paired up with a gold Psylo Race fork. Not that the Sid looks bad, but I think a Psylo would look pretty sweet on that rig.

Now, as for your frame size, sure looks too small for you. I think those handlebars are a full foot lower than your saddle, which is as far back as any saddle could possibly be (long rails on a setback seatpost). Bottom line is, I think it would fit me better than it fits you. Want to give it to me for Christmas?!

Congrats on pulling off a new "modification" that nobody here has ever tried before! That is what this forum is all about, and it looks pretty dang sweet to boot!

[Simon]

Thanks Matno,this one is a large frame I know the setup looks a bit different but its just how I like it, I think I'll keep it  [smiley=laughing.gif],agree about the gold fork, used to run a psylo sl,quite like my sid though as mentioned to carbon kiwi,may yet change the colour of the sid's to gold though,providing I can get suitable paint,any opinions about that anyone
Simon [smiley=beer.gif]

[Carbon_Angus]

Simon, don't worry, ..Matno has a "saddle" fetish [smiley=laughing.gif]

[jimbo]

Neat conversion.  Can an all aluminum Evo with needle bearings be converted to sealed pivot bearings?  

I heard one of the ways to avoid paying extra on airline flights is to break the bike down so it will fit in a couple regular suit case.  You're suppose to be able to still pack clothes, shoes and stuff around the bike.  I'm definite packing light for a mtb vacation.  Saving $100 each way is worth the hassle.

[Simon]

I'm not familiar with the needle bearing version but I believe it has the bearings inside the frame and the axle fixed to the S/Arm ???Personally if I felt the benifits worth it I'd do it,but I think a complete redesign may be required,my idea relies on the bearings I/D race to be securly clamped to the frame pivot insert,if as I've already mentioned the needle bearings are held inside the frame, once removed the diameter of the tube left will be larger than on a bushed version ???if so a larger I/D sealed bearing would be required but this would increase the O/D and I would be reluctant too bore out the AL S/Arm pivots much beyond 24mm,if someone could give me the info, diameters etc I'll see if it could be done.

[jimbo]

Thanks.  I would only do it if it was a simple retrofit.  I guess I'd better practice taking it apart before I try to put it in a suitcase.  

[Scott]

VERY nice work/details Simon!  Looking forward to your ride report.