Saturday, December 20, 2008

I am changing to SE Racing X4 Flyer 2005



1993 SE Bikes Racing team.



1980- Perry Kramer doing Bunny hop using SE bike "P.K. Ripper" which stands for Perry Kramer Ripper bike.

Some sneak preview of my future frame

Sincerely, i never done any research about BMX but SE bikes (which known as SE Racing before merged with FUJI bikes in 2002, yes FUJI, the ones producing Tahoe and other models, FUJI origin is Japan, 1899), but after checking the background of the company and its history in BMX Racing, I think it will be a good buy, and what is more special is the X4 Flyer is the FIRST MTB produced by SE Bikes, before that, they only produces BMX frames.

Conclusion, owning an X4 Flyer can be considered as owning some sort of BMX and MTB piece of history. LOL. Even Brian Lopes have a background with SE Racing.

more info at www.sebikes.com



Complete assembled bike









There is nothing you cant get if you find with a help from a good friend, he told me that a store in USA are on sale for MTB frames, I asked for 4x/ dirt/urban/ jump frame with nice geometry and design.

So he recommended me SE racing X4 Flyer 2005 frame, the frame selling at steal price as it is on christmas clearance sale back in USA. The price tag? under usd 300 including shipment.

After checking SE Racing History, i decided the frame is good, it is lightweight than DaBomb C4, i wanted to get Dabomb Molotov2 or Trigger but the price tag is more than RM1k, so i have to forget it.

The C4 is a good frame but the weight distribution is heavier at the rear, i find a bit difficult to maximize my bunny hop.

The 2005 SE X4 Flyer seems to have similar design as 2008 Merida TFS350D Trail frame design which i used before, i love the Merida but the rear stay seems very flimsy so i sold it off as i dont want to abuse it for freeride use, now the X4 Flyer offers me the TFS350D geometry but with beefier and stronger rear design.

SE RACING HISTORY www.sebikes.com

SE Racing's history started over 35 years ago in 1970. That’s when teenage entrepreneur, Scot Breithaupt began promoting "Pedal-Cross" races in Long Beach, CA. This was considered the birth of organized BMX racing. Soon afterwards, he created a sanctioning body with a points system, governed rules, and regulations.

After capturing the first ever National BMX Title in 1976, Scot started his own BMX company named “SE Racing.” Seeing as it was his own company, he named it after himself. The “SE” stands for Scot Enterprise. The first biked he designed was the STR-1 (now known as the Quadangle) for Stu Thomsen. Next up was the GH Flyer mini designed for a young Greg Hill. Shortly after came the P.K. Ripper named after a local ripper, Perry Kramer. Over the years, the P.K. Ripper became the most sought after BMX bike of all time.



Scot Breithaupt 2006 (most left)pic at Eurobike fest


In 1977, the SE Racing team launched the first BMX promotional tour across the country with their "All Star Team." In 1981, the team traveled the country in the infamous camouflage painted school bus. They hosted BMX clinics, dominated BMX nationals, and made their presence known all across the US. Over the years, SE sponsored some of the best Pro and Amateur BMXers out there. Riders such as: Perry Kramer, Stu Thomsen, Greg Hill, Toby Henderson, Brian Lopes, Eric and Robbie Rupe, Jeff Utterback, Rod Beckering, Darryl Young, Chris Sanchez, and Bubba Hayes. All of these riders helped to create the most legendary BMX team in the history of the sport. There are more SE riders in the BMX Hall of Fame than any other team in history!

In the 1980's, SE created new bikes like the O.M. Flyer (a 26" BMX cruiser) and the 24" Floval Flyer cruiser. SE also revolutionized the industry with their oversized Landing Gear fork. This fork was designed to withstand the constant abuse from racers who spent their spare time dirt jumping out in the fields. There’s no doubt that the Landing Gear fork has been the most popular BMX fork over the last two decades.

When BMX racing started to boom, interest began to rise among the younger generation. So SE created the baddest little bike around; the Mini Ripper. Scot and his partner, Mike Devitt also developed a full line of Freestyle bikes and components. Eventually Mike became the sole owner of SE Racing.

Mike, a BMX pioneer himself, took SE Racing to a new level in the early 1990's. He perfected the P.K. Ripper and created the Ripper Jr, a bike to meet the needs of 8-12 year olds. He also created the aluminum Quadangle, the Chromoly and aluminum Assassin models and basically refined the whole line to reflect the market’s needs.

In August of 2002, SE Racing was bought by Advanced Sports Inc. Under this new ownership, SE bikes were distributed worldwide. In 2003, Todd Lyons came on board as SE’s sponsored pro rider. In his first year on the team, he rode his signature “Wildman” bike all over the world and even into an X-Games final. In 2004, Ryan Guettler joined the team as SE’s first high-profile BMX dirt/street rider. With an X-Games bronze medal and earning the title of “King of Dirt,” he’s brought SE into the eyes of millions of TV viewers.

2005 was a stellar year with Ryan Guettler winning almost every contest he entered aboard his custom SE. He captured the overall series win in both dirt and street in the “Dew Action Sports Tour.” This five month long contest series was broadcast on NBC sports, thus making SE a household name. On the race front, an SE Racing factory team was put together and hit up nationals all across the country. A grassroots sponsorship program also went into full effect. SE also introduced two new big wheeled bikes. The X4 Flyer mountain bike and the 29” single speed BM Flyer.

One of the most respected and pioneering BMX bicycle models is named after him: The P.K. Ripper manufactured by Scot Enterprises (SE) Racing. It was one of the first production BMX bicycles to be made from aluminum. It is a metal that was difficult to work with vis-à-vis bicycle frame construction and if not manufactured correctly, fragile. As a result it was also more expensive than typical steel bicycles. The P.K. Ripper was one of the first aluminum framed BMX bicycles that was reliable and durable for racing and competitively priced. It was in many ways ahead of its time. That it resembles a modern BMX bicycle is no accident. Most modern BMX race bicycles are usually made from aluminum. Like the P.K. modern aluminum bicycle frames have oversized flattened downtubes and toptubes which was called on the Ripper (and a pioneering S.E. Racing BMX Cruiser) "Floval" by the founder of S.E. Racing Scot Breithaupt. Also there is a pro cruiser by S.E. called the "floval flyer" A very unusual looking bicycle at the time as well as the "exotic" material it was fabricated from. When introduced most BMX bicycles were made from either hi-tensile steel or more expensive but stronger chromium-molybdenum steel. Chromium-molybdenum steel, commonly known as "Chromoly", while more expensive than high-tensile steel, it was cheaper than aluminum, in part it was much easier to fabricate and more reliable in terms of durability than most other aluminum framed race bicycles on the market at the time. Aluminum, while significantly lighter and much less subject to corrosion than chromoly steel, is more brittle and less resilient than chromoly. The frame must be absolutely stiff or it is subject to failing abruptly, i.e. snapping in two suddenly. It will succumb from metal fatigue at a much faster rate, especially if it is subjected to flexing. This is why the tubes of an aluminum frame are both of a larger diameter and are thicker walled than chromoly tubes, to maintain stiffness. Further, aluminum is harder to weld. The welds have to be extra strong and "double butted" and thorough which gives the aluminum frame with its very obvious beaded welds an "unfinished" look, as if someone forgot to sand them down at the factory to give it the clean almost one piece look of a chromoly frame. As a result the weight advantage of aluminum is reduced significantly, in addition to it higher fabrication cost.[8] For these reasons the Chromoly steel frame and fork was the standard of BMX racing and freestyle for twenty years. Only in the mid 1990's as manufacturing advances-many pioneered in the construction of mountain bike frames-made aluminum cheaper and easier to work with did aluminum framed race and freestyle bicycles begin to supplant chromoly. Today the aluminum BMX bicycle frame is the standard. The modern iteration of the P. K. Ripper is still manufactured by SE (now called Sports Engineering) Racing.

More info and interview about BMX, Scot Breithaupt and SE Racing history at:

http://www.bmxultra.com/prosection/inside/scotb.htm

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Today's imaginary trail

Huhu 5 storeys high.... hmmmm later



Today, i am still trying to complete my bunny hopping training, i am still thinking to search a place where i can train big air without injuring myself... in USA or UK, riders have the oppurtunity to train big air landings into a pool of foam chunks, how i wish i could be there to do so...

I think i will try to learn one movement per 2 weeks... hopefully the time is enuff for such crash course.

Ober is right, what you need during jumps is confidence.. hesitation will cause bad endings, i managed to jump using bunny hop as there is no ramp to launch jumps here. I hope i can smooth my landings... still missed my pedals sometimes

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Riders: UNITE?

Today i ride as usual finding obstacles to practise my bunny hopping although sincerely i am still a learner.

I found an undisturbed place at my residential area, it seems it is very suitable to be modified as a dirt jump trail.... even a heaven for trials riders

I hope anyone whom might be interested to join forces with me to the dark side and bring shovels along for the task... the big chunks of rock seems very suitable as a base...

Is there anybody interested? just save a comment here.... the place is at AU3 Taman Keramat......










Saturday, December 6, 2008

Today... no riding, tried to sell stuffs

I woke up late today and early in the morning I wondered how long can my Marzocchi serve me?

So I went to the internet to search for the service manual at www.marzocchi.com but they only provide me the owner's manual.

Nothing can beat google... i found my detail service manual at:-

http://manualer.happymtb.org/

Downloaded it and thoroughly read it but again, in the manual there is some parts on the shock which have to be replaced when the fork is dismantled for servicing, dust boots and oil seal is a must to be discarded and replaced with new ones. I have the intention to do it myself in the future as the steps to do it have been described in detail inside the manual. Hmmm..... where on earth i can get the replacement seals?

Luckily few phone calls resolved the matter, i found few sets and i think i will buy 2 sets just for spare. You won't know when u need it.

To be more aware of the fork history, i called the previous owner and he told me the riding hour for the fork is 20 hours, marzocchi recommended full service of the fork when it reaches 100 hours of riding.

I read all the manual thoroughly and how to set the rebound and other features which should be really understand to prolong the fork lifespan, wrong setup can ended up like my previous RECON 351 which turned too soft after a week of jumpin' n riding

Again, Kevin your price for the bike + shocks are steal! Thanks bro

And i remembered a customer at Yoong's place said that i shouldn't have doubt with marzocchi shocks especially for models which is under 2005 as Marzocchi among the best and that is why Ducati motorcycles hired Marzocchi to develop shocks for their bikes. After the year 2005 Marzocchi face complains about their shock, why? Marzocchi hired Taiwan to mass produce/assemble shock for Marzocchi, that is where the problem start to rise.

Some marzocchi models need to be modified to eliminate weird sounds soon after using it. I read many post in the internet with pictorial guide to file some of the internal parts which rubbing within the shocks and causing clunking noises.




I sell car parts as part time job, today, i went and took pics of front cut. It took a day to travel to the storage area.

Then, i went to Pudu Raya and that's all i have done for today. Nothing special. Nothing interesting. But, the journey ain't boring at all, thank to my workmate whom accompanied me.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Today's urban riding

Today is the lastday of my night shift, after i had breakfast and sent my wife to work, i decided to DIM SUM (Do It Myself Sumhow). The bike rack which have been given by Tuan Haji for free needed some rework/recondition to prolong its lifespan. So, i bought 2 cans of flat black paint spray and dragged my tool box to the corridor and the work started PRONTO.

I am satisfied with the repairs as i also eliminated the frame unstable problem, the bikerack rattling visibly when shaken, after unbolting everything, i used PVC wiring tapes, the PVC tapes are used to fill any gaps or play area between the steel rod and the plastic joint. Now the bike rack didn't squeak a bit when shakenhard, feels like owning an expensive bike rack hehehehe. :D

Before repainted


Unbolting the nuts you can see the gloss black paint faded and some rust visible


Work Area



Work in progress


Stopped awhile after my babygirl cried out loud.


Mamy Poko twin?


The bike rack repairs completed


Not much effort needed, just some sandpapers used to remove light rust.

After Friday prayers, my wife dropped me at Yoong's bike shop to collect my bike, pedalling starts there from Ampang to Taman Keramat. I also bought from Yoong Lizardskin fork boot to protect the fork from dust and mud which may cause the seals to fail, also to protect it from scratch.

Lizard skin fork boot



Upon arrival, as i mentioned before, time to use creativity and imagination to see the hidden urban trails within our residential area..... done some bunny hopping practises by jumping small drain gaps and stairs.

Jump1


Jump2


Well as i mentioned before, the only problem i have with DaBomb C4 is when thru axle rear hub is used, the rear wheel skewers locking effort can cause the rear wheels to slant due to the frame width from left dropout and the right is bigger than other frames, each time the skewer is locked, one side of the hub will move forward and the other to the back, to clear this problem, i installed a washer which holds the skewer during tightening. The washer is held thight using TRUVATIV crank bolt, only crank bolt could be used cos it is thin, strong and wont rub with other moving parts.

One side is enuff to secure the skewers position, and another advantage you dont have to worry about the hub leaving the frames during jumps LOL.

Time to get serious battle gear to protect myself

Custom made hub locker


It seems Yoong setting for the rubbing issue is acceptable... not very critical as before.... so hehe still can bash it up till the end of month or till end of its lifespan kikikiki

uhhhh my wish list of DaBomb merchandise:-

1)Limited Edition short sleeve pit crew shirt.
Front and rear embroidered Da Bomb logos.
One size fits most.

2)Da Bomb's official team jersey.
Made of 100% breathable polyester.
One size fits most.

3) Da Bomb pants






I have contacted http://www.stevecramerproducts.com.au which is australia dabomb importer but they said that they won't sell outside Australia... i still dunno why? why eh? why why why

Thursday, December 4, 2008

No riding today



I haven't collected my C4 today due to my tiredness after night shift work,Yoong have repaired what's necessary but one problem still can't be eliminated which the chain guard issue.

My Truvativ BB is not very wide to make my crank middle ring setup a bit "outside". Now when i am using the lowest gear, the chain will rub the chain guide surface, no problem with pedalling just irritating noises are audible. The solution is a "wider" bottom bracket and wider crankshaft. The retaining ring of the BB should be bigger than the ones i am using now. Currently i am using Truvativ FireX XC BB and crank, i should have used Truvativ freeride version of crank. Husslefelt or Ruktion, again... money, well this upgrade will be hold till the end of month. Duh

I will be trying to sell some of car performance items to cover up this month's expenses, hopefully the effort will pay off these few days.

Sadly, I might be seldom cycling at my favourite trail (Challenge park Putrajaya) as i will further my studies. I am considering to take part-time studies, there is alot to do for my new family, the plan is when i finished my studies and upgrade my job grade, my wife will be able to quit her current job and concentrate on my dearest child, Dhia. Things aren't cheap nowadays and every child need attention especially at the early stage of their growth.

Well, i will have to use my imagination by utilizing every obstacles around my house. Working shift will force me to cycle at Putrajaya during week/working days cos my off/restday oftenly on weekdays.

I am glad that my bike setup nearly completed, the C4 will be aimed for all mountain hardtail, I prefer hardtails for its simplicity, no fuss/complicated linkage systems, due to sudden evolution in MTB technologies, there is now too much to choose from. To meet every riding style you might ended buying 4 bikes:-

1) XC (mostly hardtail to minimize pedal power loss)
2) DH (heavy) suits its name... for DOWNhill only
3) Trails/ All mountain (need rear suspension)
4) Urban freeride

I am trying to get c4 to be in the middle of all these classes. especially for freeride. To shave the weight off, i have eliminate the usage of the front derailluer system and the Marzocchi Bomber also reduced the total weight of the bike.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The testride: The result



I collected my bike yesterday evening and took it for a test ride and for the first 30 minutes my impression was, this is the nicest setup i ever done, the front fork is a match made in heaven. I remembered my Dabomb Grenade which used RS Recon 351, it was disastrous since the fork easily achieve full travel after every jump.

I cancelled my plans to make the C4 a single-speeder as my future trail requires hill climbs, i dont want to stuck with the DH rigs which needed to be pushed when going uphill.

So the X9 SRAM groupset remains except for the Front derailluer system has been fully disabled/ removed. Budget is tight, and the plans to upgrade my brakes to Shimano SLX hydros are left burnt. I stick with Avid BB7 mech brakes with Avid speed dial levers, to be honest the brake set functioning very well, it works nearly as hydros but needed longer lever pulling. The only weakness of this brakes is it screams like a slaughtered pig when the condition is wet, other than that, this is the best brakes for me. Stopping power is good for a mech system and the sweetest part is MINUS the hydros fuss, no leaks, instant adjustment on-the-spot using allen key set. You wont get this from hydros. BB7 is great, the adjustable pad contact for both sides inner and outer eliminates tiring adjustment, just dial to a point where the wheels runs free and you are ready.

I tried to avoid Juicy and other hydros cos most of em using DOT brake fluid. I have seen many suffering leaks at the reservoir. I think i will go for DOT hydros when this issue clears, HAYES and AVID hydros still facing this problem even on NEW unused bikes in shop, it just bleeding slowly.

I left Shimano obsession, loved shimano for the sweet shifter indicator but after riding in serious trails, i have learn that there is no specific use for the nice indicator as at high speed, you don't have the time to peek the indicators.

SRAM is good, you can check at youtube for SHIMANO vs SRAM comparison clips. I am not promoting SRAM but just wanna share my experience with SRAM x-9, after using it for 7 months, it never needed regular adjustment, the shifting still like the first day it was installed.

The only problem with the C4 frame is the rear dropout, i am using thru-axle which maybe the cause of the problem, i have to add washers between the dropout and the QR skewers as there is a big gap which cause the rear tires wobbling, I made myself a lock nut to clear this problem.

I also installed Dabomb DJ chain guide to avoid chain drops


Current setup
Frame: DaBomb C4 Reynolds 520 CRMo tubing
Stem: Amoeba + Amoeba head lock
Handlebar: Azonic Chubby PDW
Grips: Lizard Skin
Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Dirt Jumper 1 2002 Model
Hubs: MAVIC DH (front)/ Novatec (rear) both thru axle
Wheels: MAVIC D521 with DT swiss spokes
Brakes: AVID BB7 Mechanical brakes with Avid Speed dial levers
Tires: MAXXIS Crossmark 2.1 front/ Nobby NIC EVO compound 2.3 rear
Shifter/Cassette/RD: SRAM X-9 Rear only
Crankset & BB: Truvativ FireX with middle ring only + Truvativ bashguard
Chain guide: Dabomb DJ
Headset: Dabomb DirectionAL
Pedals: Kona CR-Mo sealed bearing
Others: Jagwire Switch cables & housing, VELO and Lizard Skin Chainstay protector

Yesterday, thank God, since last month i wish to get a bike rack for my nippy car, again thank God for arranging my destiny to meet Tuan Haji from Bukit Jalil. It was a funny thing to happen as he saw me waiting for other mtbikers with my bike stuffed inside my small car. Guess what happened, he offered me a bike rack. For FREE!

It is a year 1999 bike rack, but i am happy with it, the brand is TRANZ X of Taiwan, usually i knew this brand from their 1995 ionized quick-release skewers which i have used before. I think i will have the rack repainted. After finishing this sentence, i think i wanna go for a spin with C4 to Ampang although i haven't slept yet since last night (working nightshift) :D

To short things up, now I have just came back from my ride... great feeling and confidence with the C4, bunny hops are easy, now the spirit to learn basic skills of trials riding blooming! I am really dont have experience about trials riding but Ryan Leech video lessons on youtube.com will really be helpful after this.

While attempting to do and learn trials movement, it really reminds me how i have lefted behind in riding.... Some people are lucky to have the chance and encouragement from their parents to ride at young age, at 28years old, i hope i am not too late to learn.

After 30 minutes of urban riding finally my rear derailluer cable gave up and snapped... maybe due to the loose screws, nevermind, i was already at ampang when the problem occured. A stop at Yoong's bike shop Nirwana is a routine habit when calamity strikes, RD and Chain guide needs fine adjustment and Yoong was happy to do it. OK Yoong, i leave it to ya and went back home on foot. Duh.

A good MTB ain't cheap. If i have a son and he have the passion to ride, i will try to give full support to him.....

Sunday, November 30, 2008

I can't sleep tonite

The journey started on Saturday morning, i went to Penang Island which consumed MYR 120 for fuel covering 650km of mileage

The objective? I went to my wife's best friend wedding and Penang was the last destination. After visiting few friends in Penang, I resumed with my "special" task, which is collecting an Azonic Evolution complete Dirt Jump bike. I met Kevin, the owner of the Azonic which decided to sell off his bike due to his plan to migrate to Australia.

He sold the Azonic at MYR 1000, at first, i thought it is a really damaged bike because Kevin described it as a used DirtJump bike and after googling it, what makes me more worried is the frames is a 2002 model... hmmm, i thought this is it, i made another stupid mistake... i promised to him that i confirmed to buy his bike on the 23/11/08 via phone although the pics posted on the net is very very blurry, not forgetting that the post already nearly 2 months old on the date i contacted him. A promise is a promise so the deal is on.


The Azonic Evolution in her previous life begging for mercy to avoid cruel dismemberment(pic taken by the previous owner), Before dismantled to fit into my car small rear compartment.

I can't afford to buy new stuff that's why i decided to buy this bike and dismantle the parts i interested with, install unused parts from my recent bike(Dabomb Sputnik) and sell it to a friend.

I met him today, what a surprise, the item condition really mesmerized me.... the front shock is SWEET!!!! superbly like new, it is a Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 1 which is the high-end version for DJ use in 2002 with THRU AXLE, the bike frame condition is OK and the bike seems like never been ridden for years.... maybe 5 or 4 years cos the tires have cracked badly. The design also aren't old fashioned at all... it is just nice.



The Dirt jump 2 specs
# 130mm Travel
# Open Bath SSVF Valving
# Coil Springs
# Mg Powerwrap'M'-Arch
# External Preload & Rebound Control
# 30mm Aluminum DJ Stanchions
# QR20PLUS Drop-outs

The fork comes with compression and rebound setting options, nice! cos i tested Rock Shox PIKE the day before and i really recommend it for those whom going for PIKE or RECON, try to get coil spring (low-maintenance) with compression adjustability/external flood gate adjustability (I used RECON 351 without flood gate adjustability and the fork just too soft and reach/bottoming full travel easily, you dont want that when you attempting to land on a steep slope, it is just too harsh... i can hear clunking each time i clear a big drop... and yes, i sold it)

Kevin's Azonic Evo specs
Frame: Azonic Evolution
Crank: Deore LX 2002 with aluminum bashguard, only one ring used
Hubs: Rear LX front unknown Thru Axle
Single speed conversion kit
Stem handlebar: Azonic short and Azonic riser
Headset: YTF industries
BB: Shimano LX
Brakes: XTR V brakes, Deore XT levers
Rims: MAVIC D521 rims

I was thrilled and happy till i forgot that i was going to wish for a lower price...LOL. most marzocchi used fork are selling between 1000~1600 MYR without hub but this one comes with a thru axle hubs, rims, frames etc etc!

At that moment, I thanked God very much... why? previously last week i was going to buy a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 BAM 1996 fork but the deal turned sour cos someone bidded the fork price higher than i offered to the trader. There is always good things behind every mishaps.


Pic of Marzocchi Bomber Z1 BAM

After left Kevin, I continue with more house visits and push-off back to KL at 7pm, to make the story short, we reached KL at 11.30pm.

At home, i inspected the Azonic frame thoroughly, the weight of the Azonic frame is 2.5kgs while the Dabomb C4 is 4kgs, I was tempted to use the Azonic Evo frame at 1st due to its weight, but after thinking deeply, i will continue with the C4 buildup project.


Azonic Evolution and Dabomb C4 Geometry comparison, Azonic have longer rear section

The Azonic Evo frame is in Good condition with minor scratches, but i found out aluminium frames is easily damaged especially at the rear dropout section. As you can see at the dropout section, there are chipping aluminium marks, a deep round wound. In my opinion, further release and locking hubs might leaving deeper scars/wounds at the dropout, it is not impossible that the rear wheel might wobbling if the rear dropout contact surface with the hub arent flat anymore. So, this is the pros and cons of aluminium frames. (please refer to pics)




After finished with this blog updating, i think i will continue with frame coating film for the Dabomb c4 using an anti oxidization chemical. The chemical will be sprayed into the frame internal to lock-out from moisture since c4 is CrMO, it will rust lightly but not as fast/worse as raw steel.

Holding the Marzocchi Dirtjumper 1 2002 really brings me back to the memories of 2002..... sighhhhh.... I can hear 2002 songs inside my head.... Summer girls by LFO, Lady by MOJO, Vertical Horizon.... Slumber OAG..... fuhh fuhh fuhh

Friday, November 28, 2008

My first words

Well, this is my first blog about my mtb experiences, I have zero knowledge or in depth skills on mtb but i think i wanna make a journal about it and a bit about my life. So here it is.....

Until now, i have owned numbers of mtb but none of em are full suspension, only hardtails
1) Indian Firetrail1994- MARIN (owned 1999)
2) A CR-Mo hardtail, i forgot the brand (owned 2002)
3) Avalanche 2.0 2002- GT Bicycles (owned 2002)
4) Scab 1996- Kona (owned 2006)
5) Alite 2000- KHS (owned 2007)

After these 4 listed frames, well, things get funny, why?

6) TFS350D Trail- Merida (owned 2008)
7) Grenade Cr-Mo 2005- Dabomb
8) Sputnik 2005- Dabomb
9) C4 2008- Dabomb

The last 4 bikes are changed in the same year, i usually sells the frames and replace it with another, it means i only own one bike at a time, MTB scene have evolved soo much if compared from what i have seen back in1995, at that time i am just a student (15years old), standing in front bicycle shop display cabinet, hoping i could own an RM 2000 bicycle... at that time MTB only have 2 types: full sus or hardtail. just as simple as that...

huh.... but now.....

You have to own more than 1 type of mtb to meet your riding style.... and that is why i have changed frames several times, just to find the perfect match for my riding style...

Talking about style, i just want to learn on how to fine handling the MTB, soundslike trials eh? but i wanna use it for urban assault, dirtjump and trail riding....

Finally. I decided C4 by Dabomb is the best as i have tested Dabomb Grenade, both have the same spec; Cr-Mo tubing, Reynolds. 14.5inch frame size, Small. and yup, it is heavy, but this is the price to pay if you wish for frame strength.... I sold the Grenade to someone at Muar, Johor as i thought i am going to try aluminum frame, Grenade is flawless except for the weight, other than that i could found any reason why should i let it go but after evaluating other frames, dabomb still makes the best frames (interms of geometry), I tried dabomb full-sus range (Cherry Bomb and Da Pukka) the frames are very well designed with neat welds but for the outstanding strength, they willing to sacrifice WEIGHT, dabomb frames are a bit heavy even for the aluminum frames. I remember dabomb philosophy, "we make good bikes, but we won't spend it for multi-million marketing".

The Dabomb C4 was selected after a nasty fall at Putrajaya (seems basikalputih.blogspot.com Flat fingerz got a follower now- I am white now LOL and thanks Flat), the Sputnik i used was a good Hardcore HT frame but the 16.5 inch size was a big burden during tight corners and jump, my mistake, before it is installed as one-complete bike, the frames looked small and fits nicely for me but it isn't. So bye bye Sputnik. Sold.




Future specs: Singlespeed MTB
Frame: Dabomb C4 520 Reynolds tubing
Headset: Dabomb DirectionAL
Stem: Azonic shorty
Handlebar: Azonic Double Wall -Chubby
Fork: Marzocchi Bomber II 2002
Brakes: Shimano SLX hydros
Crankset: Truvativ Fire X with truvativ bashguard (2 rings removed)
Pedals: Kona CR-mo (thanks Scab)
Seat post: Race Face
Saddle: WTB
wheels: WTB
Hubs: Rear Novatec, Front Thru Axle.

Here is pictures of my ex-bikes