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.....