I couldn't resist turning to the Dark Side...

[ghixon]

After all I've read, and being able to ride some other folks 29's, I've officially turned to the dark side and ordered a new SS Hardtail.

And the winner is: Gary Fisher Rig

Here's the breakdown:

Front Suspension: Fox F80 RL 29 w/air pressure, rebound, lockout, alloy steerer, 80mm travel, G2 offset
Crank: Bontrager Race Lite Singlespeed, 32T
Rear Gear: Single cog, 18t
Handlebar: Bontrager Select Big Sweep, 31.8mm, 12d
Stem: Bontrager Select, 31.8mm, 7 degree
Wheelset:Bontrager Race Singlespeed hubs, Bontrager Duster 29" rims
Brakes: Avid BB7 mechanical disc w/Avid SD 7 levers

Stock Photo from GF website:


Since I don't have any experience with a SS, I really couldn't figure out what to go with on the rear gear so I stayed pretty much with the stock offering. With any luck, I should have the new ride in a few weeks and be ready to embarrass myself soon after...

[Keith B]

I find your lack of faith in gears disturbing

[OMR]

Originally Posted by ghixon

After all I've read, and being able to ride some other folks 29's, I've officially turned to the dark side and ordered a new SS Hardtail.

And the winner is: Gary Fisher Rig

Here's the breakdown:

Front Suspension: Fox F80 RL 29 w/air pressure, rebound, lockout, alloy steerer, 80mm travel, G2 offset
Crank: Bontrager Race Lite Singlespeed, 32T
Rear Gear: Single cog, 18t
Handlebar: Bontrager Select Big Sweep, 31.8mm, 12d
Stem: Bontrager Select, 31.8mm, 7 degree
Wheelset:Bontrager Race Singlespeed hubs, Bontrager Duster 29" rims
Brakes: Avid BB7 mechanical disc w/Avid SD 7 levers

Stock Photo from GF website:


Since I don't have any experience with a SS, I really couldn't figure out what to go with on the rear gear so I stayed pretty much with the stock offering. With any luck, I should have the new ride in a few weeks and be ready to embarrass myself soon after...

You will enjoy this new experience... just don't get crazy and sell your geared 26ers... just like children, you will love them all.

[Burner]

Nice, you're the first on STR with the new Fox 29er fork (long offset).


soooo when do I get to throw a leg over her?


Enjoy, and post a RR when you git it.

[dubjay]

Welcome to the darkside!

Unless you have legs and lungs of steel - you'll probably want to swap out that rear cog for something larger if you plan on any climbing. I believe most Socal riders on 29ers with a 32T chainring up front run a 20 or larger cog in the rear.

[J_Sims]

I run 34 x 22 and it gets me just about everywhere I need to go..

congrats and let do some ridin when you get that beast

[~ Pakiha ~]

Welcome, I was converted by Jose not only to the 29'er but the SS. I'm lovin' it and I officially have fork envy.

[ShinKen]

very nice!! like the color too yeah I'm with Burner, CAN i ride your bike one of these days? I want to see how that fox fork feels. and hmmm I could do just great with out all that Bontrager BS!! but that's just me!! great bike over all. Cant wait for the RR on this new sweet bike

me thinksS will approve of this new toy

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by ghixon

After all I've read, and being able to ride some other folks 29's, I've officially turned to the dark side and ordered a new SS Hardtail.

And the winner is: Gary Fisher Rig

Here's the breakdown:

Front Suspension: Fox F80 RL 29 w/air pressure, rebound, lockout, alloy steerer, 80mm travel, G2 offset
Crank: Bontrager Race Lite Singlespeed, 32T
Rear Gear: Single cog, 18t
Handlebar: Bontrager Select Big Sweep, 31.8mm, 12d
Stem: Bontrager Select, 31.8mm, 7 degree
Wheelset:Bontrager Race Singlespeed hubs, Bontrager Duster 29" rims
Brakes: Avid BB7 mechanical disc w/Avid SD 7 levers

Stock Photo from GF website:


Since I don't have any experience with a SS, I really couldn't figure out what to go with on the rear gear so I stayed pretty much with the stock offering. With any luck, I should have the new ride in a few weeks and be ready to embarrass myself soon after...

This was my first 29'er. Purchased one of the first ones shipped out to the dealers in late 04.

As posted that gearing is waaaaaay to hard unless you plan on riding it on the beach paths

Within a month of owning the Rig I sold my.....

Intense 5.5
Turner 5 spot
Santa Cruz Superlight
Intense Uzzi SLX
Kona Unit (26"SS)

never rode a 26" wheeled bike againso be careful

[ghixon]

Originally Posted by Burner

Nice, you're the first on STR with the new Fox 29er fork (long offset).


soooo when do I get to throw a leg over her?


Enjoy, and post a RR when you git it.

The Fox Fork was the deciding factor in going with the GF. Everything I heard said that it realy helped in the steering response arena.

Originally Posted by dubjay

Welcome to the darkside!

Unless you have legs and lungs of steel - you'll probably want to swap out that rear cog for something larger if you plan on any climbing. I believe most Socal riders on 29ers with a 32T chainring up front run a 20 or larger cog in the rear.

Do bun's of steel count?

Like I said, I hd no idea where to start with 'em. Here's to trial and error.

[J_Sims]

Originally Posted by ghixon

The Fox Fork was the deciding factor in going with the GF. Everything I heard said that it realy helped in the steering response arena.



Do bun's of steel count?

Like I said, I hd no idea where to start with 'em. Here's to trial and error.

You will eventually end up with several rear cogs and you can change depending on where you are riding....

[dstepper]

That gearing will be perfect for Grout Bay. Maybe not climbing Pineknot and Cougars Crest. How the temps been up there?

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by ghixon

The Fox Fork was the deciding factor in going with the GF. Everything I heard said that it realy helped in the steering response arena.



Do bun's of steel count?

Like I said, I hd no idea where to start with 'em. Here's to trial and error.

steered like a truck (the reason I got rid of it).

The one you are getting should be great. I dig the color of the frame / seat combo. Also the intergated HS is a nice touch.

The early reviews on the Fox 29'er is that........it is a Fox. Like but'a out of the box!

When do you get it? What size?

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by J_Sims

You will eventually end up with several rear cogs and you can change depending on where you are riding....

I would start with a 22t. The first time riding a SS can be a demoralizing experience. I purchased my first SS after competing the VQ. I felt really good about myself until ……….my first SS ride. Got my A$$ kicked. I remember my buddy looking at me at the top of a climb….”Are you OK??” My face was beet RED and I was hunched over the bars

All I can say is gear low at first and keep at it

[ghixon]

Originally Posted by dstepper

That gearing will be perfect for Grout Bay. Maybe not climbing Pineknot and Cougars Crest. How the temps been up there?

I was thinking of trying to climb Mill Creek Road with it stock. That might bea bad idea.

Temps have been in the high 70's - low 80' during the day. 60's at night.

Greg

[allison]

Originally Posted by dubjay

Welcome to the darkside!

Unless you have legs and lungs of steel - you'll probably want to swap out that rear cog for something larger if you plan on any climbing. I believe most Socal riders on 29ers with a 32T chainring up front run a 20 or larger cog in the rear.

FWIW, many that do a lot of climbing ride 32x22. Aqua rides this, as does Justin when he SS.

Please note that Aqua isn't human, and Justin is a doper.

[sandblast]

I really like the color combination also- all it needs are some derailleurs and that will be a sweet bike...

[Pho'dUp]

That is dead sexy. Can you tell us what you paid ballpark? i.e. Is there any wiggle room around the MSRP for the '08s?

Nice bike. Enjoy. I'm sure after a few weeks on the single you'll be a regular Quadzilla.