My 2 New Bikes!!

[PacMan]

Well, here they are--finished at last. I have been planning the Reign build for awhile now. It's one of the $399 frames from Wheel World. I have been collecting parts for a couple months and I feel fortunate to call it my back-up bike:beer:

The Jamis frame was a spur of the moment sort of thing. JensonUSA was clearing them out at their parking lot sale--frame, shock, cranks and BB for only $70!! I just transferred all the parts over from my old beater hardtail and here I am with this as my third string bike:?:

Here they are:

 

[CalEpic]

That's so cool! I was seriously tempted on those Reign frames for $399 but ended up getting an RFX instead. You could likely sell those bikes for more than you paid for them - virtually unheard of.

 

[roadkillross]

i like taht reign but not really feeling the jamis just me but sweet builds

 

[PacMan]

i like taht reign but not really feeling the jamis just me but sweet builds

Ya, I hear ya. But, for $70 I'm not complaining. And, it sure beats the old Trek 4500 HT it received all of its parts from.

 

[scruffylooking]

Two amazing deals. Good job.

 

[Skeeter]

awesome job keeping your eyes open and finding some good deals, how do you like the Reign?

 

[PacMan]

awesome job keeping your eyes open and finding some good deals, how do you like the Reign?

I've only got 2 rides on it, but so far it's pretty nice--now that I have the Swinger 3-way figured out. I like my Enduro better, but the Reign is a nice riding bike, especially considering I don't have that much money into it.

 

[FoShizzle]

That's so cool! I was seriously tempted on those Reign frames for $399 but ended up getting an RFX instead. You could likely sell those bikes for more than you paid for them - virtually unheard of.

the Reign and RFX are pretty much identical bikes; you should have saved yourself $1000 towards hookers and beer

 

[CalEpic]

the Reign and RFX are pretty much identical bikes; you should have saved yourself $1000 towards hookers and beer

True. Similarly identical to Turners and Ventanas I'm told.

But you are assuming I paid $1395.

I heard a rumor that there may be yet another blow-out RFX in our midst?

C

 

[PacMan]

OK, I was able to get in my first ride on the Reign where I have the Swinger 3-way dialed in correctly (or pretty damn close!!) and all I have to say is -- WOW!!

I am amazed at how this bike rides. It feels so firm, until you hit something and then the shock takes the hit and then it's back to near hardtail efficiency. I don't know if it's the Maestro suspension, the Swinger 3-way or both, but this bike rides awesome. It is very plush yet very efficient, almost like you are floating along the trail. It gets up to speed pretty well too. It responded with a jump immediately when I hammered on the pedals, almost like a HT. I found I was riding in a gear or two higher than usual as well.

I wouldn't say its better than my Enduro, but just as good as for sure. I am glad I took advantage of that sale now\\/

 

[Pho'dUp]

Hey Pacman,

Guess you didn't need those 170mm cranks after all? Anyways, good job on the bikes. I think we need to start a $399 Reign thread b/c I have one too and love the bike. BTW, what's your settings you're using on the Swinger?

Thanks,
Carl

 

[PacMan]

Hey Pacman,

Guess you didn't need those 170mm cranks after all? Anyways, good job on the bikes. I think we need to start a $399 Reign thread b/c I have one too and love the bike. BTW, what's your settings you're using on the Swinger?

Thanks,
Carl

Ya, my parts budget got cut way down due to some un-expected expenses. I ended up using a crankset off another bike that was pretty chewed up. I just replaced a couple chainrings, so at least it operates like a new one.

On the shock setting--I'm a fat boy at 240lbs. so I'm running 165 in the main chamber and 125 in the SPV chamber and it is working awesome.

I found this to be helpful: http://www.answerproducts.com/home.asp?cvar1=9/14/2006+1:59:16+PM

Click on the link that says "3 steps to SPV setup" and a PDF window will open with some tips. I found it to be very helpful. I set it up as they recommended and then tinkered a little bit +/- until I found my groove.

 

[tkblazer]

glad to hear you like the frame, i picked one up recently as well and i'm still trying to get used to it. I will agree with you tho as it really does pedal pretty darn well for the weight and amount of travel it has. I have mine setup for more AM/FR so its pretty burly and its a blast to ride. I'm 175 lbs and i run 135-140 psi in the main chamber and 80 psi in the SPV (i like the plush ride)

 

[PacMan]

Hey Pacman,

Guess you didn't need those 170mm cranks after all? Anyways, good job on the bikes. I think we need to start a $399 Reign thread b/c I have one too and love the bike. BTW, what's your settings you're using on the Swinger?

Thanks,
Carl

Pics??

glad to hear you like the frame, i picked one up recently as well and i'm still trying to get used to it. I will agree with you tho as it really does pedal pretty darn well for the weight and amount of travel it has. I have mine setup for more AM/FR so its pretty burly and its a blast to ride. I'm 175 lbs and i run 135-140 psi in the main chamber and 80 psi in the SPV (i like the plush ride)

Pics??

 

[tkblazer]

sorry but i'm missing my usual front brake so i haven't taken pics yet