Fuji DSR 2.0 Build Complete

The build of my Fuji DSR 2.0 C7 Carbon Fiber Full Suspension MTB has been completed.  The Maxxis Aspen 2.1 tires and Formula R1 hydraulic brakes were installed yesterday evening and a maiden voyage completed this morning.  And while the ride this AM (started @05:45) was mostly greenway (asphalt) I did get to do a short section of singletrack.  

The bike performed amazingly from my perspective and the reduced weight and superior drive train allowed me to handle climbs like I had never done before.  Also I greatly underestimated the power of hydraulic brakes and will never go back to mech brakes again.  I did use the poploc for the front fork on the green way and am please to never deal with a front derailleur again!

At this point I see no additional upgrades in the immediate future.  But I am considering a 700mm riser handle bar instead of the 620mm flat I currently have and further down the line a rear shock with lockout abilities.

I hope to get on some more real singletrack this week and will provides updates as well.

Fuji 26" DSR 2.0 Build

I've got my Fuji 26" DSR 2.0 C7 carbon fiber bike about 85% built as of today.  My remaining items are R1 hydraulic brakes and Maxxis Aspen 2.1" tires.  So far here's the items in the build:

• 2011 Fuji 21"/26" C7 Carbon Fiber Full-Suspension Frame w/Rockshox Monarch RT rear shock on a 4LS.
• Rockshox 26" Recon Silver TK Solo Air fork w/poploc
• Shimano Deore XT-M8000 1x11 (34T/11-42T) drivetrain/groupset (XT-M8000 BB) with 175mm cranks and Shimano XG-11 chain
• Mavic/Shimano XM119 Wheels/Hubs
• Original Moongoose 26"x2.35" tires (TBR by Maxxis Aspen 26"x2.1")
• Shimano 160 Centerlock Rotors (may upgrade the front to 180mm)
• Shimano M275 mech brake calipers (TBR by Formula R1 hydraulic brakes)
• Cycling King CF/AL 80mm stem
• Signswise CF Seatpost 350mm
• Signswise CF Handlebar 620mm

Again I made the decision to opt for the carbon fiber frame at a ridiculous discounted price for 2011 model and the apparently outdated 26" ($580).  I couldn't have built a 29" FS CF bike for this price point.  Those would question fuji making a quality MTB I would advise that the 4-way Linkage and rear triangle are actually licensed designs from Specialized.

Took it on a quick test run yesterday around a new construction phase in the neighborhood and could really feel the difference from my 19.5" frame bike - it was too small.  I have yet to hit the trails but intend to before the week is over.  The Maxxis Aspen 2.1" tires should be here today and the R1 brakes and matching Red grips tomorrow.  These items will complete the build.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog to document my adventures in Mountain Biking (MTB).  I'm not great at mtb, just enjoy it and it's awesome for fitness.  Currently I have an older Mongoose Fireline 26" bike that was probably only $250 new.  I purchased it 4 yrs ago from someone for $180 who ordered it online and discovered it was too large of a frame after a week.  I sold my hybrid bike for $150 so only paid $30 for this bike.  This was 4 months after I had microdiscectomy for a ruptured disc in my back.  I wanted a full-suspension bike but didn't have any knowledge about the variety of equipment out there.

Nonetheless, I used it for a couple of years and eventually upgraded the front fork to a Rock Shox XT30 due to the original Suntour had locked up.  I got a Monarch 4.2 rear air shock to replace the coil that came with the bike.  I also took the plunge with clipless pedals using the Crankbrothers plastic Candy pedals and some Pearl Izumis Alp shoes.  After learning how to work with the clipless pedals I really started to perform pretty well.

Now after a break from riding I'm committed to make riding a solid part of my fitness regime.  My existing problems with the bike is 1) it's too small as a 19.5" frame and I really need a 21" with my 35.5" inseam; 2) my original drivetrain is low end and shifting poorly even after having it tuned @REI.  Also my rear cassette is missing teeth on a few of the cogs.

I first fixed the drivetrain issue by purchasing a 1x11 (34T) Shimano Deore XT-M8000 groupset from Chain Reaction Cycles.  I did quite a bit of research on gear ratios with different drivetrains (3x10, 2x10) and realized the 1x11 could offer the same range as my 3x8 and eliminate the front derailleur as a bonus.  This turned out to be an amazing upgrade and have really enjoyed learning bike maintenance and installation in the process.  Unfortunately my maiden voyage with the new drivetrain resulted in a flat tube for which I did not have a spare tube or pump - SMH.  However, the shifting was spot-on and easier with a single derailleur.

Now, I've ordered a 2011 Fuji DSR 2.0 21"/26" frame and RockShock Recon Air fork.  The idea is I will move over my drivetrain, wheels, carbon seatpost, carbon stem & handlebars and pedals.  I got this frame from Random Bike Parts 52% less than the MSRP based on the older model and the 26" bike is fading into the past.  While I know all the reasons MTBers have moved to 29ers & 27.5 bikes, I just don't see the benefit to me over the weight savings in this C7 carbon fiber frame.

I'll be posting pics of the transformation as it progresses but for now a pic of my existing bike while I wait on UPS to deliver the new stuff.