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.