Orange SubZero bike spec!

Mr Gimp

Mr Gimp

Mr Gimp

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Joined
6 Sep 2003
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Furthering my desire for an Orange MsIsle not long ago, I have instead managed to blag myself an Orange SubZero frame so shall be looking to build it up shortly.
I am unsure on a few things though as it's been far too long since I have been in the loop so to speak so thought I'd ask you knowledgeable chaps instead.

First off is fork choice: I'm 14 odd stone, so not the lightest for my midget 5 ft 9 frame so have been reading into the adjustability of air forks being probably a good idea?
Either that or a coil fork with a stiffer coil to make up for my lard arse?
Any suggestions on fork? It's 1 ⅛ steerer BTW.
Looking to go second hand for the fork to keep costs down as I have other things to spend the pennies on sadly at the moment.

Cranks are the next consideration for me. The frame is a 16" which I chose as I have a ridiculous short inside leg (28 inch) so was wondering if crank wise I should stay at the standard 170 (IIRC) or drop to a 160? I'll be looking at single ring front 10 speed rear btw, possibly the Hope integrated bash ring combo with Shimano Zee cranks looks like a reasonable idea? Also need a chain device, so was thinking of using the E13 ISCG adapter and running the Hope guide as well?

That's as far as I've got for the moment as obviously the fork axle choice will dictate hub etc (imagine a 20mm axle will be best?) but obviously will need brakes, bars, stem and wheels as well as a seat that's not gonna give me piles the size of vines too.

Any help will be massively appreciated!
 
IMO no need for a chain guide, get a Narrow Wide ring for the front and a clutch mech on the rear (Zee). I've never had any issues with this set up.

Wheels - obvious choice is stans on hoop hubs.

Brakes - Anything Shimano - I have SLXs and there great. I've heard the Deores are also superb.

Seat - Charge Spoon

Bar/Stem combo - Renthal combo, or Superstar stuff.

Front fork totally depends on much cash your spending really, I do know someone who might be selling a some X-Fusion slants.
 
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Thanks Begbie. Been a long while since I had anything set up but had a two ring setup that the chain was off all the bloody time on hence the idea for a chain guide.
I was looking at the Zee rear mech so that's great news if you're running one and have no issues!

Forks wise, I don't mind spending a couple of hundred quid tops really, don't want to spend much more tbh but know that they're gonna be a critical part of the build.
Last forks I bought were Rockshox Psylos to give you an idea of how long ago I built anything!
 
They sound like they were before my time!

I run an SLX + (clutch) rear mech at the moment with a raceface NW front ring, not dropped once. Hope have a NW ring out too now.

I bought some Slants from Pinkbike, but now buying a full build so (possibly) no need for them anymore. You could possibly pick some 2nd hand revelations for that price, or a little extra. From my reading, checking reviews Slants seem to get some awesome reviews though yet to try them.
 
your best bet for your budget / needs would be :

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...rl-dual-position-coil-15mm-2015/rp-prod109678

£260 150mm travel and they are lightish and work well

also 1 1/8th steerers (not taper) are rarer these days on forks but these are good
20mm is not really happening on single crown forks much these days - 15mm instead


these are your best option (lighter too) if you can go a little higher (£325)
http://www.merlincycles.com/rockshox-revelation-rlt-forks-58516.html

zee for cranks and shifter and mech, slx cassette and chain
slx or deore brakes
charge spoon or scoop is best seat and cheap
 
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If you're at all serious about pedalling the bike uphill a 1x10 setup might be a bit too much hard work for you if you're just getting back into it.

1x10 setups seem to be all the rage at the moment but they aren't suitable for everyone, it depends on how fit you are and the terrain you ride.
 
Brilliant, thanks for the advice so far guys. Apparently the Psylo is of 2002 vintage Begbie too! :o I'll look into the Slants too.

Thanks for the links chopper, I'll do a bit more research later on tonight.

As far as the 1 x 10 chainset goes I was aiming for simplicity as never found myself using much more than the the middle ring for most of the time. Fitness isn't the best, but I'm not averse to smashing myself back into shape. Still have to decide on sizing for the narrow wide ring too I suppose.
 
Mr Gimp said:
Brilliant, thanks for the advice so far guys. Apparently the Psylo is of 2002 vintage Begbie too! :o I'll look into the Slants too.

Thanks for the links chopper, I'll do a bit more research later on tonight.

As far as the 1 x 10 chainset goes I was aiming for simplicity as never found myself using much more than the the middle ring for most of the time. Fitness isn't the best, but I'm not averse to smashing myself back into shape. Still have to decide on sizing for the narrow wide ring too I suppose.
Click to expand...

I went 32 on the front, with 36-11 on the rear.

A lot of 40T adapters for the rear now though, which supposedly work really well. Sure hope do these now, aswell as oneupcomponents. If you ever find you could do with a lazier gear.
 
Dredging up the dead here but:

So far I've specced the following:

Shimano Zee Cranks

Saint pedals

Hope Narrow wide 32 t chain ring

Shimano Zee rear mech

SLX cassette and chain

Saint shifter

Deore discs with RT66 160 rear and 180 front rotors

Which comes to about 295 quid.

I'm also watching some Rockshox Pike U Turn forks and a Ritchey disc wheel set (not favourable reviews but cheaper than speccing new as funds are fast running low!) on eBay

Stem wise and bars I'm still a little perplexed as to what sizing to go for though?

Edit: Spank Spoon rims? Any good? Just thinking of those on Zee hubs...
 
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