The set up:
S&M Challenger forks (the ones they dont make anymore)
S&M Race bars
S&M Race stem
Cane creek sealed aluminum headset
Profile 180mm cranks with solid TI spindle
Profile euro BB
FSA 44T front sprocket
Sun welded/machine front/rear rims
Sun Ringle front hub
Oddysey Cassette rear w/ 16T cog
MCS seat post
Tangent seat
PC48 chain
ODI ruffian lock on grips
Shimano Deore brakes w/ oddysey slic cable
My Review:
Appearance/Fit/Finish
PROS
- The welds seem better than average and the triple butted tubing is top notch. Paper thin in the middle, thicker where it matters.
- The paint is very nice, better than average and so far durable.
- Integrated seat post clamp and headset cups are a nice touch.
- Flat drop outs make actually working on the bike easier than overdone dropouts i have seen lately
- Uses a common seat post size, nothing wild, my MCS post fit.
CONS
- Shimano brakes do not line up. With the wheel up in the drop outs, the brake pads do not properly meet the rim. Do not tell me I need to buy "Pauls brakes". Move the studs up 5-7mm on future models.
- Personally I do not like frames that split the brake cable, I believe it hinders brake performance. I am considering drilling out the cable guides so the will accept the entire cable.
- Decal quality is not the best
- Frame comes with entirely too many decals (10!). I removed the chain stay and bottom of the seat tube decals and the frame looks a ton better. The chainstay decals were falling off out of the box.
- Bottom bracket width for purposes of bearing sideloading with internal spacer may be a touch off, however i need to experiment with this a bit more
- Chain alignment, although not horrible, could be better.
Performance
PROS
- High bottom bracket makes snap and 1st three pedals fast.
- Steep head tube angle (74.5) makes turning fun again and is reminiscent of my older Clayborns. Not to mention, you are an inch ahead while you are still in the gate.
- Frame rides like a high quality chromoly frame should. Stable, sure, yet stiff and light.
- Longer rear end makes first straights faster, but has its drawbacks (see below)
CONS
(take these cons with a grain of salt, they are more preference observations)
- Front end seems higher than it needs to be
- Rear end could be shorter, considering how technical the tracks are getting. This would also compliment the steep head tube in the turns.
- Again, brakes do not work well, due to split cable and poor pad alignment
I made an effort to try not to compare this directly to some of the other frames I have owned, which include Schwinn, Clayborn, Kastan, Giant, MCS to name a few.
Ill add to this as more comes to mind. And now pictures of the set up. Enjoy.
