Finished-off* my first ever ground-up build on Christmas Eve, and took out for its first short spin today. I'm chuffed.
Largely pre-owned kit and mostly from here.
(Thanks to all vendors and advice givers!)
The fork choice was a financial decision … but, see below, I reckon that they may be staying for a while.
This is a build conceived to be used where I've previously felt rather silly and oversuspended on my Stumpy FSR (Local. With the kids. Cannock etc)… A situation accelerated by me loaning out my old Klein hardtail to a friend's son.
EDIT: More here http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevindavitt/sets/72157622693304945/
First observations:
-I'm re-enjoying rigidity .. though haven't been further than the rough-stuff round the outside of our local park yet.
-A little bit of 'take-off' drivetrain slippage once or twice … hopefully just a matter of some trimming to do
That's all.
I'm pleased though.
*"Finshed": I've already learned that there is, actually, no such state 😕