Equipment

June 24, 2021 Revel Rail ridden:

Revel Rail after first ride

 

I moved some parts over from the RFX, others I needed to buy because of different frame configuration and some were replacement parts.

Fox Factory 36 fork with Diaz RUNT and added travel to 170mm

Industry Nine wheels, front wheel is new with their carbon rim, rear wheel was converted to boost 148 and their carbon rim.

Praxxis Cadet 170mm cranks and bottom bracket.

Oneup dropper to fit larger seat tube

Absolute Black 30T oval chain ring needed for boost

Formula Cura 4 rear brake and SRAM 180mm rotor as frame configured for 180mm rotor

I document my rides using Garmin 530.

Moved over parts:

Ergon saddle

SRAM rear derailleur, grip shift, and chain

Sunrace cassette 10X46 11 speed,

Catalyst pedals

Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR tires

Formula Cura 2 front brake

 

I retired the Turner RFX to pasture after 1.135 rides over 16,229 miles. Frame is still solid and for sale on Pinkbike.

HISTORY:

This is what I used to ride:

Turner RFX

The frame celebrated 4 years on 3/19/20  of holding all these components onto a well behaved ride. 13,935 miles.

I built it up with my choice selections:

Update: 10,000 miles wore out the Lyric. I replaced it with a 2020 Fox Factory 36 custom tuned and RUNT installed by DSD. Suspension tuned by DiazSuspensionDesign using his Runt thing in the fork which improves small bump compliance, a real improvement. October 2019 update: stepped up big time $1200 for custom tuned PUSH Elevensix shock. Coil shock keeps rear wheel tracking over small bumps for much improved traction. It rounds off the square edges.

Praxxis bottom bracket and Girder 170mm cranks.

Update Nov: I broke the rear rim on the l9 Torch hub wheel. Clean living brought me a new l9 wheel with their new Hydra hub and using a We Are One carbon rim. Hydra hub has .52 degrees of engagement climbs way better and is faster and quieter that predecessor.

April 2021 the front wheel is a new I9 with We Are One carbon rim laced with straight pull aluminum spokes

Formula Cura brakes, bigger rotor on front &  smaller rotor on back. Seem to stop me. Cura is their new brake which is more powerful than all the previous models. Switched brake pads to ceramic made by MTX in Utah

SRAM  twisty shifter, chain, and derailleur and Sun Race cassette. I am using Squirt chain lube. Now a 1X11  drive train and AbsoluteBlack oval chain ring 30T/28T which smooths out pedal stroke lessening / eliminating power pulses breaking rear wheel loose. Cassette is an 11X46 SunRace , good for better granny gear.

29.5″ Nukeproof carbon handle bar and a very short stem way improves handling. Still using soft Ouray grips held on with hair spray and wire wrap.

Ergon saddle and  KS LEV seat dropper. The Raceface Turbine and Reverb are kept as backups in the Jobox.

Now wearing FiveTen Freerider Pro shoes and pedaling Catalyst flat pedals.  Retired Time ROC ATAC pedals  (Had enough of Eggbeaters & Candys) Mud clearance is important as is no unexpected release. Liking the Times. Tried Shimano XT pedals for about 2 weeks, like the Times better. I switched to the Catalysts joining the Flat Pedal manifesto: bikejames.com

Tires  are Maxxis Minnion DHF 2.5WT on front and Maxxis DHR ll on rear;  running tubeless, @ 20 psi in rear and 19 up front. Using Stans sealant. I increase the air pressure for desert riding.

Helmet:  Fox racing Speedframe Pro,

As of 4/8/11  a Wingnut Hydra pack. January 2019 I retired one and entered into service a brand new Wingnut, same model.

Riding shorts are  Endura and Patagonia

Thanksgiving of 2007 I built up the original Spot. I no longer have any of the original parts.

This is what I drive and live in:

2006 Dodge Sprinter mid length high ceiling custom conversion:

I designed the conversion by measuring the inside of the van and laying out those dimensions on the floor & wall of a spare room in my former house. From there I engineered dimensions to maximize interior space. Primary goal was to have a fold down full size sleepable bed. All the pieces fit and my needs are met. The cabinets were made by buddy Don; neighbor Bill laid the tile on galley counter top, installed the cargo box, and helped me put it together plus his knowledge simplified some of my designs;  Van Specialties in Lake Oswego, OR installed the propane and refrigerator; and Sportsmobile in Austin, TX installed a solar panel and 2nd camping battery and answered numerous emails during my conversion.

So far I am satisfied with design except several times I forgot the cutting board / counter extension was left up and I stepped up into hinge holding it up. I have several scars on my bald head.

This is what drivers behind me see:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

And this is what I follow:

A raven skull on a turtle shell with a scarab and small hand sewn by Mom sock, an officer leading his men into battle on a hand made coaster by Theresa, a bobble head mtn biker  with a raven feather, a squirting toad and a gecko astride it that I found roadside with a turkey feather.:

home sweet home
home sweet home

I am back on a 100 oz bladder in the Wingnut using a Source bladder:  top opener w/ a strap to hang the bladder from inside top of pack to keep it in place. Pack carries low on my back, less weight on my previously broken collar bone

Also included are:

Topeak Alien ll multitool, tube patch kit w/ fresh glue, self sticking patches, a GOO, Clif bar, chain lube, LED flashlight, waterproof matches, pen, spare shoe cleat screw, whistle, toilet paper, plastic garbage bag, tube, multitool pocket knife (overkill but has pliers that multitool lacks), trail food of fig bars, nut mix and dried fruit, usually a trail map or guide, a camera in pack pocket, first aid kit,  I wear  Smith glasses.

 

Hey rider, you too can join the Industry Nine Hydra hub, aluminum straight pull spokes laced to IBIS S35 carbon rim, 27.5 diameter, nonboost wheel riders. The wheel is entirely brand new. You, the soon to be face cramping smiling owner, will warranty register both the rim and hub. I cracked the rim which earned a crash replacement rim, and on the hub 2 disc brake sockets  were cracked earning me a new hub shell. The hub is now Hydra with new bearings. Brand new entire wheel. Experience the almost instantaneous hub engagement connected to a light and lively carbon rim. Yours for $950. Operators are on standby to accept your PayPal transfer of funds while someone else is waiting to give your purchase to UPS to deliver to your quivering hands. It’s not too early to shop for yourself.