I personally love building and tinkering with bicycles. One of the advantages of building a customised bike is that you could put any cycling component of your choice on your bike. There is a sense of pride once you’ve built your bike, and that makes you ride and love it even more!
The gear
The key features of this bike is the lightweight aluminium frame, suspension and drivetrain. For the fork I’ve got a FOX 32 Factory series with a Kashima coat, that reduces friction and makes the shock rebound smoother. Then I’ve got a FOX Float with the ultimate RP2 damper as a rear shock. Shimano takes care of my drivetrain with smooth shifting and quick reacting of Deore XT shifters and derailleurs. Plus I have a nice variety of gears to choose from with the 10spd cassette. My KORE saddle is comfortable yet does not get in the way of my pedalling stroke, and the Fulcrum Red Metal XL Rims along with Schwalbe Hans Dampf tyres just helps me roll faster.
![DSC_0598[1]](http://sparkbikereview.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_05981-112x100.jpg)
![DSC_0602[1]](http://sparkbikereview.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_06021-112x100.jpg)
The ride
On flat terrain the bike rolls smoothly and is very manuverable in loose sand and gravel. My 26 inch wheels make the bike climb hills easier, as there is less drag than that of 29 inch wheels. Although 29 inch wheels roll over bumps better, 26 inch wheels help me handle technical sections with ease. Going downhill I feel like I’m floating on air with this bike’s dual suspension. The speed going downhill on this bike is determined by the rider’s courage and experience, not by the bike itself. All-in-all I’d say this bike is perfect for any XC Racer like myself.
![DSC_0604[1]](http://sparkbikereview.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_06041-112x100.jpg)
Uphill: 9 Gear: 8.5 Downhill: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Acceleration: 8 Single track: 8.5
