Difference between 2x10 and 3x10 SRAM front derailleur cages

Seen a lot of discussions around the difference between a SRAM X9 2x10 and a 3x10 front derailleur. One significant difference is the cage length and width. The X9 3x10 (upper pics) cage appears to be wider and longer in length than the 2x10 (lower) cage. 

Carver 420 Lefty Build

Just started another new build project. This time its a Carver 420 titanium frame size 17. Carver 420 frame geometry uses the short chain-stay frame style and Paragon Machine Works sliding drop out inserts. The Paragon Machine Works sliding drop out inserts will allow the frame to accept both 29 and 27.5 wheels. Unique feature of the frame is the bending seat tube which enables the shorter chain stay to be used, an inherent problem with 29er type of frames is the larger frame geometry that makes it cumbersome to maneuver in tight technical trails. 

Full Float Rotor for the Frankenbike

Decided to go Full Float Rotor (Front 180 and rear 160) for the Frankenbike. can say that after last weeks Kamensah ride that the full float rotors does make a lot of difference when you do very demanding down hill ascends as it does help with the cooling of the rotors and this results in less fading of the brakes, Plus it looks so cool on the frankenbike.

Picture of the 160mm standard fixed 1 piece rotor previously installed on the bike. Yes the Avid HSX is about 3X more expensive then the conventional 1 piece rotor but it performs so much better. 

Giro Privateer in da hous

Added a new pair of GIRO privateer into the stable of GIRO cycling foot wear.

Going the 27.5 Frankenbike Way.

Finally decided to go for the 27.5 Frankenbike way. Experimenting on the 27.5 front and a 26 rear rim/tire configuration. first outing proved to be an eye opener to how the 27.5 differ to the 26 when handling obstacles. the 27.5 roll over the obstacle better than a 26 which pretty much looses its composure after going over obstacles of a certain limited size. this equates to a better handling bike when performing a technical climb.

I choose the 27.5 ZTR Crest rims which was super light and I paired the Black ZTR rims with the LEFTY 32H hubs from Circus Monkey (Metallic red) all this was laced up with black DT Swiss Stainless Steel Butted Spokes. Nothing like a custom build wheel to quench a bike builder's thirst.  The Frankenbike is stopped by a 180mm Avid HSX full floating, heat dissipating black Rotor.

Titanium Bolts for your MTB anyone

Titanium Bolts for your MTB anyone...For those weight weenies out there, it makes quite a difference. 2 units of the Titanium M6x18 Bolt weights 1 ounce, whereas 2 units of M6x18 mild steel bolt weights 2 ounce. The Titanium bolt weight roughly half the weight of its steel counterpart of the same size.

Fresh Bearings for the CODA Lefty Hub

The CODA Lefty hub felt rough so I had decided to replace them with a fresh set of Seiko 6805 and 6902-2RS Japanese sealed bearing replacement. The job was a 45 min affair with basic to moderate difficulty. I had performed the task with a set of screwdrivers, a set of Torx wrench, a piece of thick foam to lay down the wheel and a rubber mallet. Initially I had removed the existing bearing by knocking them out from the inner side towards the outer direction. Cleaned the crevice where the bearing is seated and applied some lithium grease into the surface. Installation of the bearing at the disc side was a 2 minute job but the bearing at the far side required more time and effort as it is recessed.