Raleigh All Mountain - Sigmund

trimmed down to 28.25 lbs.

did a superman over the handlebars 3 weeks ago when bar-end hooked a small tree on a downhill run. Separated my shoulder. Bike survived without a scratch. (note bar ends missing forever)

just ran across this webpage while researching short-pitch chainwheels. Thought more people should know about it ~ inspiring. spread the word.

http://www.bikecult.com/works/chainwheel.html

it has turned into more of a downhill bike. The addition of the 6" travel fork has really made a difference in the bike's stance. The IT lever on the handlebar lets the front end drop down for long steep climbs. I think the fork design needs development though, cuz you gotta get off the bike to bring it back up to full height. Maybe I just haven't figured it out yet. Don't claim to be that bright. Need to RTFM.

got two good rides in over the weekend. It's a smooth ride. full suspension is good. Now I know.

An organism steeped in pleasure is an organism disposed to continue...

well, I got away from the car today w/ my key in my camelback. Everything felt good. I was proud to be riding my green machine. I started with the Big Loop downhill. Noticed kind of an unusual rattle ~ just thought it was my chain. Wrote it off to new bike, new sounds.

When I got to the Owl's Rost trail head I made a quick inspection: to my surprise I noticed the flat-head hex bolts that hold the bearings in the main pivot were not only loose, they were so far out of the pivot on both sides the drive-side bolt was hitting the small chainwheel. Hence the rattle. Tried to tighten it at the trail head, but needed a #8 key (only had a #6) and the small chainwheel was blocking access to the bolt anyhow. Sheeit. Had to make the walk-of-shame back to the car.

Maybe next time. Trail was still marked 'closed' anyway. Will try again tomorrow.

I went to my favorite trail, Owls Roost, today for the maiden voyage. The trail was closed since we've had so much rain. That hasn't EVER happened, to my knowledge in the last 6 years. Locked my keys & helmet in the car and had to ride home, 8 miles, on the road. Only got yelled at once by an angry fucker. Tomorrow, plan to try my luck again. I will ride Owl's Roost proper with my springy new Sigmund.

mock up assembly: the E-type derailleur I planned on using won't work with this frame. I'm bummed about that. As soon as the dual control shifters/brake levers arrive, and my rear shock spacers sleeves are done, he'll be ready to ride.

got the frame back today with a new SmartTek powder coat - love the green even more than I thought. Photos I took at dusk don't do it justice. Silver fleks and a matte finish. Have to admit it's a bit more sleestack than sea monster. Already got the headset & pivot bearings pressed in - Thanks Ron

Sigmund green or Sleestak green, either shade is a good choice.