the wait is excruciating

Until then let's all enjoy one of my favorite rides of all time.  This baby is 29er history - it was Wes' personal machine for a time.  Probably should have gotten a Willits when I went for the Wolf??

Titanium with partial paint. Truss fork. Brooks saddle and shellac'd bar tape to match.

I found this hotness via the internets.  I wish it belonged to me... it's okay to covet another mans bike right?

 Except for the XTR cranks and derailleurs that seem outta place - needs something vintage.  And a Brooks saddle!  Might as well go with gum hoods as long as were quibbling!!

Cranks are on the way!

I finally got so tired of looking for cranks, that I played pin the tail on the donkey, stuck my figure on the screen when blind folded, and bought some random cranks off Ebay.  I hope they fit??  Pics to come as soon as they arrive.  Until then... think light and european!

First Ride report

Sort of...

I was able to get the monster running enough to go up and down the block a few times.  One speed. No brakes, so I had to be careful. Things will change slightly as I get it finished.  Still trying to acquire the crank and then I will get the gears going and brakes setup.

The early review says I need a bit longer stem to get the bars a tad higher.  It is heavy and I will need to get used to the weight!  I knew it would be, but I was hoping for the low t mid 20's - may not make that mark.

I decided to go with the black Brooks and black bar tape with everything else in silver.  Know I need some stickers for the downtube.  Any suggestions on a name?  Needs to start with R...

Let me know what you got!

Wheels in the house!

Wheels are looking good!  Much thanks to Chris and Jonathan at Lee's in downtown Tulsa.  Sexy silver polished hubs and Salsa Delgados.  I am planning to try tubeless with this setup.  We shall see what happens!

sneak peek

I want to share my first Monstercross mockup with you.  I know it will look a bit different, but this will be the bones of my build.

I have been so busy that I haven't made much progress - sorry for the delay.  I know my 1 follower is dying to know what I am up to!  The wheels are at Lee's Bicycles getting built.  I am trying to make some decisions on final parts.  I had a stash ready for another frame, but this was frame was like a trip to Fiji - you don't turn down the opportunity.  So I need to figure out cranks and a derailleur.  Any input??

And the journey begins

I received a large brown box and it birthed this beast!   A throwback to the cruisers of the past.  My first bike was a Schwinn with a nice curved TT!  I am ready to get this build started.  I expect a geared dropout from Paragon Machine Works any day.  

Some may say it's not a true monstercross based on the mtb type geometry.  I say to each his own.  Monsters run the gamut, but you know one when you see it.  This particular monster will be runnin 9 speeds, discs, and hopefully a truss fork.  Build list will be coming soon when I nail down a few details.  Till then you better keep the lights on...