I'm psycho and I know it....so that's why I've chosen to ride a ~36lb full suspension mountain bike for the Ride this year. I figure it's worth a shot...I've done a 200km single day ride (self supported) on a 30lb mtb with slicks...2x100 km days shouldn't be that bad ;)
I figure I should keep you all posted as I get the bits together to make this happen.
Here's a teaser to get you started....here's the frame.
I've also got the fork, saddle and a few other bits. This should be fun
-- Edited by Psycho Mike on Thursday 17th of February 2011 07:38:34 AM
Ok...a few more parts have trickled in...not a bunch more to report yet. I'll keep posting, but it'll be pretty quiet until I get the parts I need to do a substantial bit of the build.
Overall, I think this bike will be a wash in terms of weight when compared to what I rode the last couple years. I've typically used a 26lb cyclocross bike that I use for commuting. As I volunteer with the medical crew too, I typically overpacked my panniers and had 30+ lbs on the rear rack. This bike will be heavier, but I won't have the rack.
People have done the Ride on '50's vintage CCM cruiser bikes (probably 45lbs) and survived. :) It'll take a bit more time to ride the route, but it isn't a race :)
The frame is made for heavy all mountain, freeride and light downhill work...it's beefy, but very stiff too. I'm hoping that with the platform engaged on the shock that it will be somewhat decent with a good set of slicks on it. I know I won't set any speed records on it (it's not a 16 lb full carbon and DuraAce time trial or regular road bike) but I'm pretty confident it'll get the job done.
If you work up to long rides, you can go pretty long distances on whatever you ride. Case and point: a Century (100 mile/161 km) and the previously mentioned 200+km (125 mile) single day ride on my previous full suspension mountain bike.
Just waiting on one last part...unfortunately, it's a fairly critical part...so no more progress yet. I will keep you all posted, though. I did get my couple of customized parts, though...which should look pretty sweet while showing my team pride ;)
Last part is on its way....and I've have some change in my jeans to get the stuff I can't do done so I can start building pretty soon. It's getting closer :)
