... new Balfa 2step HD build up....!

[Tomas]

After three years, I decided to build up a new DH bike. Its the bike i ride the least, but demand the most out of when im riding it!

Props go out to Johnny Farrow from Cyclone Imports (Balfa, Appalache, Geekhouse and SIC).

http://forums.farkin.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=96866&stc=1&d=1205242987

http://forums.farkin.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=96806&stc=1&d=1205220801


Specs:
Frame: VPP Balfa 2step HD. 7.5"RWT with a 4130 rear end.
Forks: Boxxer Race with SIC integrated stem. (WC conversion next when the bank account recovers)
Brakes: Avid Juicy 7's.
Wheels: Mavic321 DTswiss ONYX.
Drivetrain: Shimano XT Shadow, Durrace, SRAM Casette, Truvativ Hozfeller Cranks.
Guide: E13 that doesnt work. MRP or something on the way.
Bars: EA70 now, SIC RACE on the way.
Tires: Maxxis baby.

Ride Impressions:
Quite the low and long DH bike with a farkin low BB, this bike pins corners like no others ive ever ridden. Shes not the lightest beast out there (19kg all up) and fitting chainguides isnt the easiest chore in the world...

So this is the beast that'll last me for another three and a half years. It was a shame to see the Banshee go, but change is the nature of the universe and something new caught my eye.

Again props to Farrow and Barlin for the frame, spec and build assistance.

[No Skid Marks]

Porky but nice.RIP Balfa.

[Matt H]

Didn't they stop making balfa or something?

Anyway, that's a heaps nice looking bike. Ride it like you stole it.

EDIT: Seeing above comment I guess they did...

[Dicky]

Very nice.

That was quick, seeing it was still a frame on the wall on Saturday arvo...

May I politely suggest you harden the f**k up :D and run something bigger than a 32t...
should get the chain device working too, unless it's damaged/incompatible.

Swap the tyres too, Minion/Highroller combos generally work better the other way around.

I'll stop nitpicking now, promise.

[Tomas]

Very nice.

That was quick, seeing it was still a frame on the wall on Saturday arvo...

May I politely suggest you harden the f**k up :D and run something bigger than a 32t...
should get the chain device working too, unless it's damaged/incompatible.

Chainring/chain guide situation will be fixed in due course.

Yeah, i'd been looking at it for a while and decided to build her up on monday. Had most of the stuff in stock which was nice.

[Mugger]

Hmmm very nice, how's it differ from the BB7 (seems to lack that chain pivot point?)?

[Tomas]

Hmmm very nice, how's it differ from the BB7 (seems to lack that chain pivot point?)?

VPP vs high single pivot.
7.5" vs 9" travel.

[Balfa_Oli]

looks awesome mate!

[chu]

wow that is really awsome

[henryg]

Swap the tyres too, Minion/Highroller combos generally work better the other way around.

Leave the Tyres!!:eek:

Must be a balfa thing, were probably just weird...

Sweet build tho, must ride like a dream

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s154/downhilldrew01/IMGP0543.jpg

[TransitionPete]

Yerr TOM!!!!!!!!!

Looking good buddy. Hows the hand going??

You have gotta come out and ride Mine and Oscar's local trails soon..

[Tomas]

last time i went riding with you dudes i wound up in hospital!

[JAY.T]

Hey mate. You need to turn your whole chain device back abit. Thats way too much tension on the bottom roller. The best position is to run the top runner and back plack about inline with the seat tube. Will pedal easier with less tension.

[Dicky]

Leave the Tyres!!:eek:

Must be a balfa thing, were probably just weird...Guess I should explain...

With all other things being equal (size + compound),
Minion has more rubber near the centre line = more rubber in contact with the ground = less rolling resistance.
This also translates to breaking traction more easily, but being more predictable when it does.
Highroller has smaller, sharper, more widely spaced tread - bites into the loose stuff better, but rolls slower as a compromise.

Bitey tyre on the rear, slidey tyre on the front... hmmm.

Crack the tyre levers out ;)

[Tomas]

Hey mate. You need to turn your whole chain device back abit. Thats way too much tension on the bottom roller. The best position is to run the top runner and back plack about inline with the seat tube. Will pedal easier with less tension.

Crazy! i didnt know how to set up a chain guide, thanks for reminding me.

[henryg]

Crack the tyre levers out ;)

Got me thinking...:rolleyes: Ill try it, thanks for the pointer

[No Skid Marks]

Looks like you could probably then remove a link or two also,get rid of a bit more chain flapping. Leave enough for the travel though.

[Tomas]

When i did the chain tension i had it in 7th gear. DOH!

[Air time erik]

These balfa's must be good, this month there have been more posted up then usual!