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Project Vortex Update

The build is complete so I will give you a rundown of the process.

The frame and fork went together well. The internal cabling on this bike is full cable through the top tube.  This is nice, but the routing is a little odd.  The front port is open and smaller than the rear.  The rear came with an attachment that bolted in the opening after running the cable housing.  The internal cable routing was also very simple! Given some stories I had heard about internal routing installment I was a little concerned.

The drive train installment went well.  The Sram X5 crank fit with around 8mm of clearance on both chain stays.  The only snag I ran into was the derailleur mount. I wanted to use the Wolf Tooth mount that I had.  Unfortunately this mount is designed for 120mm bottom bracket spacing.  Fortunately the frame came with a derailleur mount that included adapters for both 100mm and 120mm BB.  After making this change we were back in business.  The other issue I discovered was tire clearance.  Using the 2x10 drive train I do not believe you could use a 4.8 inch tire without the chain rubbing on the tire in the lowest gears?  The tire that is on the bike is listed as a 26x4.5 which I believe is closer to 4.25.  I need to get a set of calipers for measuring tire width.

The next issue came when I installed the wheels.  The rear wheel went on with no issue.  When I installed the front wheel the rotor rubbed against the brake mount.  I thought I had an issue with the fork spacing.  I took the wheel off my Farley and it mounted up perfect to the fork.  The issue was in the front wheel spacing.  So I sent an email to Bikes Direct and would wait for a response from them.  I stopped the build at this point.


This is where the build stopped for the day.

I went back down to the shop the next day and started going over things.  I came across the parts bag that came with the wheels.  It had in it the axle kit to change the rear wheel from 197 thru axle to 190 QR.  Also in the bag was a small blue bag.  I pulled this bag out and in it was the spacers for the front wheel.  A little unusual, but I was able to complete the build.

The front wheel and brake were installed.  Then the seat post and saddle were put on.  The bike was done.  I put the bike on the scale and it came in at 32 pounds.  A couple pounds off my target.


The finished product!

We have had no snow yet and the weather and time has not cooperated to get a test ride in.  So I can not give a review of the ride.  But I am looking at some things for the future of the bike.  Yesterday I ordered a set of Bontrager Barbegazi tires.  They are 26x4.7 and designed for deep snow.
Pic from Trek website.

The tire is also tubeless ready, which I am leaning toward more now to help get the weight down as the Mulefut rims are tubeless also.

The other change will probably be going to a 1x10.  I may take the cassette and front ring off the Green Machine and move to this bike.  I would then get a 11-42 cassette and new ring for the Green Machine and give JJ a  little easier gearing.

That should bring things up to date. Stay tuned for more!

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