Oh that's right people. Going to be doing an update to the fabled Snakedriver. Rode a full season/winter on the proto #1 when I wasn't on the f1. (which sometimes was tough with all this good weather, good trails and good setup which I came to enjoy...) But one thing was for sure, riding in the winter has been getting tough. Not because of the cold or snow, but more so because of the setup. I had options but still there were some holes. So back to the drawing board. I was building more for nothing larger than a 2.1 in the back. You can squeeze a 2.3 out there, but I'd prefer more room. So this next build is going to put into action the same forming techniques I've been using with my mountain bikes and the stays. So we'll have room for 2.5's out back.
Next up is the bottom bracket. I'm going to lower the height to 12". 12.375 is pretty good for trails. But on snow/fast dirt roads, I really liked how a low bottom bracket sucks into turns and quickens steering. Still enough room for taking it off on trails, but its meant more for dirt roads and rambles. So it goes. But another opportunity to see how this feels on trail too. Bottom bracket will be switched to a Bushnell Ebb. Worked with this on Joe's Rohloff build and was digging its capabilities in certain applications. I can change stay length, bottom bracket height and go gears or singlespeed. So a little extra weight in this case is worth the added benefits.
Next up is the fork/head angle. Keeping it at 70.5 but going to be making 2 forks for her. One will be in the 450 a-c range but the second will be able to take an endomorph. That's right-we're making this fat tire compatible for snow conditions. I've been curious about this whole fat front thing, but more so for snow. So I've been in touch with Speedway Cycles up in Alaska and a 50mm Uma 26" black roled holed and drilled is on her way as we speak. I'll also be building with the new front iso standard of 135mm. Paul Components will be supplying their new WHUB. They're 4 weeks out so I couldn't place the order, but in 4 weeks... LOOK OUT MAN. I'm placing that order. Both forks will have the same a-c and rake. But accommodate the two axle widths for comparison of these two standards. Can't wait. I'll call this the 'pork fork' though-none of that fat nomenclature...
Next up is the overall look of the frame. The Snakedriver is more of a utility type ride, but I want this one to be a 44, so we're going to make it in a similar appearance of a 44s. Most likely no gusset at the st/tt junction. Just a clean line up there. Full housing and the ability to run a rear derailleur will be in order of course.
But-finished up the chainstay/bb assembly yesterday. Welds are coming together nicely and each pass is getting better. Been fiddling with the 'on-time / pulses per second' adjustments. Also been playing with feathering the pedal during pulses too. Interesting stuff and learning more about heat control. I'll be using 17-17.65 stays (ebb swing). They were mitered in at around 17.25. Bad pics attached above but hey-I'm working on that too. Just got a Nikon D60 body. Have to save up for a good lens now.
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