Ok people. Following the trend of sharing cool old bikes, here’s my latest project. This is the first time I have put together a bike from scratch. I got this frame online for a fairly cheap price. It’s branded as “Macalu” but it was made by Litespeed, it is a Ti frame from the early 2000s. I haven’t found much info about these MTBs, although there are some road frames online. For what I have read, a bike shop in Boulder, CO, Excel Bikes, commercialized these litespeed frames under the Macalu name.
The bike as I got it was relatively ok, with a well maintained 3×9 Shimano XT groupset, but I wanted it to have a cleaner look, so I changed the XT with a 1×9 from Box Components and a new race face crankset. I also changed the seat post, seat collar, grips, pedals and tires. The brakes are the original Avids but I replaced the brake pads with koolstops.
I also found online the correct decals for the Fork (the original decals were scratched and incomplete).
The bike is slow, chunky and heavy, but is so fun to ride and super comfortable, I am a roadie, and I have never ridden MTB before, so the difference is noticeable.
Anyway, I just thought it would be fun to post some pics here and read your feedback!
by Unfair-Network5224
1 Comment
Compared to a 16 lb road bike it might seem slow, chunky and heavy. Compared to a full suspension 29er mt bike it will be quick, nimble and light with fast acceleration.
Get some gravel tires like WTB Byway or GravelKing SS and you’ll feel closer to the rolling resistance of road tires. Knobbies feel heavy until you get to chunky & rocky dirt.
Note: those tires may not be available in 26″, of so get something similar with 120 tpi casing.
Great bike, enjoy.