First picture is the completed bike, but there is a story behind it.
I wanted a full suspension XC bike, but also, did not have the budget for a new one. But I also kinda wanted to learn how to build bikes from the frame up, but full suspension frames are not cheap either. So I went on Craigslist and found that someone was selling a Diamondback Release 4C for real cheap. I did not want a CF frame but I figured it was cheap enough so why not.
I went to go inspect it and the bike was trashed. The rear wheel was broken, the dropper post did not stay up, the rear shock had a leak, some teeth were broken on the cassette, along with other problems. But the frame was is great shape if you ignored the damaged paint. One of the pivots felt a little grind-ey but I figured it would be a good time to learn how to fix that. So I took the chance and purchased it after negotiating the price down. The second picture shows what it looked like when I purchased it, before I stripped it down. I added some splashy orange paint to hide some of the scratches.
Long story short, here is a list of what was kept, replaced and what was rebuilt. Most of the SRAM components were replaced with Shimano components as a matter of preference (although in hindsight, new SRAM components would have been cheaper). I sourced parts through my LBS and various retailers online, looking for deals where I could:
- Kept (without rebuilding):
- WTB Volt saddle (I liked the orange accents).
- SRAM Descendant cranks (a little scuffed but in good shape nonetheless).
- Diamondback DB35 stem.
- Rebuilt:
- Pivot bearings on the entire frame (bearings were extracted, covers removed, cleaned, and repacked with new grease).
- SRAM DUB bottom bracket.
- Fox DPS EVOL LV rear shock (with new seals and fluids, and orange sticker kit).
- Fox 34 Float front shock (with new seals and fluids, and orange sticker kit).
- KS LEV SI dropper (new lubricant only, and re-pressurized, all seals were in good condition when it was taken apart, so they were reused).
- New/Replaced:
- FSA No. 57 headset bearings (I damaged the stock ones taking them apart).
- PNW Range composite pedals, orange.
- Ergon GA3 grips, orange.
- Raceface NEXT R 760mm CF handlebar with orange accents.
- WTB ST i30 wheels with Shimano SLX hubs and DT Swiss spokes (microspline rear hub).
- Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II tan wall tires.
- Shimano SLX 12-Speed cassette with XT derailleur and trigger shifter.
- Shimano BR-M4120 four-piston brakes front and rear, with 180mm Shimano centerlock rotors.
- Raceface 32t chainring.
- KMC X-12 black/silver chain.
- Portland Design Works RATTLESNEK KEJ water bottle holder in gold.
- A custom VAYA NYC handlebar bag made out of inner tubes (need my snackies).
Excluding the purchase of specialty tools, which will have reuse, the whole project cost around $1600 including the frame. Could I have purchased a running bike for that money? Maybe. But this was a fun learning experience, and now I am the neighborhood bike repair guy. It's been out on a few rides and currently caked in mud. Its a fun bike, and much softer on landings than my hardtails. The climbs are not as fun with this bike because the front/rear don't have lockouts. I am not a fast rider, and although I appreciate all that a full suspension has to offer, I will stick to hardtails for my day-to-day trail riding. I will save this for the bike park excursions.
by dumbdadbuildsstuff