At last - everything is assembled and the bike ready for its first run. J and I took a 16 mile route through the woods and fields of Hertfordshire. First impressions: phenomenal! The DT Swiss forks are amazing - soaking up all the harsh vibration that the Fox F120s let through. The Launch Control (drops the nose 35mm when climbing) works brilliantly and really helps make climbing more comfortable. The rest of the bike feels super tight and sharp with very little mechanical drag. I'm absolutely chuffed with the final results...
Marin 5.9 Carbon frame with Fox RP23.
DT Swiss EXC 130 with Launch control, ABS and 15mm thru-axle.
Marin Maxel 12mm rear axle conversion using Quake dropouts.
Hope ceramic BB, headset, seatpost.
Crank Brothers Eggbeaters 3 red/silver.
Avid Juicy Carbon brakes.
Shimano XT gearset.
Mavic XM-317 rims on Hope Pro2 hubs and Panaracer Trailraker PR tyres.
FSA seat-post and stem with Eastern EA70 Monkeybars and WTB saddle.