I don't have one but know that people have done Chaparrals in more trailbike / AM oriented builds. It is a substantial frame, though.

Do you already have the rest of the parts? Or ideas for sourcing them at good prices?

If not, you could probably find a complete bike that meets your needs at the same kind of money, or less, as you'd spend building up the Chap.

 

Chap as trail

Weight is a big factor but this bike can climb as well if not better than most, maybe its the Horst linkage, maybe its the cockpit, but damn. I think I can climb more on this than I can on my AM Heckler build which is fully 10 lbs lighter. Weight is also an advantage if you have two bikes... Train on this then ride your light when you're out with friends. You'll be more powerful and have more wind.

 

Just a BTW the Chap, while a really nice bike, is not a Horst link design. It's a single pivot with a shock linkage, not that this is a bad thing, a Horst link has a pivot on the chainstay slightly below and forward of the rear axle.

 

Thanks for the correction....

Just a BTW the Chap, while a really nice bike, is not a Horst link design. It's a single pivot with a shock linkage, not that this is a bad thing, a Horst link has a pivot on the chainstay slightly below and forward of the rear axle.

You are right.... It is yet another Specialized patent, but not a Horst. (That was on my 2FSRs and my on ORYX SuperFreak)... I must watch my posts after those 90 minute IPAs...Thanks for the correction & Happy Monday!

 

Yeah, I frankly love how my Chap climbs, the only thing holding it back is the motor, and the 8" fork I'm running up front. With regards to the suspension, I've never had an issue with Banshees for pedalling and climbing; I've even gotten comments on how stable it is (not bobbing) while I'm climbing. Chunky, yes. 9.5lbs is for the 17.5" frame only I believe. Mine is built up at 42 pounds with a DH/FR build. Single ply tires alone would drop it below 40 pounds... lose a pound or two from the fork, half a pound going to 719 rims, air shock instead of steel coil damper is another pound, getting rid of the ridiculous e13 bash and guide would be yet another weight savings... So you could definitely get the weight down there, but in all seriousness... I wouldn't worry so much about it. As long as it isn't ridiculous, just enjoy the ride! It rides great, in my opinion. It excels in the technical stuff, great geometry and suspension for trail rides. It only hints at having shortcomings when I'm trying to push my own limits doing high speed, rough, and steep DH runs. One of the best things about this frame: Low maintenance. It is also nice and stuff too, with really smooth bearings, even after more than 2 and a half years of thrashing. I had one little bushing/spacer wear down a little, but after that was replaced (not a big deal and a quick fix) there have been zero issues.

I'm probably just sounding like a commercial for Banshee now, but hey.. I like my bike! Or should I say, bikes!

 

I agree.

This bike is da bomb. Regarding bearing replacement, I spare bearings with mine. And a touchup kit, and a spare Der hanger.... I haven't needed to open it yet.... Except for the touchup paint, which I only use for the rub spots. Trail scratches make it look even tougher.

 

I've got an '04 Chap with 36 Talas forks, Van coil shock and 819 rims on Hope ProII hubs and it comees in at 34.5 lbs. It could be lighter if I went for an air shock or ti spring (and I might do) and swapped some aother parts, but as an AM bike I love it. It climbs pretty well and the stiffness of the frame make it a joy to ride singletrack and descend on.

Sounds like the Chap could be what you're after.

 

Here is my Chap:

 

20 Years ago, I was weight weenie.

20 year later, and now close to 40, this is what I ride now. I'm 5'11", about 200. This Chap easilly takes anythig I can give it.