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Building Up a Surge Evo From Parts - New to This, and Could Use Some Help!

5.3K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  dogsonboards  
#1 ·
Hey guys -

I am swapping parts from a 2013 Marin XM7 to a hardtail NS Surge Evo. I'm pumped. Looking forward to having a blast on a hardtail 26 again!

This is my first parts swap/build up from scratch, so I have a few questions. But first, here is my anticipated build:

Frame: NS Surge Evo, Large https://nsbikes.com/surge-evo,115,pl.html
Fork: Rockshox Pike 150mm, 15x100 spacing
Front Derailleur : 1x Shimano XT set-up (cranks, chainring, BB)
Rear Derailleur & cassette: Shimano XT 11 spd
Seatpost: Transition Internal Dropper, 150mm
Rear Wheel: Hope Enduro w/ Pro4 12x142 hub (new bike is 10x135 spacing!)
Front Wheel: Alex rims/Formula hub (it'll fit)
Brakes: Formula
Stem & Bars: Specialized (pulled from my stumpy evo)
Seat & Grips... we shall see

But - my question (and this is a big one/potentially oversight on my end) is, can a 142x12 Hope Pro4 hub be converted to 135x10? Hope has spacer caps for the Pro4, so I'm hoping that works. Anyone have any experience w/ this type of backwards conversion?

Finally, I realized the frame doesn't come with a rear thru axle - is there a particular thru axle that I should buy that is compatible w/ the Hope Pro 4?

Otherwise, I'm feeling good about getting the build started - I'll post some pics to track progress - but just wanted to get some help there before I go wasting money on a thru axle before I know what I really need!

Thanks
 
#2 ·
I can't answer about the hub, but the axle will need to be a 10x135, BUT one that has a fastener on the thread side because those dropouts aren't threaded. I'd wait until I had the frame in hand so I could measure before I buy one. You'll need to sort out what length you'll need.
 
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#4 ·
Hi Snowwcold,

I have bought an Evo Eccentric, which as I am sure you know is designed for 27.5. However, I have got a 26in fork, 26in Mavic wheels and had some donor bars, saddle, a compatible seat post and some basic but decent brakes to use with it. So I 'just' needed to buy cranks, gears, pedals, grips, stem, BB and headset to make a bike up...

I bought some shorter cranks (170mm instead of my usual 175mm), to allow for the lower bottom bracket height.

My bike is only half built up - I have some 10 speed stuff to move over from another bike, but looking forward to getting out on it.

Your spec looks like it will be a really nice build. Post a picture when you are done.
 
#5 ·
Thanks Gribble - I'm getting there thinking it'll be done by next Friday. Waiting on my dropper to come in as well as a few add'l drivetrain parts. I will post pics once it's ready to roll!
 
#6 ·
Nice. The Surge Evo looks like a super fun bike. I just wish they made an XL frame
 
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#7 ·
Hi 93EX', I am usually an XL (I have a 26in Transition Suppressor and a 27.5 Bird Aeris AM Hardtail, both in XL). My NS Eccentric is an L (I don't think XL was available). I am 6ft 2 and the frame will be a little small for my ideal set up, but I am planning to use it through the winter, going to the pub, having a good time with the kids etc, so not XC marathons.

I did have a Cotic BFe frame in 26 in, but it was shorter geometry and I think the overall fit was just a shade too small. It's now sold. The NS should be better (slightly longer frame I think).
 
#9 ·
What I like about the NS Surge is it is the super short chainstays. They almost approach dirt jumper length. It is kind of like a trail rideable dirt jumper and I don't know of any other bike that provides that.
 
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#8 ·
Cool. I need to move some drivetrain parts over, once I have cleaned them up. Not too much left for me to do now. I'll try and remember how to post pics again!
 
#10 ·
If you google hope pro 4 end caps you can get either a 10x135 thru end cap, or a 10x135 bolt on axle kit. For DJ you would definately want the bolt on axle for extra strength.

To try and do this with a thru axle would be possible, but depending on what axle and bolt you got for it ( as the frame does not have threads for a standard thru axle as was already pointed out ) getting it tourqued down right may be difficult. It would allow taking the wheel off quicker though.

I would recommend the 10x135 bolt on axle kit as that is what this frame is designed for. The spacing should be standard and it should just work for this build.

- Steven

Sent from my ASUS Chromebook Flip C101PA using Tapatalk
 
#11 ·
Oh, you are also going to have problems with that internal dropper post as this frame does not have a hole to route the cable for an internal dropper.

You could drill your own hole in the frame for the cable, but that would be a shame with a brand new frame, and also a questionable thing to do strength wise unless you do it quite right. Some people do this though.

An external dropper would be a good idea.

- Steven

Update: actually I may be wrong on this point. Looks like there is a hole for a dropper. My bad.

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