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New (to me) Bullit!

2759 Views 15 Replies 5 Participants Last post by dth656, Mar 4, 2011

cbc

Discussion Starter · Feb 13, 2011

Hi all,

It's been a while! I was working too much last year, and sadly had to stop my mountain biking addiction for a while.

This year I'm back in it though. I've been out 4 times (still need more!) and decided to ride my Super 8 uphill yesterday. I thoroughly killed my body doing that, so today is a good day to start on my new (to me) Bullit build.

My current Bullit is a 2001 model (I think), and with the 2002 Super T pro it's a bit slack but still I ride it. I was working in Santa Cruz the past couple of weeks, and picked up a 2004 Bullit frame while down there.

It looks like the head tube will be less slack with the long fork I have, and I like the cable routing better too. I'll have to get some new shifter housing, but I think I needed that anyway since my shifters were getting a tad stiff. I see that the swingarm will accept an 8 inch rotor in the rear... my current frame could only fit a 6. I may have to change that

I'll probably swap over my 5th Element, which I bought new from SC bikes a few years ago when they were on sale. I'm really looking forward to this "new" bike!

Clay

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cbc

Discussion Starter · #2 · Feb 13, 2011

3

Time for photos.

"Old" Bullit:

"Old" frame:

"New" '04 frame:

That's pretty much as far as I got. I can't seem to get the old lower headset cup out of my old frame... might be time for a new headset.

Clay

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imsorrywhat

· #3 · Feb 14, 2011

4

sweet!
here's what im working on, and im almost done!
got a 2001 bullit for a measly $500.

Photobucket

Photobucket

changed out almost all the parts..
and made some sweet decals with vinyl and an X-Acto knife

Photobucket

got a new (used) fork, and realized that the 20mm thru axle on the older super T, is not compatible with my wheel, so then got a wheel (sale for 99 new!)

Photobucket

so i think im done, except might send the shock to push for a little freshening up.
have fun with the build!

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TNC

· #4 · Feb 14, 2011

PUSH can make that old Van RC really work. I have one for a Nomad, and it works excellently. Don't just get it serviced. Get their race tune. It will fit the Bullit's suspension and it will suit your weight and riding style.

cbc

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 14, 2011

imsorrywhat:
Nice inexpensive build! I've done an inexpensive build over the years as well, keeping my eye on craigslist, as well as with help from here.

Clay

cbc

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 17, 2011

OK So I got it all built up last night, after getting a new headset & shift cables/ housings.

Bike looks good, although my 2002 Super T's with red decals look a little out of place, but I'll deal with it. Rear shock may be an issue. This frame came with a 5th Element, 8.75" i2i, and the previous owner said it came with it. I'm pretty sure these frames came with the 8.5" i2i version. The one on my old '01 frame was also the 8.75" i2i model, which worked well mounted direct to the frame.

I had to do that to this frame too; it was way too tall even on the lowest shuttle position. My old frame had the curved/ bent seat tube, but this new '04 frame has a straight seat tube. For some reason I recall reading (here maybe) that my rear (2.4 inch) tire may rub on extreme compression... I have no way to test at the moment, it's going to be a while until I can get out again.

I may need to search for a 8.5" i2i replacement if this is a problem. Otherwise, the bike looks great, and has a slightly steeper head angle now with the 7" travel fork.

Pictures later... my server that hosts my photos went down the other day, and now has mysteriously come back up on it's own...

Clay

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cbc

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 20, 2011

I haven't had a chance to ride the "new" Bullit yet, except on the trainer at home. It's been pouring rain here in Nor-Cal!

I decided since the new frame can accept an 8" rear disc, I should probably go ahead & do it. I found that I had the 8" caliper mount for my Avid BB7, so all I needed was the rotor. I went ahead and ordered a set of organic disc pads while I was there too; I threw a set of the organics on my Super 8 and really enjoy the power they have... I'm hoping they will be similar on the Bullit, as the rotors are different. I was always wishing for more brake on the rear of my old Bullit, using the speed-dial levers I had them cranked for max power on the diminutive 6" rear brake.

I'm hoping to hit some trails next weekend with the "new" bike

Clay

ongxw2005

· #8 · Feb 28, 2011

Hi since we're on the topic of bullits here... i've got '02 bullit on hand and wondering if enduro made needle bearings for it? cos their website doesnt list the '02 bullit as a frame choice for the needle bearing kit...

cbc

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 1, 2011

ongxw2005 said:
Hi since we're on the topic of bullits here... i've got '02 bullit on hand and wondering if enduro made needle bearings for it? cos their website doesnt list the '02 bullit as a frame choice for the needle bearing kit...

I'm not sure if Enduro has anything, but is this what you are looking for?

http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/catalog/propack-bullit-p-3.html

That should have bearings, and pivot axle etc. in the kit. Dang, looks like the shock bolts too... which is funny, since I've broken some of those in the past. Replaced them with grade 8 stuff from the hardware store though myself.

Good luck!

Clay

ongxw2005

· #10 · Mar 1, 2011

hmm... i was looking at the needle bearings for the shock mounts. but anyway, if i need a replacement for my pivot bearings i know where to get them from! thanks!

cbc

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 1, 2011

ongxw2005 said:
hmm... i was looking at the needle bearings for the shock mounts. but anyway, if i need a replacement for my pivot bearings i know where to get them from! thanks!

Ohhh needle bearings for the shock mounts? I haven't got those but sounds like a sweet idea. Mine just has the aluminum bushings

Clay

cbc

Discussion Starter · #12 · Mar 1, 2011

Update to my "new" Bullit by the way!

I rode it last Sunday, finally. I had only ridden it on the trainer, so that doesn't give you a real idea of how it handles...

The geometry is pretty sweet, and it feels slightly stiffer too. The trail I rode Sunday was pretty icy in parts, however that just added to the fun factor.

Climbing feels better, probably due to the head angle. The problem I now have, though, is the rear tire does indeed hit the frame

So, I am going to be looking for the stock-length shock, and probably letting go of the 5th Element I've spent so much time tuning... Oh well! Change is good sometimes!

Clay

ongxw2005

· #13 · Mar 1, 2011

cbc said:
Ohhh needle bearings for the shock mounts? I haven't got those but sounds like a sweet idea. Mine just has the aluminum bushings

Clay

yea seems like RWC doesnt have the 2002 bullit listed so i was hoping someone here could point me in the right direction!

dth656

· #14 · Mar 4, 2011

CBC, you might wanna get your ride on sat! hopefully nice, tacky conditions in a'del.

cbc

Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 4, 2011

dth656 said:
CBC, you might wanna get your ride on sat! hopefully nice, tacky conditions in a'del.

I'm going to try to! I'm going to try to hit Cobblestone for the way down this time; a friend is convincing me to sign up for an informal DH race later this month, and the trail they chose this time is Cobblestone. Haven't ridden it in a long time though...

Will you be out there Saturday morning too? Keep your eyes open for me

Probably the only black Bullit with red Super T's on the front.

Clay

dth656

· #16 · Mar 4, 2011

i'm gonna try, but i usually dont start pedalling til it warms up a bit---i'll be the goofy brown guy in brown FF helmet, black BLT2 + pads. this will be only by 3rd mtb ride since i broke my arm back in aug, so i'll still be pretty gunshy (will probably avoid cobblestone ha ha)

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