29inches

A few months ago Vassago hooked me up with a new 2007 Jabberwocky frame. I quickly built it up with parts from White Brothers, WTB, Crank Brothers and Bike29. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of riding this bike in all possible conditions and have enjoyed every minute of it. Here’s my two cents:

The Build: I’m 6′ 3″ and 175lbs. The 20inch Jaberwocky frame fits perfectly. My wheels were built by George at Bike29. He put together some Stans NoTubes Arch rims with double butted spokes and WTB Single Duty hubs. I placed a WTB ExiWolf in the rear and WeirWolf in the front. I started with the WTB Rock Solid fork which I later traded out for the 80mm Magic and placed the Rock solid on my Bandersnatch . A WTB Silverado saddle, Team headset and lock on grips were also added. Truvativ 180 SS cranks and Crank Brothers Candy pedals finished off the drive train. Other parts included On-One fleegle bars and Thompson post and stem. The bike weighed in around 27lbs with the Magic Fork and 25lbs with the Rock Solid.

The Ride: This bike was a little stiffer than my 06 Bandersnatch and seemed to handle even better. I’ve never been more comfortable on technical descents and tight single track. On the downhills you just point and go. This bike eats up rocky and rooty trails and quicky and effortlessly drives through mud and snow. Technical climbing is made easier with 29inch wheels and a tubeless WTB ExiWolf rear tire. Climbing was a little more effecient with the Rock Solid but I traded it for the Magic in order to get a little more enjoyment out of the long technical descents Pisgah Forest has to offer. I’ve since ridden approx 600 miles on the Bandersnatch set up as a 1X9 with the Rock Solid and love this set up. It makes riding gears enjoyable. Both these forks are a great compliment to the Wet Cat Geometry of the Vassago bikes and I couldn’t imagine a better fit. The steel frame and tubless tire combination is the best feeling ride I’ve ever had. After spening a season on these two bikes I’ve realized that I can ride as fast or faster than I ever imagined with full suspension.

Durability: Last year I rode approx. 2000 off road technical miles on this bike and everything is holding up well. The WTB hubs, headset, grips and saddle still ride like new. The Crank Brothers pedals have stayed tight held up to numerous encounters with rocks and trees in the forest and the frame seems to be getting better. The paint remains seamless and chip free despite all my mishaps on the trail. The WTB tires have worn well and continue to hold air with tire pressures at 20 to 23 lbs. Both White Brothers forks continue to function well and have required no maintenance.

The Verdict: If you’re looking for a new bike, I suggest you try a Vassago before spending hard earned cash on products that are over priced and under perform. Check the Vassago web site for dealers near you. Several stores are carrying demo bikes and if one is in your area, try it, you’ll like….