No buyer's remorse

Here's the response from Dan.

Ben,

No problem. We’ll do that. Do you want white or black in that fork? Originally, you said white was fine.

Thanks,
Dan

Found a better price

I originally wanted an NS RNS fork, but I ended up ordering a DMR Trailblade 20 in white. While doing research on the trailblade, I stumbled on to ebikestop.com. They had it for $153.95, so I sent Dan an email.

Here's the email I sent him.

Hi Dan,

I just ordered some bike parts and I found one of the items cheaper on ebikestop.com. My Order Number is 101529 .

The following item is priced at $153.95 on ebikestop.com:
DMR Trailblade-2 20mm Disc Fork

Here is the link to their website:
http://www.ebikestop.com/dmr_trailblade_2_rigid_fork_20mm_thru_axle_disc_only_black-FK3102.php

I would like to request a price match.

Thank you,
Ben

Missed opportunity

I waited a full day for a paypal invoice, but to no avail. I googled NS Suburban and found outsideoutfitters.com selling them $323.99.

Made a call to Outside Outfitters and got in contact with Dan Joyner. We discussed my needs for a few minutes and by the end of the call the following parts were on their way to my house.

The hunt

I decided to base my project on 2008 NS Suburban 26.

Here is the description and specs from NS BIKES website:

This top-of-the-line frame has undergone a lot of upgrades to keep this product on the cutting edge of the dirt / street market. We have looked at the 2007 Suburban from every angle, analysed every single detail and finally came up with what we think is the coolest frame on the market right now. It’s not a revolution, but really a substantial evolution of the successful 2007 frame. There are now two versions, 24” and 26” because we decided that it was not possible to really make one geometry that is a PERFECT fit for both sizes. We have shaved off all unnecessary material from the frame, and speced some VERY special tubing – such as the custom - triple butted top tube and the unique NS down tube with integrated gusset and ovalised butting. We have actually managed to make the frame even stronger without making it heavier thanks to cutting out all the unnecessary parts. The frame has an ultra clean look thanks to the new brake pivot system (when removed there is almost no trace of pivots on the frame) and the special removable cable guide system (if you don’t want to use guides then you can remove them and get a super clean top tube and seat stays).

The Suburban will be sold with some very small NS logos, but there will be a big sticker sheet in the box so you can customise your frame as they like and make your own work of art.

Key features:
revised geometry
beautiful Marzocchi Z1 Sport fork with 160 mm travel
100% cromoly frame for strength and great ride quality
siutable for long distance riding as well as hucking and jumping

Specs 24"/26" (80mm fork)
Headtube angle: 70,0/70,0
Seatpost angle: 71,0/71,0
Top tube lenght (physical): 553/578mm
Seat Tube lenght: 296/296mm
Chainstay lenght: 375/388mm
Wheelbase (min): 1000/1035mm
BB height: 308/318mm
BB shell: 68mm
Seatpost: 27.2mm
Weight: 2.39/2.44 kg
Largest tire: 2.4x26"
Colors: Black, Green, Violet, White, Yellow

Includes axle positioners and derailleur hanger.
________________________

Exhausting all the US retailers for a white frame, I ended up calling Lama Cycles in Canada. I discussed my needs with Justin and ended up ordering the following parts:

NS Suburban 26'', White
NS RNS Fork, White
NS District Low, White

I ended the call by asking him to send a paypal invoice.

Got framed

Armed with enthusiasm and interest, the search for a jump frame began.

I researched companies specializing in this genre of MTB.
Here's a list of what I found:

Tonic Fab - Fall Guy

Union Street Bikes - Molly Maguire

Transition - Trailorpark

Identiti - 666S

Blk Mrkt - Mob

Then I found this video on Youtube, a decision was made.



NS Bikes Suburban 26

The beginning of a project

Sometime last July, I decided to take my 2005 Kona Cinder XC MTB out of hibernation. Upon closer inspection, I noticed some rust on the steel bolts, chain and cogs.

It's been a couple of years since I purchased this bike and so far, I've only ridden it twice. I would estimate the milage around 50.

Since my work schedule does not allow me to take my bike to trails, I decided to part with it. It is currently for sale to fund a project bike that I can ride on the street.

I've always been a big fan of BMX (rode one back in High School), however, I think I would look too funny on it. I decided to look into BMX Cruisers. The 24” wheels would be more appropriate for my age.

Browsing through various websites (GT, Specialized, etc..), I ran into Yeti. Their BMX bike is just awesome. It is made for Jared Graves for the Olympics and is not for sale.

While drooling at this website, I discovered a different breed of bike. A cross between a BMX DJ (dirt jumper) and a mountain bike. It is called a Yeti DJ.

I visited all the LBS in the area and found that no one really carries this type of bike. Out of eight stores, only one bike had it. A Blk Mrkt THREE 57.

After 30 minutes of holding a bucket to catch my drool, a project began. A custom 26" DJ MTB with all the coolest parts I can find/afford.