Hey Carl. It rides great! The bike feels very light and responsive with real forgiveness in the rear.

One thing that did take some getting used to was the steering. I have never ridden anything with such directness! The slightest movement at the bars is all it takes to change direction.

I haven't ridden her for a few weeks unfortunately as I bought some 3dv Hope wheels and the rear needs truing quite badly. Also the front is snow flaked with a mis-matched black rim so I may swap this to a silver and get it laced "normally".

I could also use a middle ring in better condition and I think I will change the Ultegra shifters to good old xt thumbies. A bit more ergonomic. I will get some pics up when it is done.

I love it!

I must admit, i do prefer a straight blade fork myself, and try to use them on a build when i can, the are great on the steering, but sum shake my teeth out...lol.

I will look forward to seeing your wheels, had you thought of a radial built front wheel, it would look handsum on the riddler..

I may have a nice set of Xt shifters somewhere if you would prefer them to your ultegras, let me know if you do, and i have a look for them.

glad your pleased with it, i would be....it looks sensational mate.

Great minds and all that. I had yes. I had even considered building it myself being a simple pattern as I have a NOS lightweight Ritchey rim in silver waiting for something. (never done this before mind )

The front is one of the skinny ultralight (or whatever they are called!) jobs and I agree that a radial pattern would look the nuts! I was concerned though that having already bedded in a cross pattern the spokes that are on there now may have marked up the hub flange, weakening it? Any experience changing the pattern at all?

I do know that Hope hubs and longevity dont go hand in hand

I wouldnt think changing the pattern will be any problem at all, i have done several, and they are all fine, if the hub is very very tired though perhaps having a spare to hand would be a good idea, have a proper look when you"ve stripped the wheel and can see the flange when the spokes are removed.?

Ive always been quite lucky with hope hubs... so far touch wood...