Retro Voodoo Bizango

[AndyMc]

This build started off with my seeing a frame on ebay and buying it on a whim, brand new in May this year.

I put whatever parts I had on it and took a last minute decision to make it rigid after my intended RC36s had a steerer that was a couple of CM too short.

I had intended to put a front mech on but couldn't resist the cranks (bought off someone on here, no idea who... ) and left it as was.
I liked it but it came out kinda heavy (25.5lbs ish) which was mainly due to my wheels and brakes which almost weighed as much as me.

Anyway, I then changed the forks, stem, post, saddle, brakes, wheels and rear mech to nicer parts and it ended up with a fairly retro edge, although certainly not enough for it to be in the 'proper' retro section...

Here's the spec list and the 'before' and 'after' pics...

Frame: Voodoo Bizango

Fork: Pace Proclass 2

Headset: Chris King custom colours
Stem: Thompson Elite
Handlebar: Easton EC90
Grips: Yeti

Brakes: M950 XTR
Brake Pads: M950 XTR
Brake Cables: XTR
Brake Levers: M950 XTR

Shifter: Deore
Rear Derailleur: M950 XTR
Chain: SRAM Powerlink
Cranks: Kooka
Chainring: Salsa
Bottom Bracket: UN72
Pedals: Crank Crothers Acid 1

Hub Skewers: Hope
Rims: Mavic 217
Hubs: M950 XTR
Spokes: DT
Tyres: Panaracer Fire XC Pro

Saddle: Flite
Seatpost: Thompson Elite

Weight is 24lbs ish.

While at heart its a new bike because of the frame, I reckon anything with a square taper BB qualifies...

 

[Andy R]

Very nice - but (and I can expect to be stoned to death here... :roll: ) I wouldn't have taken the overly retrogressive step of changing from disc brakes to V brakes on a frame that has disc mounts, and even better, removable V brake bosses.

I mean - disc brakes have to be the best "modern" technology adopted by mountain bikes (IMHO more than suspension) and I find it hard to understand why anyone who actually rides their bikes would retrofit a modern frame with older technology like V brakes.

For what my opinion is worth (not a lot, I know ) I liked it better how it was in the "before" photo, rigid forks, USE post and all. Just needed some wider bars (risers of course )
Take no notice of the ramblings of an old man - no-one else does ! A nice bike and thanks for posting it - I always like those Voodoo frames.

 

[AndyMc]

Fair points all, but getting rid of the discs seemed a sensible idea to me. Obviously they perform better (but probably only a lot better in the wet) but they are heavy, not as easy to fidde with (especially for a cack janded mechanic such as I... ) and, most importantly, XTR Vs look a lot cooler

The Proclass were a bit of a random decision- saw them for a good price and bought them, it rides a lot better with them I think. If I had space/permission for a proper 'stable' I would probably have kept it rigid but the newer set up makes it more versatile I reckon...

 

[Andy R]

Fair points all, but getting rid of the discs seemed a sensible idea to me. Obviously they perform better (but probably only a lot better in the wet) but they are heavy, not as easy to fidde with (especially for a cack janded mechanic such as I... ) and, most importantly, XTR Vs look a lot cooler

I don't think that something like Magura Marta SL's are a lot heavier, to be honest, and one of the advantages of disc brakes is that you don't need to fiddle with them much (if at all) other than changing pads ( a 1 minute job). And anyway - it seems to be wet most of the year now :cry:

All down to personal preference at the end of the day though - still a nice ride

 

[AndyMc]

The previous discs were Hayes Nines/Avid Juicys and I never found the performance *that* great despite a few trips to the LBS for bleeding etc.

To be honest my riding time is somewhat limited these days due to keeping Mrs Mc and the mini Mcs entertained, but I still have the discs in the shed anyway should I go back (or forward, depending on which way you look at at )

Perfect excuse to build a new bike in the future though... 'I've got most of the bits I need already, honest'

 

[Andy R]

Perfect excuse to build a new bike in the future though... 'I've got most of the bits I need already, honest'

But of course !!!

 

[Wold Ranger]

VooDoo

I like that, but a short cage rear mech would be more practical and save a whole bundle of weight and much snappier changes, with no flapping about. The long cage is just not necessary with only a single ring up front.
I would stick with discs also, far better in all conditions.

 

[AndyMc]

With the long cage I have the option to change the gears around if I want, but I stand by the vees vs discs... In fairness I have to be honest about how much stopping power I actually need... I live in London and when I do get out I'm hardly flying down mountains

 

[kaiser]

Really like this think you've hit a good mix of modern and retro going on.

 

[Wold Ranger]

With the long cage I have the option to change the gears around if I want, but I stand by the vees vs discs... In fairness I have to be honest about how much stopping power I actually need... I live in London and when I do get out I'm hardly flying down mountains

I run a short cage even on a front triple, I see the point on the hills in London? South Downs aren't too far away though, melt those V's down Ditchling beacon hill?