Downduro Rig has been born (Page 4) ⚡️

[Christurbo]

So after watching Rob’s review on the latest Kenevo in single crown “29 config, a few wines later, I pulled the trigger on a new Kenevo Expert rig S3.

I only wanted the frame as that’s all I will be retaining (and motor of course). Shame you can’t buy it from Spesh.

This is it in stock form:-

This is my man cave so it doesn’t matter about the mess I am about to cause!

I will be documenting the build.

 

[Christurbo]

The build:-

Frame: Kenevo Expert S3 Satin Olive / Oak Green

Upgrade from stock-
Frame Protection: Invisiframe satin
Motor / Battery Protection: ProtectEMTB
Rear linkage protection: Sicomtb dual guards
Fork protection: Fox 38 Integrated mudguard
Shock: Öhlins TTX22M.2 230 x 65 (7-10mm extra travel I believe)
Fork: Fox 38 Factory Kashima 180mm
Headset: FSA (Specialized) for tapered fork
Dropper: Fox Transition Factory
Saddle: Ergon SM Enduro
Bars: Renthal Alu Fatbar 35 40mm rise
Stem: Renthal Apex 35
Stem tool: OneUp EDC Tool V2
Stem Top Cap: OneUp EDC (with stem tap kit as the Fox38s are oval)
Cable management: Heatshrink cable management
Grips: Ergon GE1 Evo
Brake levers/master cyl: Shimano Saint
Brake Lines: Magura
Brake Discs: Magura MDR-P 220mm
Calipers: Magura MT7 Pro (gold inserts)
Cranks: Hope E-Bike 155mm black
Chainring: Hope Spiderless 36T (let’s see if it fits! It will be tight)
Cassette: SRAM XG-1275
Chain: SRAM XX1 Gold
Chain Lube: Molten Speed Wax - hot wax application
Shifter: SRAM AXS with Toggle Upgrade
Derailleur: SRAM AXS
Bottle cage: Fidlock
Wheelset: Hope Fortus 30 Mullet 29F / 27.5R
Hubs: Hope Pro 5 (E-Bike)
Inserts: Cushcore Pro
Front Tyre: Maxxis Assegai DD Gripmax 2.5
Rear Tyre: Maxxis DHR II DD Maxterra 2.4
Valves: Peatys Chris King
Sealant: Stans
Pedals: OneUp flats

 

[Alexbn921]

Going to be a sweet build. All it needs is a speedi.

 

[Christurbo]

First job was to strip the frame down ready for a full Invisiframe application. You don’t need to strip down the frame to install invisiframe (or other protective kits), but it made sense for me given I don’t need any parts.

I left the dropper on so I could use it to hold the frame to the stand.

I removed most of the Specialized frame protection, leaving the rear chainstay black soft goey protector, chainstay / seatstay bridge and seatstay black protection. Unfortunately Invisiframe doesn’t give you replacements for these sections.

I then wiped all surfaces with isopropyl alcohol to ensure no grease or residue was left on the surfaces I was going to protect. even more important with a bright coloured frame!

Process is really easy (I’ve done so many frames!). Trick is to use just a pea sized amount of their solution in a 500ml spray bottle so that it doesn’t become too slippery. Then soak the section you are protecting and also the film. Place gently, then slide to the correct position. The lock it in by squeegeeing the water out from centre to outer.

It looks great when done. The satin finish matches the existing frame finish.

 

[Christurbo]

I received the new Öhlins TTX22M.2 fully built by Jtech Suspension in Shrewsbury. They tuned it for my weight and riding style / requirements. I was dubious on the mounting hardware as there has been conflicting information about the lower shock bolt - M6 vs M8. Specialized documentation states M6 but the Levo uses M8. We took a risk with M8.

So here I am test fitting the shock to the frame. Prefect fit.

It’s a 230 x 65mm stroke so will provide additional travel vs stock 62.5mm.

 

[KnollyBro]

I received the new Öhlins TTX22M.2 fully built by Jtech Suspension in Shrewsbury. They tuned it for my weight and riding style / requirements. I was dubious on the mounting hardware as there has been conflicting information about the lower shock bolt - M6 vs M8. Specialized documentation states M6 but the Levo uses M8. We took a risk with M8.

So here I am test fitting the shock to the frame. Prefect fit.

It’s a 230 x 65mm stroke so will provide additional travel vs stock 62.5mm. View attachment 120932 View attachment 120933 View attachment 120934

I hope you love that shock as much as I do. I have one on my Levo SL and Kenevo SL and they run perfectly. Make sure you get them service regularly as they can get expensive if things go really wrong! I have a Fox DHX2 on my Knolly Warden and have had nothing but trouble getting it set up right. I am not a fan of the Fox 38 (I have 2 of them) compared to the Ohlins RXF 38 (I have a RXF 36 on my Levo SL).

 

[Christurbo]

I hope you love that shock as much as I do. I have one on my Levo SL and Kenevo SL and they run perfectly. Make sure you get them service regularly as they can get expensive if things go really wrong! I have a Fox DHX2 on my Knolly Warden and have had nothing but trouble getting it set up right. I am not a fan of the Fox 38 (I have 2 of them) compared to the Ohlins RXF 38 (I have a RXF 36 on my Levo SL).

I absolutely love the TTX22M2! Such a plush shock that seems to track everything.

I have an RXF 36 fork on my Spesh enduro, for some reason I love the the Fox more. So plush and controlled (if you can get the progression set right with the spacers - which is one downside compared to the Ö)

How often do you service your shocks? I use J-Tech in Shrewsbury. Great team.

 

[p3eps]

How often do you service your shocks? I use J-Tech in Shrewsbury. Great team.

Random - but I sent my Rockshox SuperDeluxe to J-Tech last week for a service / re-tune and to change the fitment… as it came off my 2020 Levo SL and I want it to go on my 2023 Levo SL.
I had to pay a £25 booking fee upfront to book the slot around 7 weeks ago… and I sent it away a couple of weeks ago since I’m on holiday. Yesterday must’ve been my service date, as I got a bill for £169.

£169 + £25 = £194. Not cheap by any stretch of the imagination… and they recommend this every 200 hours / 1 year.

 

[Christurbo]

Yes - it certainly isn’t.

I can service forks and air shocks, I have all the tools and knowledge. It is a fiddly job for some shocks. I would have no knowledge on building a tune though!

Öhlins shocks are difficult to service yourself as it needs to be bled and charged with nitrogen not air with specialist machinery. That’s the kicker.

The forks are pretty easy (just a little more involved for the damper).

Side note - I wanted different coloured lowers for my new Factory 38s. J-Tech we’re fine ordering them up and shipping them direct to me so I can fit. TF Tuned stated that they would not permit the part being sent to me and that they needed to fit them for me. It’s a 10 min job. It may be for safety reasons why they don’t send them to be fitted by the end user though. I really rate J-Tech, they have done great tune on the Öhlins I had.

 

[cozzy]

Very nice, wouldn't be changing much on that spec.
My ohlins ttx feels a bit harsh compared to the ext arma on my other bike, but it could be due to different suspension characteristics. I'll look at getting it re-tuned when it's serviced next.
Always a shame to see boxers being removed, unless being replaced by fox 40's . I've never liked single crown forks though, flexy creaky things.

 

[Christurbo]

Very nice, wouldn't be changing much on that spec.
My ohlins ttx feels a bit harsh compared to the ext arma on my other bike, but it could be due to different suspension characteristics. I'll look at getting it re-tuned when it's serviced next.
Always a shame to see boxers being removed, unless being replaced by fox 40's . I've never liked single crown forks though, flexy creaky things.

I would be lying if I said that I didn’t battle myself from not ordering Fox40s for this build.

They are not that much heavier than the 38’s so that isn’t a reason. The only thing putting me off is the turning circle, but not sure if this will really be a problem for trail centres. Switchbacks. I’d lower them to 190mm, which would be great considering the rear will almost be 190mm with the extra stroke I am introducing with the Öhlins. Pole style!

Maybe in the future

 

[Christurbo]

Rear linkage protection
Installed the Sicomtb 2 piece mud guard on the Kenevo.
It’s such a great design that integrates really will with the frame.
You need to drop the linkage bolt out, remove the plastic cover for the chainstay bridge and then slot in the new guard before tightening things back up.
I rated this on the Levo so should do it’s job.

 

[cozzy]

I would be lying if I said that I didn’t battle myself from not ordering Fox40s for this build.

They are not that much heavier than the 38’s so that isn’t a reason. The only thing putting me off is the turning circle, but not sure if this will really be a problem for trail centres. Switchbacks.

The current 40's have tons of steering lock due to the offset being build into the crowns now compared to previous models. They certainly have noticeably more than the boxers.

 

[KnollyBro]

I absolutely love the TTX22M2! Such a plush shock that seems to track everything.

I have an RXF 36 fork on my Spesh enduro, for some reason I love the the Fox more. So plush and controlled (if you can get the progression set right with the spacers - which is one downside compared to the Ö)

How often do you service your shocks? I use J-Tech in Shrewsbury. Great team.

I am currently testing out a Vorsprung Luftkappe Air Piston on my Fox 38 to help with the harshness I have been experiencing with the Fox 38. Luftkappe Air Piston Kit - Fox & Rockshox Forks
I find with all the variables of volume spacers, air pressure, damper settings, front to back balancing and tire pressure let alone the variety of terrain we have around here, there are so many things to blame when it comes to suspension setup. In the end, I am sure its my tired, broken and old body that is the main issue!
I was told by my suspension service center to get my Ohlins suspension serviced/inspected every 50 hours (who keeps track of how many hours they ride their bikes?) as a little job of quick inspection can save a lot of money if it becomes a big job of replacing parts. One of the reasons I switched to a coil shock was it was costing so much to service my Cane Creek air shocks as there was always something worn out in them. I ride 3 bikes, so I get them all done once a year but have no idea how many hours I put on each one nor how hard each one is ridden compared to the other.

 

[Christurbo]

I am currently testing out a Vorsprung Luftkappe Air Piston on my Fox 38 to help with the harshness I have been experiencing with the Fox 38. Luftkappe Air Piston Kit - Fox & Rockshox Forks
I find with all the variables of volume spacers, air pressure, damper settings, front to back balancing and tire pressure let alone the variety of terrain we have around here, there are so many things to blame when it comes to suspension setup. In the end, I am sure its my tired, broken and old body that is the main issue!
I was told by my suspension service center to get my Ohlins suspension serviced/inspected every 50 hours (who keeps track of how many hours they ride their bikes?) as a little job of quick inspection can save a lot of money if it becomes a big job of replacing parts. One of the reasons I switched to a coil shock was it was costing so much to service my Cane Creek air shocks as there was always something worn out in them. I ride 3 bikes, so I get them all done once a year but have no idea how many hours I put on each one nor how hard each one is ridden compared to the other.

Nice - running 180mm with little to no compression makes the 38s very plush in my opinion.

I agree on tracking hours - although you can sort of do it in Strava to an extent.

 

[Christurbo]

Wheelset

I chose the Hope Fortus 30 wheelset with E-bike specific Pro 5 hub. This just means that all pawls engage at the same time I believe.

The 30s are the strongest in the lineup otherwise I would have gone 35. I can still run up to 2.8s if I wish though.

Running a mullet config - love this setup on the Levo so decided against a full 29 setup in favour of this.

First job was to strip the hub down, remove the grease and then apply some Dumonde Tech Freehub oil on the pawls. Build quality is on point with better design, especially around the labyrinth seal. They sound great too.

Fitting Cushcore Pro inserts with Maxxis Assegai DD GripMax / DHR II DD Terramax quite simply a PITA on these rims. I’ve never had issues on other rims like Spesh etc. got there in the end though. Although I needed to ditch the standard run tape and use gorilla tape as it was more robust.

 

[KnollyBro]

Nice - running 180mm with little to no compression makes the 38s very plush in my opinion.

I chose the Hope Fortus 30 wheelset with E-bike specific Pro 5 hub. This just means that all pawls engage at the same time I believe.

What type of trails do you mostly ride? If HSR and LSR are not balanced with LSC and HSC you might get a more plush feel off the initial stroke but you will end up riding in your in your mid stroke more often. Also, do you not get a noticeable fork dive/packing up on any sustained steep trail where any brakes are applied, bumpy sections at speed or on any hard landings without any compression?
I have used Hope Pro 4 hubs for years and hand no issues. I am assuming the 5s can only be better! I am surprised that with such a high end build you did not go with a carbon wheelset.

 

[Christurbo]

What type of trails do you mostly ride? If HSR and LSR are not balanced with LSC and HSC you might get a more plush feel off the initial stroke but you will end up riding in your in your mid stroke more often. Also, do you not get a noticeable fork dive/packing up on any sustained steep trail where any brakes are applied, bumpy sections at speed or on any hard landings without any compression?
I have used Hope Pro 4 hubs for years and hand no issues. I am assuming the 5s can only be better! I am surprised that with such a high end build you did not go with a carbon wheelset.

I live in North Wales so all the usual suspects (Dyfi etc)… I’ve experimented a lot and find this setup really good. Obviously if I’m hitting bigger features I will adjust where needed.

I have dinged a few wheels in the past, less of an issue now with Cushcore, but think I’m old school and don’t want any hassle with carbon for the moment.

 

[Christurbo]

Fork and bars

Objective:

• Fox 38 Factory forks 180mm travel
• FSA Headset kit:-

SPECIALIZED HDS NO.42/ACB/S/F/N 46CONE SPACER AL COMPRS RING UP1.125/LOW1.5 CRMO 45 AL CROWN RACE S182500005​

• Renthal Apex 35 (Fatbar) stem
• Renthal Fatbar 35 bars (cut to 780mm)
• Ergon GE1 grips

Pretty straight forward install, however you need a different race to cater for the tapered fork. I found it easier to buy the whole kit, although unnecessary.

The forks I am using pictured in this build are temporary so I can get it assembled. I’m not colour blind so know fox factory orange and this colour of Shrek green doesn’t go! I have new ones that I will be swapping out shortly.

We are slowly getting there!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Nice

What you doing with orange fork lowers?

I’ve a brand new set of 29” factory glossy black lowers if you want a trade

 

[Christurbo]

Nice

What you doing with orange fork lowers?

I’ve a brand new set of 29” factory glossy black lowers if you want a trade

Nothing, they will be sat on a shelf looking sad at the lack of shredding.

They are almost brand new (handful of rides), have had invisiframe applied and Slik decals to swap the silver for the correct Kashima gold colour.

Shame you didn’t message me last week, a brand new set arrived from J-Tech! Doh!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Nothing, they will be sat on a shelf looking sad at the lack of shredding.

They are almost brand new (handful of rides), have had invisiframe applied and Slik decals to swap the silver for the correct Kashima gold colour.

Shame you didn’t message me last week, a brand new set arrived from J-Tech! Doh!

View attachment 121049 View attachment 121050 View attachment 121051

If you want to sell them I’m interested

 

[Alexbn921]

I would look at getting a solid crown race for the fork. The split ones always seem to creek.

 

[Christurbo]

Cranks and Dropper

I fitted the 155mm Hope cranks. Surprised at the difference in size compared to the stock Praxis. Great quality though.

I also got the Fox Factory Transfer dropper post installed into the frame. I ran the internal cable through the existing outer Jagwire cable as it is new and seemed like a pretty good install.

Next …. Cable routing, brakes and cockpit!

 

[Christurbo]

Cable routing, brakes and cockpit

I wanted to get a cleaner cockpit but wanted to retain the Fox Transfer dropper instead of Rockshox AXS. So decided on AXS shifting alongside routing the rear brake hose, dropper cable and electric cable through one port. Whilst sealing them together using heatshrink wrap. Turned out great. Nice and clean.

The brake install is a combination of:
Shimano Saint levers / master cylinder
Magura hoses
Magura MT7 Pro Callipers
Magura MDR-P rotors

Can’t wait to test them - the Saints on their own were amazing. I think I the Kenevo needs some great stopping power.

Bleeding was not as easy as SRAM or Shimano in my opinion. There is no way to lock off the bleed port whilst your are still connected. You need to raise the calliper above the lever when you want to replace the bleed screw so that there is no loss of fluid / air entering the system. Magura should introduce a better way of bleeding their brakes in future releases.

I needed to modify the plastic sheath that secures the cables entering into the frame so that I could get all 3 cables in. Good old Dremel to the rescue! The port on the other side of the frame is now empty.

 

[Lee c]

Love this !

 

[Christurbo]

Motor / Battery Protection

I highly recommend getting protection from new! So easy to ground out and things become pretty miserable quickly.

My favourite is Protect EMTB with the holes to clear out debris after a ride. Used also on my Levo.

Easy to install (ensure you line up the longer bolt properly so you don’t cross thread).

Job done.

 

[Christurbo]

Not done yet - but need to do a quick test!

So here we are. Built to a a certain stage.

I still need to put my new Fork on, OneUp Steerer tool, blanking port, chainring - also the eagle eyed of you notice that there is no motor protection in these photos.

But I need to take it out on a quick rip through Llandegla to do an initial shake down prior to going any further.

The Orange fork is just too much! But fun to look at

What do you think? It’s a thing.

 

[Christurbo]

Shake Down…..

I took Shrek to Llandegla for a bit of a shakedown on the red and black trails prior to going any further and so I can tweak any issues / snagging.

One word …. Ripper!

I honestly think this is the perfect setup for me. Full super enduro spec, mullet, single crown full power with decent components.

It climbs like a goat - which is needed in North Wales. I suspect the long chain stays help here along with the geo.

It descends like an avalanche, bulldozing anything in its path with the Fox 38’s, 29’s front Fortus 30 and TTX22M2 rear shock. But also super plush.

It turns in too, just need to take it by the scruff and be aggressive. The rear 27.5 helps here I think too.

It stops like nothing I’ve ridden before. Saint levers with MT7 & MDRs are insane. I’m not a fan of huge modulation and like tiny adjustments of pressure through the fingers. Some say this is on/off but it’s just lower tolerances of pressure.

Here I am catching up with the local club on a largish climb. I think I’m smiling

 

[kombos]

Beuatiful bike. As they say…..”cleanest it’ll ever be”. Have fun.