![\"ccs-41808-0-82388500-1396949329.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-41808-0-82388500-1396949329.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nNS Soda Air<\/span><\/p>\n I originally posted a topic on the forum<\/a> posing the question to everyone of what I should get. I wanted a minimum 140mm 26″ full suspension bike. Something I could get to the top of most any hill, and particularly have a great time going down. I’m not a stickler for weight, necessarily, because I’ve always valued strength over and above.<\/p>\n Like I said in the forum, I had pretty much decided on an NS Soda Air, but there was something holding me back. I needed to look at all of my options. The route I had decided on this build was to use my existing parts from my Nukeproof Snap and just replace the frame and fork. So before I could rush off and get my new shiny stuff, I had to sell my old, not too shiny stuff.<\/p>\n 2010 Giant Reign X<\/span><\/p>\n In this period of waiting a few frames came to mind as possibilities. There was a second-hand Giant Reign X offered by one of the Hubbers, there was the suggestion of a Nukeproof Mega AM too. But none of these ringed true. I couldn’t get the feeling like I wanted these bikes.<\/p>\n Then came along the idea of a Morewood Sukuma. This I liked. I didn’t need more than 150mm travel in the back – it’s plenty for basically anything in South Africa and for what I was expecting to go down. I had heard great reviews on it, too, nothing bad in fact. And I’m always keen on buying local.<\/p>\n That was it, I had decided. The frame was available with the option of a Rock Shox Revelation RCT3 up front and a Reverb dropper post. I was sold on the fork, but wasn’t too sure about the dropper because of budget constraints.<\/p>\n Morewood Sukuma<\/span><\/p>\n At this point I came across a problem, though: compatibility issues. My rear wheel needed new ends to fit the 142 dropouts and my front needed a conversion for the 15mm Revelation axle. Then I spotted the press-fit bottom bracket. My Truvativ Hussefelt wouldn’t fit there, this meant a new crankset and BB. Ok, reconfigure my budget.<\/p>\n Here was a chance to change my drivetrain completely. I could go for a narrow\/wide chainring and ditch my chainguide. I already needed a new cassette, because my Nukeproof had a 11-28T, not ideal for anything outside 4X racing. I could get a new clutch derailleur and N\/W chainring, that could be cool.<\/p>\n All the while my frame and fork were sitting unsold. I had all but ordered my Sukuma and was thinking about all the possible new colour schemes I could have on it. It all happened fairly quickly after that. My frame and fork sold within a week of each other, after sitting for many weeks. And a new option came along, something that I couldn’t turn down.<\/p>\n The first glimpse I had of my new ride before I bough it<\/span><\/p>\n I had a Santa Cruz Heckler for many years and absolutely adored the bike. So when I heard of another Santa Cruz at a killer price, I had to take a look. It turned out to be a pristine condition SC Blur TRc. All I could think of was that Pinkbike video of Santa Cruz frame testing<\/a>, how the carbon fibre frames were so ridiculously strong and yet light.<\/p>\n The seller was Ian Williams from Cape Cycle Systems, and the frame was originally Gary Perkin’s. It was clean and gorgeous and available with a Revelation fork and a Reverb dropper post. On seeing the frame, I actually couldn’t refuse the purchase. It was so clean, and with my soft spot for Santa Cruz, it was a no brainer. I had a new bike to build!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n