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After seeing Legend’s (Legendofjd3) sweet – and super light – Carver titanium cruiser build ( http://bmxmuseum.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=287255 ), I was inspired to do a ti build of my own. However, rather than going for the lightest, my primary objective was to create a high quality and durable 20 in.  race bike, with weight as a secondary goal.

Going with a Caver was a no-brainer for me as well. Like Legend, I too grew up visiting Bath Cycle & Ski (Bath, ME) fairly regularly and even worked for Davis Carver at the shop for a stretch during high school. Cool guy for sure, and probably one of the most knowledgeable bike guys I know. I knew Davis would do a quality job, and was happy to give him my business, again. This latest build makes bike #13 I’ve purchased from Davis since picking up my first BMX, a Diamondback Viper, back in ’82.

Okay, to the build…

For geometry, we took a look at the new S&M Speedwagon.  Frame specs include:

Top tube length: 21.25 in.
Seat tube angle: 71 degrees
Head tube angle: 74.5 degrees
Chainstay length: 14-15 in.
Bottom bracket height: 11.5 in.
Seat post size: 27.2mm
Weight: 3.48 lbs

It’s not the lightest frame out there, but I suspect it’s one of the strongest (and highest quality) among others in this range. Features include an ovalized seat tube and gussets above/below the top tube/down tube for added strength, a double butted down tube to cut down on weight, and an integrated headset.

Selecting the parts was tough. Again, my goal was to select decent quality and durable parts that would hold up on the track. I also looked for light(er) parts where appropriate. So many choices.

The parts I ended up going with include:

Forks: Answer Dagger Pro Carbon
Handlebars: Bombshell Pro Carbon
Brakes: Bombshell 686 Pro V (waiting on Speedline’s)
Lever: Bombshell Ridea (waiting on a LDC)
Cranks: Shimano DXR (180mm)
Bottom bracket: Chris King (ceramic)
Chainring: Rennen (36T)
Chainring Bolts: Ti
Pedals: Loaded AMX Signature Ti
Brake pads / cable: Kool Stop / Odyssey Race
Seatpost: Thomson Masterpiece
Seatpost clamp: Phil
Seat: Cruip Ti
Wheels: Sun Envy rims / Chris King hubs (ti bolts)/ Stainless spokes / alloy nipples
Tires: Maxxis DTH Folding (1.75 / 1.95)
Headset: Cane Creek
Stem: Thomson
Grips: Tangent
Chain: Crupi Rhythm Titanium
Tensioners: Answer
Total weight: 17.22 lbs (not even close to Legend’s 15.875 lbs)

I’m super happy with the bike and would highly recommend a Carver to anyone.

Pics...

Last edited by tmac (2012-11-25 2:42pm)