Meet Artemis!

[emily_in_nc]

FINALLY (after three weeks!), I was able to pick my Titus Racer X (XS size, purchased used off Ebay, 2000 model year, I think) up today at the bike shop. She has new XT cranks (170mm) and everything has been adjusted and tuned (derailleurs, brakes, shocks, new cables, etc). I put my Eggbeater Candy SL pedals on her, which just match her blue fork. Got the saddle height and fore/aft fixed tonight with help from my husband. Tomorrow Artemis and I go on our inaugural ride on a doubletrack trail with a friend. I can't wait! She's 8 lbs slimmer than my Novara Bonita hardtail!



~Emily

[snapdragen]

I know nothing of mountain bikes, but ooh, pretty!

[tprevost]

LOVE her! Please tell us all about your ride tomorrow... I hope you two have a BLAST!!!!!

Tracy

[caligurl]

oh emily.. she's PURDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ok.... now i want to go on a mtb ride, too!!!!!!

enjoy! HAVE FUN!!!!!!

[Aggie_Ama]

Love the pedals with the blue fork! Have a blast.

[crazycanuck]

Hey there,

Nice bike! Dumb q for u though-why no disc brakes????

c

[emily_in_nc]

Nice bike! Dumb q for u though-why no disc brakes????

I some research before deciding that V-brakes would be fine for me. I found out that disc brakes can add 1 or more lbs. to the weight of the bike, and are recommended mostly if you'll be doing a lot of riding in wet, muddy conditions. V-brakes are lighter and under most "fair weather" conditions work just fine. I am pretty much always a fair-weather rider unless I happen to get caught in a storm, and I really don't plan on doing any extreme mountain biking (at least at this point; I am still a rank beginner!) So, I felt that disc brakes were probably overkill for my needs. I always check the weather radar before I head out, too. Worst case, if they don't work out for me, I can upgrade, but I was looking for a lighter-weight full-suspension bike since I'm less than 105 lbs. myself, and at 24 lbs, Artemis surely qualifies!

Emily

[DirtDiva]

Oooooooooooooo! <-- Both happy for you and GREEN with envy...

[bouncybouncy]

very nice em!!! and blue bar plugs too???

that is a very slick looking dude you have there...and fast too? but that is a riders perogative of the speed!!! you will be amazed the things you will be able to roll over now that you have a squishy bike! i agree with canuk on the disc brakes but i am a speed monster looking for mud puddles... you will know when/if you want or need them...besides it is an excuse in the future to come down with upgraditis...hehe

have fun and expecting a ride report soon!!!

[Lise]

Gorgeous bike, Emily! Like Snap, I know naught of mountain bikes, but she sure is sweet to look at! Have a blast.

Lise

[fatbottomedgurl]

What a beauty! You're lucky you snapped that frame up before I did! I'm sure he fits me perfectly!

A couple comments: You might want to drop the nose on your saddle a smidge-- looks like it's pointing up ever-so-slightly.

Also, can't really tell but if those tires are Panaracer Fire XCs they are not the real thing. Pricepoint is selling a made in Taiwan knockoff. I bought a pair and realized they were not authentic so I returned them for a full refund of price and shipping costs. The real ones weigh a lot less and have large white lettering around the sidewall.

[spokewench]

Radical Bike - now to go out and enjoy it!!!!!!

[emily_in_nc]

What a beauty! You're lucky you snapped that frame up before I did! I'm sure he fits me perfectly!

He!?!?! Artemis is a Greek goddess of the woods and wild things! So she is definitely a she!

A couple comments: You might want to drop the nose on your saddle a smidge-- looks like it's pointing up ever-so-slightly.

Yes, I saw that in the photo too. Surprising, since we put a level on it as hubby tightened it down. It didn't bother me a bit when I rode today (very comfy, in fact), but I did decide I needed to raise the saddle a bit, so I will adjust the tilt at the same time, thanks!

Also, can't really tell but if those tires are Panaracer Fire XCs they are not the real thing. Pricepoint is selling a made in Taiwan knockoff. I bought a pair and realized they were not authentic so I returned them for a full refund of price and shipping costs. The real ones weigh a lot less and have large white lettering around the sidewall.

Interesting! I will have to check - I honestly have no idea. Wouldn't mind another way to shave even more weight off!

Thanks much,
Emily

[emily_in_nc]

Took my inaugural ride on beautiful Artemis tonight (1 hr, 15 minutes of packed double track through a beautful deep wooded park), and it was most excellent! The rear shock is so, so sweet! I love it. I just didn't feel bumps! Of course, this was a smooth trail; I am sure a rocky, rooty single track will not feel this way, but I've ridden this trail on my hardtail, and this felt ever so much better! And she shifted and braked like a dream (I have to be careful with that front brake - it is fierce!) I could definitely feel the lighter weight and kept up with my stronger friend much better - still need more endurance for the long climbs, but I powered up the short, steep ones really well and did great on the rollers. No saddle pain whatsoever. Just a perfect ride on a lovely new bike. I am hooked!

Emily

[fatbottomedgurl]

So happy for you Emily! Oh and so sorry on the gender faux pas. Of course I knew that Artemis is also called Diana and there was a temple to her in the city of Corinth if I remember correctly. (Trying to remember my new testament studies).

I envy your full sus baby. Maybe someday...