sheffield-junglist Posted March 29, 2011 Report Share Posted March 29, 2011 Been wanting to start with some trials for a while but although my current MTB is only 19" it's made of crap steel, is too heavy and hasn't got the cockpit clearance so I can't really do much with it. Just bought a MAD phase 1.3 off ebay, all original parts to get started with over summer. I've read that the brakes are terrible and the 1.2 is better but apart from that I can't really find any more opinions or reviews about it. Anybody got any opinions? Could also do with knowing people's thoughts on what would be best to upgrade first. I was thinking of replacing the disc brake with an Avid BB5 (Mainly because it's not too expensive) because of what I've read on the internet about the stock brakes. I suppose I won't really be sure until I get it though. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isitafox Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 Is it the one with the rusty drivetrain? If it is I spotted it and posted it in the for sale on here cause I thought it was a bargain! It should be a great starter bike for you, as for the brakes I can't personally comment on a BB5 but them and 7's always get great reviews on here from people who use them. The first thing I'd look at sorting is get some new pads for the rear V, either TNN LGV's or Heatsink yellows, and get a grind on the rim. After that I'd look into sorting the less expensive end of things like getting some decent riser bars on there if it hasn't already and get a single speed kit and chain tensioner fitted. To be honest the frame should easily last you a fair while as I'm pretty sure it' the exact same one the MAD demo team use yours just has V mounts on the rear instead of magura mounts, and there are loads of people on here who will swear by the power of a V over a hydraulic rim brake! Just a case of upgrade as you go, get it sorted for singlespeed then as money becomes available and you find you want to upgrade a bit then get the wheels swapped, maybe go for a front freewheel, get a decent spec rear V and maybe BB5 or & up front. Just don't feel you have to rush in and spend a fortune on it as it should be fine for starting up with. Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BradJohnson Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 i ride a 1.3 i single speeded it as i had problems with drivetrain tension i also use a rear 2011 hs11 and its a great bike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheffield-junglist Posted March 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 Is it the one with the rusty drivetrain? If it is I spotted it and posted it in the for sale on here cause I thought it was a bargain! It should be a great starter bike for you, as for the brakes I can't personally comment on a BB5 but them and 7's always get great reviews on here from people who use them. The first thing I'd look at sorting is get some new pads for the rear V, either TNN LGV's or Heatsink yellows, and get a grind on the rim. After that I'd look into sorting the less expensive end of things like getting some decent riser bars on there if it hasn't already and get a single speed kit and chain tensioner fitted. To be honest the frame should easily last you a fair while as I'm pretty sure it' the exact same one the MAD demo team use yours just has V mounts on the rear instead of magura mounts, and there are loads of people on here who will swear by the power of a V over a hydraulic rim brake! Just a case of upgrade as you go, get it sorted for singlespeed then as money becomes available and you find you want to upgrade a bit then get the wheels swapped, maybe go for a front freewheel, get a decent spec rear V and maybe BB5 or & up front. Just don't feel you have to rush in and spend a fortune on it as it should be fine for starting up with. Hope this helps! It is indeed the one with the rusty drivetrain/brake rotor. I just bought another frame off ebay that came with (amongst other things like an Onza BB) a HS11. Will I not be able to fit it to this frame then if it hasn't got the correct mounts? (Never had a trials bike before so I still don't know much about stuff like that) I don't think I'll make it single speed just yet. I haven't got a car or anything so I still need to ride to spots on it which will already be taxing enough! Luckily theres plenty of spots relatively near my house. What do you mean by grind on the rim? Also, has anyone got any tips for getting the rust off? Thanks a lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isitafox Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 To get the rust off will require a bit of oil and a wire brush on the cassette to clean it up though id recommend replacing that and the chain with new from tartybikes. For the hs11's you'll need an evo adaptor kit again from tartys and as for the rim grind have a look in the manual under workshop at the top of the page! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwizera Simon Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 I used to run a Mad Phase 1.3. These are the things I did to it. 1.Replaced the heavy stock forks for some light weight alloy forks. 2.Changed crankset I also set up as a single speed 3.I ran it with V brakes front and back. as long as you get them set up right they are great. I did try disc brakes for a while but they were rubbish. I also had a problem with the bottom bracket mount, it was welding on slightly twisted so had trouble with the drive train. I would get used to riding before you go grinding any rims too. As for upgrades, get some good wheels and a decent drive train. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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