Leadville 100 Rig - Ellsworth Truth

This is going to be a short one... I'll be doing the Leadville 100 this year so I thought I would update the mountain bike. I picked up an Ellsworth Truth at my usual shop, Schwab (no I don't work there and they don't give me free stuff. I have given them about 15% of my income over the past 12 months though. Foolish me, eh?).

Quick rundown... Frame specs can be found on at Ellsworth Bikes. Hardware is comprised of SRAM X-9 drive train and shifters, FSA V-Drive crankset, the Ellsworth special Fox RP3 rear shock, Juicy 7 brakes, and Ritchey Pro bars, stem, and seat post. Wheels are Mavic Crossmax SLs with Schwable Racing Ralph tires (wheels and tires not pictured as they have not arrived yet, pictured with loaner wheels, Ellsworth built with Ringle hubs). The Fox Talas came off my old bike, I love the Talas even though it is more of an all mountain fork than an XC fork.

Anywho... I wanted to manage cost a bit since most of my day to day workouts are on the road bike. Managing cost is a relative term, most people might buy two or three nice mountain bikes for what I spent. My wife was definitely not pleased with this purchase.

So far I have ridden the Truth about five times over the past two weeks. My first real test was up White Ranch Belcher Hill. I did a back to back comparison to my old bike (a Rocky Mountain ETSX-50) and shaved about 10 minutes off my time on the Truth.

The Ellsworth Truth CLIMBS LIKE A HARDTAIL!

I did have a nice tumble Friday evening, so I managed to put some scuffs on the pretty parts (not counting my left knee, hip, and arm), sigh...

So far no buyers remorse and am looking forward to getting the wheels I ordered as they should be lighter and faster. Lookout Wiens and Armstrong, you guys ready to race?!!!