It looks like the lower link is off center in my frame- is everything ok?
Yes- this is correct. With our newer pivot system, the pivot axle draws the link over to one side in order to properly preload the bearings. This offset is accounted for in the frame design so everything ends up nice and straight in the end.
What fork sizes are recommended for the Blur LT Carbon?
The BLT2C is strong enough for any length fork you want to put on it, but for the best handling and suspension balance we recommend forks between 140 and 160mm travel
What is the largest rear brake rotor that I can use?
185mm is the largest rotor that will fit in the swingarm. Go as big as you want in the front.
What size shock does the Blur LT Carbon use?
The shock is 8.5" (215mm) eye-eye, with a 2.5" (63mm) stroke.
Mounting hardware is 21.8mm with a 8mm through hole.
What front derailleurs are compatible with the Blur LT Carbon?
The Blur LT Carbon uses the shimano direct mount front derailleur system. This is available in XT (FD-M771-D) or SLX (FD-M661-D). Shimano does not recommend any chainrings over 44t with these models.
No other front derailleurs are compatible with this bike. We will offer the XT level derailleur for sale as an option with the frame purchase to make this system easy to deal with.
What is the largest tire that will fit?
We hate to make concrete statements here, as actual tire sizes vary so much between manufacturers. Any 2.35" and a lot of 2.5" tires will fit fine.
What kind of headset will I need for my Blur LT Carbon?
This bike uses a tapered headset- which have many different configurations these days. Ours uses a standard (external) 1.5" lower cup, and a semi-integrated 1 1/8" upper. The semi-integrated upper headset is a pretty standard size these days- we use the 44mm ID standard.
As all of us frame manufacturers seem to be using slightly different configurations with tapered headtubes, these headsets are custom items. We will offer options from Chris King and Cane Creek in our kits, and also as an option with your frame purchase.
Can I use my old 1 1/8" fork in this frame?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the reasons we stuck with an external 1.5" cup on the bottom- there are a lot of options available for 1 1/8" forks. The easiest route would be to order the Chris King tapered headset with your frame. You can buy a reducing crown race from King so that you can use a standard 1 1/8" fork.
The other option would be to use a reducing lower headset of some sort (lots of options here). There are internal headsets available that will lower the front end a few millimeters if you are into that.
The cheap option would be to get a headtube reducer from us that allows use of a standard 1 1/8" lower cup with your fork. That still leaves you short a semi-integrated upper cup- but these are common as dirt these days...
What size rear hub do I need?
The Blur LT Carbon uses a standard 135 x10mm rear hub.
What size seat collar does the Blur LT Carbon use?
We use a pretty standard 34.9 size on this bike. A QR collar is included.
There was a packet of "friction paste" or "carbon assembly compound" included with my frame- what is this for?
Use this on your seatpost. Carbon frames have a pretty slippery inner surface that makes it difficult to get the seatpost held tight without massive tightening forces at the collar. Using the carbon assembly compound adds friction so you don't need to crank the heck out of the seat collar.
Definitely keep grease off your seatpost for the same reason.
Should I grease the headset cups when I press them into the carbon frame?
sure.
What are the rear shock options for this frame?
For 2010 we will be offering the Rockshox Monarch 3.3 and Fox RP23.
What size seatpost does it use?
The Blur LT Carbon uses a 30.9mm seatpost. Make sure it is always inserted a minimum of 100mm.
Can I use a Joplin/Gravity Dropper on this bike?
Yup. We are all huge fans of adjustble seatposts, and definitely recommend you try one on your BLT. We included cable routing on the top tube for this purpose, so your bike will still look nice and clean...
