Can I use a Saint rear derailleur and hub?
The latest version of the Saint rear derailleur (810) will work great on the V-10, but the previous version is completely incompatible. Saint hubs of any vintage are fine, as long as you order the 150/12 size.
Can I run a taco style bashguard on my V-10?
Yes. However there are a couple things you need to know. If you sustain a heavy enough impact on your guard, it may damage or break the ISCG mount on your frame. If this happens, we will not give you a new frame under warranty. The frame still works, and you can still use a variety of chain guides and bash guards, but you might have to live with crumpled ISCG mounts. This will not effect the integrity of your frame, and we won't hold it against you if you send your frame in for some other reason at some other point in time.
What chainguides are compatible with the V10?
The V-10 uses the ISCG05 interface, so most guides that are sold with these mounts should fit.
Our favorite here is the Gamut Guide, but we have a lot of good experience with the E-thirteen SRS and LG1 as well. Please do not use the "taco" style bashguard with the LG1 or MRP G2 (see the taco FAQ for details). If you want an MRP, we recommend the System 3 ISCG05.
What size shock does the V10 use?
8.75"x2.75" (222x70mm)
The mounting hardware is 22mm wide, with an 8mm through hole.
It seems like everyone is using really long shocks these days- why doesn't the V10 use a 9.5"x3" or a 10.5"x3.5" shock?
When we were developing the new V10, we tried a couple of versions with longer shocks, as that is what the hypemeisters are hyping these days. After riding both versions, we came to some conclusions:
1) - The 9.5" shock and required longer spring added over half a pound to our frame. Trying to develop a light weight race frame requires a lot of gram counting, and a half pound is huge.
2) - It didn't ride any differently. We did blind back-back testing on two prototypes (the only difference was shock stroke, we made a custom frame and link) with a bunch of people, and nobody could identify a difference.
3) - The extra ¼" of shock stroke really isn't that much. Instead of using a 500# spring, you would probably use a 450. Not a big difference for an extra half pound. A 3.5" stroke didn't work with the VPP linkage to get the shock rate curve that we wanted, isn't available from a variety of sources, AND weighs a ton.
4) Our pro race team has been racing V10s since 2001. The frame has always had 10 inches of travel with a 2.75" stroke shock. They don't have problems with shocks, nor could we find any evidence from our personal experience or warranty records to back up claims that lower leverage/longer stroke is better for the shock.
We tried to like it, because we've been asked about this, uh, frequently. But in the end we decided that measurable performance was better than theoretical advantages, and went with the lighter configuration.
What size BB should I use?
The V10 uses an 83mm bb shell, so make sure you buy a crankset/bb that is compatible. Proper chainline is 56-57.5mm. If you buy 83mm compatible Raceface or Saint cranks, you already have the correct chainline/ bb length spec. If using Truvativ Howitzer system cranks, you must use an 83mm bb with a 56mm chainline. They don't sell their bb by spindle length, but by chainline. If you are going to use ISIS cranks, use an 83/128mm.
What size cranks do you recommend?
The V10 has a pretty low bb, which gives it great cornering and handling qualities. Because of this and the amount of travel it has, we recommend 165mm or 170mm cranks.
What size fork is recommended for the V10?
We designed it around the latest generation 200mm travel downhill forks. Anything more puts too much stress on the frame, and will void your warranty. Less than 200mm will give it quicker handling properties, but you will lose some stability and some crank/ground clearance.
What is the biggest tire that will fit into the V10?
Tires seem to vary so widely these days that we hate to give concrete numbers. 95% of 2.7" tires will fit in there, and definitely any 2.5" tires.
What size headset does the V10 use?
1 1/8"
I ride aggressive DH and I'm worried about ovalizing the headtube. I was thinking of trying one of those deep insert headsets like the Chris King Steelset or a Race Face Diabolus. What do you think?
The V10 has a big, thick, durable headtube, made for extreme use. We haven't seen any problems whatsoever with people damaging them. We recommend standard length headsets. As long as your headset is pressed in properly, and you keep it adjusted, you will be just fine.
Also, our head tube is internally and externally butted, allowing for really thick walls where needed (at the ends), and a little bit of weight shaving elsewhere. This butting makes it really difficult to remove the deep press headsets because the tool ends up hitting the butt shoulder, and not the headset. Do what you wish, just be prepared with a lot of beer, pizza, money, and time when you ask the shop rats to yank your deep insert headset out 2 years down the road.
What rear hub do I need?
The V10 requires a 150/12mm through axle rear hub, which is available from many manufacturers. Our favorites are DT Swiss, Chris King, and Hadley. The frame is supplied with an axle.
What size seatpost do I need?
30.9mm. Make sure you always have a minimum of 4"(100mm) of post inserted into the seat tube at all times. Any less insertion and you can break off the top part of the seat tube, which is not covered under warranty. If your seat is too low, the tire can rub on it when the suspension bottoms out, so we recommend you remove the spring from your shock and fully compress it before cutting your seatpost. If you feel the seat is still too high when you have raised it enough to clear the tire, try a low profile seat like the WTB Silverado or Devo.
What size brake rotor will fit in the swingarm?
You can use anything you want, with 203mm being the maximum.
What size seat collar does the V10 use?
34.9mm (supplied with frame)
