120mm-140mm. Typically the forks we offer are 130mm, which is kind of the sweet spot, but they can all be reduced to 120mm or extended to 140mm by removing or installing a travel spacer.
In addition we will offer 120mm forks, for those looking for a quicker handling, lighter setup.
Yes, the TRc was designed to easily accept a BB mount chainguide. For a more XC setup, you can use top-only guides like the MRP 1x or e13 XCX. For full chainguidance, we recommend the E13 LG1 Tr, MRP Lopes guide or Mini G SL. For Dual Ring guides, try the E13 TRS+Dual or MRP 2x guides.
The Blur TRc uses a tapered headtube often called "mixed taper". This setup uses a standared 1.5" external lower cup (49mm bore) and an internal 1 1/8" upper cup (44mm bore). Almost all headset manufacturers make this product.
It is true that there are some slight weight savings available with the various pressfit bb designs (exact weight savings obviously vary depending on system, frame manufacturing techniques, and crank model), but we don't feel this small savings make up for the inconveniences. We are still able to make a frame that is lighter than most of our competitors (4.9 lbs), while still using a heavier bb system. There are a number of disadvantages that exist with press fit systems:
1) Special installation and removal tools are required for these parts, including a headset press. This is not convenient for most home mechanics, and they are quite expensive. Traditional external BB's can be installed or removed with a simple $10 hand tool.
2) "Permanently installed cups". Shimano doesn't recommend removing and re-installing their press in bb cups (as they may become damaged), so moving parts from bike to bike is no longer an option. http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/SI_0053A_001/SI_0053A_001_En_v1_m56577569830625426.pdf
3) Creaking or shifting bb's can be common with these systems. Since the bearing is pressed into a cup, which is then pressed into the frame- it can be hard to get all of the press fits snug- without being too tight on the bearing or too loose in the frame.
4) Reasonable tube sizes. One of the most commonly claimed advantages of a larger bb shell is the larger diameter downtube that goes with it. This may be an advantage on road bikes, where tubes can be increadibly thin and large for optimal stiffness. On a mountain bike, this area of the frame sees a lot of abuse from rocks and crashing, and needs to have a certain amount of wall thickness to survive actual use. Using what we consider a "safe" wall thickness and carbon layup, and a fairly typical tube diameter, we get an exceedingly stiff, light, durable product. If we used a larger downtube, we would either have a heavier frame (same wall thickness but larger diameter), or a less durable product (thinner walls and larger diameter).
5) Chain clearance. Take a look at some of our competitors frames with press in bb shells. The down tube comes so close to the chainrings that many frames have chainsuck guards on the downtube! In our mind, the chain should be able to fall off on a mountain bike and not get jammed between your crank and thin-walled carbon downtube.
6) Backwards compatibility: Many of our customers purchase a frame and build it up with their choice of parts, or parts from an old bike. By using a standard bb, we are compatible with everything without requiring confusing adaptors.
7) Chainguide compatibility: While it may seem strange to talk about putting chainguides on a short travel bike, it is becoming more common now with 10 speed drivetrains. Thread in bb's mean the frame is compatible with bb mount chainguides. We like versatility....
Yes, the TRc can accept two water bottles- one on the top of the downtube, and one on the bottom of the downtube. The small only has one mount- on the top of the downtube.
The Blur TRc uses a 34.9mm bottom swing (high clamp), top pull front derailleur. Pretty much anything that fits this description (besides Saint) will work.
The Blur Trc uses a 30.9mm seatpost. Make sure it is alway inserted a minimum of 100mm (regardless of where the min insertion line is on the post).
Tighten the front derailleur to 45 in/lbs.
We don't provide a torque spec for the seatpost, because it really depends on what seatpost you are using. Some seatposts are slippery, and require more torque to stay put, and others are very thin- and can be crushed by overzealous tightening. Some are both slippery and thin... Make sure you use the Carbon Assembly Compound included with your frame, and use some common sense.
You will not damage your frame by overtightening the seat collar, assuming you have a 30.9mm seatpost in it.
Yes, we recommend this. Do not use the Carbon Assembly Compound on the headset, as it will make it more difficult to remove from the frame.
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.
The Blur TRc will accept most any offerings from major crank manufacturers. XX cranks will fit, but make sure you order the "standard" Q-factor version (166)- not the narrow 156mm version.
The Blur TRc will accept up to a 203mm rotor.
It will vary depending on tire model and manufacturer, but most 2.4" tires will fit.
Yes, the TRc uses a pretty standard shock size (7.875"x2"/200x50mm). The hardware is 21.8x8mm. Like all of our shocks, the TRc uses a custom tuned shock (compression, rebound, boost valve pressure, and air volume), so we don't typically recommend replacing the factory shock.