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What kind of headset will I need for my Butcher?

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

What fork sizes are recommended for the Butcher?

For all around trail riding, a 150mm fork will be great. For more aggressive riding or terrain, we recommend a 160mm fork for added confidence and control.

Anything over 160mm will void your warranty and handle poorly, so don't go too crazy.

What size shock does the Butcher use?

8.5" x 2.5" (216x 63mm)
The mounting hardware is 22mm wide (21.8mm for Rockshox products) with an 8mm through hole.

Can I use a coil shock on the Butcher?

Definitely- there is clearance for a coil shock or DHX Air. The suspension curve was primarily designed around air suspension, but if you are a coil fanatic, go right ahead. Smaller frame sizes may require the shock to be flipped around, so check clearance with your shock before riding.

What size seatpost do I need?

The Butcher uses a 30.9mm seatpost. Make sure you always have it inserted a minimum of 4" (100mm). We are big fans of the adjustable seatposts on the market from Gravity Dropper and Crank Brothers, and have included guides on the frame to cleanly run the cables.

What size rear hub does the Butcher require?

The Butcher uses a normal 135 x 10mm quick release hub. There are also numerous companies offering 135x10mm through-bolt style if you want to go that route.

What size seat collar does the Butcher use?

34.9mm (supplied with frame)

What size bottom bracket do I need?

The Butcher uses a 73mm bb shell, so make sure you always get something compatible with that. Pretty much any external bearing crankset will work- Truvativ, shimano, etc. Chainline should be 50-51mm.

What chainguide should I get for my Butcher?

The Butcher uses the ISCG05 interface, so most guides that are sold with these mounts should fit.

What is the biggest tire that will fit in the Butcher?

We hate to answer this question, as tires vary so much (even tires of the same exact model can vary significantly). In general, a 2.5" or maybe even bigger should fit- but it depends...

What size brake rotor will fit?

The Butcher has clearance for up to 203mm rotors.

What front derailleur do I need?

The Butcher uses a 34.9 top swing/top pull front derailleur. Pretty much anything from SRAM or Shimano that meets these guidelines will work (not Saint).

Can I use XX or another SRAM 2x10 group?

Yes, just make sure you buy the standard Q-factor version (166mm) and not the narrow version of XX (156mm).

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...

Is there a place for a water bottle on the Butcher?

There is a mount for one bottle cage on the underside of the downtube.