The P2 Project

If you have been following the saga of my obsession for bike stuff, you may know that I'm rather fond of the current hardtail I'm riding, a 2006 Specialized P.3. After experimenting with a number of different frames, component set ups, and builds, I have a bike I love to ride, and I have been on it, riding as often as I can.

I've been super stoked on it, although the one downside to it has been the Truvativ Holzfeller DH cranks. The cranks began developing a creaking noise after a few rides on the bike. A set of warranty cranks later, I thought the issue was resolved. In fact, I had several weeks of riding that were worry free and everything on the bike was tight and running well. (so nice when that is the case)

Or so I thought. After a few harsh landings where I came up a bit short on some doubles, the creak began to come back, until it was back exactly how it was. It annoyed the f**k out of me and while I can most likely warranty the cranks again, what I wanted to do was to go back to my tried and true Saint Cranks. The problem is that they don't work that well with the stock E13 chain guide on the bike. ..

But that is another issue altogether. I have been debating whether the crank issue is a lack of smooth riding on my part, or whether the equipment is simply not designed for the amount of abuse I have been heaping upon it. I used to only run Chromoly cranks and frames to avoid these kinds of issues.

I had pondered the idea of building up a second bike just for dirt jumping for some time. While I like the P.3, I wanted to lighten it up for dual slalom and mountain cross racing. The plan was to drop the heavier components that came stock on the bike and replace them all with lighter (but still worthy) components. By the time I had built up a new rear wheel for it, I was just a frame short of having a second bike.When the opportunity to pick up a P2 frame on the cheap came along, I snatched it up. Here's how she came together: