People don’t know what to expect of the new decade, especially since most don’t have extra-sensory perception, and those of us who do really aren’t able to tell the future, although they may be able to “see dead people.”

Some feel that the new decade is going to deliver us from the burden of debt and will deliver healthcare and other social services for all. Some feel that the federal government is going to bankrupt itself and will dissolve. At Moronacity, the dawn of the new decade is simply a time for BIKE P0RN!

On November 14, Marty Shue lent me her Vassago Bandersnatch (see Official Business at the Novi Tree Farm), a steel 29er that is perfectly qualified for being the first bike p0rn feature at Moronacity. I was very excited to try a steel frame at the trail. I’ve never ridden a steel mountain bike and I wanted to experience it for myself to find out why people chose steel over the more technologically advanced aluminum and carbon fiber counterparts. I am in complete agreement with Marty and Coffee Talk’s Linda Richman when I say that this bike is “like buttah.”

Mind you, I did not take all of these pictures because I thought it would be a great idea to put bike p0rn on Moronacity, no; but I did take these pictures because Marty’s custom build is a sweet bike that rides so well that Marty’s husband, Nick, was keeping a close eye on me so I wouldn’t take off on the bike never to return. He knew that I would gladly leave my Pathfinder and broken Jamis behind in favor of keeping the custom-built Vassago Bandersnatch.

This is me exiting “the crater” at the Novi Tree Farm. Notice my giant smile. It is the result of riding the Vassago Bandersnatch at the fun Novi “Tree Farm.”

Marty explained to me that Vassago 29-inch frames are not like many of the others. Apparently, many companies use 26-inch geometry that is expanded into a 29-inch size. Vassago did a redesign by tailoring the geometry for a 29er. For me, the bike was very easy to ride. It didn’t feel like a bigger bike and I felt centered. I tackled a couple of obstacles at the Tree Farm that I most likely would not try on a bike that did not feel quite right. For example, I would not have ridden everything had I been riding Jon’s Gary Fisher like I did on Thanksgiving day (see Thanksgiving Morning Ride at PLRA.

The Vassago Bandersnatch steel frame is like buttah.

Raceface Deux XC cranks. I’m not going to pretend that I know anything about cranksets, but I will tell you that shifting was smooth and pain-free.

I’ve had iffy shifting on all of my bikes. All of my bikes also have Shimano hardware. About halfway through the Tree Farm, I mentioned the smooth, flawless shifting to Marty. I was pretty surprised, and pleasantly so. She mentioned that it was a SRAM derailleur, something I’ve never used, before. When I looked for the SRAM logo and found confirmation, I had my “aha” moment. I was a convert. My future investments in shifting will be with SRAM. Funny, cuz I already use SRAM chains.

The SRAM X-9 rear derailleur was a pleasant surprise with smooth shifting throughout the ride.

I never used a carbon handlebar, before. Many will argue that it is mostly a weight-saver and not really worth the extra cost, especially in the case of those who are carrying extra weight on their bodies, but carbon also has a dampening effect that translates into a smoother ride. I don’t think many will argue with creating a smoother ride for the upper body and hands.

The Ritchey WCS Carbon Rizer Handlebar.

Marty also has ergo grips on the handlebar, which made the ride much more comfortable for me. I have a problem with hand numbness when I ride, which tells me that I need to find a more comfortable setup. The Rizer handlebar complete with ergo grips felt great and I had zero numbness.

Currently, the Vassago Bandersnatch is my favorite bike. Unless I ride something I like better between now and the next time I can afford a new bike, this is going to be my next ride. I took the pictures of Marty’s build because I’d like a copycat of her bike. I will consult with my bike guys to find the latest and greatest options for my new build, but Marty did a great job nailing an excellent build.