A while back i got together with Frederic Hebert better known as Freddy from FHTRADING to build a Foes FXR 2.1 and he said "Juan today you are going to learn how to properly build a bike" what's the difference i asked, you just put it together don't you? so as i browsed around a big stash of goodies Freddy pulled a frame out of a box and the build began.

One way to screw up a good frame and have a headache every time you need to remove the bottom bracket or replace a headset is to just open the box and rush to put it together  this are a must do things to ensure a problem free long lasting frame.

1) face the headtube and bottom bracket because even though most high end bike makers do this process, paint still gets on the way and most frames are baked after painting which causes the material to change it's original intended shape so if you are one of those that wants nothing but the best don't rush to press a expensive headset without facing the headtube because chances are it will never seat strait there for affecting the steering performance, same goes for the bottom bracket
2) another important step, clean the threads cause i guarantee you not matter how expensive your frame was i'ts very hard for manufactures to ensure a perfectly clean thread job.
3) Grease Baby! don't be afraid just use it, you will be glad wen comes time to take it apart,

The build.
we started with a Chris King headset followed by a Fox Float 36 and moved on to the drivetrain by installing a dual ring Saint crankset, E13 DRS chainguide, Sram 11-32 cassette, Shimano XTR rear derailleur and shifter, Sram chain and Avid Juicy carbon brakes for ultimate stopping power.
i wanted to keep this bike light and efficient so we used a set of Industry 9 enduro wheels on Maxxis minion tires, Thompson seatpost and stem, RaceFace atlas AM bars and good and evil grips.

the result was a 32 pounds, six inch travel machine that in my opinion can challenge a nomad any day.
but that had yet to be proven.

check out this video shot and edited by Brian Hunt 

First ride.
I guess i should admit that we don't know it all or learn as we go, because over the past few years i got to ride some serious bikes and we all have our preference when it comes to parts and stuff and wasn't sure about this bike until i got on it, now i better understand what people mean when they say i feel at home, it felt like putting on my favorite old jeans.

it toke some getting used to not getting out of the saddle coming from a hardtail i usually get of the saddle for the forward attack or a short climb, not need for any of that the Foes FXR.
Suspension.
there is something to be said about the curnutt shock Foes frame combo it creates a great pedal platform that feels very light well balanced and allows you to corners with confidence knowing the curnutt will sockup the terrain and even correct some of your mistakes, Brent seems to be ahead of our time considering this design will only evolve and get better i think we'll see more bikes with high volume shocks in the near future.

on the trail.
or should i say downhill, because after trying this bike we thought it can handle some big stuff so we went to a local dh course after swapping the wheels to a set DT Swiss EX 2200 enduro and surprisingly this bike can fly and take pretty big hits with ease we tested the foes on a rainy day so we had to deal with mud and even though the tires at times felt like road tires we never lost control, well balanced while on the air, handles rock gardens and big drops just like the big boys

climbed very well as long as you keep weight on the rear wheel, the brakes worked really well under most conditions even in muddy situations. 

to sum up the Foes FXR 2.1 is a trail bike with the heart of a cross country and the soul of a DH i won't call it a do it all but i will call it a do a lot bike that is very much fun to ride, if you are in to building your dream bike do not overlook this fine hand welded in the USA by Brent Foes piece of engineering. we liked the bike so much that it has become part of the product test rigs at ubiketv. for more of Brent bikes check out Foes