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The Death Projects, LLC
custom bike builds
  • Home
  • The Bikes
  • The Blog
  • odds & ends
  • Custom builds
  • Shop

XC Death Project


A bike for her

Going soft-core for this one

This started as a gift for my Fiance' for Xmas in 2020.  Then became a bit of an experiment.  A budget-friendly, ish, build.  A good, but inexpensive frame, slightly oversized because I wanted to use the infamous "Jones Hbar" vs a standard handlebar.  Designed for both trail and gravel.  Road and path...


So here it is!  XC Death Project!  A mild off-road/XC/Trail bike, shorter travel, wider yet smoother tires, more upright relaxed position, good but not top-shelf parts...it's an experiment after all. 


The basis for it is a Nukeproof Scout275.  The frame is inexpensive but one of the best hardtails out there.  Now that the build is done, it's pretty epic!  Big tires, lightweight, great ergonomics with the Jones bar...can't wait to hit some trails!


the bike: nukeproof scout275 - xc death project

Nukeproof Scout 275

SRAM GX/NX Eagle Drivetrain

Nukeproof Scout 275

This is a 'trial build'.  As in "not sure she'll like it..." so wanted to keep it simple and, to be honest, cheap!  However...this turned out to be one hell of a bike/frame!  Great reviews and a great value!

MAXXIS rubber

SRAM GX/NX Eagle Drivetrain

Nukeproof Scout 275

I had Conti's on here first, but were super prone to puncture!  So switched to a more durable MAXXIS cased tire.  Forkaster front and Ardent Race rear.  Downsized to a 2.6 as well.  So far so good!

SRAM GX/NX Eagle Drivetrain

SRAM GX/NX Eagle Drivetrain

SRAM GX/NX Eagle Drivetrain

I was going to go NX...but with the add Shimano drive only I decide on GX...one thing let to another and...GX aside from the Crankarms. Go figure.

SRAM BB

HUNT Endurowide wheels

SRAM GX/NX Eagle Drivetrain

Keeping it even simpler and, well, less costly again, going with SRAM on the BB too.  Better fitment and about 1/2 the cost. But still nice stuff.

HUNT Endurowide wheels

HUNT Endurowide wheels

HUNT Endurowide wheels

Now on my third set of HUNT wheels!  I can't get away from them...cost, quality, looks...the best of the best!  And Endurowides for the HUGE 2.8" Conti's!

Magura MT4 Brakes

HUNT Endurowide wheels

HUNT Endurowide wheels

I was going to go with TRP's, but found these really inexpensive.  And once I use Magura MT7 Pro's AND TRP, these are amazing for the cost and use.


Nukeproof Headset

Unite Components Pedals

Unite Components Pedals

This is a semi-integrated piece and was in the frame when it arrived.  I just needed to put it together and mount the fork!

Unite Components Pedals

Unite Components Pedals

Unite Components Pedals

Big, flat and best of all made in Wales!  Love Unite, great price points and great products.

Jones H bar

Unite Components Pedals

Magura Storm 180/160 rotors

Yeah, this one is radical.  But I think the extra control of the Jones bar will be great for a newbie.  I love mine on my touring bike and had thought about it for MDP as well.

Magura Storm 180/160 rotors

Magura Storm 180/160 rotors

Magura Storm 180/160 rotors

Once again with Magura!  Great brakes, so far.  I haven't used them much on my Enduro Death Project as the weather has been not on my side, but they are wold class!

Manitou Machete 140mm fork

Magura Storm 180/160 rotors

Manitou Machete 140mm fork

To be honest, I bought this because it was very inexpensive. $500 shock for about $200.  Perfect for my needs, something decent but on a budget.

Wolftooth Seatpost clamp

Magura Storm 180/160 rotors

Manitou Machete 140mm fork

The frame came with a cheap quick release clamp.  I don't like those for 2 reasons: Theft and, well, it's a dropper post, so no need to do it manually!  Figured I'd replace it with one of these...as  I love Wolftooth!


Wolftooth Magura Dropper Trigger

Wolftooth Magura Dropper Trigger

Wolftooth Magura Dropper Trigger

This thing is pretty cool.  So much so I MAY just get it for my Enduro Death Project!  Just wanted to make more room and consolidate.  Works fantastic!

JRC Silicone wraps

Wolftooth Magura Dropper Trigger

Wolftooth Magura Dropper Trigger

I found these a last year and love them!  Simple protection that works very well.

SDG Saddle

Wolftooth Magura Dropper Trigger

Reaper mud guard

Saddles are always an issue, so we thought to try this one: SDG Allure.  Women-specific and super light!

Reaper mud guard

Louri Bike frame strap

Reaper mud guard

 I love Reaper stuff!  And it's reasonable, made in the UK and fits great...however, this Manitou fork is 'backwards' so the Reapers had to be modded to work. No worries.  McGuiver to the rescue!

Jones Bar Bag

Louri Bike frame strap

Louri Bike frame strap

 I'm one for clean MTB frames.  Just keep it simple.  This one is a no brainer for the Jones bar though!  Nicely stealth, perfect fit!  No brainer!

Louri Bike frame strap

Louri Bike frame strap

Louri Bike frame strap

I use these on all the bikes...because they work!


Xc death project: the build

Start Date: 1/4/2020

End Date: 1/24/2020

First ride: 1/27/2020 (down the front steps and around the block!)


Nukeproof Scout 275 frame-set

Hunt Endurowide wheelset

Manitou Machete 140mm fork

Nukeproof Semi-Integrated headset

SRAM DUB BB

GX Eagle Derailleur

NX Eagle Shifter

GX Eagle 1275 Cassette

GX Eagle Chain

NX Eagle DUB Crankset w/32t ring

MAXXIS Forkaster fr/Ardent Race rear 27.5 x 2.6"

Fox Transfer Dropper 150mm

Wolftooth Dropper Trigger (Magura mix)

Wolftooth Alloy Seat Post clamp (silver)

Jones H Bar 660mm (silver)

Jones Kraton grips (clear)

Spank 35mm stem

Magura MT4 2 piston brakes

Magura 180fr/160r rotors

Jagwire Pro Dropper cable

Jagwire Pro Shifter cable

Unite custom engraved alloy pedals

Unite Components Bashguard


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