My  '97 V-Rex24 got a major facelift over the winter, including a Flip-It stem, evo handlebar, and a nine speed, disc brake rear. Brazing was done by Matt Assenmacher of Assenmacher Cycles and the yellow was done by a local powdercoater. To make up for the slightly small drive wheel, my chainrings are 30/44/56. The 'Rex isn't as fast as my Baron; but it's a lot better for riding in mixed groups, and it climbs better, too.

I included a separate picture showing the details of the rear wheel. It is an XT disc hub and an Aeroheat ISO 507 rim, with a Vee Rubber 32x507 (24x1.25) tire. The disc brake is, as you can see, an Avid mechanical. I think Matt did a great job with the cable stops and the new sprint brace eyelets. The yellow is a real eye-catcher, and although I'm not certain, I think it makes the bike faster!

John Folz