Reality Redesigned: The GAUNTLET Ep3: DF-350 by EdgeFactor

+ 59

almightybenners (May 4, 2012 at 2:50)

Sorry, but this was by far the most thought out frame design, it has a decent model and the designer posted videos explaining how everything worked.
How can someone have issues with external cable routing? its got to be over 95% of bike made today still have external cable routing.
Also mike montgomery's comments were dumb why even bother to include them in the video, of course its going to be similar to other downhill race bikes they are all designed to do the same thing.

If they picked this many holes in this design I cant wait to see how they react to the 'design' that won.

+ 3

Potok (May 4, 2012 at 4:13)

totally agree

+ 15

freelifenride (May 4, 2012 at 5:08)

the whole thing seems stupid. this one should of won it, very well thought out.

+ 8

jas231 (May 4, 2012 at 5:26)

i agree as well thats one of the better designs i have seen

+ 11

taletotell (May 4, 2012 at 5:41)

It makes no sense that they would bring up the bearings. Wouldn't that be worked out during the prototyping process? It seems like they knitpick stuff as though it was a finished product, not a design waiting to get some venture capital so they could get it off the ground. From the positives I heard someone should be calling him about buying his design right now. Also, if the top tube didn't look like an intense tube and the seat stay didn't look so devinci-like then the pro rider wouldn't even have thought it was a mix of other designs.

+ 5

Downhill-Christy (May 4, 2012 at 7:05)

The problem with this is that they need to pick faults to be highlighted on the video amongst the other pros to give a balanced argument. But most of these faults are ones that only really come out during testing, so they can only make assumptions... And to top it all off, Mike's comments are just a bit simple and he's obviously just been drafted in for the 'cool factor'. Christy

+ 13

EdgeFactor (May 4, 2012 at 10:36)

Hey @freelifenride,
You don't know if he won or not.. The People's Choice Award is COMPLETELY separate from The GAUNTLET. The People's Choice Award is over. There are three winners in The GAUNTLET - check out the prizes here:
www.pinkbike.com/sandbox/edgefactorcontest/prizes

This is episode 3 out of 9. We have 9 top designs that we will show what the Judges have to say. Then, in a final wrap up video, we will reveal who the top 3 winners are Smile

If you want to see more info on Reality Redesigned, here's the link:
www.pinkbike.com/sandbox/edgefactorcontest

Thanks guys!
- Larissa from Edge Factor

+ 5

aleksulmer (May 4, 2012 at 10:47)

Agreed, agreed, agreed. All great points. Bearings & external cable routing are unnecessary things to bring up at this stage... are they forgetting it's a CONTEST? The goal is to decide through analysis and feedback, who has the best design, whether it be for practical overall application, or a specific target, like this downhill frame.

And seriously, Mike's comments could not be more retarded. He is unneeded as a judge here...
"I would definitely probably ride it"
"people will buy it cause people will buy anything"
"pretty cool even though it's a mix of different designs"
Whatever Mike.

+ 4

syncro (May 4, 2012 at 13:12)

Mike's comments are useless cuz for him to say it's a great design would be saying that this might be better than the bike he rides... Mike's bike sponsor would not like this.

+ 2

radrider (May 4, 2012 at 14:18)

so much stress going on those rear bearings

+ 3

Bowen1911 (May 4, 2012 at 21:51)

^That. Some FEA would be nice. the rear linkage is a great idea. I vote this one for the win

+ 1

Daire (May 25, 2012 at 16:45)

Just spotted Canyon are using a 4 position chip very similar to this on their new Torque FXs www.bikerumor.com/2011/09/05/2012-canyon-bicycles-new-29ers-ltd-edition-alloy-road-bike-proto-tt-bike-suspension-road-seatpost

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+ 14

dugglesthemuddled (May 4, 2012 at 5:30)

The frame design has a lot of pivots yes, so would be high maintenance but what is there really to say about the bearings apart from they are press fitted in and spaced with washers?

The cable routing comment is ridiculous would could achieve extremely good cable routing on this frame.

One of the best suspension designs I have seen in ages if im honest.

Steber should realize that superior suspension performance is going to outclass a low friction drive-train every time on a downhill bike.

Not only the winner in my eyes, but the only design worth pursuing in this whole contest

+ 1

baca262 (May 4, 2012 at 16:31)

the only complex design that makes sense but plagued by manufacturing tolerance issues (it can be made easily but it would cost a shitload of $$$). imagine if rockshox factory made this, they would turn out worse that the evil revolt/undead disaster lol

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+ 12

drbelleville Plus (May 4, 2012 at 4:11)

It would have been awesome if some one (a manufacturer) would step up and just build a test frame of this design! Then let them (the judges that can ride) critique the design first, after that give the frame a go and see what they have to say? Love the design myself, thats about all the judging I need to do.

+ 1

taletotell (May 4, 2012 at 5:42)

yeah the engineers and machinists can pick at the design, then the rides an pick at the prototype.

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+ 7

rustybones (May 4, 2012 at 1:34)

I want that mini model for my wee boy! Big Grin

Oh and shame Intense can't seem to make a straight frame that don't snap since 1996...

+ 7

rustybones (May 4, 2012 at 1:36)

"People will buy it coz people will buy anything".. Holy shit. Inspired.

- 1

cholla (May 4, 2012 at 6:20)

and Apple gen proof this theory already ....BTW he was the only guy saying the true in the video

+ 0

downhillnirvana (May 4, 2012 at 10:06)

the slight bend on the down tube of the M9 outlines a cradled monocoque section that supports the rear half of the main frame and shortens the length of the front triangle, creating a very stiff and strong construction. People truly will buy anything however, proven by the masses continuing to buy Sundays and Revolts after massive amounts of failures due to over stressed areas or production errors.

+ 1

NoSkidMarks (May 5, 2012 at 0:01)

There's a hell of a lot of Sundays still out there getting thrashed. Don't think I've ever seen a cracked one(not been looking out but).

+ 0

rustybones (May 5, 2012 at 0:46)

I'm not talking about the 'slight bend in the top tube' you fool. I'm talking about frames that are welded on the piss, out of whack, don't line up! And a shocking record of cracking and snapping. I'm one of the people riding a Sunday. I've had it for 6 years and it's still straight as an arrow and going strong... Play in the rear triangle bearing points? Yup. Welded on the piss and cracked? Nope... And of course people will buy anything. It's an empty and pointless statement supposed to sound profound... Like people will eat anything. Sure they'll buy anything but if it turns out to be a piece of shit, badly made and breaks?? Word gets out and they don't buy it no mo...

+ 0

NoSkidMarks (May 5, 2012 at 2:00)

Can you make more sense with your posts, especially if your going to be a smart arse and call people a "fool". I just said I've not seen any cracked Sundays. I didn't elude to anything else, FOOL!

+ 2

NoSkidMarks (May 5, 2012 at 7:54)

Whoops, remove my fool. I'm a fool, I confused you Rusty B for DHnervana. I realized what you meant by bent Intenses, every one I've seen is.

+ 1

rustybones (May 6, 2012 at 1:39)

No worries geezer. I should have marked mine @dhnirvana!

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+ 7

SkrauseDown (May 4, 2012 at 0:30)

Yes, finally the one I wanted to see! Looks excellent.

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+ 3

summit800 (May 4, 2012 at 5:52)

this show is failing me every time i see these stupid updates. only guy who knows anything is the Intense guys. the rest of the people sound like they haven't really ridden a bike. Mike's comments are useless.

+ 1

summit800 (May 4, 2012 at 5:58)

sounds like you guys already chose a winner from the start and now you are formulating reasoning behind why all the other projects will not work. sounds bias due to the fact of the true cost that your show would have to invest in order to produce 1:1 scale prototype frame would be unattainable.

- 1

betsie Plus (May 4, 2012 at 10:42)

The comments from the Intense guys were not that great from an engineering stand point.

+ 5

EdgeFactor (May 4, 2012 at 10:42)

Hi summit800,

It takes going over and over a design to perfect it. There are always going to be changes and innovations that can be made. Daniel, the designer of the DF-350 did a really awesome job on his frame. Fantastic actually.. that's why he made it to the top 9. But we all know it's a great design. We could talk all day about it.. but why not take the opportunity to show what needs improvement so that he can improve it to make it the best it can be?
The Intense guys are super smart, definitely. As are the other Judges. Each of the Judges are looking at different aspects of the design. For instance, Marie from SolidWorks zones in on the CAD designs, JoAnn focuses on how the design solves a problem and the innovation behind it... etc.
Hope that clears things up a bit.

-Larissa from Edge Factor

+ 5

summit800 (May 4, 2012 at 11:11)

your to nice man, i was expecting a beat down, no harsh feels just have big expectations, your top selection better make me cream my pants.

+ 3

NoSkidMarks (May 5, 2012 at 0:07)

The Intense guys talked more crap than anything. "Don't know about idler designs? What sort of idiot that designs bikes wouldn't look at all design possibilities. Dismissing an idler due to inefficiencies LOL, a correctly placed idler could offer better pedaling characteristics than an M9 has.. and machining the bottom bit out of a solid chunk, off on a tangent, who said it had to be a solid chunk, way to create a negative.
Sorry, I'm a bit heated after watching that vid. What an injustice.

+ 2

i-ride-bicycles (May 5, 2012 at 19:30)

Agree fully with NSM. This "contest" is just dumb. Mike is an amazing rider, but doesn't know sh*t about bikes beyond riding them. That goes for many pros, especially pros in the "freestyle" element where improvement doesn't include gathering and analyzing data. Jeff's comments were just sad, I expected a lot more from an engineer. "this needs more development and probably a few iterations"...no sh*t, it's also the only entry in the contest which required actual thought and innovation.

For this to hold any legitimacy, the judges would need to be innovative designers/engineers, a pro who may actually ride the bike for its intended use, and some frame builder who does small scale manufacturing to provide input on cost reduction/manufacturability.

Sure, it's not ready, but C-C mentioned he didn't have enough time to finish it. However, the kinematics are there. I'd love to ride this back to back with my Jedi. It's nice to see some real thought put into suspension designs.

+ 1

NoSkidMarks (May 6, 2012 at 1:06)

People with vested interests in promoting their own designs should not be on the panel of judges. Can't wait to see what Intense have to say about the gearbox bike. " More talk of inefficiency with out mentioning that it's more efficient as you can get in the right gear any time anywhere on a track and every time in a split second. Not to mention the benefits to suspension having way less unsprung weight, but that will be ignored or dismissed also. Same with reliability.

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+ 5

chazdog (May 4, 2012 at 8:23)

looks real though out, the first proper bit of design i've seen in this contest.

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+ 5

matty420 (May 4, 2012 at 6:15)

Such a sick design lf this frame was out id buy one definatly a winner in my mind

+ 1

NoSkidMarks (May 5, 2012 at 0:07)

Probably, LOL.

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+ 6

sethius (May 4, 2012 at 4:08)

should win, no doubt about, loving the rear floating mount dropouts.

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+ 6

marzocchi170 (May 4, 2012 at 0:51)

very nice!

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+ 1

brendan-likes-wheelies (May 6, 2012 at 2:43)

I reafinishlly think they chose bad judges and It was a silly mistake making them all american. Wtf is with the woman 'internal routing would be nice' Its a design not a finished product the pro rider isn't even a Dh rider and the intense guy seems quite silly with his comments 'I don't know much about high pivots' what would have been good is if the got a big manufacture on board to asess its manufacture ability kie shimano.:-)

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+ 1

Honus (May 4, 2012 at 19:26)

I think what they meant about the bearings is exactly how the pivots are constructed- it would be good to show cross sections of all the bearing pivots. Detail design can really make or break a bike in terms of mass production.

+ 2

crazy-canuck (May 4, 2012 at 19:35)

There is no detail or serious design work in the bearings or pivots yet. It was actually stating in my submission that I simply ran out of time to do everything. Was more concerned about getting the suspension dynamics just right for the contest than sizing bearings and pivots. Hopefully that was the way to go for the judges.

+ 2

Honus (May 4, 2012 at 20:36)

You definitely made the right call then in explaining how everything works and getting the overall design refined- it's very well thought out in that regard.

The only real area of concern I would have is the bearing pivot design, especially in the seatstay area as that link is really the key to the concept working. If it isn't able to be manufactured properly then the suspension will bind- that's why I say showing a pivot cross section through that joint (preferably dimensioned with manufacturing tolerances) would show the judges the degree to which the design was thought out.

I do hope you continue to develop your design and work out all the construction details (no matter the outcome of the contest) as it appears there is a significant amount of interest in it. Smile

+ 2

crazy-canuck (May 4, 2012 at 21:11)

Thanks for the reply, I know what you are talking about in reaching manufacturable tolerances. At the connecting rode it should not be a big issue once the design is refined. The real tolerance issue is actually going to be between the BB and the lowest pivot right next to it. It may require moving the pivot, which would mean completely refining the suspension again, but I will do what it takes. Cheers!

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+ 6

superbikes (May 4, 2012 at 0:37)

Very nice

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+ 5

themountain (May 4, 2012 at 2:55)

Thats one slick construction...really like it!

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+ 0

betsie Plus (May 4, 2012 at 10:40)

I like the fact that it looks like the designer has thought of things beyond Intense cycles limited resource being a small company. For intense to pick fault in price of materials with their drop outs is laughable. It is often the case that people outside of the box can think of things more readily than those inside the box.

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+ 2

bikesrlame (May 4, 2012 at 13:02)

i liked this framw back in 1992 when gt called it a rocker link, and the flip chip was cool when it showed up several years ago on the treek dh rig

+ 1

crazy-canuck (May 4, 2012 at 14:08)

Can you link a picture to the DH bike, would live to see it.

+ 2

Honus (May 4, 2012 at 20:57)

I think he's thinking of the GT RTS. The Sunn Radical Plus was somewhat similar as well in that they were both high pivots with rocker links. Both of those bikes are functionally very different to your design.

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+ 3

Ulysees (May 4, 2012 at 4:44)

Too-many pivots and bearings, stacking-tolerance issues will make this a frame cost of 5-thou, DW-Link is better.

+ 0

Ulysees (May 4, 2012 at 4:45)

16 bearing locations?

+ 0

baca262 (May 4, 2012 at 16:29)

exactly what i said. singlepivot + floating brake mount would be so much cheaper and easier to make while accomplishing the same thing.

+ 1

i-ride-bicycles (May 5, 2012 at 19:45)

Single pivot + floating brake would not accomplish the same thing, and why would you bother with the hundred other single pivot bikes around. This is a contest about innovation,

@U, since a prototype has never been built, you have no idea of the final price nor how the tolerances would affect it. I love my DW trailbike, but you can't say it's better having never even sat on this bike.

+ 1

baca262 (May 6, 2012 at 7:22)

yes it would you tool. i would explain but since you say it wouldn't, there's no point in arguing when you don't get it.

+ 2

crazy-canuck (May 6, 2012 at 13:19)

I understand what you are saying baca262, and in terms of pure dynamics you are almost right. But by having the back end float I can put the idler pulley lower allowing it to avoid the main pivot. Also the added braces will increase the sriffness. Finally in my personal experience floating brakes are not always the most reliable, but that could likely be changed.

+ 1

baca262 (May 6, 2012 at 14:09)

i see what you were aiming for. maybe you could omit that linkage in the back by mounting the caliper on the chainstay (wilson) but idk how the chainstay moves exactly. if that's possible (wouldn't cause brake jack like some of the lawwill designs), you could have a single pivot on the seatstay and avoid the fsr/split pivot patent trolling, also it would be much easier to make.

+ 2

crazy-canuck (May 6, 2012 at 16:24)

I see what you are saying, and I tried well over 50 rough variations of 4 bar ideas to get this. It can almost be done, but the center of gravity will not be nearly as low. If I do it the Wilson way, it does not compensate enough for the high pivot and short chain stays, not to mention this contest wanted something new Wink

.
Another thing about this 6 bar design is that I can modify it to give me almost any leverage ratio I like without it having a negative effect on the braking forces (not an adjustment but a different geometry of the linkage).

+ 1

baca262 (May 6, 2012 at 17:28)

well, good luck with it, i would really like to see it get built, hopefully the manufacturing cost won't be prohibitive. it sure as hell should ride nicely.

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+ 2

riley-blott (May 4, 2012 at 14:17)

This design is awesome, definitely should have won the contest.

I also like how he compared it to the Banshee Legend and Glory...cause those are two Solid bikes Smile

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+ 0

doctorz (May 5, 2012 at 10:06)

my comments got deleted fuck this shit its just the same shit as i told before nothing new, even symbiosis back in the days and thats like 17 years ago , had the same idea, changing one location of a pivot does not change the fact its a copy of an old idea, think harder about new stuff i aint gonna praise this product or glorfied copycat thats why i quit the business

+ 2

crazy-canuck (May 5, 2012 at 16:48)

Can you provide a link to what you are talking about? I am curious, but The two you mentioned earlier were just single pivots...

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+ 3

Grevil89 (May 4, 2012 at 1:27)

'I would probably definitely ride it'. Geez, seriously?

- 1

taletotell (May 4, 2012 at 5:42)

maybe he would ride anything. . .

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+ 1

philshep (May 4, 2012 at 10:40)

With the technology of 3d printing nowadays, that scale model could have been 'printed' as an assembly with the ability to actually move the swingarm!

+ 1

husabergforce (May 5, 2012 at 18:40)

Yeah I was wondering why they didn't go that extra step

+ 3

BeantownKiwi (May 7, 2012 at 6:00)

As the model maker for this contest I really wanted to do just that, especially for this design. Unfortunately this was a bit of a side project outside of my regular work at 3D Systems I just didn't get the time Frown

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+ 2

davidt (May 4, 2012 at 10:21)

What camera is that @ 6:53 on the low right hand corner....

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+ 2

baca262 (May 4, 2012 at 16:33)

ohai larissa.

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+ 1

spaced (May 29, 2012 at 9:56)

The chainstay is much too long for such a rearward bike.

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- 1

Caiokv (May 4, 2012 at 9:22)

WTF was Mike Montgomery doing there?

I saw him pretty much like this on the video:

icetothebrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/i-have-no-idea-what-im-doing.jpeg

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+ 0

caste1200 (May 4, 2012 at 9:06)

mike is not a downhill racer......

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+ 0

mate44 (May 4, 2012 at 9:30)

The lower link looks a bit to low and exposed

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- 2

Monsterdon (May 4, 2012 at 15:57)

one problem. if it has a 75% rearward axle path wouldn't that mean it has about 150mm of chain stretch?

+ 2

baca262 (May 4, 2012 at 16:33)

hint idler hint

+ 2

i-ride-bicycles (May 5, 2012 at 19:40)

to make this as simple as possible, no. 75% of the time the axle is moving in it's travel it is moving vertical with a slight rearward path. It does not mean the axle moves backwards the way you cock a pistol.

+ 1

baca262 (May 6, 2012 at 7:22)

go take a look at the axle path graph.

+ 2

crazy-canuck (May 6, 2012 at 13:12)

The axel path graph is magnified in the x value to show the path better. Although it is significant rearward travel, it is a small amount compared to the vertical travel. 30mm back, 208mm vertical

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- 2

viatch (May 4, 2012 at 18:23)

absolute devinci ripoff, im surprised these guys havent been sued and in kail yet.

+ 1

crazy-canuck (May 4, 2012 at 19:02)

It's not at all the same. Devinci uses a split pivot 4 bar design with a pivot concentric to the rear axel. My design is a 6 bar that keeps the wheel mount level throughout its travel. Take a look at my video description posted in a link in the article.

- 2

viatch (May 4, 2012 at 21:04)

but they got the idea off of devinci, i dont what kind of suspension gimmicks these guys are using. take a look at the new wilsons and this one and TELL ME they do not look alike.

+ 3

crazy-canuck (May 4, 2012 at 21:16)

Take a look at a Norco Aurum and a Trek session 88. They look alike. Yet are two very different bikes, with different suspension platforms. As a matter of fact, the differences between this design and that of the devinci is significantly greater than that of the Aurum vs the Session 88. If you take more than a quick glance you will see that the DF-350 is very different and something new to the bike industry all together.

+ 2

NoSkidMarks (May 4, 2012 at 23:58)

The Divinci is just a rip off too.
Save your breath Crazy C, you're trying to get a blind person to see something.
Great design, you must be bummed seeing what idiots the judges are. What a load of crap. Intense aren't going to rave about high pivots because they don't sell them, and Palmers bike is totally irrelevant to the M9 let alone the DF-350. Who the hell are all the other clowns, only the guy with the model had anything logical to say. Who was the woman? What does she know, and why was only the bottom button undone on her young assistants top dang it.
Cable guides, how trivial.
As for "definitely probably" ha ha, then quoted as "probably definitely" ha ha ha, what the ....
Hope this bike sees the light of day. Interesting design.
Good luck with it in such a fickle messed up industry of lies and mistruths. A bunch of school kids probably could've come up with better comments.

+ 1

stever (May 29, 2012 at 8:43)

@NSM - Too true, too true. Steber's comments were a joke. You could almost see fear in his eyes, like he was looking at an awesome frame that wasn't his, and didn't want to acknowlege it. And for Montgomery, well, what do you expect? The guy's obviously not a pro rider because of his intellect, grammar and vocabulary. Probably definitely? Hahahaha. And to say the frame isn't original? Really? And he's an expect on the history of mountain bike suspension frame development? While a high pivot and idler may not be original, they're usually used in single-pivot designs. Only thing comparable is the Canfield Jedi, but, it doesn't incorporate a floating dropout, so ya, this is essentially a completely original bike, in that it incorporates various elements that haven't previously been incorporated into a single suspension design, as well as bringing in unique elements, like the floating dropout, which to my knowledge, is pretty original.

+ 0

spaced (May 29, 2012 at 9:59)

Way to go tinfoil on us. Imho the frame still needs work. It's a nice design but there are a few non SP idler bikes (ghost for example) and I also wonder about rear end weight. Will it nullify the benefits or a really rearward path because of a ton of unsprung weight.

It's a nice idea but it's not reason to bash other people for not liking it 100%.

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Reality Redesigned: The GAUNTLET Ep3: DF-350

90 Comments