made some progress and I'm super stoked on the outcome so far:
Getting there with the hardware. This is probably the part i underestimated the most. even if it is just a small spacer ring or something, everything needs to be done and everything takes time.
Also got the first carbon moulds done. started with the seatstays to test material compatibility as i used some new things i haven't used before. everything worked out really nicely and I'm ready for the front triangle. Still need to make some more inserts and things like that, but one thing at a time.
If you're interested there is a full picture series on the mould construction from printed plug to finished mould in my album. And don't hesitate to shoot me a message if you're interested in additional information. I'll try not to spam too much in this thread.
Why'd you choose to use CF for the molds and not go with fiberglass since it'd be way cheaper?
thermal expansion. I think it is mostly good practice i might have gotten away with it, but didn't wanna take the risks. And carbon is expensive, but the material cost is maybe 300$ or so for the mould of the front triangle, which is not cheap, but with the cost of resin and work hours in it just not worth experimenting either.
First ride was a two day enduro race in the north of France, wat a way to test the bike!
The bike performed with no issues, could not find a thing that needs to be changed. Tires were too light for the terrain so grip was not the best and got a puncture but the suspension an geometry worked great!
I truly spared no expense. I bet it'll be the only bike on the trails with actual hot rods parts on it.
That is such a good question. I've been pondering it all damn day. How do I distill such a colossal list of f*ck ups down to a single, teachable moment? I know you stipulated OTHER than starting the whole project, but....starting the whole project.
I don't know how much of my crap you've watched (sorry if it was any) but I've only ever made one frame before. And it was a hardtail. My only suspension bike experience ever has been 4 laps at angel fire bike park on a rented Commencal. I don't know what I'm doing. I have made mistakes everywhere. In the design, in the modeling, in the parts ordering, in the jig assembly, in Every. Single. Step. of the fabrication. I made a ton of mistakes in the way I reacted to shit not going the way I wanted. I've remade the seatpost twice, each set of stays twice, the connect-y bit between the chainstays 3 times, the linkage 3 times and the main pivot twice, and I guarantee I'm not done making mistakes. BUT! Every time I learned what didn't work in that case, and as long as I can learn something from the experience, it was worth having.
Some lightbulb guy said something about having never failed, just finding 10,000 ways that don't work. I'm learning a lot of ways to not build a bike. Shit, I don't know. The whole thing. Just pulling the trigger on the project has been what allowed all of those other learning moments to happen and it's really been the mistake that has taught me the most.
Or, make sure your shield gas is on. I'll let you pick
As much as I hate using the term epic, I have to say that that frame…..is epic
Love it
Thank you so much. I'm really trying to reserve judgement until I know if it's gonna, you know, work, but I am very pleased with how it looks. I got it tacked together enough that it stays together out of the jig and I couldn't resist a picture...
As much as I hate using the term epic, I have to say that that frame…..is epic
Love it
Thank you so much. I'm really trying to reserve judgement until I know if it's gonna, you know, work, but I am very pleased with how it looks. I got it tacked together enough that it stays together out of the jig and I couldn't resist a picture...
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