The GAUNTLET: To win the
GRAND prize, each of the top 9
Reality Redesigned contestants come face to face with our 7 Judges in The GAUNTLET video series. Here is the M-Slacker design, created by Oliver! This is the final video of the Reality Redesigned Judging videos. Stayed tuned NEXT WEEK to see the Edge Factor Crew unveil the top 3 winners LIVE at the RAPID event in Atlanta, Georgia!
DESCRIPTION: This is a strong lightweight frame made for downhillers and park riders that want to ride in the wet and hose their bikes down at the end of each day. For 8 dollars, you'll be able to replace your linkage bearings easily in a few minutes without taking anything apart and without using any special tools.
If you want to learn about the Reality Redesigned contest or The GAUNTLET, check out the intro video below...
But 1.Specialized would get on his ass
But 2.Chain clearance over the chainstay, even if chain would go over it, there would be a significant chain slap - should be more in line with BB-drop out, should look a bit more like... Specialized?
www.pinkbike.com/photo/7435049
Replacing frame bearings can often be a frustrating process. I think a lot of riders just suffer through pivot bearings that are/have worn/play/grind/creaks, and just replace them during the winter downtime. Being able to service bearings easily (without even having to remove the cranks) means frame pivot could become part of routine servicing to keep your bike tip top.
The headtube angle adjustment adds yet another element. I actually think that either the serviceable bearings or the adjustable angle on their own would have been worthy contender for this competition, but both these features in addition to a very usable looking frame concept makes this a truly great design.
Chainstayslap like Kona?
Big headtube weld - cheap but inferior to proper gusseting.
Commencal Headtube - no need for horizontal retaining bolt. Works without it. While it works fine - why not build the bike with a slack headangle to begin with. 1 degree of variability is not worth the machining nightmare. I set it once on my Commie and never touched it again.
This type of rear end usually flexes wildly, interfering with suspension action.
Norco crashes with Commencal crashes with Kona...