Words: 77designz
It all started with a passion project of our mother company 77designz. We wanted to build an enduro bike that delivers uncompromised performance. No market studies, no marketing bull shit, only serious engineering straight to the point of making the fastest enduro bike we can imagine.
The goal was to design an enduro race bike that climbs like an all-mountain bike(high anti-squat, steep seat tube angle) but descends like a downhill bike (rearward travel, no pedal kickback, long and slack, low BB). In order to achieve the highest performance, we knew that we need to go down the high pivot point road. There was one thing bothering us with that and it was the high anti-rise that usually comes along with high pivot point bikes.
We wanted a bike that conserves the geometry and offers enough traction under braking and also has massive support under pedaling but no pedal kickback. As soon as we figured how we had to design the kinematics in order to keep the anti-rise low (80%) we were ready to get the party started.
For a little more on the backstory, check out our first three articles on developing, manufacturing, and testing the bike up to this point.
The Kavenz VHP16
We designed with the rule of simplicity in mind. Straight lines no unnecessary weight or shape. We believe round and straight tubes still do the best job in terms of stiffness too weight ratios and also they hold strong against impacts.
Testing the first prototype in Squamish / BC
After one year on the prototypes and many exited people who tried the bike, we decided to improve the design towards a production-ready product and go the route of becoming a bike brand. The name we choose, 'KAVENZ' originates from the German word Kaventsmann which means 'Monster Wave' or strong and reliable person in our local slang (Masemate). As we are proudly going to weld the frame with bespoke geometry options in Germany, we found that the name suits us well.
Assembly:
The bearings are oversized and secured with retaining rings.
The idler pulley is where the magic happens.
Super clean yoke with almost no surface for the mud to stick.
Simpicity at it´s best - KAVENZ VHP 16
We are not ready to launch yet as there are still some steps to take. We have a lab test where we want to achieve Category 5 (DH Level) certification and some tuning camps so we can deliver the frame with perfectly tuned suspension. If things go smooth, we plan to accept orders in autumn and deliver the first frames in early spring (first come first serve). For us as a small brand, this is a big step up of our game so every step has to be taken carefully in order to deliver a perfect product on time. We also take encouragement from all of your positive comments here. Thanks for your love, it definitely keeps us going and is what pushed us to become a bike brand.
MENTIONS: @Giacomo77
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124 Comments
And that fiasco is still fresh in my mind.
Hey PINKBIKE why don't you tell everyone how the Sick bicycles story ended for their customers?
You gave them a platform to lie on multiple occasions and reign in more suckers. So let's wrap that story up.
Final tally = 0 marketing points. You're in the clear, 77!
Agreed I found my mistake
What I wanted to say in the article is = No Marketing BS Kinematic which looks new but has nothing new to offer, and it´s only purpose is to sell the bikes easier to the customer because of its unique selling point which does not make it a better bike.
I like the bike and I dig what they are doing. I also really like their "simplistic" approach. I hate overly complicated things, especially with bikes. I was just making up some marketing bullshit. You know, sarcasm.
If I can I would advise you to try with the raw frames in order to highlight the welds that seem to me very good, moreover even if I am not mechanically exposed I would try to work the central block differently in order to eliminate the vertical welding, maybe doing it as a CNC by welding it later the bearing housing.
Take care of the accuracy of the alignments and pay attention to the details, add a description of the geometry and kinematic characteristics and you are fine.
Good luck, good is how you create something not simply buying it already made in asia.
We know that the riders we are targeting with this bike need a chain guide and a crash plate.
You can see it here: www.instagram.com/p/BjxifqyhMvv
Frame looks really nice.
Check this video and you´ll understand it better: www.instagram.com/p/BjdppQrBB8J
I’d hit it.
Need to see the Geo numbers to see if it’s avente grade enough
People will only be letting themselves down if they don't buy one. I'm not an employee nor do I get paid for my comments. Just a fan.
By the way: thank you guys a lot for sharing this project with us. I really like the result and your explanations really helped me with my own Frame build!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhbrR4-Z5fw
Only the seattube angle changed to 77,5°
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