Descendence Bike Launch Preview

Aug 2, 2010 at 7:05
by Austen Tanney  
The 2011 bike reviews have kicked off with a bang with some of the big name companies stepping it up huge for the 2011 season. Tim Felton, the mastermind behind the Australian company Descendence Bikes has put his heart and soul into these creatures of metal, and the hard work looks to have finally paid off. Both his innovative and fresh outlook have lead to some high quality masterpieces being created which are sure to turn heads in 2011. Through countless hours of trial and error and expert machining it has led to a lightweight, super strong build with the added bonus of being 100% unique and handcrafted.

Pics and details inside,

Descendence Akuma
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-Weight: 9.5lbs w/o shock.

photo
-Replaceable Titanium Drop Outs

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-100% Craftsmanship

photo
-Annodised Bolts And Washers



Descendence 3point5
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-The 3point5 weighs an amazing 3.2lbs.

photo
-Authentic Steel Badging

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- 68 Degree Head Angle

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- Unique Seat Tube Gusset.

To put the coming release of the Descendence 3point5 into perspective it will become one of the world's lightest dirt jump frames at 3.2lbs compared to other high sellers such as the Giant STP at 4.7 lbs and the Banshee AMP at 4.4lbs. Tim Felton's artistic approach to frame designing has lead to a swift progression in Australian frame construction and all due to sheer determination and a passionate vision. Stay tuned for the official launch of the Descendence bike company late in 2010!

-Austen Tanney

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Member since Aug 27, 2008
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133 Comments
  • 20 1
 Yeowwww Tim! This man is a geinus and I am one satisfied customer!
  • 40 29
 wow are you kidding me, that stupid metal stencil thing is gona rip you up if you fall on it
  • 24 2
 the headtube ones allgood but i dont like the look of the one on the downtube. I'd just get some stickers. the quality of work looks amazing
  • 6 0
 why is there welding around the headtube cup section?
  • 4 0
 because they made it an integrated headset
  • 6 0
 All my bikes have intergrated headsets, and there all machined from a single peice. witch I would think would be much stronger?
  • 10 23
flag sam-davies (Aug 22, 2010 at 3:45) (Below Threshold)
 Almost as good as DoctorZ's frames...
  • 26 0
 where is the shock mount on the full sus?
  • 11 0
 The 3 point 5 looks OK but why if its a dj frame would you give it vertical dropouts instead of horizontal?
  • 8 2
 sam-davies you have to be joking? These are way better then DoctorZ's frames.
  • 12 2
 Is your sarcasm detector not working?
  • 18 1
 Sarcasm isn't the easiest thing to see on the internet.
  • 8 2
 It is when someone says a 50lbs iron bike is better then the lightest dirt jump frame available.
  • 2 19
flag DEgenerationX (Aug 22, 2010 at 6:37) (Below Threshold)
 the DJ frame looks good but that ''full suspension'' is fail at life...
  • 4 9
flag petermoosefat (Aug 22, 2010 at 7:12) (Below Threshold)
 they look nice but 3.2 pounds? cmon thats obviously not safe. If you actually plan on making a legit company youre going to have to plan ahead to all the people suing you because of your incompetence
  • 4 0
 x2. how does he make the lightest ht and his DH bike is pretty heavy by todays standards. that thing needs to wieght 9.5 lbs WITH shockto be competative
  • 5 15
flag kevex (Aug 22, 2010 at 8:30) (Below Threshold)
 This guy is the first man ever to make a full sus bike and forget to make a sock mount. Why would u do a article on this without the shock on it or at least showin where its mounted?
  • 7 4
 Hey kevex you abviously dont have a clue what you are talking about check out tims profile and you will see the where the shock mounts! And on that note this is a dude who works 40hr weeks and makes bikes for sheer enjoyment on the side!
  • 4 1
 soz!! aust take that back.just seen the pics of a fully made up bike. looks like one of the best full suser designs ive seen. just use to seeing the shock mount on the front triangle. liking the full set up Smile lol u should always read all the comments b4 posting ur 2cents on this site Blank Stare
  • 2 1
 if the big boys bring a simular design out in a few years we'll defo know its a beasty design. (yeah im talking to u trek,giant,kona,specialized!)
  • 1 0
 Yeah haha thats cool kev! Frames are super different an everyone gets to make up there mind if they like them or not. Keep on shredding man!
  • 2 1
 Ok, the hardtail is awsome, I would like to test it for a magazine i'm working for in the Netherlands. But I think the metal stencils have to go, no matter how beautifull, it's dangerous haha. And you may wan't to consider making a version with horizontal dropouts since every one is going with those at the moment, much stronger and rear der. has no use to many riders. But the overall image, impressed!!!!! the look is something I've not seen yet and it's totally great stuff! Go for it!
  • 1 4
 bike-person
rokor
BrownBomber
rexbikes
Colin994
CTfreerider6
ytu45
Blameitonus = faggets XD why did you guys down rate that ? Wink tell me the DJ frame looks great but what the helle happend for that ''fully'' xD
  • 2 0
 To all the people bitching and crying about stuff... like welded head tubes, www.descendence.com.au/?q=node/8
  • 6 1
 Also... to settle this weight talk on here... if you look on his website, HE SPECIFICALLY MENTIONS THE ULTRA LIGHT FRAMES ARE FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T ABUSE BIKES. IE, the low 3lb frame would be used for someone ultra smooth at dj-ing, or as a contest type bike. IE you would replace the frame every few seasons at most.

Give the bikes and the guy a chance to explain themselves before you shoot em down. By the looks of it he actually has some pretty decent stuff. It's a garage job, so if you have a hard on for only demo's and other botique shit... pass this on. If you want to support a rider just having fun building shit... check this guys stuff out.

Really dug your site bro. Nice to see a riders site actually legit and fresh unlike many other web designs. Simple, to the point, and absolutely blunt in all the typing. Hope things pan out for ya Smile


btw guys, have you ever though that he left the shock mount out because it would break patent laws? Smile looks very vpp ish to me Smile soo in other words since he is a 1 off for fun bike builder, he probably won't give a hoots about design limitations legally. Smile Just what I think. COuld be wrong. I'd do the same thing if I was a frame builder and wasn't planning on going into mass production.
  • 1 0
 nm mistaken by the shock mount. Wow that really caught me off guard... and with the linkage. Smile reminds me of a certain stainless frame i've been drooling off for awhile now.
  • 1 0
 doctorZ is a boss okay. dont be hating
  • 2 0
 The fullie is VPP(I know because he mentioned it in the frame building thread, and), it classifies as such by the links rotating in opposite directions. He has nothing to worry about of pattent laws for VPP is an american pattent... He just can't sell it in the US. It's the same as where Devinci couldn't sell their bikes with the Horste link in the US(so they just made a NON-Horste version for US sales)...
  • 2 0
 you know your stuff eh Razz
  • 2 0
 it is ideed not a VPP...no infringments there. it is however a shortlink four bar, so its essentially very similar. the term "VPP" actualy only patents the nme, not the system. the shorlink fourbar has been around for over a hundred years, in various iterations.
  • 1 0
 Banshee is 100% correct, the power to the VPP patent is the statement regarding counter rotating links. The patent has nothing to do with the length of swing arms.
  • 1 0
 The "VPP" patent sold to Santacruz Bicycles by Outland Bikes, reffers to the counter rotating links which cause the axle to move in an "S" patern(if one of the links was rotated a complete 360 degrees, the axle would trace a figure-8 ), as where the links on other systems that rotate in the same direction, for example DW-Link, if one of the links were rotated a full 360 degrees, the axle would trace a rough oval shape. These characteristics are what set the two formations appart and what determines if a system falls under the VPP patent or not.

I'm not dissing on your design or anything, the bike is great, but argue all you want... call up the us patent office and they'd tell you the same as I just explained...
  • 12 0
 hahahaha a blog about me Wink amazing!
  • 6 0
 congrats mad! Smile

stil waiting to see this build on the home-made-bikes thread Smile
  • 7 0
 madm3chanic, cheers to you for pursuing your vision and producing pieces of art with your own hands. Too many of the punters around here are so caught up in the "corporate lemming" syndrome to ever appreciate what kind of effort is represented here.
It gladdens me to see somebody trying to do something different for a change, and apparently succeeding.
Cheers.
  • 2 0
 fanks Smile its only to people like yourself that id ever cater, obviously the mainstream crowd wont accept steel frames. i like it that way Wink
  • 6 0
 that Akuma #1 prot is mine and it just rocks. tight, smooth, nimble all the shiney's. time felton, absolute magician.

have a look in my photos for a couple of the build pictures.
  • 4 0
 until i saw yours, i thought it was a slopestyle frame
  • 4 0
 Ha same, would make a good slopestyle frame, maybe with slightly different geo?
  • 1 0
 yer reminded me slighlty of the corsair konig. even though for saying this there are goin to be tons of people saying that im a complete retard and the geo is nothing like it
  • 7 2
 They are in desperate need of an industrial designer. Some things just look slapped on. The shapes and geo on the frames are beautiful, and I understand feeling like they are never "finished", but don't just throw junk on them. The seat tube and head tube gussets and emblems/logos need work. Invest in a good welder and designer. They look great, though.
  • 16 0
 hahaha thanks man, wow you sound like you are talking to a big company like giant or something. i make my frames singehandedly witout any budget...i am the designer, fabricator, welder, sticker fella, everything. there aint no loan or budget here, just me and my shed and my hands after i finish work all day and people who belive in me. remember that...
  • 7 0
 before i rode it i used to be able to spell too. sorry peeps
  • 7 0
 serious question. where does the shock mount to on the akuma?
  • 1 0
 thanks dude
  • 6 0
 DUDE! TIM!!!! YES!!!! hah, i wasn't aware of the fact that you were going big hahaha
  • 3 0
 Looks nice... surely the axle path on the DH bike would be mega vertical though? Plus the anti squat would be all over the place...

It's nice to see something original after the millions of linkage single pivots recently though aha
  • 3 0
 the frames look good, but i think its not gonna be very stiff. It´s steel, so it is more flexible than aluminium alloys used by most companies. Plus, the tube diameters must be smaller because of the weight, obviously. There it loses the stiffnes. Ain´t I right?
  • 2 0
 yes.... but not everyone wants a stiff bike. many people prefer steel over aluminum for that very reason. also. flexible is good for a bike to a certain point, it absorbs shock and last longer.
  • 1 0
 stiffness is a function mainly of tub diameter, not material. steel frames are generally concieved as being flexy due to the small diameter tubes used on the frames. ride the akuma, it certainly aint flexy- its rediculously stiff cause the chainstays are massive.
  • 1 0
 right..... for sure tube diameter makes a big difference in stiffness but material has to have more of a function of weather something is stiff or not. even two different types of steel are going to have a big difference in stiffness if you comparing one with a high carbon content to little carbon content.

i just thought aluminum is always stiffer because when an aluminum frame breaks its just " all of a sudden, where as a steel one - if your lucky - you can see a crack before complete failure, because its not as stiff, and more ductile... ?
  • 1 0
 dont confuse brittleness with stiffness...
  • 1 0
 ah right right, i just got confused with all the variables of comparing steel vs alum
  • 5 0
 I'm not going to pretend to know what to look for in a frame design, but I will say that these look nicely crafted and really interesting.
  • 4 0
 hmm...yeaaa..seeee?!?!
  • 4 0
 I for one like the idea of a light DJ frame - the lighter it is the easier it is to jump and the easier and quicker you can move it around and avoid crashes in the first place. Proactive versus reactive - you choose.
  • 3 0
 Definitley dude! Like the way you think! T whip a 10lb frame of 3lb I no which one im going with!
  • 3 0
 They both look pretty good Tim is no fool (well not all the time haha)& i think he is doing a great job with what he has got but he does need to get a decent welder & maybe look at his designs from a more engineering point of view alot of his frames have cracked or broken & the welds just don't look good same with the headtube welds thats just not on & this is a major weak point that will fail at some point there is a good reason why no other bike company does this hopefully i'm wrong & this never breaks as i would not like to be riding the bike if it does, keep working hard Tim i wish you all the best & good luck to you in the future with your frames & bikes you will make the perfect bike 1 day i'm sure!
  • 1 0
 hahahaha i like the name! you gotta be an aussie.
  • 1 0
 yep sure am & i can assure you i didn't vote for that fukwit like the majority of western australians did idiots vote green people! sorry to be harsh on the welding its just my observation thats all which is usually pretty poor anyway haha have you done any test on the headtube area? thats the only thing that concerns me other than that the Akumba looks great very nice looking frame best looking dually you've made so far well done it will be good to see someone racing 1 of these in the state rounds next year that will be the true test for the bike see how it copes with a full season of racing abuse on it good luck & all the best to you Tim can't wait to see this bike on the trails!
  • 1 0
 the cups are inserted with an interference fit over the headtube with 12mm of overlap- they're just an edge re-enforcer to stop ovalisation. cant really see em breakin in a hurry. the headtube itself continues all the way down into the re-enforcer.
  • 1 0
 yea cool if thats the case then yea you shouldn't have a problem with it in theory it should be stronger as i said my observation is poor haha nice design.
  • 2 0
 Just wow. To be able to make such nice bikes on your own in a shed is a massive achievement. They look beautiful, very well done! And to the few complainers: go build your own bike line and start a company on your own, i'd like to see you best this.
  • 3 0
 Not to add to the hate train, but at 3.2 pounds being made of thin chromo, theres no way that bike isn't extremely flexy. Its chromo so i doubt its gonna let go, but one over rotated 3 and your bikes gonna be crooked
  • 5 0
 Mate you gotta get these out there! Soooo sick!
  • 4 0
 The DJ bike looks sick, but i would rater trade some weight for better drop outs
  • 3 0
 dont think im a fan of a 3 piece head tube. unless you are the best tig welder ever it will surely be on of the weak spots of the bike.. look good tho great work.
  • 3 0
 What is the piece of metal for on the drive side stay on the Dh frame?
Some more information would be good too. Geometry, steel types etc.
No rear Maxle on the Dh frame?
  • 3 0
 This is just a preview into the bikes man Tim will be coming out with all of the frames geo and specs etc later this year
  • 3 0
 The piece of metal is a gusset for a bend in the tube. The steel on that model of Akuma is straight gauge 4130, but butted tubing is an option.
  • 4 0
 dont know what bit of metal to which you are refering...chainstay or seatstay? they're both just tubes, no excess anything.
this frame was entirely custom to graeme, the rider- the head angle of this frame was 65 degrees, chainstay length was 435mm, wheelbase 1165mm.

im about to make another, the head angle 64 degrees and otherwise all simillar. obviously the wheelbase etc is dependent on rider height.

this frame is plain guage 4130 cromolly steel with an extra heavy guage downtube, as graeme has previously sheered the headtube off a nicolai...my version (im only 65kg) will be triple butted cromolly and hopefully weigh less than 7lb complete frame.
  • 3 0
 I think he means the bit of metal I've circled here: www.pinkbike.com/photo/5521938
  • 3 1
 oh right that one- thats just cause the tube has a bend in it and its a stress riser because the tube is narrower on the bend, and somewhere on the swingarm is usually where a dual sus frame will fail, if its gonna.
  • 4 0
 with the right tool you can do the right job , awesome bike , and steel too
  • 4 0
 The frames look great. Keep on welding and learn from the best. Much respect.
  • 5 0
 Intergrate pivotal Seatpost ? on the second picture of The Descendence ??
  • 4 0
 i spotted that too
  • 1 0
 yeah thats my custom frame, its the only 3point5, or actually the only 26" i know of, that has an integrated seatpost. its amazing what you can get hooked up with if you write to the right people and ask nicely Smile
  • 5 0
 hand made Cro Mo mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm tasty
  • 4 0
 kinda gross welds compared to the high end bmx frames, also why not machine the head tube from one piece
  • 4 0
 I am glad someone understands the fact we cannot afford a new bike every month.
  • 4 0
 Thats sweet man fully built up!
  • 4 0
 For one guy to make these is a very impressive feat. Props.
  • 4 0
 madm3chanic wow !!man your doing some guys dream building his hown frames some they just cant see that but i do ,keep on the good work ,hope to see new stuff in the futur ,and il like to know will you try aluminum in the futur
  • 4 0
 Counter rotating linkage. Isn't that a major part of the VPP patent?
  • 4 0
 i was thinking the exact same thing.
  • 4 0
 :o holy shit where can i order one of theses frames?
  • 4 0
 These bikes are sick, and custom as anything,
  • 5 0
 looks the goods!
  • 3 0
 hell yes tim! excellent work!! One day ill get a custom rig, 6-8" worth of steel beauty
  • 4 1
 Neg props but each to there own...I think the 'Authentic' Badging looks a little tacky...
  • 4 0
 Cool looking frames but come on, 68 degree head angle for a dj bike?
  • 4 0
 you get any ht angle you want if you would bother to read.
  • 4 0
 how much is the estimated retail price on the DH frame??
  • 4 0
 vertical drop out on street frame ...
  • 2 0
 would everyine stop whinging about the dropouts for f*cks sake? i made the frames, obviously i could make it with verticals, it aint that hard! it was my personal frame, i wanted gears...just look at my pics, there's plenty with verticals.
  • 1 0
 I really like the look and style of these frames, dont take the comments personally, these guys bash anything with two wheels. BUT, take some of this as needed feedback- see what people like and what they dont- its important if you want to grow your buisness.
  • 1 0
 it also shows you that none of these kids can read anything longer than a text message.
  • 1 0
 hahaha i just love a good e-fight Wink
  • 3 0
 such sweet craftsmanship - hey Madmechanic, do you design your bikes or make bikes that your customers design?
  • 1 0
 i design my own. it'd be a bit difficult to make everything that people propose to me... Wink
  • 3 0
 this full supenssion frame looks good Wink
  • 3 0
 awesome job both frames look amazing
  • 3 0
 Cheers for the positive feedback mate!
  • 3 0
 Sweet write up ozzie!! Those frames look gnarly!
  • 3 0
 Thanks bro
  • 4 0
 such sick bikes!!
  • 4 0
 yea tim!
  • 3 0
 Is there a dealer for the bike company?
  • 4 0
 yeah man, me.
  • 3 0
 haha sweet, I'll give you a shout when I have enough money for that 3point5 Razz
  • 3 0
 6th pic down is my frame!!!! congrats tim!
  • 2 0
 Thats sooo sweeet
  • 4 0
 the fully is heavy!
  • 2 0
 the fully is heavy cos i asked for it to be heavy. i weigh 130kg and throw 50kg storage boxes around all day for a living, a little bit of weight doesnt bother me, i preffer strength in the frame.
  • 3 0
 Siiiiiick
  • 2 0
 If only it didn't have vertical dropouts.
  • 3 0
 my frames can be vertical, horizontal, 135, 150, 10mm, 12mm, QR, maxle...its all custom. heres one with horizontals- www.pinkbike.com/photo/4740942
  • 1 0
 That downtube looks sexy but for some reason it makes me think of a cheese grader
  • 3 0
 nice frames tup
  • 1 0
 3.2 Lbs for a steel frame? Sorry, but I'm doubtful - its pretty difficult to get an Aluminium frame that light!
  • 4 2
 AAHHHWWWW YAWN.
  • 1 0
 sick bikes!!!
  • 2 2
 welds look so ugly
  • 3 0
 and you probably think Intense have nice welds too mysticar Wink
  • 4 5
 3.2 lbs i dont think soo
  • 1 3
 looks shit
  • 8 0
 in fairness its better than what you are ridding now though
  • 4 0
 I've ridden the 3point5 frame and I can say that I was a bit nervous at first about dropping of a curb but I manned up and did it. It was so tense man! I'd say the frame was put under a lot of stress from this death-defying feat, but it held strong and lived to drop more curbs.
  • 2 0
 i dont know why some many people are complaining about the stencil lettering cutting you......a little file and sand paper and its perfect, unless your completely retarded, you should be fine.
  • 1 0
 I would never want somthing attached to my frame that could cut me. Sorry. Does look cool though.







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