BikeBiz

FRAMES: The bicycle framework

Ison Ison carries a wide variety of frames, forks, braking and gearing from a variety of reputable brands.

Surly manufactures a fixie favourite track cog, available in sizes ranging from 13 to 22 tooth. The unit is manufactured from CNCed cro-mo and then strengthened with a wear resistant 4041 material making it super-durable. The cog is ISO threaded (1.375x24Tpi) and fits both 3/32 or 1/8" chain sizes.

The continually in-demand Identiti frames now include the improved purple P66. The frame has a modern ultra-clean BMX frame styling, together with an adjustable dropout system.

In keeping with its ultra-clean street frame styling, this Maz designed frame also features an internal downtube/headtube gusset and also utilises a 'Campy type' integrated headset with optional gyro tabs.

The frame is made from heat-treated TAF 4130 steel and offers a diverse range of compatible cranks. Retail price is £275.

Windwave In stock now at Windwave, the Corsair Konig is a hard-core play bike for slope style and bike park use, offering 130mm of rear wheel travel.

The Konig is a single pivot suspension design with two links connecting the mainframe and the rear swing arm to help stiffen up the back end. Each frame comes complete with a zero degree headset with the option of a plus or minus one degree headset enabling the frame to be tailored to a specific length fork or personal preference.

The frame is available in regular or long sizes and in white or orange. A Roco Air R shock, headset, seat clamp and 12mm maxle are supplied as standard all for a retail price of £1349.95.

Also from the distributor, the Marzocchi portfolio has always offered great entry-level suspension forks. New for 2009, 22 models are packed with user-friendly features, including an adjustable rebound damper. Two travel versions are available –100mm or 120mm – while both versions are coil sprung and are adjustable via a mechanical preload.

Hot Wheels Snafu is making headlines again. The brand has joined the increasing number of BMX manufacturers talking about entering the track arena and, come March, the complete aftermarket range will be shipping around the world.

Snafu’s focus going into 2009 has been on slimming product down to ‘ultra light’ weights –which is why the brand’s forks and sprockets are both dubbed simply ‘Ultra Light’.

The fork is machined from Japanese 4130 chromoly and double-butted, then tapered for bolstered strength. The one-piece steerer tube is rifle- butted and accommodates a hollow alloy headset tension bolt. The 10mm while the unit weighs 887g and comes in black, blue, white, mag and orange.

Sharing the ‘Ultra Light’ name, the sprocket is machined from solid CNC machined 7075 alloy and etched with logos. Sized from 25 to 39-tooth they’re in black, gold, silver and red.

Madison Many of the frames found on the Genesis completes are available to buy individually. The Altitude 853, Altitude Ti, iO Singlespeed and burly Alpitude are also available for those wanting to go down the custom-build route. The Alpitude is the no-nonsense trail goat, the hooligan in the range. Constructed from Reynolds 853 with geometry suited to 140mm forks, the Alpitude climbs as well as it descends.

Also from Madison, Cervelo offers the only alloy frameset in the range for £880.84. According to Cervélo, this is the cheapest route to riding a real ProTour frame.

In terms of braking and gearing, Shimano offers a whole bucketload of innovative new gear this year. One of the highlights is the wallet-friendly Shimano BR-M575 hydraulic brakes, for £48.93. The new BL-M575 Deore-grade hydraulic disc brake utilises Shimano’s first ever split-clamp hydraulic lever. The lever flip-flop was designed as a solution to the brake preferences of different markets worldwide, but should go down just as well with aftermarket consumers. They come fully bled (1000mm hose – front / 1700mm–rear) with both metal and organic pads, but without a rotor or adaptor.

Hope The latest addition to Hope’s braking portfolio is the M4. The unit is CNC machined from a solid billet of 2014 T6 aircraft spec aluminium alloy – with a split clamp to allow easy set-up and choice of positioning.

The model carries a redesigned piston, lever and pivot assembly with external ‘on the fly’ reach and bite point adjustment dials. The new lever linkage eliminates freeplay giving a consistent, reliable feel to the brake. Further developments include bearing lever pivots for smooth use and increased lever ergonomics with a perforated lever for extra grip and feel. Also, a double-sided reservoir lid allows easy bleeding. The master cylinder assembly is completed with a durable anodised finish to withstand weather, cleaning and general trail use, while a choice of either hi-tensile polyester reinforced or Goodridge stainless steel braided hose gives a sharp, solid feel to the system.

Among other models, the classic Mini returns for 2009. Also machined from 2014 T6 aircraft spec aluminium alloy, the brake gives a progressively strong braking experience. The split clamp allows for quick adjustment and the custom carbon blade features lacquered-over graphics to stay clean and comfortable. Lever reach is adjustable via Allen key and the master cyclinder reservoir is integrated –which makes for easy bleeding.

The Cycle Division Sturmey Archer continues to build some of the world’s most efficient internal geared hubs. The range is vast and very affordable to those working to a budget. In the UK, The Cycle Division is committed to providing bike dealers with all their Sturmey Archer needs and support. The firm tells BikeBiz that all hubs and parts are kept in stock and backed up with knowledgeable advice.

Hub gears and brakes are popular for their simplicity and low maintenance and it’s for those reasons that city cyclists and commuters are once again showing increasing interest in such benefits. Sturmey Archer can fulfill all gear and brake needs – three, five and eight- speed hubs; front and rear drum brakes; coaster, roller or disc brake options; dynamo hubs; stub axle hubs and spares; cruiser and tricycle hubs and chainsets.

New for 2009 is the wide ratio five-speed and the latest user-friendly wide ratio eight-speed hubs. Also new will be the S3X three-speed fixed hub, which is generating plenty of excitement. There is no new release date yet because Sturmey Archer wants to be absolutely sure the product is perfect for that ever-changing demographic. When the models do arrive, the hubs will be available in four different colours and there will be two types of shifter (bar end and thumb).

Upgrade The designers behind Upgrade's house brand, DMR, have spent a great deal of time focusing on fine-tuning the entire range for 2009. The proof is clear in the new Transition 24 frame, which has managed to shed around a pound in a year from its weight. Minor geometry tweaks have been made and the chainstays have been shortened, making the rear triangle look incredibly tidy. Removable under-seat V-brake mounts feature again, while the finished product has been given a fresh lick of paint with redesigned graphics.

The tubing is made of high-strength 4130 Cro-mo, while the dropout holds a 14 mm axle hub. 10mm axle adapters and chain tugs for both sizes are included. The frame can also accommodate disc brakes. The geometry is best suited to either a rigid or short travel fork and retail price is £299.99.

The distributor also handles Tektro’s range of braking equipment. One of the latest additions to the brand’s line-up is the Auriga Pro disc brake. At a wallet-friendly £74.95 (160mm version), the system combines a compact radial piston lever with a dual piston hydraulic system. The open setup uses non-corrosive mineral oil and a metal/ceramic pad compound. Meanwhile Auriga brakes come in either white or a satin grey finish.

Hotlines Hotlines’ recent addition of Lynskey has given the distributor a firm stake in the titanium frame market, something which has a dedicated following. And no wonder, as Lynksey's Pro 29 frame does justice to the brand’s reputation for quality.

The frame is built from triple-butted, oversize tubing, which minimises weight while ensuring strength and rigidity under power. The Helix downtube gives enhanced resistance to both bending and twisting forces. The curved top tube allows for greater clearance, which is the bane of many a 29er. Sliding dropouts allow for the frame to be built with or without gears and also allows the wheel to be run close in behind the seatstay to reduce overall length and further enhance handling.

Additionally from Hotlines, dealers will have access to the NS Bikes brand. The popular Suburban frame was a hit with dirt jump fans in 2008 and returns this season with a few tweaks.

For 2009 the frame gets the following upgrades: the special NS Bikes offset butted downtube with integrated gusset. Also, all the mounts on the frame are flush with the tubes with absolutely no external gusseting, which gives the frame an ultra clean look. The geometry is also tweaked for 2009 on the 26-inch frame. The front end has been shortened and the rear triangles have also been cut slightly to make the bike more manoeuvrable.

Cannondale Cannondale rider Aaron Chase has a signature model for 2009 dubbed ‘The Chase’ which promises to carry everything a dirt jump/freeride rider needs for trail slaying. The double-pass, smooth-weld technology of the all-aluminium frames will resist the hardest hits, while the short stays and tough chainstay yoke deliver explosive power transfer when sprinting to the next ramp.

Cannondale's years of experience shaping, welding and testing aluminum make the Chase capable of being thrashed. Characteristic oversized tubing is lighter than previously, but stronger at the same time. And the double-pass welds are aesthetically attractive, while also less prone to cracking above, on or below the weld line –an important consideration for bikes that get abused.

Greyville To show that SRSuntour is moving with the times, it has launched into the 15mm axle format in a big way, utilising a quick release axle, which comes with the 15mm specced forks. Greyville are bringing in three such models – the Axon, Epicon RLD15 and XC-TAD15 (with travel adjust).

Greyville will have stock from early summer, including the much anticipated electronic lock-out compatible Axon model, a model that has shown that SRSuntour are serious about the continuing development of mid to high-end forks.

To back up this explosion of technical development, Greyville are currently signing up dealers to become SRSuntour service centres, with training provided by SRSuntour's European technical and service personnel. Phone Greyville on 01543 251328 for further information if you are interested in becoming a SRSuntour Service Centre.

Fisher Outdoors Fisher Outdoors has some great solutions for those dealers covering the high-end road market. The Look brand has high value offers in its 2009 frame range, including the 596 TT frameset.

The 596 TT package includes a Z Pro-team crank, complete with ZED Keo pedals and bottom bracket, three sets of elastomer blocks, a Look 'E post’ seatpost, indexed carbon stem – adjustable to various riding positions and an offset Aero fork weighing 490g. The monocoque frame (with an uncut seat tube) weighs 1,350g.

SRAM’s Red range will also make an appearance at the Expo, providing a chance to check out the latest brake callipers, offering superior stopping power and modulation in a light, windcheating package. Based on a new, upgraded version of SRAM’s race-proven skeletonized Dual Pivot design, they bring cold-forged alu arms, alloy pivot bolts and an easy-to-adjust padset plus maximum effectiveness at a low weight. High-precision bearings make power control and modulation both feather-light and weatherproof.

Avid will be displaying its range of braking solutions at the Expo too. One of the brand’s most celebrated models, the Elixer disc brake, retails for £129.99 and is a great solution for customers looking for a low-maintenance high-end stopper. The brake features a two-piece caliper with top-loading pads and runs on DOT 5.1 hydraulic fluid.

Silverfish You’re spoilt for choice this year with Silverfish's addition of Turner frames. As with last year, dealers can take stock of various Rocky Mountain and Cove models too.

Beginning with the Turner 5-spot, buyers are given 140mm of travel, which makes for an incredibly versatile ride when combined with the addition of the dw-link for 2009. Descending with the newest 5-Spot will give the user the confidence to conquer multiple terrains with active braking and a perfectly engineered linkage ratio.

Risqué brand Cove offers some old favourites for 2009. For example, the Hustler (retailing for £1495) is built to balance the challenges of downslopes with the harshness of climbing back up. The Hustler comes with an adjustable Fox RP23 air rear shock on a four-bar linkage and lightweight Easton RAD tubing frameset designed for plush, efficient performance.

The Rocky Mountain Vertex full carbon has taken another huge leap forward for 2009. Featuring Race Tuned Compact (RTC) geometry, the model has evolved during the brand's testing to be a top trail-shredder.

Seventies Seventies’ brands are full of potential for building a bike from the ground up, with a possible starting point the Subrosa Alameda frame –a model with a low stand over height and progressive geometry. The frame has a 76 degree head tube angle for the ultimate in responsive steering and ‘pop’.

The seat tube link with the bottom bracket has a 73 degree angle, bending to 69 degrees at the top tube –allowing the frame a longer feel with the performance of a shorter front triangle and wheelbase.

The MacNeil Blazer forks are said to be the lightest conventional BMX forks on the market. Using 20/20 heat treatment they use less material while retaining strength. These forks feature tapered and butted legs, and CNC relieved minimal dropouts with laser cut logos and a one-piece machined steer tube where you’ll still find the internal crown gusset that was a MacNeil first.

Seventies also handles the increasingly popular freecoaster hubs. The Federal adjustable freecoaster uses an Allen key to adjust the amount of ‘gap’ without being disassembled.