Only 23-1/4 lbs -- not bad for steel!
Here is a screen image of a custom '06 Gate Slammer dual slalom frame design. For 2006, the Gate Slammer receives some fine tuning of the front end geometry to accommodate the new Fox 36 RC2 fork. One of these frames is in progress so stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
Reynolds recently introduced a new, high strength stainless steel in conjunction with Carpenter Alloys - it's called 953. HTo compete with titanium and carbon fiber, 953 may be the answer...here is a quote from Reynolds:
"Benefits: Ultra strong steel, with the advantage of a stainless finish for maximum weight reduction from very thin walls. And the legendary ride of steel."
I just placed my first order - expensive - and it should arrive in February '06. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available from Reynolds.
The rear dropouts have been weight reduced for 2006 - note the extra pocketing on the non-drive side. The rear hanger is replaceable via (1) chainring bolt. To improve manufacturing time, vent holes for welding are machined right into the dropout.
Both chainstays and seatstays use the same rectangular tubing (3/4" wide x 1" tall) for superior rear wheel tracking. The upper and lower yokes are hollowed out for weight savings.....they are also profiled radially on each side to add torsional compliance while riding.
Looking for a bike that is light and nimble? Customers have told me that this frame rides like a steel bike with the weight of an aluminum bike - sweet! Here is a screen capture of the 2006 APEX aluminum hardtail - the frame is made from Easton 7005 Ultralite tubing and the rear triangle has custom CNC machined dropouts and yokes. Cabe routing is disc-specific.
Salsa dropouts come standard and disc tab is reinforced between the chainstay and seatstay. Stay tuned for more photos of the fully-built frame.
Rear triangle has wishbone seatstays for improved tracking and handling precision. No rear brake bosses on this baby - disc only! Cable routing is located under the top tube for a clean look.
Here is s picture of Carl's brand new APEX steel hardtail. This frame is built with a unique combination of Reynolds 853, Columbus Zona and Tange Prestige tubing. Geometry is setup for Manitou's new R7 fork with 100mm travel.
Here is a photo of Icy's Magic Racer hardtail. Each tube was hand picked for his riding style - FAST - and physical dimensions. The front triangle consists of True Temper S3 (Super Strong Steel) tubing, chainstays are Tange Prestige and wishbone seatstays are Dedacciai. Final frame weight ~3.6 lbs -----unbelievable for all steel construction! Laser blue powdercoat by Sycip guarantees a nearly flawless finish.
Check out the square stays making up the rear triangle....these tubes are welded to custom CNC machined yokes for wide tire clearance and unparalleled lateral compliance. It flows like steel when carving singletrack and accelerates like aluminum when climbing, what more can you ask for in a hardtail? How about front end geometry that can handle 80-130mm of fork travel....dope!
Here is a photo of Brett's Apex hardtail which is made from Easton Ultralite 6061 aluminum tubing. This used to be my personal frame and now it's been rebuilt with full XTR, King headset and Fox Float fork. The end result is a very light and nimble bike -- even for someone who is 6'4" tall!
Many thanks to Gary Helfrich (founder of Merlin) for providing this drawing and detailed feedback on using his well-designed tool....click to enlarge
I just picked up a used Arctos frame building jig in Berkeley and it is sweet! The tool is in mint condition and my first batch of new bikes should be built on it very shortly.
Warren at Wilson Bicycle Sales is the proud new owner of this unique slalom frame and it is sick! Bolt-thru rear axle, Fox 36 fork, dual-discs, MRP - this bike has it all! If you live in the East Bay, you might see Warren urban-assaulting the UC Berkeley campus launching stair drops and pulling huge airs...
"It's likely that when you buy your second or third bike, you can get a custom-tailored frame for about the same amount of cash as a machine-produced frame." -VeloNews Feb 23, 2005
Ahrens Bicycles will have a booth at the second annual handmade bicycle show being held in San Jose next year. Come and show your support while experiencing a unique alternative to Interbike!
When: March 3-5, 2006...mark your calendars now!
Why: To see the highest level of small volume/custom-built frames under one roof
Rendering of steel front triangle with laser-mitered joints
I'm working with Coastal MFG (www.coastal-mfg.com) in Seattle to laser miter a batch of steel front triangle tubes (Reynolds 853). This technology will provide very accurate joints and greatly reduce production time!
Snapshot of Phil's APEX hardtail; new build kit includes SRAM drivetrain, Magura Marta SL brakes, Titec Pluto carbon post/bar, Titec RIP stem, FSA XC-300 wheelset, IRC tires, Truvativ GXP cranks, Manitou Black Platinum fork and King headset of course!
Race Hardtail built for sponsored racer Trevor Simper. All frame tubes are Easton Ultralite except for the down tube which is Easton Elite....very light!
Closeup on disc tab - it's slotted radially to allow the caliper to move freely during chain tensioning
This frame was built for Brian @ Truvativ and it is sweet! All steel construction (Reynolds 853/Columbus), Paul dropouts and disc-only cable routing!
You've reached the new blog for Ahrens Bicycles! This blog is much easier to update than my website so check back often!
