RADBMX.CO.UK
BMX General => BMX Chat => Topic started by: Rodgy1970 on December 29, 2011, 01:42 PM
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Pinched post by Ed Ferri off the thread on the BMXmuseum I'm sure he wont mind.
"Let's put this info up again....
PRESS RELEASE:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/CHROMESKYWAYTA-1.jpg)
In 1982 Skyway produced the first of what became a very iconic BMX race frameset- The Skyway T/A!
The T/A, which stands for "Totally Aerodynamic" featured space-age looking tear-drop shaped 4130 chrome-moly tubing on the majority of the frame AND fork. It was an instant success, and Skyway produced thousands of them over the next 4 years.
But it wasn't the easiest frame and fork set to produce. Most frames made at that time used traditional round steel tubing, and Skyway's design called for Aero-shaped tubing. It took quite a search to find someone to produce the unusual tear-drop shape they needed. After looking everywhere in the United States, Skyway finally turned to Japan, where they found two factories capable of producing the special chrome-moly tubes.
The Ishiwata Seisakusho Co. Ltd. of Japan ultimately won the job, and the job they did was flawless.
There were two ways to make the odd-shaped tubing. It could be drawn through a die in the desired shape or, as in the case of the Skyway tubing, it could be drawn round then shaped in a forming die.
The aero-shaped tubing created a very strong tube, and it's shape created a larger area for welding, therefore producing a stronger frame.
Fast forward nearly 30 years, and Skyway has once again produced another T/A model- The 24" T/A XL cruiser. But again, it wasn't that easy of a job. There's a reason why no other frame-maker has introduced a tear-drop shaped frame over the years!
In 2007 we decided that it would be fun to create a new-school Skyway frameset. After a few years of casual looking, the best that I was able to come up with as far as a "new" Skyway frameset was a frame that used Aero-shaped top and down-tubes, but with round to slightly oval chain and seat stays. I didn't think that would fly as a "new school Skyway", so it was never made.
It's a well known fact that in these modern times, Asia is the bicycle capital of the world. They have the best technology, equipment, and machinery to make bicycles. They have dedicated bicycle-only factories there, and have become the master of their craft.
So, in search of frame tubing that we could use for a new Skyway frameset, Skyway's president Ken Coster flew over to the 2010 Taipei bicycle trade show, with a box full of original T/A frame tubing as samples. He met with a few representatives of some of the best suppliers over there, and handed out tubing samples of what we wanted produced.
In mid-2011, one of those companies sent over samples of the tube sets that was exactly what we were looking for! We worked together to make the dies needed to shape the tubing to the exact specifications that we wanted for each and every tube. The hardest tube to perfect was the special seatpost tube, that is round on the top where the seatpost would insert, then flair out to the teardrop shape. With much work, that die was perfected, and we had tubing samples that all surpassed what we had hoped for! We had finally found the materials needed for us to build the new Skyway T/A!
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/DSC_0581.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/SKYWAYTAARRIVAL044.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/SKYWAYTAARRIVAL046-1.jpg)
The tubing factory did have a request though, they asked if they could weld up one of these framesets to show us their superior craftsmanship in frame-making, as they do make high-end mountain frames at their factory. The completed frameset that was sent to Skyway as a sample was absolutely outstanding. This ended up changing our approach on where the assembly of the frame would take place for many reasons.
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/DSC_0580.jpg)
The initial plan was to have the tubing sets fabricated, formed, and shipped over here to us. It would then go out to a vendor for welding, then out for finishing. Obviously going with a white finish would be the cheapest method of completing the framesets. Adding a chrome plating option would be big bucks, but still was planned on. Overall, considering how much cost and work that needed to be done to complete the frameset, and added cost of shipping back and forth to vendors, we were looking at a very expensive frameset!
To get the quality that we expected, we were looking at a frameset with a retail price tag of $900 to $1100 to have it all done over here in the States.
After seeing their work on one completed sample frameset, we asked for additional completed samples, in both chrome plated, and white finishes. Again, their finished product was amazing. And it changed the way this project would be done. Instead of a frameset that would hover around $1000, we are now looking at a final price tag at under half the estimated cost. I do not have the exact final price yet, but it WILL be less than $500 for the frame and fork set for the chrome plated models. The white models will be less than that number as well.
Skyway will quality check each and every frame and fork set, and once it is inspected, it will be stickered up with the Skyway T/A decals, and will be shipped out. This will eliminate any possibility of blemished framesets going out the door.
OK, now on to the specs!
This is a "extra-long" model cruiser, with a 22" top tube. It has race geometry as well, but will be GREAT as a street rider for all of those guys that just like to cruise and have fun on a BMX bike!
Here are the details.
22" Top Tube
Euro BB
1-1/8" threadless headtube
V-Brake mounts
Headtube- 73.5 degrees
Seat Tube- 73 degrees
Chainstays- 15.4" to 16.75"
25.4 seatpost
Uses 1-1/8" seatpost clamp
BB Height- 12.3"
Seatpost Height (center of BB to center of top tube) 10.5"
Cable guides on top tube
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/SKYWAYTAARRIVAL004-1.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/SKYWAYTAARRIVAL031.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/SKYWAYTAARRIVAL028-1.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/SKYWAYTAARRIVAL037.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/SKYWAYTAARRIVAL032-1.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/DSC00418.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/DSC00476.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/DSC00467.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/DSC00442.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/DSC00438.jpg)
Even though we are still testing our prototypes, we do expect production models to be available around March / April 2012. We will begin taking pre-orders at www.planetbmx.com in early January after we announce retail pricing.
In addition to this frameset, we are planning more frame and fork set releases in the future, as well as other products such as Tuff Pedals (made by Bullseye Cycle USA), handlebars in both Pro and Pro Cruiser sizes, and frame padsets.
Hang tight, the fun is just beginning. Again!"
( image coding added by ED209 :daumenhoch: )
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Cool ! I'm liking that they haven't gone for the full retro. I always wanted Skyway to come back and it'll be cool to see what other new products they bring out.
Anyone else notice Craig Campbell is now sales manager at Avocet who distribute Skyway in the UK? It's all coming together nicely! 8)
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Cool ! I'm liking that they haven't gone for the full retro.
I agree 100%.
They've upgraded the bits that needed doing IMO, I wouldn't want a OPC or especially not OS brakes, they were both outdated 30 years ago.
Don't know about the the 22" top tube though, probably too long for me :-\
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This is the XL model. We will probably do another cruiser with a 21.25 top tube next.
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(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/73ed6d04.jpg)
Here is my chrome prototype that I have been riding. I also have a white one built up with spoke wheels that is at the BMX track for test riding.
Production models will not have v-brakes on the forks, nor will the rear dropouts have the 2 round holes in them.
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/DSC00418.jpg)
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Hey Ed
What's the chances of a non lugged (rear) one ?
Cheers
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i asked that but was told there all coming out with lugs.
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Yes, all will have the rear brake mounts
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More pics....
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00669.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00626.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00645.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00727.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00621.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00616.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00618.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00609.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00607.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00605.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00603.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00600.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00596.jpg)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/Skyway%2024%20chrome%20prototype%20web%20pics/DSC00594.jpg)
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What crank set is that Ed ?
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The welding is fantastic :shocked:
Nice looking bike. :daumenhoch:
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What crank set is that Ed ?
It's an SE crank set that I pulled off of a 2011 SE PK Ripper Team XLP race bike. It is VERY nice! 48-spline, and identical to Profile cranks, with better chrome! It's hard getting a decent chrome job here in the States without paying high prices.
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Cool !
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The welding is fantastic :shocked:
Nice looking bike. :daumenhoch:
The welding IS top notch!
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/DSC_0580.jpg)
Thanks!
-Ed
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gotta love those Kool Caps aswell ! :D 8)
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Of all the "NEW OLD BIKES" that are being made this is without doubt my fave by a long way, love it :4_17_5:
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Absolutely loving these :4_17_5: how many will go into production Ed? Will they be limited like the alloy hubbed Tuffs?
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i'm really lovin that, especially in chrome and the graphites....
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The rear drop outs look a tad flimsy for a bike that is going to used by fat, old men ;)
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Very, very lovely :4_17_5:
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lol. im getting out of bmx as i really dont like all these re-makes. but
i think i might have to get one of these.lol what two faced twat i am.lol
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A new big boy on the street :smitten: :smitten:
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The rear drop outs look a tad flimsy for a bike that is going to used by fat, old men ;)
Not at all. The rear dropouts are the same thickness as the fork dropouts. They are certainly thick enough.
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Absolutely loving these :4_17_5: how many will go into production Ed? Will they be limited like the alloy hubbed Tuffs?
The initial production run will be 200-250 of these framesets. If we get more pre-orders than that by mid-January, we will bump up the order at the factory. If there is a demand for these after we sell out, we will probably make more at some point. We are planning on doing a pro cruiser size, and a couple of 20" sizes as well over the next 18 months. The last thing we want is to flood the market, so production runs will max out at 250 kits probably at a time.
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What crank set is that Ed ?
It's an SE crank set that I pulled off of a 2011 SE PK Ripper Team XLP race bike. It is VERY nice! 48-spline, and identical to Profile cranks, with better chrome! It's hard getting a decent chrome job here in the States without paying high prices.
They can split apart though those cranks...
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/308464_10150270556307183_544202182_7743588_5070539_n.jpg)
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/291806_10150270555992183_544202182_7743587_5641774_n.jpg)
Pics courtesy of Paul Thorpe, WA, Australia
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Ouch.....! Ok.... Maybe I will go right to the Profiles!
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What crank set is that Ed ?
It's an SE crank set that I pulled off of a 2011 SE PK Ripper Team XLP race bike. It is VERY nice! 48-spline, and identical to Profile cranks, with better chrome! It's hard getting a decent chrome job here in the States without paying high prices.
They can split apart though those cranks...
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/308464_10150270556307183_544202182_7743588_5070539_n.jpg)
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/291806_10150270555992183_544202182_7743587_5641774_n.jpg)
Pics courtesy of Paul Thorpe, WA, Australia
Especially if used by fat old men ;D
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The rear drop outs look a tad flimsy for a bike that is going to used by fat, old men ;)
Not at all. The rear dropouts are the same thickness as the fork dropouts. They are certainly thick enough.
I think Bren meant the junction at the seat/chain stays as opposed to the thickness, I have to agree, I wouldnt want to case a big jump on a modern track with those rear dropouts. that said 99% of people owning these wont go near a track, never mind leave the ground so I suppose its largely irrelevent
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The rear drop outs look a tad flimsy for a bike that is going to used by fat, old men ;)
Not at all. The rear dropouts are the same thickness as the fork dropouts. They are certainly thick enough.
I think Bren meant the junction at the seat/chain stays as opposed to the thickness, I have to agree, I wouldnt want to case a big jump on a modern track with those rear dropouts. that said 99% of people owning these wont go near a track, never mind leave the ground so I suppose its largely irrelevent
Form ever follows function.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGGXVTXFO-4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGGXVTXFO-4)
;)
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(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/z49/coloredtuffs/SKYWAYTUFFPEDALTEASER.jpg)
Here's something else that we are working on right now....
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Anyone ordered one then? or are we all waiting on the 20's ;)
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We sold 140 of the framesets in 8 hours. There were a few orders from the UK that I saw....
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Nice one Ed, glad to see they are doing so well :daumenhoch:
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I would order one myself but they are not made in the UK ;) ;D
In all seriousness, any ideas as to when the 20's may be available? I have just bought a We The People c.r.e.a.m and now have a taste for brand new bikes
:smitten:
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any plans to reproduce the 'HOT SEAT'? :daumenhoch:
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We sold 140 of the framesets in 8 hours. There were a few orders from the UK that I saw....
Got any idea when the next chance to order will be?
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think the first batch is 250 so you can still order.
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Yeah there should be some left. :daumenhoch:
Question is, who will be the victor in emptying my wallet, Skyway with a 20 or Vincent frames :smitten:
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think the first batch is 250 so you can still order.
92 left :daumenhoch:
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Must be 91 now then ;) :daumenhoch:
Thanks for the heads up then guys. The other day when i went on, it looked like you could go through the order process but there was no price. The day after it just said sold out so i thought i had missed the boat.
Anyway all's good. :coolsmiley:
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I fancy one of those :4_17_5:
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I am so tempted, but I dont really need another cruiser as I have two already.
I am going to mull it over tonight, and will probably order one in the morning :LolLolLolLol:
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I whas about to buy one
But after asking numerous times to ed If the bike whas tested on the track and never got any answer to that
i gave up and gonna buy the new 2012 kuwahara lachesis cruiser, wich is tested on the sx tracks by many pro riders
I dont want to end up crashing whit a Skyway cruiser That broke in 2 pieces
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Will the chrome ns ta be cheaper than the crusier? :) and how much will the pedals cost?
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I whas about to buy one
But after asking numerous times to ed If the bike whas tested on the track and never got any answer to that
i gave up and gonna buy the new 2012 kuwahara lachesis cruiser, wich is tested on the sx tracks by many pro riders
I dont want to end up crashing whit a Skyway cruiser That broke in 2 pieces
I have got an S&M RV24 for racing and Mid School Gt Pro Series Cruiser that can handle anything I can throw at it on the track.
If I get a Skyway Cruiser it is just going to be for blasting about town on
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I know what you mean dude, But those bikes you mentioned did prove themselfs on the track
i cant say that on the skyway
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If I get a Skyway Cruiser it is just going to be for blasting about town on
I reckon very few of these would seriously hit the track. I am just the same as you.
Mine will most likely have mags on too which obviously a race bike wouldn't.
The geometry looks as though it would feel good and with the rear v brake mounts it looks like i will have a good chance of stopping before i run the neighbours dog over. :)
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couldnt help myself ;)
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I whas about to buy one
But after asking numerous times to ed If the bike whas tested on the track and never got any answer to that
i gave up and gonna buy the new 2012 kuwahara lachesis cruiser, wich is tested on the sx tracks by many pro riders
I dont want to end up crashing whit a Skyway cruiser That broke in 2 pieces
I might be wrong but bike frames have to go through certain testing by law before they can go on sale. I think those tests will be just as strenuous as riding it on a track. If you like it get one ordered :daumenhoch:
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Mines going to be put in the spare room with the rest of the stuff I'll never build :daumenhoch:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/a253/the1carper/Order.jpg)
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did not get any answer on the postage costs either >:(
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I whas about to buy one
But after asking numerous times to ed If the bike whas tested on the track and never got any answer to that
i gave up and gonna buy the new 2012 kuwahara lachesis cruiser, wich is tested on the sx tracks by many pro riders
I dont want to end up crashing whit a Skyway cruiser That broke in 2 pieces
Actually, I did answer all your questions over at BMXmuseum. With that thread being over 150 pages long, I'm sure it got lost in the pile over there.
In the few weeks that I have had the prototypes, we had Christmas, and New Years holiday. We are experiencing cold weather as it is winter here in the States, and the local tracks have been closed. We have been out riding these bikes as much as we can, and we are planning on getting to a track this weekend here in Florida..
As far as shipping, shipping to most countries (including the UK and Europe) will be about $80 US, and closer to $100US to Australia and New Zealand.
-Ed
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If you did answer my question is have to apoligize ed, indeed the massice response on the thread could be a thing
But i am looking forward to the track session, if they are sold out by that time its my bad, otherwise i will buy one :daumenhoch:
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Deposit paid for a chrome one. :daumenhoch:
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couldnt help myself ;)
The drop out tester ;D
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Not keen on the extra holes in the rear dropouts... they just don't look right :(
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I might be wrong but bike frames have to go through certain testing by law before they can go on sale. I think those tests will be just as strenuous as riding it on a track. If you like it get one ordered :daumenhoch:
Mountain bikes do, as far as I am aware, bmx do not need the same certificate, they do have to be tested for lead content in the US though :daumenhoch:
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I just caved in and ordered mine in chrome. I think I am going to order some tuffs for it as well even though I dont really like them in 24" :idiot2:
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(http://28.media.tumblr.com/sn2NYT4xdmmiag7kCgBOIvuCo1_500.jpg)
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Not keen on the extra holes in the rear dropouts... they just don't look right :(
There's a note on the site that says those holes are not there in the production ones. :daumenhoch:
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On their facebook page you can see some pictures of it being tested quite heavily. :daumenhoch:
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I better pull my finger out. My misses wants me to build my 20" TA for her so we can have matching bikes :idiot2:
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I better pull my finger out. My misses wants me to build my 20" TA for her so we can have matching bikes :idiot2:
Don't knock it when the mrs is encouraging you i darn't tell mine ;D :angel:
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I better pull my finger out. My misses wants me to build my 20" TA for her so we can have matching bikes :idiot2:
Ask her if you can leave it in a bit longer
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Can you use an oldschool 3 piece on these, i guess you will need a special BB set?
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Can you use an oldschool 3 piece on these, i guess you will need a special BB set?
Euro BB so I suppose you could ???
Retro Profiles for mine :daumenhoch:
I'm going with spokes.....................my fat ass on Tuffs :2funny:
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just ordered a chrome one for me inc the bars :smitten: :smitten: :daumenhoch:
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i couldnt resist,werent even pi$$ed :LolLolLolLol:
no conformation email yet though
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I thought this may help anyone thinking about the dollars to pounds. Done at todays conversion rate.
PRICING: At this time, we are estimating the price on the WHITE frame and fork set to be £291 english pounds, and the CHROME frame and fork set to be £300 english pounds.
The price WILL NOT go higher, but MAY go lower while we finalize the details.
You may add a handlebar in either Pro (9.25") or Cruiser (6.75") sizes for the discounted price of £30 more each bar. (Regular handlebar price will be £39)
ESTIMATED PRICING RECAP:
WHITE FRAME AND FORK SET- £291
CHROME FRAME AND FORK SET- £300
ADD A HANDLEBAR, ANY COLOR OR SIZE- ADD £30
The PRE-ORDER DEPOSIT is £65 english pounds.
PLEASE NOTE: The website will also charge an additional £7.20 for english orders.
So you just need to work out what the customs sting will be now. :)
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I just caved in and ordered mine in chrome. I think I am going to order some tuffs for it as well even though I dont really like them in 24" :idiot2:
Lee, got mine ordered too, we can ride round chelmsford CHiPs styleeeeeee :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley:
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I better pull my finger out. My misses wants me to build my 20" TA for her so we can have matching bikes :idiot2:
Ask her if you can leave it in a bit longer
:LolLolLolLol:
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Looking forward to what you guys do with these :daumenhoch:
Would have to be spokes for me though, not those wheelchair things :crazy2:
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Looking forward to what you guys do with these :daumenhoch:
Would have to be spokes for me though, not those wheelchair things :crazy2:
Love ya loads Rob :-*, but you are so wrong about that, I have been campaigning this for a long time now, Skyway frames should have Skyway wheels. For some reason it matches so well. :LolLolLolLol:
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I better pull my finger out. My misses wants me to build my 20" TA for her so we can have matching bikes :idiot2:
Ask her if you can leave it in a bit longer
Diggler, would you like to sniff my finger?? :LolLolLolLol:
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I just caved in and ordered mine in chrome. I think I am going to order some tuffs for it as well even though I dont really like them in 24" :idiot2:
Lee, got mine ordered too, we can ride round chelmsford CHiPs styleeeeeee :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley:
Nice one Jim, did you go for chrome or white?
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41 left :daumenhoch:
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Looks like they have done well with these then. 20 inch on its way apparently :daumenhoch:
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Wish they'd do a 20" XL .........only way I'd ever get one :-\
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If the 20" is based on new school geomytry like the cruiser they will be at least the old school xl length tt.
Is there any info up on what the 20" is going to be an 80's repro or a new school retro?
I haven't seen any but could have easily missed it.
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I just caved in and ordered mine in chrome. I think I am going to order some tuffs for it as well even though I dont really like them in 24" :idiot2:
Lee, got mine ordered too, we can ride round chelmsford CHiPs styleeeeeee :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley:
Nice one Jim, did you go for chrome or white?
Chrome ;)
What 20" TA you got?
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I just caved in and ordered mine in chrome. I think I am going to order some tuffs for it as well even though I dont really like them in 24" :idiot2:
Lee, got mine ordered too, we can ride round chelmsford CHiPs styleeeeeee :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley: :coolsmiley:
Nice one Jim, did you go for chrome or white?
Chrome ;)
What 20" TA you got?
Ive got a chrome one but it is a bit tatty. Just f&f and bars and what looks to be a copy tuff neck stem. My misses keeps on at me too restore it as she wants to build another bike. She is quite handy with a set of spanners :LolLolLolLol: