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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 16, 2016 18:08:02 GMT
Update - only the S (17") and M(18") size frames have the straight top tube. The L(19") have that slight angle to work with the geometry and stiffness i guess. However with my height I'm in between the two sizes…lol! They can also offer me an M frame. Buying bikes without trying them is obviously a huge risk…monday is the big decision date…either ill be biking with you lot by March or May/June… and i promise after ill check myself in at the doctors…lol
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Post by glynnsixo on Jan 16, 2016 22:48:30 GMT
just seen your posts gonzalo, sorry to hear your not happy as its supposed to be a custom build. the very scinical old bugger in me wonders if the frame was already made with the cable lugs and they are trying to sell it to you............i could easily be very wrong. were you aware that they would be included?
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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 16, 2016 23:38:31 GMT
just seen your posts gonzalo, sorry to hear your not happy as its supposed to be a custom build. the very scinical old bugger in me wonders if the frame was already made with the cable lugs and they are trying to sell it to you............i could easily be very wrong. were you aware that they would be included? The frame was already made…no doubt about that and the discount was because it is last in stock. But i wasn't aware it is made with both dropper options and the guides. I believe it was lost in translation that I've tried to find out exactly if my frame had them or not…they sent me an image which didn't so i was more relaxed…the images on the website also don't have them...one of the problems about doing a deal like this via email correspondence and not seeing the bike live or dealing in person i guess, and when you have a customer with a bit of OCD, these things are quite important to me. This is my dream bike, has cost me a lot of money so i want it as perfect as i know it can be…i don't think I'm asking too much?! However i don't believe it is anything malicious…the guy i deal with is a star…and explained to me that unfortunately they all have both dropper options as a standard, unless a custom order for an extra 50quid charge and the photos on the website and the ones he has been showing me are in fact of a custom order. He is going to send me an image of both L and M frames…and i actually fall on the borderline between L and M. Im trying to compare geometries of my previous bikes with this one to make a decision…I've always felt a bit too stretched on my Van Nicholas so i might even go with the M (18") size which has the straight top tube and get the guides removed and re-polish to make sure it doesn't bug me. They offered me a discount on that as well since i believe they feel (hopefully) slightly at fault for sending me photos that don't represent exactly what i was expecting…besides of course a discount of over 500 quid in the first place. Monday, one way or another it will get resolved…hopefully by March ill be riding with you again.
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Post by glynnsixo on Jan 16, 2016 23:47:25 GMT
fair enough! just be very careful about having a 3rd party make any alterations to the frame. the warrenty will become void.
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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 16, 2016 23:55:22 GMT
fair enough! just be very careful about having a 3rd party make any alterations to the frame. the warrenty will become void. Yeah…no matter what, they will do it by their welder, it just means sending it back to the factory. On the Van Nic that frame was a 19.5" had a top tube of 615 and I was running a 70 stem. However my saddle was pushed as far forward as possible and the bars were 710 wide and I always wished the bike was shorter if I'm honest. I believe some of the back lower pains and pins and needles i used to feel on my hands occasionally, were because it was probably a bit too long for me and i was always a bit too stretched and falling on the bars. The M Hex will have 606 top tube with a 40 stem and 750 bars which will be more comfortable and manoeuvrable. I also spoke to an owner who is exactly the same height as me and he rides M and says its fits perfectly and there is still some room to adapt.
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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 23, 2016 10:14:29 GMT
Stealth look on the forks…i think it makes them look so much better than the stock "disco" decals. I also put some Invisiframe on the crank. (i have a spare set…if anyone wants one for the XTR M9000 175long crank let me know) and finally the frame is sorted and this is actually the one…on its way to the factory to get the top tube cable guides removed and re-polished. There is a bit of a delay with the Fox shock…but Kingdom said that if the shock doesn't arrive in time, they would send me the frame with a free X Fusion and then TFTuned will send me the Float X directly to me. That's what i call good service. Got a free 50 quid voucher from Evans (love their Xmas promotion)…might get the XTR cassette just to see how light can i make the bike…although part of me thinks its a bit silly and the XT is more robust and only 90 grams heavier.
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Post by kirky72 on Jan 23, 2016 10:32:55 GMT
Did they advertise the frame that you agreed to buy with or without the cable routing tabs? If they were never shown and they are trying to sell you a frame without them then they should on the price for a frame made to your satisfaction. If they are a manufacturer of these selling at direct to the consumer prices and top whack at that, then will have plenty enough padding to give the £600 still as a gesture of good will.
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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 23, 2016 12:12:48 GMT
Did they advertise the frame that you agreed to buy with or without the cable routing tabs? If they were never shown and they are trying to sell you a frame without them then they should on the price for a frame made to your satisfaction. If they are a manufacturer of these selling at direct to the consumer prices and top whack at that, then will have plenty enough padding to give the £600 still as a gesture of good will. Yes…it was a bit of cock-up tbh and their website is not as clear as it should be…it shows the frame without the top guides. It is described with "stealth OR external routed option". It should say AND rather than OR. If you want just one of the options it is a special custom order for another 50 quid and you would pay full price of course. The image they sent me was the first one of this thread, which is an M size without top guides, which is what caused the issue. Maybe it should also make clear that depending on the size, the design and geometry of the frames, varies slightly…its the case on the Hex and the Vendetta at least. To get a new "custom" frame without the guides from scratch i would have to wait until the end of May and would have to probably pay more. However I'm also aware that some people, less OCD than me would probably not give a shit about these tiny small details…but unfortunately i do, specially when I'm forking out such dosh. However, on the bottom of it all, even with this issue, they offered me the frame 400 quid cheaper than RRP, offered to pay some of the expense to send it back for "repair". I don't think they did it on purpose at all and i still recommend them by far because they have been always very helpful and a pleasure to deal with, with the discount to start, allowing me to pay it in instalments, etc, etc…this last issue with the shock is another example…out of their own fault (this is a "cock up" from TFT who also did the same to a friend who is also waiting for his shock since December which makes me think they knew exactly what they were doing) they would still try to resolve it…they said they would even send me some free Ti bolts as well... I just want to get the bike built because it is making me depressed not being able to ride…(even though I've pulled my back and I've been having physio since i could barely walk a few days ago). But everyday is a step closer.
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Post by timbo on Jan 24, 2016 8:39:38 GMT
You're mental. Paying off though, the bikes going to be stunning. At the risk of losing you sleep and money, are the wheels not a bit graphic heavy compare to all the stealthy other bits? Nice set of enve wheels with grey graphics?!
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Post by Jan on Jan 24, 2016 11:57:00 GMT
Stealth look on the forks…i think it makes them look so much better than the stock "disco" decals. I also put some Invisiframe on the crank. (i have a spare set…if anyone wants one for the XTR M9000 175long crank let me know) and finally the frame is sorted and this is actually the one…on its way to the factory to get the top tube cable guides removed and re-polished. There is a bit of a delay with the Fox shock…but Kingdom said that if the shock doesn't arrive in time, they would send me the frame with a free X Fusion and then TFTuned will send me the Float X directly to me. That's what i call good service. Got a free 50 quid voucher from Evans (love their Xmas promotion)…might get the XTR cassette just to see how light can i make the bike…although part of me thinks its a bit silly and the XT is more robust and only 90 grams heavier. I know it is being picky but the sticker on the l/h fork leg looks to be on the piss. Apart from that they look great.
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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 24, 2016 14:00:22 GMT
You're mental. Paying off though, the bikes going to be stunning. At the risk of losing you sleep and money, are the wheels not a bit graphic heavy compare to all the stealthy other bits? Nice set of enve wheels with grey graphics?! I know what you mean, but in the end i really want that bike and on the overall, i still think i came away with a great saving. In terms of the wheels, i know what you mean…on my previous HT, i had the same wheels and ended up removing 2 of the stickers so they looked more understated…on one of them the stickers were a true pain and it took me hours and almost lost my nails…so, after i get the bike built, i will make a decision and might do the same as before and remove 2 of them per wheel. Would love some Enve wheels with Chris King hubs, but from my calculations it would cost around 2.2K and i totally can't afford them now…maybe in the future if and when i get some extra cash. Is there a place in the UK that builds Enve rims on Chris King hubs? Or do you need to buy everything separate and get a shop to lace them?
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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 24, 2016 14:03:20 GMT
I know it is being picky but the sticker on the l/h fork leg looks to be on the piss. Apart from that they look great. LOL…It is on the piss! LOL…first one went perfectly…so annoying! at least they are stealth otherwise it would be even more noticeable. However the photo and the angle makes it more prominent. When on the bike, it will be less noticeable hopefully. At 23 quid a pop, it will have to stay on the piss!LOL
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Post by Rlo80 on Feb 4, 2016 22:23:18 GMT
Just been on a very wet, muddy and dark ride... A friend of mine trusted me with his new Orange Five 2015 model. So this was my proper first ride on a full suss and 27.5 wheels since I always had 29 HT. Obviously it made the ride a lot smoother and less painful on my body...the Orange is a nice bike, maybe a bit heavy but any bike in comparison to my previous will be I guess, and I felt it on the climbs (don't know if the Orange is particularly good or not so good climbing!?). I have to say (as much as it annoys me) that probably 27.5 is the perfect wheel size...at least on a full suss...on a HT, specially if XC I still think 29 tops it because you want as much comfort and speed as possible. Still don't see the point of + sizes...except a Fat bike just because it's bonkers and I would love to have one The Five was also an M /17 size and it fits me well which gives me some confidence for the Hex, which is on its way to Denmark...the work to remove the chain guides is done and was a bit cheaper than stated so Kingdom have gave me some money back (nice of them since they could have easily kept quiet)! I can't wait to meet up and arrange some rides.
Forgot to say...Sealskins, specially when worn with their merino wool liners...best thing anyone can get!
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Post by hodgy on Feb 5, 2016 7:15:38 GMT
I'm loving my new Sealskinz that my son got me for Christmas ...they are actually doing their job too as my feet are bone dry . Don't know if Sealskinz have upped their game ..or if it is down to the fact that they are only being hand washed .. By the way their waterproof woolly beanie works a treat too ..great piece of kit for in your back pack !
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Post by Rlo80 on Feb 5, 2016 12:38:27 GMT
I'm loving my new Sealskinz that my son got me for Christmas ... Good present...they are pricey but worth it. Did you get their merino liners as well? Man, they make love to your feet? (obviously any merino wool sock will do the job) I think ill only hand wash mine.
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Post by hodgy on Feb 5, 2016 12:46:27 GMT
I didn't get any liners ..if I think I need a second pair I usually use a pair of Sock Guys ..which are really comfy . To be fair I must be a bit of a freak as my hands & feet very rarely feel cold !
Edit : ooh I have just become a skid ..quite apt really in terms of where I'm sitting right now ...
Whassat ....too much info ? Soz...
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Post by Rlo80 on Feb 25, 2016 17:12:43 GMT
Back from sunny Portugal and brought these with me...the Thomson stem in 40mm (I believe still not available in Europe) is a masterpiece, so we'll machined and beautiful! For my OCD matching the Chris King BB is good, but actually the Hope felt more robust, mainly due to a metallic sleeve rather than plastic of the CK!? Ordered the XTR cassette (thanks Evans for price match and extra 10quid off at the moment with code GOLIVE) and SPD pedals! Frame is also on its way Monday! Not long to go now! So excited!
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Post by Rlo80 on Feb 28, 2016 18:23:01 GMT
Exciting and annoying because I'm fed up of waiting...all going well, the frame arrives on friday, saturday the mechanic at Evans will put it together, sunday ill be able to go for a ride! At least on tuesday ill be fetching the Pinnacle Ramin One 29er...and start commuting and getting my fitness and cycling legs back!? However I've been doing a bit of running...it always helps to go running in Portugal...with the sun, along the beach...in the UK...not so much?!LOL
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Post by Rlo80 on Feb 29, 2016 14:36:11 GMT
Teaser!
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Post by dirkpitt74 on Feb 29, 2016 18:09:21 GMT
Ooohh - nice!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 29, 2016 18:16:38 GMT
That's a beautiful thing - can't wait to see that built up.
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Post by Marmite on Mar 1, 2016 8:51:01 GMT
Teaser! Different
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Post by Rlo80 on Mar 1, 2016 11:24:31 GMT
Teaser! Different I take it as a compliment...there is something about Ti that I really like!
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Post by kirky72 on Mar 1, 2016 12:03:28 GMT
I like the frame, the simplicity is lovely, however I'd be slightly concerned of the linkages as they look a tad flimsy. What kind of warranty do they supply on the frame, linkage bearings etc?
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Post by Rlo80 on Mar 1, 2016 14:14:58 GMT
I like the frame, the simplicity is lovely, however I'd be slightly concerned of the linkages as they look a tad flimsy. What kind of warranty do they supply on the frame, linkage bearings etc? The frame and everything else has life-time warranty...Titanium pivot and shock bolts...the linkages previously used to be carbon but are now aluminium for robustness. Also if you crash and damage it of your own fault, i think they offer you a frame half-price. The frame comes with 2 replaceable drop-outs...Chris from Kingdom added another one free for me...and some Ti bolts...and a free shock pump...and free delivery. What a guy?! BTW, if anyone is interested in a Switch (size M), apparently he has one with an amazing discount.
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