Flounder's ExPo Build: Form Cycles - COMPLETED

[slowtwitch]

I am sure a lot of king hubs have extra drag because they are adjusted to tight.

Yeah proper preload is key with Kings (another good reason to go XTR imo), but still, they have a ton of drag as compared to a nice cup n cone hub, even after being well broken in. On a car, no big deal, on a bike, not so good. I think it's just one of the concessions they had to make in order to have the bearings be reasonably sealed.

I'm running Kings now, so I'm not a left field hater. Some go forever, some don't work (freewheel) out of the box. I've just been around bikes long enough to have some rigid opinions! Cold forging and grinding bearing surfaces = state of the art. Add easy to work on with basic tools/parts to the list of XTR pluses.

st

[Flounder]

Wheels are complete. These rims built up very well. It took a little voodoo magic and a ton of patience to get the Mezcals to seat. Ultimately, I wasn't satisfied with the way the tires mated to the rims, so...in went the tubes. UST tires on order.

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[Flounder]

The titanium seat post is being turned. I went with a zero set back. Should really accentuate the compliance of the finished bike.

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[Flounder]

It won't be long now!

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[Flounder]

Looks like I'll go pick up the frame on Thursday. So excited.


More gratuitous glamor shots:
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[Flounder]

It's in the blasting cabinet getting some final finishing details. This thing is going to be sick.

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[trailsurfer]

This thing is going to be sick.

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Yes it is.

[Flounder]

Trailsurfer,

I put it to the dirt for the first time on Saturday for 32 miles. I put in another 38 on Sunday. I started today with a pre-work 28. It's nothing short of perfect. You were right, those wheels are fantastic. I couldn't be happier with the end product. Daryl does beautiful work and his attention to detail is what I think sets him apart.

Pics to come soon.

By the way, if you want a Form you might want to get that process going now for a spring delivery. After NAHBS and a few glowing reviews in various magazines, his workload now includes over 25 frames in the works. His new aluminum oxide media blasted logo is just awesome, by the way.

[trailsurfer]

Looking forward to the pics. Cant wait to see it.

[Flounder]

It's almost done. One last part is on the way. My custom Form Cycles seatpost is going to be awesome. Daryl does nice work. Note the ENVE seat clamp.

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