I've been riding different bikes for years so around 2000-2001 I decided to have a BMX Cruiser frame and fork built for me by BMX racer Antony Revell. I wanted it made to fit some gears on the back etc. but basically with 24" wheels and BMX steering.
The bike was great and has done me well. Anyway, for a longtime I've wanted something new and more personal; lighter and more open for component choice etc. I have looked around a lot and asked quite a few different frame builders with surprisingly no luck or interest in helping me 'cos basically I didn't just want an MTB - though what I wanted wasn't rocket science really and I had the main most important geometry needed, which was similar to my first bike!!
Luckily I found Justin's website. At first brazed chromo was actually on my list but then I figured Ti wouldn't be a bad option for the price and I always dreamed about having a Ti bike.
Justin was brilliant for listening and helping the idea of the frame evolve more and more with all the important issues like geometry, tyre spacing, crank Q-factor, brakes etc. until we had it perfect.
I feel this frame idea is my own thing but I feel it's his masterpiece as much as mine 'cos I couldn't have done it like this without him - to me it's perfect!
It's really light, very fast, stiff enough around the bb etc. where needed. I always wanted these kind of dropouts; giving room for choices around cranks and chainring size. I wanted the aero downtube and maybe this helps the speed? Not sure but either way, I can't say enough how much I love all of it!
My current build
- Forks now are Supercross bmx 24s!! Did use old Pace's before=cut slightly for 24" n re-painted n with an alloy steertube I made
- King headset
- Proper bikes light cnc'd bmx stem
- Fly alloy bmx type bars 5" or 5.75 height n 64cm wide X-lite ends
- Dura-ace 9speed gearlever for road bikes n I got a leverclamp to fit it like an old xt thumbshifter=cut it afew mm n put rubber thumb bit on from xt
- Shimano Saint of a derailer=Much better than Dura-XT-DX etc. Solid n no chain rattle if ya hop of a curb or jump etc basicly. Changed L n R bolts
- Shimano SLX 11-34=Cut down from 9sp to only 6 cogs from 11tooth cog up cos I don't feel I need all of them uphill n dishless wheels are stronger aswell
- Hope Trials rear hub with allenbolts=Changed hope washers tho for profile hub washers cos the hope ones didn't look like they'd hold as well
- Hutch bmx front Hub=Cleaned it up n got new bearings n changed the ti axle for cromo one cos the old ti one wasn't really wide enough annoyningly
- Sun Rhyno rims n DT non butted spokes for strength altho they weigh more slightly
- Tyres im using now are classic design bmx Comp 3's or I change to KHE mac2 slicks
- Hope small seatclamp with carbon seatpost n a comfy Specialized old seat=Abit annoyed with SPD seat cos it was creaking tomuch n changed seatpost
- Hope X2 Disc break which is fantastic n simply very adjustable=160mm rotor with ti bolts
- Profile BB with 175mm cranks with ti axle n bolt for spider. The spider is like the old profile classic with sugino 43 ring n alloy bolts
- Pedals are Crupi pro round bmx racing with ti axles n JP cages or I have Specialized flat bmxy type ones
MRP chain device was annoying to size up at first with these profile cranks and I didn't want all the heaver pieces it came with, so I made my own frame holders instead and solved the problem.
The top uses bits of a seatpost mudguard clamp and seaside plastic I drilled and cut etc. The bottom half is made of an old thumb gear lever clamp and disc break connector - it took a lot of time to work it all out and find what to use basically, but it's totally solid but wouldn't damage the frame under pressure and doesn't effect crank axle bearings or Q-factor now on these cranks, so I'm happy.
Could say tons more! BIG THANKS again, Justin! I would pick this to travel the world on but its quick around the streets and parks as well!
This bike rides!