[CovicRacing]

Hello Everyone,

Just wondering if has any experience with these guys? Ever seen one, ridden one, etc?

I was given the opportunity to start importing these into the US and am trying to determine what kind of demand there might be for High End Italian made frames like this. Just curious what people think?

Check out their website for their other models: www.ancillotti.com

Thanks,

 

[Secret Squirrel]

It looks very similar to the older Rotec's Moto-link design, without the concentric pivot of course.

*Shrug* I suppose peeps would be interested just to be different...comes down to how well another linkage driven single pivot performs...

 

[sanjuro]

I did notice a linkage plate way below the BB. I wonder how clearance is?

 

[xy9ine]

neat bike. semi similar suspension config to the sunn radical. proprietary shocks are always a bit sketchy though; might be a fairly significant detractor in the na market.

 

[CovicRacing]

neat bike. semi similar suspension config to the sunn radical. proprietary shocks are always a bit sketchy though; might be a fairly significant detractor in the na market.

I guess the shock is not really proprietary, except for the fact that they build it themselves and claim that it is specifically valved for their frames. But then again, I would too if I were trying to sell shocks with frames.

 

[ridiculous]

im confused

 

[Zark]

pull shock?
It doesn't get more proprietary than that.
Too many bad memories there for most folks.
"Anyone got a Super Deluxe pull shock for my Yeti?"

 

[CovicRacing]

My primary concern is the retail price. The frame will be sold as a Frame-set, which includes frame(obviously), their shock, chain device, and headset. My best guess with euro to dollar conversion (damn weak dollar) put the MSRP at around $2999-3500 (depending on actual shipping costs and import duties). I know this is not too outrageous concidering some DH rigs out there (Nikolai, etc) but it still seems a bit high for general acceptance. Thoughts?

 

[CovicRacing]

pull shock?
It doesn't get more proprietary than that.
Too many bad memories there for most folks.
"Anyone got a Super Deluxe pull shock for my Yeti?"

Yeah thats what I thought too, but take a closer look...its not really a "pull shock", its just what they call their system, i.e. the swingarm "pulls" the link into the shock (crazy Italian marketing).

 

[Secret Squirrel]

My primary concern is the retail price. The frame will be sold as a Frame-set, which includes frame(obviously), their shock, chain device, and headset. My best guess with euro to dollar conversion (damn weak dollar) put the MSRP at around $2999-3500 (depending on actual shipping costs and import duties). I know this is not too outrageous concidering some DH rigs out there (Nikolai, etc) but it still seems a bit high for general acceptance. Thoughts?

Gack...3g for that frame set...that'd be a tough sell...unless it comes with the option of increasing the riders d*ck size to John Holmes status...

 

[In8Racing]

It would seem if you could show compatibility with domestic shocks, you might have a shot.

Some years back when we were sponsored by Giant and rode the first gen "DH" bikes, there were a lot of comparisons flying around with the Ancillotti.

Similar low COG single pivot, with a linkage driven shock. Of the couple of years I raced the Giant at Nationals, I hit the linkage pretty hard only a few times. That being said, I always had spare links just in case.

At this point as a comsumer, the price would keep me out of the game. If it were in the $1700-$2000 range, I'd be more apt to consider it. I think this is the big reason you see so few Nicolai's about also.

 

[JRogers]

If it's compatible with other shocks and the price could come down, I think it'd be a good buy. They don't have the best reputation overseas, right? I've always liked the look of the frames, but haven't heard much.

There is a reason why you don't see too many Oranges and Nicolais- expensive for what they are, can be hard to get parts if needed, not mind blowing performance above and beyond domestically available stuff.

 

[downhillracer]

"Dull Shock" linkage design? interesting...

 

[Bearmntpicnic]

hmm I dont think they would sell at that price. Although there seems to be a market for obscure frames these days. Im also not a big fan of the paint.

 

[mattmatt86]

Paint looks like a walmart bike

 

[Bobodaclown]

There are quite a few of them in the UK and most riders who have tried one love them.

 

[stoneyloon]

Yeah im from the uk and ride one, with regards the shock; it is quite thin shock to fit through the whole in the swingarm and i think this is why you are limited to their own brand shocks. Bill Henson imports the bike to the Uk and he services the shocks so i dont really have any issues with the limited shock. also the paint varies every year on the team bikes
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1071598/
thats a very old pic of my bike, and i much prefer those colours to the blue yellow in the thread. the bikes ride amazingly and are quite popular in europe. there not amazingly light but ride real nice. oh yeah and to covic racing if you want i could give you the mobile number of bill henson who could give you some real imformation about the bikes from an importers point of view

 

[CovicRacing]

There are quite a few of them in the UK and most riders who have tried one love them.

This is what I have heard also and part of my motivation to bring them over here. With the strong British Pound, it is probably a little easier on their wallets also.

 

[humprabbit]

beautiful bikes beautifly made, but at the dollar to euro rate, scarey expensive.

 

[CovicRacing]

oh yeah and to covic racing if you want i could give you the mobile number of bill henson who could give you some real imformation about the bikes from an importers point of view

Yes, this would be great. And if possible, maybe his email also?

joe@covicracing.com

or just PM it to me.

Thanks,

 

[Secret Squirrel]

"Dull Shock" linkage design? interesting...

supposed to say "Pull Shock" but the 'P' is a bit squshd.

 

[wydopen]

I hit the linkage pretty hard only a few times. That being said, I always had spare links just in case.

A

ive killed quite a few of those links in my giant days

 

[Broken_Spoke]

Yeah im from the uk and ride one, with regards the shock; it is quite thin shock to fit through the whole in the swingarm and i think this is why you are limited to their own brand shocks. Bill Henson imports the bike to the Uk and he services the shocks so i dont really have any issues with the limited shock. also the paint varies every year on the team bikes
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1071598/
thats a very old pic of my bike, and i much prefer those colours to the blue yellow in the thread. the bikes ride amazingly and are quite popular in europe. there not amazingly light but ride real nice. oh yeah and to covic racing if you want i could give you the mobile number of bill henson who could give you some real imformation about the bikes from an importers point of view

That is great that your distributor services the shocks but would that be able to happen here in the US, not knocking Covic at all. Mr. Covic do you have the resources to service the shocks?

 

[CovicRacing]

That is great that your distributor services the shocks but would that be able to happen here in the US, not knocking Covic at all. Mr. Covic do you have the resources to service the shocks?

Actually, its Mr. Krajcovic, or Joe to my friends ;-).

And yes, I do have the resources. My brother (and business partner) Dan brings all the hands on experience with 10+ years as a service and suspension tech at various local bikes shops. And I have spend the last 8-10 months preparing my training, equipment and facilities in anticipation of my Kowa Fork maintainence responsibilities. Adding a shock to the mix should not be too big a stretch at this point.

 

[Yeti]

being in the european market and having some knowledge of the american market i don t see this as a very good deal by seeing the prices u would be handling. the bike rides good, and quality wise is not bad at all...it s actually very good. the thing is the frame's paint doesn t look that good and the manufacturing isn t as good as nicolai for example to justify the price. plus there are enough single pivots in the market to justify the risk of importing a frame from overseas at such a high price. just my 0.02$. cheers

 

[RaID]

Some years back when we were sponsored by Giant and rode the first gen "DH" bikes, there were a lot of comparisons flying around with the Ancillotti.

Similar low COG single pivot, with a linkage driven shock. Of the couple of years I raced the Giant at Nationals, I hit the linkage pretty hard only a few times. That being said, I always had spare links just in case.

IIRC i remember reading that Giant bought the Ancillotti design to use for their DH Comp and Team frames when they were introduced in 01(?)

 

[In8Racing]

From what I recall, the Giant was designed independently by Renault. They may have "borrowed" from the Anci design.

 

[luelling]

A bit of a derailment, didn't Pascal ride for them for a while? Or on a team that rode those bikes?

 

[FlipSide]

I thought the Renault design was the NRS?

 

[JRogers]

A bit of a derailment, didn't Pascal ride for them for a while? Or on a team that rode those bikes?

I think he was on BeOne and then Sunn before that, yeah? I know he was on BeOne.

 

[SteezyWeezy]

pull shock?
It doesn't get more proprietary than that.
Too many bad memories there for most folks.
"Anyone got a Super Deluxe pull shock for my Yeti?"

look at the design again, its isnt a pull shock, thats just what they call it

 

[Wobbler]

Looks remarkably like the avanti d8/keewee cromo8 of circa 2000...

 

[Akula_7]

Finest bike I have ever ridden. I would love to give a long indepth reply. But I don't have the patience. If CovicRacing wants to PM me I will be happy to impartially answer any questions you have. I have been riding an Ancillotti for 4 years at World Cups etc...

Any questions just ask.

Also I know people see the shock as a problem, but to be honest they are perfect. Built specifically for the frame, Whats the problem? Every stock crosser comes with a "proprietary" shock. No hassle, I know people want choice and love to have as many excuses for their lack of skill, but the shock makes for a reliable, high performing bike. The photo provided doesn't make the bike look the best. With a slightly different build it is a lot better looking.

I'm just about to leave for 8weeks racing around Europe on mine, and I don't expect any problems.....at all. ZERO! That's the way it has been for 4 years of racing anyway.

As for a market in the US, people always want something different. But whether the Ancillotti is that I don't know. They work flawlessly though. It's just the some Aussie doesn't ride one so it must be ****house!

 

[ArthurDH]

i live near the Ancillotti facility, here in Tuscany, and i had the occasion to meet one of the owners, the son, Tommas. He's a really nice person. totally committed to his job, that is not only researching developing and handcrafting high performance bikes, but also promoting the sport here in Italy. And god knows downhill needs promotion in italy. He is personally present at every national race AND most amatorial race, and he supports everyone riding an Ancillotti, even used ones.

The bikes come from years and years of family experience with MX racing first and then downhill mtb, and you can be sure that everything in their bikes is there for an exact reason... reason which you can personally discuss with Tommaso or Alberto on the italian MTB forums ( www.mtb-forum.it ), they'll be glad to explain and discuss with you, in english of course.

Do not underestimate these bikes only because top-ten WC riders don't ride them... oh wait, THEY DO now : D

cheers!

 

[Akula_7]

http://ancillotti.blogspot.com/2006_06_01_ancillotti_archive.html


Scroll down for a nice interview with Tomaso Ancillotti.

Also on a side note British Ancillotti rider Matt Simmonds placed 14th in Vigo DH last weekend.

 

[ArthurDH]

(not to mention Milivinti, 10th)

 

[CovicRacing]

Sorry everyone, I was off on business and away from my computer for a few days.

Anyway, thanks everyone for all the great feedback on Ancillotti and their products. I think I have been sufficiently convinced that this is venture is worth a shot. Now its up to Albero and me to hammer out the numbers. Stay tuned for Ancilotti in the USA!

Thanks,

 

[karpi]

damn those bikes have always appealed to me, seeing the video on the blogspot clearly shows that suspension working preatty nicely damn

 

[seth505]

I always liked the idea of trying that bike...have never seen one in person though.

 

[ArthurDH]

going to buy one soon, hopefully...