[Udi]

I agree 100% with @iRider / @HAB / @StiHacka on this one - 135/142mm wheels go out of true more easily because the spoke tensions are different L/R and the maximum tension is limited. This is also true for front wheels, just less obvious a problem since front wheels cop less abuse.

I also am of the strong opinion that the Hope design for a 150/157mm hub is superior (where the extra width is utilised for a zero dish wheel, not for greater spoke angle on one side while sacrificing the zero dish benefit like CK for example).

Looks like everyone else has the nerdery and graphs covered - my opinion is purely from building and wrecking my own wheels for the last 10 years. Zero dish FTMFW.

 

[mtg]

You can also get the same spoke tensions on both sides of a rear wheel by using a 148 rear hub offset 3mm to the drive side.

 

[troy]

I've made some final tweaks to the frame:

less curvy down tube,
shock can be placed upside down now,
BB, main pivot and rocker link pivot are now a one piece, CNC machined element,
DT and TT are not welded together (HT gusset on both sides instead),
new hardware, no more stripper bolts

 

[slimshady]

I've made some final tweaks to the frame:

less bendy down tube,
shock can be placed upside down now,
BB, main pivot and rocker link pivot are now a one piece, CNC machined element,
DT and TT are not welded together (HT gusset on both sides instead),
new hardware, no more stripper bolts
View attachment 125202

 

[jackalope]

I've made some final tweaks to the frame:

less bendy down tube,
shock can be placed upside down now,
BB, main pivot and rocker link pivot are now a one piece, CNC machined element,
DT and TT are not welded together (HT gusset on both sides instead),
new hardware, no more stripper bolts
View attachment 125202

^^
I'd like to be that particular owl's "favorite human"

 

[troy]

@jackalope that is sooooo sweet man!

BTW, we do only sponsor ppl who had a significant head trauma, which was a result of being hit by a new 20x110 boost hub equipped, 29 plus sized fatbike.

 

[StiHacka]

I've made some final tweaks to the frame:

less curvy down tube,
shock can be placed upside down now,
BB, main pivot and rocker link pivot are now a one piece, CNC machined element,
DT and TT are not welded together (HT gusset on both sides instead),
new hardware, no more stripper bolts
View attachment 125202

As a bonus, if you ride at night, that thing is practically invisible.

 

[Udi]

I've made some final tweaks to the frame

Woohoo!

I actually thought about starting a "what's new at dark owl" thread since everything new coming out this year is ultra lame for some reason. Happy to see something that isn't inspired by the Trump presidency.

Don't know what the thread title is about, but whenever I tell Troy what I think should change on the frame we fight like a married couple (which is surprising, since as you all know I'm ultra polite and reserved about getting my ideas across, never blunt or harsh), so I end up thinking they won't get implemented - but it turns out my initial impressions about the guy are true - he can actually take and accept criticism (and is ready to apply it to better the product) rather than defending the existing design.

Combined with having a good kinematic design background in the first place, this puts Dark Owl in a very small minority of frame builders.

I think this is going to be a very special bike.

 

[Udi]

I know some of you don't believe in CSI Miami but I sent the pic to my buddy Horatio...

 

[Jm_]

Yo dog, we heard you like BBs....

Seriously though, cool project and bike.

 

[TrumbullHucker]

I know some of you don't believe in CSI Miami but I sent the pic to my buddy Horatio...

View attachment 125206

 

[Happymtb.fr]

No bottle cage mounts!
I am out!

 

[troy]

If some1 can't see those pics, please tell me.

 

[atrokz]

Where are you getting it made? Or are you using work/school facilities?

And as even tension as possible please.

 

[StiHacka]

Mmmmm! I was just thinking about a custom link for my Balance with a little more progressive lev. curve.

 

[troy]

Where are you getting it made? Or are you using work/school facilities?

I wish. We (me and my 2 associates) are working with some other local companies. It ain't some bong shed business.

 

[atrokz]

I wish. We (me and my 2 associates) are working with some other local companies. It ain't some bong shed business.

Where about? I'd offer my mfg services but I'm in Canada and my plates are pretty full at the moment. Looks rad though.

 

[troy]

Where about? I'd offer my mfg services but I'm in Canada and my plates are pretty full at the moment. Looks rad though.

I'm from Poland, so quite far away from Canada (unfortunately). Thank You for the offer tho!

 

[dump]

Maybe I missed the memo, but are you selling anything yet?

 

[troy]

Maybe I missed the memo, but are you selling anything yet?

Not yet. We are making the final version this week and sending it for fatigue testing. After that, when we will be sure everything is fine, we will start selling those.

 

[TrumbullHucker]

Love the setup... do you flip the part to do part 2??

 

[troy]

Love the setup... do you flip the part to do part 2??

Yes, the part is symmetrical. It is basically a one piece bb shell, main pivot and rocker pivot.

 

[troy]

Beating the sh*t out of the previous proto.

 

[jonKranked]

i dunno about the rest of you, but when i see DXX i read "dicks"

 

[troy]

i dunno about the rest of you, but when i see DXX i read "dicks"

 

[Nick]

Beating the sh*t out of the previous proto.

Looks flexy...

 

[slimshady]

The Dark Owl made it to PB's front page:

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/three-boutique-european-downhill-bikes-that-are-a-little-bit-different.html

 

[Sandwich]

great bump bro, things were getting dark in the dh forum

 

[xy9ine]

what are these "dh" bikes of which you speak?

 

[Sandwich]

Advanced Enduro