That is simply laughable Frank. When was the last time you went over to the ROC doing product work? The product being cranked out from Taiwan, where the majority of high end frame product originates, these days is by no means cheap.the import bikes are better now than ever and perfectly suitable for most riders. They are almost free when purchased in quantity so the brand can ship plenty of replacements as needed. In the case of a frame breaking on a import bike it's usually an engineering or material issue, not a weld flaw. The brand will be aware and should have plenty of replacements available.
It is also worth mentioning that brands like Giant are making their money on the cheap to mid price bikes, not on bikes like the Glory. That bikes main purpose is marketing and brand image, not bringing in the dollas.While there are some economies that can be maximized, save a handful of guys, no one is making dual suspension mountain bike frames in that shockingly huge qty. For DH frames there is no such thing as "large qty" for any brand. Better pricing more often than not comes from buying off-the-shelf and/or thru long term relationships with the frame vendors...and by "better" they are still far from "free". Margins in the bike biz simply aren't huge for anyone.
Not to mention the tubes most USA made frames are welded from come from Taiwan as well. Biggest reason behind Taiwan production still remains... much better quality for the price. Arguably better quality than anywhere else, depending on what factory you are working with.In some cases the costs of manufacturing in the US aren't that much higher but as most all components are made in Taiwan and other complete bikes are assembled there, and in the case of many brands less than 1/2 are shipping to the US market these days anyways, it makes strategic sense to build frames and assemble in the same place.
-ska todd
Again, either prove that a TW frame is of better quality or give the customer a better price!Biggest reason behind Taiwan production still remains... much better quality for the price.
Does he really have to? If the price will be too high people won't buy the frame and they'll lower the price. Market rules are quite simple in this case. Trek learned it the hard way looking at the prices you could get the session 10 at the start and the end of production.Again, either prove that a TW frame is of better quality or give the customer a better price!
Why? I'd love to see you try and prove that US-made frames are of even comparable quality.Again, either prove that a TW frame is of better quality or give the customer a better price!
Which ones?Why? I'd love to see you try and prove that US-made frames are of even comparable quality.
Don't get me wrong - the build quality on my Turner is fantastic. But the general quality of my Transition Double is certainly on par. The welds may not be as showy, but they're solid and clean.Which ones?
There are good, bad and mediocre in both (any) country. It isn't so black and white.Again, either prove that a TW frame is of better quality or give the customer a better price!
Yup.There are good, bad and mediocre in both (any) country. It isn't so black and white.
It isn't like companies call the Taiwanese government and say "Hi I want to order some bike frames." These are businesses regardless of where they happen to be situated in the world, it seems like people often forget that.
Hey Mike,No head in my ass.... I spent some time on one Yesterday....Def not a bike I would pay for. Rode the large and I seriously felt like I was falling over the front of the bike, knees in the handle bars as end was everywere except were it was supposed to be. Seriously It felt as if the tire was coming up, and to the left as it went through its travel. Didnt feel right at all, like I was just not able to get into a proper attack position, if I leaned into the front, I was hanging over the front axle.....Just couldnt get into feeling stable at all riding it Oh yeah, 40 on the fornt, double barrel on the back. Ill take the Blindside over the "other" Still toying with getting the TR450 for myself though
P.S..... without saying it, others at the demo were stating the same thing before I was done riding.
How many US made DH frames are there even anymore?.....
That your opinion on all things bicycle related should be taken with a grain of salt?Excellent note there. Any bike you have should be inspected before and after each ride for normal wear, and possible damage.
The note about those buying there own bikes.....I sell Trek, Giant, and Speccy.... But for myself, I purchased a Transition... Whats that tell you?
The adjustability is a removable hat in the swing link. It is hidden in the frame for a clean look.So, a couple of questions:
1) Where is the adjustable head angle/BB height coming from? I don't see any shock shuttles or alternative mounting holes. Is this just from sliding the fork in the crowns?
2) What kind of bearings is this thing running in the linkage? In my experience, bikes using this design (DHR, Flatline, RMX etc) have had a healthy appetite for bearings in the push-rod...
3) 47.5" wheelbase on the large seems like a long, long bike. My current DHR is quoted as 46.8" and it's already the longest bike I've ever put in the bed of my truck.
NiceThe adjustability is a removable hat in the swing link. It is hidden in the frame for a clean look.
NiceI'm still running my original bearings from the whole season. the swing link bearings in the TR are the size of the main pivot bearings on all the ofther TBC bikes.
Hmm, I'm 6'3" also...Wheel base is effected by multiple things including the adjustable geometry, and where you run your fork. I have mine in the most raked out postion (see picture posted above) I don't know how long it is, but it doesn't feel insane. I am 6' 3" however....
-KT
1) Here is a diagram from the hang tag that will ship on the frame. It shows the adjustment in the rocker. Obviously there is extra adjustment available from fork leg position, especially with the short headtube used on this frame.So, a couple of questions:
1) Where is the adjustable head angle/BB height coming from? I don't see any shock shuttles or alternative mounting holes. Is this just from sliding the fork in the crowns?
2) What kind of bearings is this thing running in the linkage? In my experience, bikes using this design (DHR, Flatline, RMX etc) have had a healthy appetite for bearings in the push-rod...
3) 47.5" wheelbase on the large seems like a long, long bike. My current DHR is quoted as 46.8" and it's already the longest bike I've ever put in the bed of my truck.
that is a boss detail. the fully sacked numbers look prime. nice work on that bike guys. very clean.1) Here is a diagram from the hang tag that will ship on the frame. It shows the adjustment in the rocker.
I heard White, Red or Yellow for the colours? Mind you I could be totally wrong... I hope to know soon, cant wait to get mine!I'm keen to see what colours/decal kits are available.
Specialized is rider owned too as are many other brands. So you fall for the marketing? The real distinction is if they make everything in house or not. And they don't, in contrast to Nicolai, Foes, Intense, Morewood....
Given the shock location i would say even if it is similar it would behave entirely differently.is that suspension system not same like the vantana el cuervo?