Hi there,
I have a used Cove G-Spot FR frame for sale. I'm not sure of what year frame it is. I think it is 2007 but it could be younger. It has the 30.0mm diameter seatpost tube, a 3-bolt rear mech hanger and the later style 'solid' banana link plates. It is disc specific.
I bought this nearly two years ago and it had a broken chainstay and no shock. The previous owner had it resprayed very badly in a metalic red. It's original Cove colour was 'Sand'. It was sold as a small frame but it isn't. It is definately a medium. I'm 5'8" and on the cusp of small/medium. It fitted me with a 30mm stem.
I was looking for a 6-inch air sprung Trail/AM bike and like the way Coves ride. So I fitted a brand new chainstay (bought from the Cove Bike Shop in Canada), sourced a Fox Float R air shock (with both standard and high volume air cans), got the bottom bracket and steerer tube faced and then built it up. As part of the build I drilled a 2mm hole in the bottom of the bottom bracket shell to drain water away from the sealed bottom bracket. This does not effect the structure/integraty of the frame.
I have ridden it on a couple of uplift days at Cwmcarn, on Snowdon and various Welsh Trail Centres. I also used it in Morzine and Pila during a week long holiday last Summer. It was also used round my lcal trails in Surrey.
It rides brilliantly. I rode it with 150mm Fox 36 Talas R forks. It felt very plush with the high volume air can fitted to the shock (the standard air can rides firmer). In 'Alps' mode it weighed about 31lbs inc a Gravity Dropper seatpost. Feels slack and stable on the gravity fed stuff - be that technical natural forest trails or man made DH tracks. The way I had it set up the suspension was very active so going up hill was a task rather than a whippet but then again this is a 6-inch FR bike. The standard air can firmed things up - as would getting the shock custom valved during a service - but I preferred the plusher option.
I certainly didn't use this to it's fullest extent. That is, I wasn't Freeriding. It goes to show how sorted a frame it is that it works so well as a mini DH bike and a Trail/AM all day riding bike. I see it as a Canadian version of the Orange Patriot.
In reality though I prefer the small frame size (I have other Coves in this size) so here it is up for sale. The paint finish is scruffy and scratched. Partially from use and partially from the poor respray. I had considered getting the frame stripped and powder coated but I'll leave that for the new owner to do if they want to.
The bearings are reasonable. There's some slight notchyness but nothing detrimental. I shall include with the frame a complete set of replacement bearings and new main pivot washers.
What's included? = The frame, complete set of new bearings, main pivot bearing washers, air shock with two air cans (std size and high volume) and Cove qr seat collar.
Happy trails,
mk1fan
£230 (paypal gift) no offers and I'll cover the postage. Or people can collect - Going to Cwmcarn on 25th June, can meet at Surrey Hills or Bracknell. Alternatively, Brockley (weekends) or Redhill (weekdays).
Having an issue with photobucket so please mail me for photo.
