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Mike, I did email you about this but didn't get a reply. I've always been happy with the frames I've had from you and don't want to bleat about this one; the moment I got on it it just didn't feel right. It had exactly the same build kit as my mk1 (the one with spread rear dropout/mech hanger), but I measured and re-measured and the numbers were way out. Basically, I assumed yours must have been a sagged figure, and seeing as though I didn't get on with it I just got rid instead of trying to persevere.
I think, and I am sure that Mike will correct me on this, that it would be nigh on impossible for there to be a manufacturing error of that magnitude.
It's not uncommon for mass produced frames to be out line after they've been welded and heat treated (I've heard Commencals and Intenses are notorious for this) but having incorrect geometry would require someone to reset the welding jig incorrectly before a production run started. That would mean you have a whole run of frames that were wrong and I imagine it would be easily spotted.
Fair enough, and as I said earlier I didn't measure the mk1 to be able to make that comparison, but I know i measured it accurately, and I know they felt very different. Indeed, so much different that this was the cause of me getting the tape measure out to start with. How's about someone or everyone measuring their bb heights just to see?
For the record, having owned 2x PA's & 2x Alpines I certainly don't have a problem with Mike's designs, I'm just saying why I sold my 2nd Alpine.
Mike - yes I'm afraid you're right, and I am that narrow minded. However, as a test I showed pictures of Grizzpup's frame to a riding mate not into football at all, and he looked and said "it's a beauty but you couldn't go about on a maroon bike"! So that sealed it for me...make the mkIII's green with white accents and I'll be at the head of the queue!
If you see the red frame in the flesh you'll understand. It's the far nicer colour.
Saying that though, I am a west ham fan...
MussEd- its a beauty. 380 from memory.
Here's mine MK1 17.5" Long, 36T single cog up front & Pikes. Needs a short cage rear mech & brake cables shortened! Also don't need the 8" rotor on the back but I got the complete setup dirt cheap, will be looking at a 6 or 7" soon.
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5455380563_82d54801c7_z.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/59619034@N05/5455380563/ ]December 2010[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/59619034@N05/ ]Nyquist7[/url], on Flickr
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5455991694_6251fd81eb_z.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/59619034@N05/5455991694/ ]Pontnewydd (Near Cwmcarn)[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/59619034@N05/ ]Nyquist7[/url], on Flickr
Has anyone have a link for the geometry of the MK1's? I'm interested to compare it to the MK2 as I'm considering upgrading.
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Here's mine, never really got on with XC bikes but this just feels right. Didn't touch the DH bike for months after I got this, its truly an all rounder.
Little video of it being ridden:
http://www.pinkbike.com/video/162249/
Nice video & trail! didn't realize u had anything half decent down in Cornwall!