Then slowly work your way away from this model, into one where you hold stock and customers don’t have to wait or gamble any more.

Only if your a slow dull old fat grandad MAN!!! Time to embrace the disruptive economy where the rules of common sense don’t apply 😉

Seems to me that they don’t want to take the risk with the capital expenditure or holding stock.
Having the drop model means they can order the numbers based on orders received, so zero risk to them. Just slap on an additional few weeks* waiting time and take a lower margin, then people seem to accept it**.

– * Months/years
– ** unless they aren’t transparent and lack CS

Wow that looks like a proper gopping BSO with those wheels.

Words fail me. Holy Christ that is an ugly POS.

Only if your a slow dull old fat grandad MAN!!! Time to embrace the disruptive economy where the rules of common sense don’t apply 😉

lol

That looks like an old cannondale

How many times when designing that frame did they think “ooh, that’s a bit flexy/snappy, better stick a brace in”? It’s practically a space frame!

Having the drop model means they can order the numbers based on orders received, so zero risk to them.

Until there are problems/delays and folk start asking for refunds…

Leaving aside the retro 80’s mag-esq wheels for a moment, there’s something that just looks wrong with that frame. It’s too slack and, to me at least, it looks like the sag of the rider would make it like riding a downhill specific lowrider.

Apart from the chain length, is it really much different to this:

Apart from the chain length, is it really much different to this

I think children would find the Harley quite stylish.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the old Taiwanese business model used to be save up enough for a batch of frames, generate a little hype on the way while they get built, then as soon as they are on a boat, start taking orders. As soon as you’ve got some firm orders and you see a pattern of which sizes/colours sell, then you place your second order which should arrive 2 months after the first frames hit the UK. […]
Then slowly work your way away from this model, into one where you hold stock and customers don’t have to wait or gamble any more.

I’ve attended a fair few startup events, met various entrepreneurs etc, and it’s really noticeable the extent to which this sensible model is being absolutely binned. People, generally younger people, want their business to be successful instantly; and they keep being told that it’s the new normal. It’s totally mental; but they see companies like Uber (losing $3bn a year), Netflix (losing $2bn a year), even Faraday being lauded as the future of business and think they can run a business like that in the real world.

* This neglects the fact you can delete unfavorable comments 😀

Words fail me. Holy Christ that is an ugly POS.

Yes. POS for sure.
Looks ill.
Sick…

* This neglects the fact you can delete unfavorable comments 😀

Only on their own social media. Might explain why some of their newer stuff doesn’t make it out of their IG.

POS = point of sale?

Are you making the Sleipnir frames mickmcd?  Will there be one at the bike show on 29th March? (I ask because I think you mentioned having blocks of aluminium and I just assumed they would be for the Sleipnir)

Are you making the Sleipnir frames mickmcd? Will there be one at the bike show on 29th March?

I’d be surprised if anything/one was there. iirc they managed to find an excuse to pull out of the last steel is real event, saying all their bikes were stuck/lost in America…

Tubes and hardware before going to production.

Finished product.

** Note, pics may be the wrong way around.

Well – it’s not long low & slack… just slack.

It looks horrifically short too.

It looks horrifically short too.

I’d be even more p1ssed off if I had given them money to see them trolling everyone now with the cost and hideousness of those Spengle wheels. The large charred sections of the frames are a unique touch

Spengle wheels, NX groupset, nailed it.

I *think* the wheels are a promo thing funded by spengle, could be wrong though.

Well, who could blame the marketing brains at Spengle for wanting to ride on the coat-tails of this feelgood success story?

Well, who can blame Spengle’s marketing department for wanting to ride on the coat-tails of this feelgood success story?

They are exactly that, according to Instagram, as anything negative is deleted… it gets folk talking too. What was that saying about bad publicity?

Tbf, given their, let’s say challenging looks, they are probably falling over themselves to get pics out there of any bikes with them fitted, never mind ones with a cult following.

I’m not one to worry about how my bike looks, function rules. I habitually ruin bikes with mudguards, bags, odd bars, Ergon grips, etc.
I’m riding it though, not trying to mak it look Instagood.

Buuuut, that is one ugly looking brute up there. Personally, the red grips, red anodised bits and reddish wheel decals, all in different shades, are the icing on a very unappetising cake.

POS = point of sale?

Yes.
Or no.
Better:

POS song

Ii doesnt look strong enough to me at the headstock. Far too much force going through the head due to the long rake and short head tube.

Is it me – or does that bike look like it’s been photoshopped into the background?

Is it me – or does that bike look like it’s been photoshopped into the background?

Yep, I thought that too..🤔

I’m not one to worry about how my bike looks, function rules.

Yes, but as far as I can tell, no professional reviewer has ridden any of their bikes and written about the experience so I’m assuming the functionality is in the same ballpark as the looks.

Guy Kesteven has.

https://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/hardtail/product/sick-headbanger-pinion-review-52288/

Don’t come on here with your ‘very experienced journalist actually quite liked it for doing it what it was designed for’ links.

So have Enduro mag

https://enduro-mtb.com/en/sick-headbanger-hardtail-review/

Would his review have been as good if he never got the frame to actually review?

That’s a better way of thinking of it. 😉

I don’t have a problem with the bikes themselves, the ones that exist anyway(sick don’t make them, remember), just the appalling way the company is run/people are getting mugged off.

Thanks for the links, I obviously need to upgrade my Google skills. Reviews pretty much as expected – pretty niche product with too many compromises for all-round riding.

My mate has a Ghost Wulf – which is actually pretty good.

I also find comparing the reviews quite interesting, very much a reminder to try stuff for yourself.  Both reviews are of the same bike yet

Bike Radar

the skinny, curved, A-frame seatstays give the back end the smoothest, most forgiving ride of any hardtail I’ve ever tested

Enduro Mag

Too stiff at the back, very harsh chainstays

Hadn’t seen the enduro mag review before. interesting the Guy said its the comfiest HT he’s ridden, where enduro said ‘Too stiff at the back, very harsh chainstays’.

Maybe Guy is more comfortable with something stiff.

Edit, beaten to it!

Bike Radar

the skinny, curved, A-frame seatstays give the back end the smoothest, most forgiving ride of any hardtail I’ve ever tested

Enduro Mag

Too stiff at the back, very harsh chainstays

… comments on rear end compliance and which tubes are responsible, on a bike with a tiny rear triangle like that? I think the variation in perception says it all.