Black – any other colour is just trying too hard.

No, but I did crop the photo to leave out the big dent!

Fankenbike goes to Wales! Llandegla was stunnig today and the BFe road like a dream.

Hi everyone, thanks for all your posts.

I’m glad the majority agree about it looking ‘right’, Even if it’s a little light in areas for the typical use of a BFe, it’s still a great fun ride.

Cy, it’s not sold a soda just yet, but a good deal might swing it! ;-)

It is a fantastic ride!

I can’t believe how much fun it was to ride, the additional weight over my ti frame was not noticable.

I’ve decided that a Soda will be my next frame.

Anyone for a brand new Cove Hummer?

Hi Ian, thanks for the thought, but the frame already has a home.

No bike is ever pointless, it’s good to try things out!

Scales are spot on, proper bike ones. Look at the forks and groupset. It’s all top spec.

I’ve ridden a lighter build around most of the trail centres, Brecon beacons, Purbecks and rocky old Norfolk without issues. Weight and strength are only usually kept apart by cost.

I had an intense 5.5 at a 24lb build and loved it. No strength issues, just not as much fun as a hardtail.

The wheels are Roval Traverse’s running tubeless maxis tyres.

They’re pretty strong and only weigh 1550g. My ‘slightly heavier’ mate has lent them to me for this build. He’s the wrong side of 15 stone and gets on with them really well.

I had the controlle SL wheels before and they were 1450g and a lot more flexy.

Vortexracing- keep your Soul, it’s 1lb lighter and better for most situations.

I’m waiting for a new hummer frame, but already thinking that I’d prefer the new Soda!! Which ever I go for it’ll only be a little over 21lb!

Cheers for the positive comments.

It’s a medium frame.

It’d probably work better with 140’s on the front for am use, but for me 120’s perfect.

Why ruined?

It’s still got 120mm forks and strong wheels, I think it’ll be great fun. No skill compensation heavy extras.

Looks a bit tarty to me.

Give apollo a couple of months and they’ll have someting out in the shops with a twisted frame.

Only joking – it’s a beauty!

Have you built my wheels yet?

If the Soul is as good at the Soda, get one, you’ll love it.

I had a large soda and swapped for a Hummer and don’t enjoy it as much. The large was a fraction too large for me at 6′.

If i could stomach the cost i’d sell the hummer and buy a new medium soda.

Thomson kit is always fantastic quality, light weight and good to look at. The post clamps are great too, if a little bulky.

If youre spending new cotic money you really need to consider the Cove Hummer

Sorry to add another option, but it really is a stunning bike and perfect on f120’s.

Mine is only 22.4lb and built for trail/xc.

The only downside is….. the cankles. Bol has a very nice soda, with the classic cotic soda tapered seat stays. Is the new one the same??

Solo riders – Real respect, but you’re mad.

Stumpy….We’re going to be there with the Streetlife teams. Pop over for a catch up.

Good luck everyone.

It’s not looking good, great weather at the moment, but that’s going to change!

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/ee/thetford_forecast_weather.html

Rain to start at the start and continue for the whole race.

2.1 NN on front 1.8 NN on back, Perfect combo IMO.

I've just realised it's his front wheel he's eating!

This would do the job nicely!

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/custom-mountain-bikes/discount-mountain-bikes/rock-lobster-team-ti-ex-test-bike-17.html

I was strangly tempted to go for the RAL4010!!

The colour the company had looked a little less strong, so i didn't risk it.

They had a matt orange that looked amazing and a metal flake grey that really did it for me, but simple white was the winner.

Thanks and yes, linkages will be re-annodised black to loose a couple of scufs.

I'll get some photos on here when it's finished.

I've decided to keep the frame go for briliant white – it'll look light!

My local bike shop has managed to get a sticker set ordered so it'll be like new again.

I can't wait to build it.

Pics to follow!

Have you tried it with some stans??

I bent a UST rim on an old wheel and managed to get it sealing again with some gently rim tapping using wood blocks.

Hi boobs, that's exactly what i found, gutted!

I was hoping that as the hubs are DT240's i'd be able to switch over the end caps.

Baby blue, not a stock colour for the FRO, but it'd look good!

Here's a link to the chrome powder coat

http://www.aerocoat.net/Aeromaxtm.htm

They've even suggested fading from a black front through to a silver rear….Too much??

Here it is now..

Stored in the office, apparently i have too many bikes at home at the moment!

True – but maybe that's a step too far.

Do you think there's a market for a bright pink race frame?

ap – do you know if it's possible to get a new sticker kit for the FRO?

nickegg – Apparently its a chrome powdercoat, so not corrosion issues!

Teetosugars – Great website, thanks.

Onzadog – Really? It's never get stolen!

aP – I had a 5.5 in Stealth black – it looked great but the decals looked really tacky.

I have to think re-sale value as i'll probably sell soon.

Thanks – total friday afternoon spend on nothing important, but i saved money, result!

The last one is a Ragley Ti, he's gone for very subtle decals.

I do not fancy myself as either a funeral director or gangsta and the car is going soon. I do have more photos, be afraid!

This one is a cracker!!!

Bol, is this one any better??

Bol – you've been out taking more photos, sorry i mean riding!! How did you find a tree at the same angle as your down tube?

The Hummer is only rated up to 130mm for some reason. A mate that the Ragley ti and that is designed for longer forks.

Pics…

Mine with F-120's


Mates with Talas 140mm

I know you said no BMWs, but I was in a similar situation and when all things considered, tax, fuel etc I only have to pay £2 per month more to have a touring 320d se! The 318d is13% tax.

Another thought is go for a top spec A3 sportback with a tow bar or roof mounted bikes, the 2.0tdi is 13% tax! You'll save around £60 a month in tax!

I created a geeky spreadsheet, I'll email it if you want.

One other thing, the tax set up changes again next year…. Check out the AA website, it is quite handy to see what you'll pay now and next year.

Pretty much the same, which is a good thing Bols bike's a beauty!

I can build beautiful bikes, but not upload photos.

Very nice bike! Any more pics?

Classic comment epicsteve!!

I like to call bol's new bike a Rugley!