The last few days have been very busy trying to get the drawings finalised for the second prototype. Although the design remains fundamentally similar, in the tweak to Ver 2.0, every tube except the head tube changes subtly.
The biggest change will be the EBB that will be ditched in favour of adjustable sliding dropouts (though we are likely to keep the option of the original dropouts available for simpler derailleur-specific builds). Other smaller changes include a slightly smaller top tube and beefier chainstays. All in all, tweaks to make it easier to set-up but also simply ride better.
In parallel, while Andy continues trying to break the Alfine, I have also been preparing the Proto for a week long tour that will take in approximately 500-550 miles in 5 days. I cannot wait, though I do loathe swapping back to a chain after having been spoilt by running the Gates belt drive!
So this week I'll pry the Alfine kit off Andy to test fit it to the Proto just to make sure there are no issues, and then we'll be pressing the button on Ver 2.0. Can't wait!
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i'm very excited about v2.0 - there is literally nothing on the market like it, and it's exactly what i'm looking for. how long until you guys start selling these?
ReplyDeleteHi Joe - very happy you like it, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI literally *just* finished tweaks to improve the Alfine cable run, and emailed the drawings for V2.0 off to our builder. I estimate that will be shipped in about 3 weeks from now - so we are roughly on track for being able to launch around end-May-ish.
This is a very exciting time - I just hope my poor fingernails last!
Will you build the Alfine with drop bars? I'm waiting for someone to build the ultimate winter bike with Alfine, disc brakes and Versa VRS-8 Drop Bar Shifters.
ReplyDeleteAapje: Short answer is "Yep!"
ReplyDeleteOur test Versa shifters should be arriving soon - they'll be on once I've got back from my tour. How about Alfine, Gates belt, disc brakes and Versa shifters?
Sounds great! Is it possible to choose a sprocket combo? I found a Gates pricelist which show a 60T front sprocket and 22T rear Alfine sprocket. That would seem like a good combo for fast touring, with the most used gear being direct drive (5th gear).
ReplyDeleteThat would be pretty quick touring indeed!
ReplyDeleteIn terms of speccing - it really is pretty open. We intend to initially sell these as frame (& fork), but are keen to be able to offer a "build to spec" service as well.
There is still a lot for us to work out ...