Any differences between 4500c/5500c/oz frames?

[Carbon_Kiwi]

just interested, seeing as i'm dead keen [and in the process] of getting hold of one of these...

[IFO]

just decals...when ur talknig about frame only...

[GET]

I think the Oz actually has the needle bearing pivot.  Someone correct me if I'm wrong.  However, I personally don't think this is a significant change.  The bushings have served me very well.  Geometry is the same.

[Old Proflexer]

all basically the same -

the carbons, best i can recall, were done in two major runs.  the first run for the 4-5500's had a duller, not so great finish.  the second batch had better finishes including a black wax polish job to help the the look.

the pivots etc. were all the same

if you're going to get one second hand, ask for the frame serial number off the OMNI decal next to the bottom bracket (unless someone peeled it off)  you'll see a 97- xxxxx or a 98-xxxxx numbering.

in addition, many units, and i can't remember which run, had a number scratched inside the upper mounting plates where the head of the shock attaches.  one of mine i believe was 0147 but the other frame had none - the third frame is still as new, unbuilt and in a box and never checked it.

OP

[Carbon_Kiwi]

Old_Proflexer - you have a third carbon frame still new in it's box







i don't suppose you'd consider selling that by chance?







actually it looks like i might have this one pretty much in the bag







judging by the finish it looks like it might be a 98-xxxxx [awaiting confirmation]







can you tell me more about those foam things between the swingarm and frame? are they stock standard - or an add-on?







when you mentioned 'wax finish' is this how you polish up carbon frames? sorry if this is obvious, it's just i've never had any experience with one before. any other tips?







thanks  

[jedoaks]

So. Kiwi Oz w/ Hammerhead    Ebay #2714087311. Looks to be new. Check it out. Rich

[Scott]

I think they are all bushings.I read an interview with the former chief mechanic at ProFlex, now with Specialized, and he said he'd never seen a worn out bushing even after a full season of NORBA nationals and thought cartridge bearings were a waste of grams but that "Popular opinion"- you know, the stuff that elects presidents,- would see them adopted, not usefulness...  And OP, are you running an Action Tec b.b.?  Looks like their cups.

[fevans]

Does anyone know how much difference there is in the size of a medium and a large Oz frame?

Forrest

[Di.R.T.]

Forrest,

See,
http://www.geocities.com/k2bike_files/k2geom.html

Make sure to read the "Note" since there were some discreps.

[Old Proflexer]

let's see if i can cover all the q's here -

as i recall, the diff 'tween a medium and a large was pretty much just an inch (25 mm) or so in the top tube (if you can call it that) length.  

just looked it up - 23.11" vs. 22.13"  main triangle weight - 2.85 pounds.  what ever all that is metric -
i haven't a clue.

the foam thingies around the main pivot are my own little maintainence prevention device that i've shared here previously.  hardware store bought, pipe insulation, similar to that used on exposed piping near a water heater, air conditioning pipes etc.  usually you can get about 3 feet of it for a couple of bucks - try a 1 1/4 or 1 3/8" i.d., take a hacksaw, slice off a piece about 1/4" thick or so - not thin enough to let it move around and not thick enough that you can't get it 'tween the swingarm and bb area - you'll have more than enough material to experiment.  it comes presliced lengthwise.

they keep the big garbage out and help keep the pivot area clean - i hope - dust doesn't get out.  if and when i clean my bike these days, hose or otherwise - i just pop them off, rinse them out and reinsert.

that aluminum seen in the pic at the bb area is the main housing bonded to the frame to accept the bb - on that bike is a w.t.b with grease guard.  i just inject fresh grease thru the main crank bolt (it's hollow) and wipe off the extruded dirty grease - it's a pain on the gearing side.

to clean and prep these carbons, my best experience is to windex them clean and then use a healthy dose of 'lemon scented pledge'.  this'll help with cleaning the bike, for a short period of time the dirt just falls off or hoses off easily, and makes the carbon look great.  it'll fill in those little areas where the carbon separates from the plasic and fills in the clouds.  and -
it makes you bike smell fresh and clean, just like the great outdoors.    [smiley=laughing.gif]

OP