Author Topic: Vote: which fork and swingarm option should I use? (Read 5268 times)

orange · « **on:** May 23, 2006, 08:51:57 am »

OK, here's my dilemma. I have a 97 Beast that used to be black and red with the red box-section aluminium swingarm like this one:

with a pair of Vector II's on the front (silver). I have stripped all the paint off the frame and swingarm so now the whole bike is polished bare metal and looks great.

I have 2 problems:

1 - It looks great, I love the bare metal look, but the chain rubs on the swingarm as I have a 13 tooth 7th (top) gear on the rear cassette and a 48 tooth chainring up front so I can't use the highest gear - not very practical (especially since I have slicks on at the moment as I use it to commute on the road = higher speeds = higher gears). The Vectors look good in polished silver but they aren't as good as my other spare forks, see problem 2.

2 - I have a spare carbon swingarm which I know fits as I have fitted it before to this frame and also does not rub against the chain. I also have a set of Noleen Crosslinks in gunmetal grey, a great set of forks and better than the vectors. However if I fit these two items the polished metal look is gone [smiley=disbelief.gif]

What do I do? Style over function? Function over style? Fit new swingarm and X-links and strip paint off the forks so they are silver?? Get 12t or 11t cassette?

Pathetic isn't it? I know... but vote anyway and I'll post a photo of the winning set-up once I've done it!

Simon · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2006, 09:54:50 am »

Go 11t sprocket (better gearing anyway IMHO),

Fit X links, strip paint and polish.

No brainer IMHO [smiley=laughing.gif] [smiley=laughing.gif] [smiley=laughing.gif]

Simon.

shovelon · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2006, 10:00:38 am »

I think polished head to toe would be hot. [smiley=evil.gif]

Put a carbon self adhesive patch on the swingarm. I have seen them at Performance. White carbon everywhere else.

Air shocks front and back would be trick also. [smiley=nod.gif]

You still running the maguras?

Terry

orange · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2006, 08:12:08 pm »

Here it is in its current form:

It's still very much work in progress and knocked up out of various spare parts I have lying around. It's actually bike no.3 so obviously, not being rich, has parts accordingly!! I haven't quite finished getting all the paint off yet either!

I think I'll go with Simon's suggestions unless somebody pipes up with any other ideas! A carbon patch sounds good too if the 11t cassette idea doesn't quite work out.

Oh and I am in the process of getting some decals made up to put back on the frame!

More photos can be found in my gallery.

jeffhop · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2006, 09:31:51 pm »

i would go for the polished frame with the carbon swing arm myself. but thats just me, i like that look

orange · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2006, 05:23:43 am »

I guess this is what it'd look like if I didn't polish the new forks and put the carbon swingarm on. I kinda like it - may do that after all. This one's on Ebay.de by the way.

kiwi · « **Reply #6 on:** May 26, 2006, 01:31:06 pm »

I think the crosslinks and carbon swingarm.Will provide contrast to the polish.The other thing is to see if the legs of the vectors fit on the crosslink...I think some did.
You must have a level of polish tho,clear laquer would be required to keep it so....
I dont have any rubbing issues,i think i have 12 T,but prolly a much smaller front ring 42 or so

Simon · « **Reply #7 on:** May 26, 2006, 08:48:18 pm »

For S/arm protection I get a sheet of clear (see through) thin self adhesive plastic,
cut it into strips of around 12" X 4" then lay them
ontop of each other building up to around 6 layers,
this becomes a thick(ish) see through a fairly flexable
sheet,
then cut to the required shape for your s/arm, then
apply and using a hair drier to mould the sheet to
the required shape,
I find this gives the required protection but is
pretty un noticable,its also easy to remove,

Simon.

P.s still prefer the all polished look,pretty obvious really
when you see my bike

Frankd3000 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 28, 2006, 08:25:28 am »

Pathetic? No. I think looks are important when everything works properly.

So, that begs the question to be asked - how often do you use that 13T out back?

I can only answer when I know that.

Also, what are the chances of you getting a 12 or 11 tooth back there?

All polished would look great, but there would certainly be nothing wrong with a polished frame and carbon s/arm AND fork. I know, most of us aren't made of money.

Tel · « **Reply #9 on:** May 28, 2006, 09:26:59 am »

Quote

I guess this is what it'd look like if I didn't polish the new forks and put the carbon swingarm on. I kinda like it - may do that after all. This one's on Ebay.de by the way.

Hi Orange,
Can you give us an address for this beauty, as we haven't found it on ebay yet, or if it is yours, how much would you be looking for?

Cheers Tel [smiley=beer.gif]

orange · « **Reply #10 on:** May 28, 2006, 10:42:36 am »

Tel: It's not mine. Can't seem to find it anymore either - must have been sold...

Frankd3000: I use the 13T a lot as it's my commuter bike with slicks, in fact I'm rarely out of it... I guess I need an 11 or 12T cassette really, but I'm thinking carbon swing arm now. You guys are pushing me one way one minute the other the next!!

Simon · « **Reply #11 on:** May 28, 2006, 07:21:34 pm »

Polished [smiley=laughing.gif]
different bike I know but anyway

no really either way should look good
but still recommend the 11t option though,
are you 8 or 9 speed

you can still get 11t 8 speed cassettes,all I ever ran.
Simon.

orange · « **Reply #12 on:** May 28, 2006, 07:55:01 pm »

I must admit seeing your bike Simon made me do this project in the first place as I love that look.

It's actually a 7 speed... as I said it's bike no.3 and has the parts to match!! Maybe I should invest in a 11-30T 8 speed and hope the freehub can take it!

Simon · « **Reply #13 on:** May 29, 2006, 04:25:37 am »

You should be okay going 8 speed
but you willl need a compatable 8 sp shifter

I always liked 28-11 cassettes (personal thing),
try sprucey
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/acatalog/Secure_Online_Shop_CASSETTES_469.html
also he has 11t 7sp cassettes,
sure he'll cut you a good deal if you explain your
on this board,
maybe able to sort you out a shifter to,if you wish
to take the 8sp route,
alternativily ask if anyone has an old 8sp shifter lying
around.

Simon.

Frankd3000 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 29, 2006, 02:13:08 pm »

Quote

Frankd3000: I use the 13T a lot as it's my commuter bike with slicks, in fact I'm rarely out of it... I guess I need an 11 or 12T cassette really, but I'm thinking carbon swing arm now. You guys are pushing me one way one minute the other the next!!

Yes, the Minute would be a good fork to match with the carbon s/arm.

[smiley=laughing.gif] [smiley=laughing.gif]

Bah, just polish the whole thing, fork, too - just like Simon.

[smiley=laughing.gif]

I say above all else function first. Remember, gold-plated crap is STILL crap.

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Author Topic: Vote: which fork and swingarm option should I use? (Read 5268 times)