We’ve been maintaining a tally of the evolution of the Frameworks DH Bike venture of professional downhiller Neko Mulally. Because it’s gone from alloy to metal to carbon and again once more. 10 variations it appears. And having settled down in its improvement, Frameworks is able to open up pre-orders for his or her final mullet-wheeled DH Body, returning to an alloy entrance triangle and rocker, paired to a set of carbon seat & chainstays…
Frameworks DH bike body venture of Neko Mulally
Total the Frameworks DH bike body has developed right into a what seems to be just like the long-proven confirmed Horst-link 4-bar suspension design, with an enormous rocker hyperlink.
In line with Mulally, the aim in growing this DH bike was, “to realize the suspension kinematics and geometry numbers we discovered labored greatest for downhill racing in a predictable and dependable package deal, the only manner potential. To attain simplicity, we went down the street of complexity and again by means of our testing course of to provide us a well-rounded perspective. The 4-Bar linkage provides us the tuneability to make the braking and acceleration pressure’s affect on the suspension in an optimum vary with a structure that effectively makes use of supplies with out the necessity to match issues the place they don’t naturally belong and distributes stress across the body neutrally. The lengthy hyperlinks put every pivot location comparatively additional aside, so with the identical manufacturing tolerance as frames with shorter hyperlinks, our frames are extra correct.“
Why now aluminum & carbon?
The Frameworks staff first raced all-aluminum prototypes in 2022 as they dialed in suspension. However really bumped into points with sturdiness round alloy stress cracks within the entrance finish. In addition to not sufficient stiffness out again. Earlier this 12 months, we noticed the staff transfer to a UK-made metal entrance triangle for higher sturdiness. And to carbon stays for that rear finish precision and stiffness they had been after.
Now with refined supplies and manufacturing, the Frameworks DH bike body goes to a US-made 6061-T6 aluminum entrance triangle. Benefiting from straight tubes, welded to CNC’s elements by Frank the Welder. That’s lighter, stiffer, and importantly… now extra sturdy too. Pair that to machined 7075-T6 alloy for the large rocker hyperlink, the shock extender, and all different alloy pivot {hardware}. The top result’s optimized power to weight ratios, and the flexibility to iterate adjustments because the venture developed.
And the rear triangle does shift to carbon just like the mid-year prototypes we caught up with final spring. Opening carbon molds was extra pricey. Nevertheless it created a stiff, extra exact rear finish, that was additionally 800g lighter! As Frameworks describes the advantages, making the seat and chainstays from carbon “considerably reduces our unsuspended mass (the elements of the bike that transfer with the suspension) and exactly locates all our pivots, brake mount, and rear hub spacing inside a tighter manufacturing tolerance.“
Entrance triangles welding in Vermont. Alloy bits machined by 5Dev in San Diego, CA. Carbon rear triangles made in VIP Composites in Asia.
Tech particulars
The Frameworks DH body is a blended mullet wheel setup, 29″ entrance, 27.5″ rear. It encompasses a flip chip on the decrease mount of the shock extender to select extra linear 200.7mm or extra progressive 205mm of rear wheel journey. With 27% or 30% development.
The body encompasses a 83mm threaded BSA backside bracket, ISCG tabs, exterior cable routing, and Increase 12x148mm hub spacing for simplicity. Its ZS 56 high & ZS 62 headset is designed so you may have attain alter if you happen to select, with no impression on body Stack. Bikes get a 5-year guarantee.
Frameworks DH bike body – Pre-order pricing, choices & availability
Neko Mulally’s Frameworks DH bike venture is now formally accessible to the general public. That’s to say, it comes as a pre-order meant to kickstart the bike’s manufacturing. Pre-order pricing is $3950 for the aluminum & carbon body, with NO shock – accessible in two frames sizes (M or L).
You can even decide an choice with a Fox DHX Manufacturing unit, a RockShox Tremendous Deluxe Coil Final, or an Öhlins TTX 22m.2 shock if you’d like. And you may decide your spring weight.
Value up entrance is now 50% of the full worth, and pre-order cost is absolutely refundable. Then, the steadiness is due when they’re able to ship the body. Supply time is slated for 90days from pre-order. So if you happen to purchase now, Frameworks says they’ll ship a DH body to you by February fifteenth, in time to construct it up for the beginning of the 2024 downhill racing season.
Formally, Frameworks intends to promote the brand new DH body within the US, and delivery price is as much as the client. Additionally, they are going to supply hand supply at Rock Creek, Kanuga & Windrock bikeparks within the US southeast. You’ll be able to nonetheless purchase a motorbike in case you are abroad, however customs & taxes can be as much as the client.