Heatsink

Hey Tomm, Great to see virtually no tuck on those sidehops there. Showing the youngsters how to do it! When it comes to the front wheel manual on that rail! Move of the year so far! Steve

I strongly doubt 5 door cars like the Multipla or Picasso would have room for the 2 motorbikes plus somewhere for you to sleep. Even the 7 seater Galaxy (with the back back seats removed) would not give sufficient room I'd say from looking in ours. These sort of cars have great headroom and space for taking people around, but their curved cabins and ceiling height are nothing compared to a flat walled and high roofed van of some kind. Steve

The tyre clearance around the booster has been noted for sorting out on the next batch of frames I think you're right about this. It will be raised up a tad for the next frames. The Vee mounts are the clip in type where you twist the cable in. For running full outers on which is what I've always preferred although I will of course yield if I'm in the minority! Haha, I will tonight I will be checking out clearance for the various brake permutations asap. It seems that the low stand over with the seat stays in line to the top tube is linked to a number of things, so once I raise this up a tad with a check beforehand that everything works as a result for the brake & saddle clearance, then this is a great forward step. Thanks for all your scrutiny of this and suggestions! Steve

A great idea to jot down all your questions & suggestions, and ask for a chat with your manager. If you already come to the chat outlining the problem well with a list of suggested solutions and their ups/downs, then you'll make the manager's job easier for them which they will appreciate. As long as you remain calm during the chat, have a 2 way exchange (rather than a one way rant!) and go through your points in a structured way, making it clear that you've thought it all out well, and are clear that you want to help make it work then it can only look good on you. A conscientious worker! It is a relatively small amount of money, but you would do well I think to say that you'd like to help sort it out rather that let this sort of thing continue over time which just de-motivates everyone, nip it in the bud, so you can all get back to doing your jobs well. Steve P.S. Just thought: To counter your boss saying he's too busy for a chat and to get on with work, have maybe 1/2 a A4 page summarising the problem, and the solutions you suggest for him to take away. As long as you've got a copy of this too then you can catch up at a more convenient moment. Maybe this sounds a bit over the top, but it could be that you've effectively handing back an hour or more of your pay everyday even though you've not made any mistakes yourself.

I agree that the shorter the seat tube protrusion above the top tube, the better it looks. I've had it reduced compared to the Mk1, and I've reached a point where any shorter would see the clamping stresses being passed onto the seat stay - seat tube join to an unacceptable amount. It's on my to do list for a thorough look to see if it can be brought down further. Plus, on future frames the seat tube will grow a tad (1 inch or so), bringing the seatstays up with it. This will improve seat clearance. The down tube is the only tube in the Mk2 which has grown to a slightly larger diameter than the Mk1. The reason for this was to make the frame significantly stronger (the weld area at the head tube is now double what it was on the Mk1), which was a very useful observation learnt from having the Mk1 design out and ridden for so long by so many riders. It could be that riders find the downtube BB gusset (there for bash protection) too long, adding on unnecessary weight and impairing the looks slightly. I'm all ears for minimising this feature if concensus is it's not needed I passionately want time to show that this frame has a very impressive frame life in response to the rigours of trials, rather than hear of life being average or worse still disappointing. Since I will personally deal with any issues arising from a short coming in the frame design, it brings home that I've got to do a thoroughly good job! Steve

Hi! Points taken The seat clamp, tensioner, chain, left hand crank are all sitting in a box of bits waiting for me to fit them. I will be able to do this finally tomorrow. Just need to change the tyres and seat over too as has been suggested. Chunkier forks would be nice, but these just don't seem to be available in Alu with the 24" vee mount positions. Then again I would love to be proved wrong! I haven't needed to grind the rear rim because it has only seen fair weather use. Plus it would spoil the all black looks! I wish I had black spokes on the front because that would match the rear better. Any road, sorry for the delay getting the bike completed. It naturally has taken 2nd place to staying up with orders On the tensioner front, I just need to finish working on the Carbon Fibre part to complete the custom design. Once it's fitted I may only let it stay on the frame for the final photos if these don't give away the design completely. I don't want to reveal my big idea at this stage! I'm glad the chocolate eclairs are being gratefully received. You wouldn't believe how many packets I bought today. It certainly got some looks at the supermarket! Steve

Hi Mike, I don't want to get things kicking off again, but I just wanted to clarify my point about the V adapters. I was amused that the Onza ones (this is the first time I've seen them properly) have the details of the design that look a straight copy of the Heatsink ones. The outline form, the front cavity and logo placement. These details didn't have to be identical, as shown by the Zhi adapters which have also been "inspired" by the refinements shown in my Mk2 adapters (Released 25th of April 2006). The basic concept of the V adapters has been around for yonks in their simplest form, but there have been refinements of the details over time as can be seen in the photos below, left to right. Steve

Thanks for your comments so far everyone! I'll get a black seat on for the update photos. No probs There isn't any snow on the frame though since I'd just wheeled it out of the shed. It's actually the way the Satin black looks with the transition from top to bottom as it catches the light. No probs with the seat rubbing. Plenty of rail adjustment available and there's also turning the seat post around so it reaches forward. That's settled it then I'll swap the tyres off and pop on some proper trials ones for the follow up shots. It will be a couple of days whilst I get the last bits together. The v arms fall inside reach of the cranks, but there is plenty of clearance to avoid clash. I'll get some more photos of this when I do the fully built ones I'm glad you're liking the look of this bike! It's funny but the red in the flesh looks really striking and was quickly my favourite, but the black photographs so well and looks so striking with a simple silver and black build scheme. Cheers! Steve

Nice one Ross! Sweet riding Steve

Firstly, it would be wrong to not give credit to Bonz for the original V adapter idea. There are a number of designs based on the Heatsink ambidextrous form which was my idea on how the Bonz design could be improved. Having looked closely at the Polish V adapters, I approve that the guys have set out to give the design a distinct identity. I reckon there is plenty of scope for some originality of aesthetics even around the essential features of mounting holes and raised boss Please don't let this thread blow up over V adapters this time I apologise for not being able to resist making some cheeky comments! Best of luck with these new frames. You're making some substantial steps forward with these Steve

It's the first time I've seen a decent shot of the V-Adapters. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. You're making me blush! :$ Surely you could have at least respun the styling which is what the Zhi chaps did. Steve

Hi, I'm just getting a tensioner sorted, but couldn't resist sharing this with you before it's complete Plenty of clearance between the V arms and cranks I'm pleased to say! More photos coming soon in the next few days. Steve

Hi, I must apologise sincerely for the delay on send out these last few weeks to all riders who have been waiting patiently. I've only got orders from the last couple of days or so to make up tonight, and then I'll finally be on top of it again If it's any consolation, I'm clearing out the local supermarket with the extra number of Chocolate Eclairs that I'm adding with orders to soften the delay! Thanks to everyone for your understanding recently. Steve

Hi Mark! I'm looking forward to revealing the combined brake mount idea. It will be in at least 5 weeks time. I'm sure that you guys will be able to give it the scrutiny it needs to make sure it's all thought out properly Regarding the date of the first double-mounted frame I had manufactured, it sounds like you think I'm claiming to be the very first to use it. I'm not. I'm the first to use it on a production run of frames as far as I know. As I posted in an above reply, riders will have seen the double mounted idea being demonstrated on one-off bikes since 2006 and maybe earlier. I've been surprised that this idea hasn't made it onto production runs of frames, especially since many riders are running V adapters including myself. So when I had the opportunity to add new features, then I jumped at using this double mount concept in order to offer riders more. Here's a photo of a double mounted frame from 2006. It's the first time I was made aware of the idea in the public doman, and I've seen more riders trying it since on custom frames. Before I released these frames I was talking with the owner on OTN and thanking him for publicising this idea. On forums it's clear that some riders think this sort of set-up is a good idea, and some think it isn't. For the minimal additional weight, it occurred to me that it was a great bonus to have the extra options. If braking works well on the extra vee mounts under the seat-stays then that's saved riders upto £30 on V adapters. It's a positive step to try this idea on a production run of frames so that further light can be thrown on the merits/downsides of running a brake underneath the seat-stay for Trials use. Regarding manufacturer, here's my post from earlier: Good to hear from you Olly! I hope all is well with you too Olly! I'll have to find some photos of that old X-tort! I'm still riding on a daily basis, but only during my lunch time. Just the other day I was told off for riding on the Pallets behind work I can't really fit in any big weekend rides due to family commitments, and with our 3rd baby on the way I am in demand for Dad duties more than ever! I hope to catch you again on a ride when the opportunity arises Cheers! Steve

Just a quickie to clear up any confusion: You do all know that I'm not claiming to have invented the idea of having mounts on both sides of the chainstays don't you? The idea has been in the public domain for a couple of years, most recently being shown on a Iolo frame or two. I'm just the first to give try it on a frame made as part of a production run Thanks for you all giving me your honest opinions about the frames btw. It's the honest feedback which helps keep things on track and which has been really beneficial to help me guide my products too these last few years. I'm really pleased that the majority of you really like these frames! The first frames are being built up at the moment, and I'm keen to catch any suggestions from these riders about tweaks that can be incorporated into the next batch. If things go well with some final design tweaks I'm doing, on the new batch I may even be able to reveal the new brake mount idea I've been nuturing for over a year. It will have to be tested out on a frame or two before being rolled out properly as a option for riders. I really think that giving riders the widest brake choice from a frame is a strong feature. I'd like to think that when I reveal my grand idea, it could see some similar developments across Trials frames. I don't have the resources to protect my ideas like other people do, so it would be rewarding enough if it did start a trend, that people remembered where it had come from. Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself abit already! Steve

Nooooooooo!

No probs Stan. Thanks for your comments I'm glad that you dig the colour choice though I'm really bowled over by how nice the colours have come out. I've gone through phases of white being my favourite, and then black, and now with the arrival of these frames I'm really liking the red. It's such a vibrant hue! I will have to get a green and gold example sorted too and show these off asap. I didn't mean to sound like I was dissing CNCing at all. I'm a fan of it myself as used on many of my products. For this 2nd version of the 24UK frame it's been about getting new features on and taking the strength to a level I can be really proud about. The quantity of frames being made is relatively small compared to even a typical Trials frame, which has its advantages & disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the cost of manufacture is too high to allow me to offer them to other shops for resale since the profit margin just isn't enough to make it worth while. This limits availability of the frame but then on the other hand this is an advantage too for those who do buy since every single frame goes through me and customers deal direct with the expert on the frame design and features. For the rear end, I agree that leaving the Vee bosses exposed when not in use looks untidy, but these can be unscrewed and replaced with blanking bolts or the type of blanking bolt with a hose guide on the head to give the Disc hose a secure anchor. I'm currently getting the first frames shipped out, and once this is done I'll be able to get a frame built up to demonstrate the various brake mounts in use. Steve

Epic is definitely the word! It's great to see you back on the bike, and what a return! The 180 on the benches was the jaw dropper for me too! All the best! Steve

At present with the 24UK it's simple, proven & strong execution versus more complex CNCed forms. If production volumes are ramped up then it starts to get economical to go crazy with CNCing. Personally I think that we've already seen CNCing go to one extreme and interestingly I've noticed many riders going back to an appreciation of the purer form once more. No worries Dave! All comments are welcome. Maybe you'll like it more in a built up form. I liked your last video at that impressive Free ride spot btw! Great to see that 24" bikes are becoming an integral part of injecting more variety into pure Trials Steve

I did want to debut a new brake mount idea I've designed which would allow a combined 4 bolt/V set-up, with a removeable Vee boss. I've had the drawings sitting here on my PC for more than a year, but when it came down to it then it made sense for now to go with the standard mounts top and bottom of the seat-stays. It will be a seperate investigation (if I find the time) to scope out the mileage of the combined mount idea, and I didn't want any issues with unproven combined mount designs to ruin the 24UK frame. Weight wise, the first examples came out at 2.2kg. A small price to pay when you consider the armour plate on the downtube, the built in booster and the double mounts. Since it's not a Comp frame (there isn't a 24" category at the moment!) I'm hoping that riders will agree that longevity and practical frame features (such as making switching between braking systems easy, which riders do like to try and are more likely to try if the frame has a very long life) will be over-ridingly attractive. Thanks again for all your comments & questions so far! Steve

Looking at the information from Mk1 owners, the Mk1 had good strength for a Trials frame. I think the number broken after two years is very low. With this Mk2 I wanted to make it a frame which had much better than average strength, and I've had time to spot how these improvements could be made. I passionately don't want anything "Heatsink" to have any concerns regarding strength or quality I can only speak for my frames & from my experiences, so letting the overall figures on quality/strength speak in the case of this particular venture & this unique relationship I've built with the factory, I'm happy to continue with the Mk1 source of manufacture. I'd love to see a jumping spec one with Sus fork! I'll get some photos up asap I look forward to more of your comments & questions! Steve

For the first batch of frames riders we've put the riders' preferred brake system on top for ease of set-up. 9/10 wanted Maguras on the top, But check this out: Having the underside brake mounts is an unexpected bonus, and now the frames are here it's a great opportunity to get to grips with the ins and outs of this idea and spot any tweaks that there may be to get the most out of it. Yep! Not far from my house by one of the nice Lakes we have here. The hard bit was finding some nice weather! Thanks for the positive messages guys! Much appreciated after such a long period of working on these! Steve

Hi, It's been 2 years since the 24UK Mk1 was released and here (at last!) is the new and improved Mk2! Back towards the end of 2007 I set myself the challenge of going over every inch of the Mk1 frame for improvements, reviewing all rider feedback on the frames sold & thinking long and hard about how to make this the very best I could. I put together a long list of ideas including improvements for strength, stiffness, looks, plus racked my brains for some new features to give the frame some extra special points that would set it apart from the crowd. The whole delivery process has taken much longer than originally planned since I kept making refinements and spotting new ideas. The passion that has kept me going as I fine tuned this the past 6 months was that if a successor was to released, then it be something extra special! A huge thanks is due to many riders who have been patiently hanging on for their frames whilst I continued to strive for this. The first batch has arrived now with me, but such was advance interest, these are all sold! Now that I have first examples to show and the spec is official, I will be opening up to riders the opportunity to pre-order from the next batch due in about 5 weeks time. In exchange for the slight wait, riders will be able to take advantage of exciting custom options on colour, frame design & personalised stickers as detailed below. Aim: To produce the most feature packed and colourful 24" Trials/Street frame on the market. Improve on 24UK strength, stiffness & looks. 24UK Mk2 Features: For the 1st time on a production frame, Triple brake mounts: Magura / V / Disc. Integrated brake booster with "24UK" marking - improved braking stiffness and control. Round ended gusset shape across frame - better looks.Redesigned top and bottom tube gussets at the head tube join - Improved strength & better looks2x the weld length at Head tube junction compared to the Mk1 - Increased strength & stiffness. Downtube "Armour plate" gusset to soak up impacts - More resilient & increased BB stiffness to pedal strokes. 2x the weld length where the Seat stays join to the top tube compared to the Mk1 - Increased strength & stiffness.Personalised "Rider name/slogan" stickers.Choose either pre-applied stickers or receive sticker pack for customisation.New cable mount designs - Improved mount robustness and ease of cable fitting & removal for riderShorter seat tube protrusion above top tube - Gives option of running a saddle more flush to the frame if preferred for improved stand over clearance.Choice of 7 colours. Pre-order custom options: Red / White / Blue / Silver / Black / Gold / Green colour choice.Choice of V or Magura mounts on top of seat stays (the other below)Custom rider name/slogan sticker Free with frame: Pimp My Ride T-shirt, options Red / Green / Blue 200g bag of Cadbury Chocolate Eclairs Additional Helmet stickers Extras TBC Geometry TBC - First batch made according to Mk1 geometry which includes: Wheel Base: 1025mm Headangle: 73 degrees BB rise: + 25 mm Chain stays: 385mm The additional features of booster/ Vee + Magura mounts / "Armour" plate have added approx 200g to the weight of this frame. I will be reviewing this geometry asap before placing the next order, and welcome the input of one and all. In general I am canvassing all opinion on this outline design and looking to incorporate the latest thinking into the next batch. I'm all ears! Thanks in advance for your comments! Steve @ Heatsinkbikes.com

Pink?

I would say this, but I genuinely think that the more modern bash enhances the Zero's looks. The fact that it doesn't look out of place with a more modern spec is credit to the timeless nature of the frame. I've always wanted one of those frames, but I'll settle for helping bling one up! I like the thought of someone going back in time with a stack of modern components and pimping up an old school ride Is there anything clever that can be done to replace the zip ties on the top tube? Steve