rathergoodpie Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 (edited) Well, its been a while coming, but I finally decided to get my arse in gear and buy a frame that didn't already have a crack in it. Massive thanks to Tartybikes and Bigman. Hope you like. Pictures below (in Bigman's Post)Ps now have a set of VGC black fattys for sale Edited November 23, 2008 by rathergoodpie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenLeacock™ Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 (edited) Looks really nice that mate. Good work! Edited November 18, 2008 by BenLeacock™ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigman Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 Duuuuuude! I e-mailed you the good pictures for you to post!Ah well, seeing as Rob obviously didn't check his e-mails, here are the good pics:I realy hope Rob enjoys this bike, i built it for him the past few days, i was very surprised by the quality of the new echo parts actualy, the frame and forks are very nice! light too!Specification if anybody wants to know:Echo control 09 frameEcho Sl 4 bolt forksPazzaz StemTrialtech BarsFront hope XC built onto white Trialtech sport rim, try-all tyreRear CK classic built to white koxx rim, try-all tyreMiddleburn RS7 sq taper cranks, custom milled 20t bashViz sq taper BB 127.5mmFSA orbit XLII headsetMagura Hs33 front and rear with rock blue pads and 4 finger lever blades, echo urban 4 bolt booster rear.Gusset pedalsAdam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze_ Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 Please...be gentle to it...it's so beautiful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason222 Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 What rear cog is that? It looks HUGE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rathergoodpie Posted November 19, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 What rear cog is that? It looks HUGE!running 20-18, but Bigman has milled the bash so that might look smaller than standard. But yeah, sprocket does look massive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bionic Balls Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 proper tasty tha' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishy Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 Sweet stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skoze Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 That Echo looks pretty nifty!But the Cannondale! Ever need it sold, get in touch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Beach Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 Looks really nice mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan GU Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 SL bike looks so nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 One word: Nice!now ride it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toyota200x Posted November 20, 2008 Report Share Posted November 20, 2008 (edited) Amazing looking bike! So clean and I love the black Middleburns on it. It is good to see that a person can run a King QR in those dropouts. I just love those tensioners.Bigman...How do you hold a middleburn bash in a lathe? Please explain. P.S. you take the best bike pics. Edited November 20, 2008 by toyota200x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigman Posted November 20, 2008 Report Share Posted November 20, 2008 Bigman...How do you hold a middleburn bash in a lathe? Please explain. P.S. you take the best bike pics.To hold the bash into the lathe i have a tool that is made from a hexagonal bar with a rounded end that sits inside the splies of the middleburn bash, there is then a thread where a large washer is clamped down with a nut to hold the bash firm, i would get some pics but my camera is out of batteries.Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totaltrials Posted November 20, 2008 Report Share Posted November 20, 2008 To hold the bash into the lathe i have a tool that is made from a hexagonal bar with a rounded end that sits inside the splies of the middleburn bash, there is then a thread where a large washer is clamped down with a nut to hold the bash firm, i would get some pics but my camera is out of batteries.AdamThat would be the best way to do it if you're doing a few. When I turned mine down a few years back I just simply clamped onto a small bit at the back of the bash with 3 jaws. It's only about 3mm wide but I got a good enough grip on it. Then I took small cuts to make sure it didn't fly off. Easy enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rathergoodpie Posted November 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2008 RIDDEN FIRST IMPRESSIONSJust been out for a quick ride, and thought i'd give a quick review. This is comparable to my previous ride, a 07 czar... Front end - Echo SL ForksFirstly, compared to the fatty forks on my czar, running a 205mm disc, the front end on the Echo feels super light and responsive. Whether that is because the front end is a little higher, or the fact that the front end IS actually lighter im not sure, but it has certainly made a massive difference. Also the move from disc back to maggie has been a positive one, I'm of the thinking now that the weight gain to modulation ratio is leaning me back towards rim brakes on the front (so long as you can put up with the squealing). The bike now manuals and bunnyhops significantly better, and the front wheel feels pin point accurate for placing. Its also a slightly less hunched riding position, which is obviously more comfortable. General RidingI was genuinely surprised how 'flicky' this bike feels for such a long frame. I would honestly say its not far off the ride of an Ashton, which for a comp frame, is pretty impressive. I put this down to the weight. It is Ridiculously light. Again, this might be down to the lightening of the front end, but it certainly rides naturally (that is to say it feels good as soon as you jump on it). On the back wheel its solid as anything, and the geo feels spot on. The frame is also surprisingly stiff, but i wouldn't want to run the back brake without a booster. The urban 4 bolt I'm using does the job well, without adding much weight (which, to be honest, is the main point of this frame). Extras Although its obviously hard to tell from a single ride, both myself and Bigma have been impressed with the little touches on this frame; the hub tension bolts are rock solid and easy to use, as well as being fine (so far) with a quick release (most riders will probably choose to run bolts). One disappointment I have found is that the frame cable ties are a little cheap (one has snapped off already), its a shame they didn't introduce internal routing, but this is a small complaint against an otherwise excellent frame. My only other complaint would be that the echo frame graphics are a little unadventurous compared to other offerings (maybe its because I'm a graphic designer!) as companies like koxx / monty make a great deal more effort to 'snazz up' their frames. The stickers are however, on top of the paint (which is an excellent finish btw) so can be easily removed/replaced.OverviewOverall, when you consider this is a £400 frame setup, you get a great deal for your money (i know this is more than previous echos) when compared to similar setups from Koxx ect. In terms of the styling I personally love it, as its going back to the simple lines of bikes like the es4 / original levelboss but I know this wont be to everyones tastes. Personally i think that too many frames are over-designed (i'll let the Boxx off cause its so friggin' sexy). Basically if you want a cheap(ish) comp frame, that is 'flickable' enough for street stuff but looks quite understated you definitely wont be disappointed. I can safely say i havn't been as comfortable on a bike since riding my echo urban back in 2003. and how i miss that bike... Hope this was helpful to anyone thinking of buying. Any questions just give me a shout. CheersRob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraPalmer Posted November 22, 2008 Report Share Posted November 22, 2008 thank you so much for the review - i have been waiting for something like this! one further question: was that czar the long version? do you miss the 385 cs for gaps, sidehops in terms of leverage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidehop Stuart Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 WOOOAH Red and white looks good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidehop Stuart Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 (edited) Sorry, two reposts. Edited November 23, 2008 by Sidehop Stuart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidehop Stuart Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 (edited) . Edited November 23, 2008 by Sidehop Stuart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rathergoodpie Posted November 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 thank you so much for the review - i have been waiting for something like this! one further question: was that czar the long version? do you miss the 385 cs for gaps, sidehops in terms of leverage?Yeah czar was the long version. Feels just as stable on the back wheel, but much less cumbersome. You can really place the back wheel where you want it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Beck Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 bikes HAWWT , PENG, SEXY or whatever u wana call it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rathergoodpie Posted November 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2008 Cheers for the comments guys, just out of interest, is anyone else riding this frame? What sort of setups are others going for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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