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Crank Forward Forum
Welcome to our forum. With the number of CF bikes growing, customers have expressed a need for a message board dedicated to CF bikes. We hope this message board gives you the chance to exchange stories or ideas that will continue the growth of Crank Forward Bikes. Feel free to post a message.
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| Viewing Page 1 of 1 (Total Posts: 22) |
| Author | Comment |
Nanda
 Apr 7, 08 - 10:35 AM |
Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
http://spincyclz.com/ on the left side, hover you mouse over the pix before clicking to read the mouse-over text captions eh. Randy sent these new prototypes out for the upcoming Sea Otter Classic event, that I'll also be attending along with an assortment of other CF's and a couple bents. The Dynamik Sequoia equipped with Dynamik Trail components, a standard Wellgo pedals, and a Greenfield kickstand weighed out around 33.8lbs, and the Fusion ST step-through (name TBD), equipped with a standard Fusion component spec. less one front derailleur, front shifter and cable, and 2 less chain rings, with Wellgo platform pedals and a Vrex extended kickstand weighed out around 28.8lbs, both in chromoly steel. If time allows, I'll get some off-road miles on the Sequoia, and do my regular weekly mtb loop and report back. The Sequoia has a stellar two-tone paint job, of what appears to be Corvette blue in the front (ala Stratus XP), and a silver base coat in the rear with a star-lite clear coat over top as seen on the PEP finished Zenetik Pro, and Ti offerings...very cool. The seat post setting that I normally use (around 32.5-33 on the seat post graduations) was waaay too tall on the Sequoia, so I know that the top of the seat post is higher then the standard Dynamik, and a perfect starting point for those 6"+. All the rest of the good Dynamik qualities were present in the initial ride, with a little more reach for my 5'11" frame, and I'll look forward to see how the longer wheelbase handles the singletrack. The Fusion ST as imagine is a clean, fun, approachable 9spd design, that my mother instantly feel in love with. She doesn't ride at all, and was off and motor'in up the neighborhood street, and then down the bike path in a matter of minutes. If you have any questions, need dimension from a-b etc, just fire away, or better yet come to www.seaotterclassic.com and ride'm for yourself. If are local and can't make it to the mtb fest, these proto's will be available to see and sample next week weekend (likely Saturday, or Sunday touring Tiburon and Angel Island) at the Spin Shed in Petaluma, and possibly for a couple weeks after the show before sending them home to Hays. Lastly, if you have any marketing feedback on the designs, component spec's, estimated/desired price point, frame material, color choices etc...RANS would love to hear it. Regards, ~Nanda |
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Andy
Apr 7th, 2008 - 3:31 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
I'd like a Fusion step-through with front and rear pannier racks and maybe an EBB to take a hub gear (Alfine?) so my Ma can tour Europe in comfort please. And...I'd like to know if the Sequoia with its 'opened up' rear triangle will be able to take an Xtracycle AND Stoke Monkey assist (when they're available) to give a comfortable long commute / heavy load hauling utility bike. If not how difficult would it be to make it so it could take 29er wheels / tyres with rigid front fork or 26" wheels with sus fork? When will sequoia and Fusion ST be available? |
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randyschlitter
Apr 7th, 2008 - 9:05 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
Both should enter the 09 line up in late season. We are doing market testing currently, good time to speak up. We are always listening. I have been eyeing the 29'er end of things, but my rides with the bigger wheels have proven less than exciting, when equipped with big tires, it is a lot to push up to speed, and it also feels like a lot of effort to keep them there, need to test more. |
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MikeOnBike
Apr 8th, 2008 - 7:52 AM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
The chainstay above the chain is an interesting feature. The clean design begs for a hub gear. |
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Andy
Apr 8th, 2008 - 7:59 AM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
Randy, does '09 late season' mean towards the end of 08 or sometime next? I've only just got onto a Dynamik and am still getting used to its ways and capabilities (well my capabilities I guess!) I've found 29er mtb good compared to standard 26" rigid mtb's, but of course the weight distribution is different on CF so perhaps less weight on front end already gives similar effect to easier rolling of 29er over rough ground. Oh I should say my initial impressions of Dynamik are very positive, I just need to find stem / bars combination which works best for me. |
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Nanda
Apr 8th, 2008 - 9:30 AM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
I'd second the geared hub, or make it an option at whatever additional cost it would add. It would make the riding experience even more effortless for non-cycling folks, not having to explain to them about shifting while pedaling, and when to shift...just jump on it an go. |
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MikeOnBike
Apr 8th, 2008 - 9:48 AM |
Fusion step-through
As long as we're putting on a hub gear, how about drum brakes? Kind of like this: http://www.bentrideronline.com/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=389&blogId=1 |
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randyschlitter
Apr 8th, 2008 - 3:53 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
We are thinking a internal geared hub version, not decided on which, and even a lower cost unit, simgle speed coaster brake, an ideal rental bike perhaps. |
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JT
Apr 8th, 2008 - 9:20 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
For the 29er wheels, there won't be enough gear range to climb hills. I'm sure RANS has the ability to make their own cassette, so it's a could be. How about a nuvinci hub for the fusion. |
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Nanda
Apr 9th, 2008 - 10:40 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
Just replied over here with a mega post with lots of CF content, figured I'd share: http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=6493348#post6493348 Also be testing the Dynamik Sequoia, and it's a very cool bike. If I was 20% larger I'd be a perfect fit, but it climbs well, takes a little more planning on climbing and descending hairpin turns, and can really book with its extended wheelbase. Most of my quibbles are with the components, since I have gotten so accustomed to riding Tavia, the biggest being the tires which I was able to wash out the front (and catch) on several occassions. The trigger shifters make me alter my grip on the bars and keep the thumbs between the levers rather then allowing them to wrap around the bars fully for secure descending. Also diggin the feel of steel, and hope the future Ti-Dynamiks have a similar ride. Regards, ~Nanda |
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Andy
Apr 10th, 2008 - 12:52 PM |
Shorter Dymanick
Still need a shorter CF (the opposite direction of the Sequoia). I would need to take at least an inch off the seat tube in order to ride a Dynamick. However, shortening the seat tube on the current aluminum frame is less than optimum. With the post just a few inches from the top tube/seat stay junction, you loose the passive suspension provided when there are several inches of the post exposed. In my test rides with the post inserted all the way in, the resulting ride was somewhat harsher than I expected. A smaller frame could solve this. Aluminum may also not be the best frame material for a small compact frame. Maybe a shortened version of the Dynamick in butted Cro-mo or Ti? Perhaps with a slightly shorter wheelbase? Kinda like a 4/5 scale version, but still with 559 (26") wheels?? (This could also provide a CF that the kids could ride as well) Let me know when mine's ready... Andy |
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Sparkles
Apr 21st, 2008 - 8:24 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
The Fusion Step_Through is beautiful and a brilliant design. My wife would love this bike, and so would I. I predict that most people will react to this bike in the same positive way that Nanda's mom did. My vote would be to keep it just the way it is (nice and simple), except for the addition of a chain guard, and MAYBE an 8-speed internal hub rather than a derailleur. I can't make up my mind on this last item. It requires more thought (pros and cons). But I think a single speed is not a good idea: too limited for such an expensive bike. Moreover, you can instantly turn an 8 or 9 speed bike into a single speed: just don't shift the gears! |
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randy schlitter
Apr 22nd, 2008 - 7:48 AM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
Andy, We have definate plans to make just that, a scaled down Dynamik. Look for something in late fall. Sparkles, I like your thinking, the one-speed however can be lower in cost, maybe in the $600 range. |
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Andy
Apr 22nd, 2008 - 8:24 AM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
Randy, For all of us shorter stature CF fans , thank you so very much! It's going to be a long wait till fall, but I'm sure it will be worth it. Andy 
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Chris
May 24th, 2008 - 1:29 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
The step through Fusion prototype is certainly eye catching. I do not have the knowledge to technically evaluate the design nor am I the intended audience for the bike, but when I see it sure starts me asking questions. I do not know if such question are of interest to you, but I thought I would go ahead and state them. I assume that you would be positioning it as a commuter bike and thus would be including the frame and fork fitting to easily mount fenders and racks. Would it come fitted with fenders and a kickstand? As a commuter bike are you considering drum brakes? With the chain stays above the chain line, are you considering a belt drive such as a CDrive? If a long enough efficient belt is available, it and a simple splash/pant guard might make a good alternative to the Dutch commuter bike style full chain case. With the frame so deeply veed how is its stiffness and durability against flexing fatigue? Would you use a chromo-moly frame for better fatigue resistance? Have you thought about how one might mount a front carrier such as a basket or bag? Have you experimented with front mounting a child seat? The crank forward design seems that it might have an advantage in terms of knee clearance. Do you see the primary market the U.S. or Europe? Regards, Chris |
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Jeremy Lawrence
May 25th, 2008 - 1:42 AM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
I like this style and component selection: http://www.flux-fahrraeder.de/htm/home.htm Look at the A10-F with full chain guards. Or this setup on a diamond frame bike: http://www.idworx-bikes.de/de/bikes/easy-rohler-comfort/ still very light weight - 15.8 kg! Jeremy |
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Nanda
May 27th, 2008 - 4:42 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
Thanks for the link Jeremy. Euro bikes inspire me the most. I am planning to take a few stocker CF's in the same direction as the IDworx bikes and see what emerges. Regards, ~Nanda |
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Riley
Jun 15th, 2008 - 10:45 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
I too am interested in an answer to Andy's question: Randy, does '09 late season' mean towards the end of 08 or sometime next? |
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randy schlitter
Jun 16th, 2008 - 8:57 AM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
We may have a few Sequoias late 08. The step through CF may be available in small numbers this fall. |
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Andyh2 UK
Jun 16th, 2008 - 10:24 AM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
The more I ride my Dynamik the more sure I am that my Ma will want a step thru when they're available for her European tours. Will the first step-thrus be alu or steel? |
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randy schlitter
Jun 16th, 2008 - 2:11 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
Steel is the best choice at this point, since the frame is highly cantilevered. |
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Nanda
Jun 16th, 2008 - 5:19 PM |
Re: Prototype Dynamik Sequoia and Fusion step-through pix posted
Randy, could the Step Through be made with the short seat tube chop as standard (or at least optional), as will then be able to fit a wider range of riders and children alike. Regards, ~Nanda |
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