Empire Cycles Cast Aluminum Downhill Rig
Empire Cycles and Ride On are creating a new downhill machine. Instead of using traditional tube and weld construction they’re using casting technology to make the frame using only 3 pieces. The bike will have 8.5″ of travel using a rearward axle path design. The suspension will be single pivot to keep it simple and effective. One of the more burly features will be the use of 28mm needle bearings, which happen to be the same as the ones used on Ricky Charmichael’s Motocross bikes. These bearings will spin on a hollow steel axle that will be heat treated and coated for longevity. It will be available in March and is currently under heavy testing. For more information check out Ride On’s site as well as MBR’s news post.
update:
Facebook
MPORA
Newsletter
RSS Feeds
Twitter
28mm bearings…. from a motocross bike?! Is this really necessary? MotoX bikes get killed WAY worse than a mtb anyday and yet we’re using the same stuff. Has the bike industry gone to far…
^ Why not? Bearings on DH bikes are subject to serious axial and radial loads (huge drops, rockgardens worse than MX, high speeds for such light equipment) and to this day are still common problem areas on most bikes. I just hope they utilize a bushing system to alleviate strain from axial loads, as needle bearings are not ideal for these strains. Still, an interesting concept as a whole, although I’m intimidated by the sharp lines along the frame (even if they have a radius) as the sides of legs will certainly come into frequent contact with these areas (I’ve got a ton of scuffs along my top tube to show this) and I’d hate to have one of those edges smack down on me after a bail.
reminds me of a mountain cycle frame specially the swing arm
Ohhh that’s a nice bike alright!