Two phrases that get nearly any bike fanatic excited are ‘customized’ and ‘titanium’. If you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to have the finances to get one constructed, nothing feels as particular and private as a body crafted only for you. Having one constructed from titanium provides sturdiness, fascinating trip qualities, and an simple lust issue!
France’s Curve Engineering is now providing the B142, a full-suspension titanium MTB body that shall be built-to-order and customised to the client’s preferences. The corporate has beforehand targeted on hardtails, however proprietor and engineer Olivier Ollagnier determined to construct one thing that may deal with rougher terrain extra comfortably.
Curve Engineering B142 – Suspension:
Ollagnier’s house trails aren’t tremendous tough, so the B142 was designed as a mid-travel all-mountain bike. It goals to be a succesful pedaller however with sufficient versatility to take pleasure in rocky, rooty descents. As soon as the design is completed, Curve Engineering’s frames are welded by an Asian body builder who has been working with the corporate for over 10 years (amongst different bicycle manufacturers).
Ollagnier describes the B142’s suspension platform as a single-pivot design, and because the images present there isn’t any precise pivot on the rear dropout. Counting on titanium’s skill to flex, the rear triangle acts as a flex pivot. The suspension linkage was designed to work properly for something from downcountry to all-mountain model driving. The principle priorities within the B142’s design have been reliability, ease of upkeep, and customizable geometry.
The B142’s recommended rear journey is 135mm, however that may be elevated to 143mm with a 210x55mm shock changing the inventory 210x50mm. Beneficial fork journey is 140mm or 150mm.
Body Particulars:
Curve Engineering can produce body sizes from XS to XL, and clients can select their most well-liked angles and measurements. Even the rear finish may be personalized: The unique B142 rolls on 29” wheels, however a 27.5” rear wheel might be an choice. Ollagnier says the body’s chainstay size might be adjusted too. Curve Engineering’s web site does record a really helpful 66° head angle, 75° seat mast, and 437mm chainstay size for the B142.
The one restrict to customization is something important sufficient to require a redesign of the suspension linkage. Ollagnier has selected the B142’s kinematics and altering that might primarily imply creating a wholly new bike.
The B142’s chainstay yoke is machined from a stable chunk of titanium. It permits tire clearance for two.35” treads and chainring clearance as much as 32t. The body’s linkage pivots use double-row bearings, and a 24mm primary pivot rotates on powerful and cheap backside bracket bearings.
A straight 56mm head tube permits for angle regulate headsets or headset cable routing. The body accepts 31.6mm seat posts, makes use of a BSA backside bracket, and includes a SRAM UDH derailleur hanger. The downtube presents inside routing ports for cables/hoses so headset routing is an choice, and never necessary. The B142 pictured has one bottle cage mount on the down tube.
The B142’s etched headbadge is impressed by the Metabief ski resort in France, a preferred and well-established space for mountain biking. The badge options Mont d’Or with the French Alps within the background.
Olivier says an entire B142 construct weighed in at 14.24 kg/31.4 lbs. The body alone weighs 3.85 kg/8.48 lbs, however that’s the primary one ever constructed. Curve Engineering says with some refinement they’ll doubtless shave about 100g from that quantity.
Pricing and Availability:
Pricing for a customized B142 body begins at $3990 USD, and a deposit of 1/3rd the full is required between the design and constructing levels to proceed. Prospects ought to anticipate a few four-month lead time from finalizing the design to having a completed body prepared for delivery. The B142 shall be bought as a body solely, however for an additional $250 you’ll be able to add a Tri Air SR Suntour rear shock.
Curve Engineering largely sells frames inside France and Europe, however frames may be despatched abroad too. If a buyer is prepared to cowl the prices, a body might be shipped worldwide. Try Curve Engineering’s web site for additional particulars.
