The FCKW Frameworks Reclaimer Was Designed and Built Completely by Hand
What have you done in quarantine? Watch a lot of trash TV? Eat too many snacks? Maybe given some DIY a go? Benni Amend has gone one better than most and built himself an entire bike.
A 140mm travel trail bike paired with a 150mm fork for Benni's homemade steel machine.
This is the 140mm travel, 29er FCKW Frameworks Reclaimer. It's the first bike Benni has ever built, and he's done it all by hand with no computers involved. Benni is a carpenter by trade and openly admits he has no background in bike design. He says, "I acquired all my knowledge by watching YouTube videos for hours and the rest was instinct and luck".
Benni said he just likes to "swim against the current" and would probably have been happy buying a bike off the shelf but the appeal of being connected to the bike by building it meant more to him was irresistible.
Benni said he just likes to "swim against the current" and would probably have been happy buying a bike off the shelf but the appeal of being connected to the bike by building it meant more to him was irresistible.
Geometry
Rider Height 172cm (5'8")
Reach 455mm
Head Angle 65.5°
Seat tube angle 76°
Chainstays 455mm
Wheelbase 1240mm
BB Drop 30mm
Rider Height 172cm (5'8")
Reach 455mm
Head Angle 65.5°
Seat tube angle 76°
Chainstays 455mm
Wheelbase 1240mm
BB Drop 30mm
Without access to CAD, Benni sketched the entire bike out by hand then made 1:1 wooden models to ensure the bike would work for things such as the chainline and to check the dimensions for the shock installation. After that, he simply got on with building. While he admits not using any computers is probably a slower way to build bike, Benni believes it allowed him to get it right first time as he could see the problems arise as he went along. He says, "mistakes can be discovered better because you can think through 100% of every part that you hold in your hands. The computer thinks nothing."
Benni sketched out the bike and the built up scale models of the complicated parts to make sure everything worked.
Benni's carpentry skills continued to be useful throughout the build
Inspiration for the linkage came from his two current bikes, an Orange Stage 6 and a Commencal Supreme. He describes this as a cross between the two and it's basically a simpler take on the current trend of high single pivots.
Benni describes his linkage as "a little something fancy without big frills."
FCKW started life as a small race team Benni ran but now he uses the name to organise small races, parties and excursions. He says it stands for "bikes, beer and party!"
Benni has only been able to test the bike on some smooth trails so far and has been pleasantly surprised at the bike's ability. He says: "I don't know anything about the kinematics and it was a bit of a gamble but I also notice that the geometry of the bike is very well tailored to me." He said there are a few things he could change but he's satisfied enough with it to not feel the need to try again.
A pair of orange Formula Cura brakes stand out on a bike that's all raw steel and stealth components
The process has ingnited a bike building spark for Benni and he says he will be looking to build another bike when he has recovered from the stresses of this one. Next on his list is an e-bike version of the bike for his father, despite his father claiming, "he doesn't need such new foolish nonsense."
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Reality, sucks eh?
Why unfortunate? Hell, we at least in theory will do it cleaner than China will, to that, I sure wish mass demographics of the US would stop creating more humans, they are just waste on the earth as well, right?
Seriously, making paint even in the US is FAR better for the planet than making paint in China. City I used to live in many MFG plants closed due to the EPA and Envi-Terror tree huggers. So, Americans lost jobs, and the product is now produced in China with out any pesky EPA, OSHA or another other rules to protect a damn thing.
Sure makes the Enviro-Wacko's feel good, the delusion they helped a damn thing..
Hell, even if we look at Hiroshima or Prince William Sound...the Enviro-Terrorists are proven wrong. God knows we do not want to repeat Prince William (Hiroshima style is dependant upon many factors). I go out of my way to NOT pollute the planet and more so, the small creatures around me....but, I will not deny the fact that ever single part of my bike(s) required chemicals that are "bad". Same for my car(s), home, clothing and on and on...I am here a short while. Not at all going to feel guilty for enjoying what I can....
While perhaps not every anthropogenic compound released increases/impacts global temperatures, it is hard to argue with an increase in particulate content in the atmosphere and an increase in temperature.
You do you, I'm not at all saying anyone should change their habits - that's not my duty/soapbox. I certainly can't say that every product I own or every action I practice is the cleanest/most conscious it could be.
It's scientifically proven that the man-made climate change is a real thing.
Just because your intelligent president thinks that it's not, doesn't mean it's all a natural developement.
Never said we do not make a difference, just that the enviro-wacko's are playing Chicken Little - and, MOST of society has very little time for them.
On a positive note, to move my boat to my new region will only take about 4000 gallons of diesel fuel!
From reading most of his comments I’d say a douche canoe.
Just like most of the "Pinkbike Engineers".
But Benni actually went and built something awesome! Much respect.
Why is the top tube connected to the seat tube by fillet brazing and not welded like the rest?
Is it because of the seat post (no weld to be removed on the inside) or because of the welding distortion, or why?
thanks
Your just bamboozled HAHA lol
To further alleviate your stress; i never meant it actually rides like a Pogo stick.
www.pinkbike.com/news/1996-klein-mantra-pro-now-that-was-a-bike.html
Honest question.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/18716548
Also, i'm curious where would you buy a chain when needing replaced or does a new chain have enough links? I'm guessing NO.
Having to buy two chains for roughly $70 and fiddling around with linking them together or using additional masters is rendering a chain weak. If the additional chain is required as you are suggesting; at least hopfully owners would only need 1/3 of the second chain, utilizing it for three replacements. Pretty goofy tho if you ask me!
Aren't most production bikes you buy off the shelf built by robots...