Awhile back, EighthInch mentioned they were working on a cyclocross frame for this year.  Well, today they’ve released a sneak preview of their new Butcher freestyle frame, but is this the cyclocross frame they had talked about before?

Sidenote:  "sneak peak" apparently means releasing specs and nearly a dozen HQ photos of the frame.  They seem to have a lot to learn from the auto industry.

Anywho, here’s some info on the frame:

- Sizing: 50, 53, 56, 59cm
- Double Butted 4130 Chromo
- 45/45 Integrated Headset
- Mid Bottom Bracket
- Removable 990 Brake Mounts
- Removable Cable Mounts
- 700×45 Tire Clearance (maybe more)
- Bar Spin Clearance In All Sizes
- Includes Mid-BB and Integrated Headeset
- ESTIMATED STREET PRICE – FRAME ONLY: $300 FRAME+FORK $350

Oh, and here’s a profile photo:

Now, tell me that doesn’t look like a singlespeed cyclocross frame to you.  If that’s the case, it looks like an excellent frame, although I’m not sure I’m too happy about the mid bottom bracket (it uses press-fit bearings instead of a standard threaded bottom bracket).  The integrated headset is a nice touch, though, as are the butted tubes and extra gussets aft of the head tube.

If this isn’t the CC frame, then it’s at least a great platform for it.  I wouldn’t mind seeing disc brake braze-ons and a normal BB shell on that bike should it still be in the development phase, though.

For more info and pics, check out their blog:  Butcher Sneak Peak

I’m really happy with my EighthInch Scrambler V2 road frame–great compliancy, stiff bottom bracket, strong, but on the heavy side–but now its replacement is coming (not for me; I plan to build my own frame eventually).  Today, EighthInch opened up pre-order sales for the new, improved Scrambler V3 frameset for $170.

The new frame has laser-cut drop-outs, as opposed to the stamped ones on the V2.  It also comes with rear brake cable mounts, which the V2 lacks completely.  Instead of using typical braze-ons, though, they’re using the type you normally find on mountain bikes for attaching hydraulic brake lines (like this), that require full brake housings and a zip-tie.  Either system works fine, but I prefer the typical type of braze-on, where you don’t have to run full housings, and save a few grams of weight.  The upside to using full housings, though, is that your cables stay cleaner if you ride in wet conditions.

The V2 came in satin black or glossy white, but the V3 adds Raw to the color mix.  If you don’t drool at the sight of a raw steel frame (w/ clearcoat), then I pretty much don’t want to be your friend.  The downside is, clearcoat doesn’t stick to steel as well as primer and paint do, so you’ll have to keep an eye on it or risk eventual rust.

Check out the EighthInch blog for more info or to get a pre-order in:  http://eighthinch.wordpress.com/

One of my resolutions this year was to learn how to build my own bike frame.  I have pretty much no idea what I’m doing–story of my life–but I’ve always been able to figure things out for myself pretty well with patience, reading, and practice.

My first frame is going to be based off the geometry of my EighthInch Scrambler frame, set up as either a singlespeed, or maybe a 3-speed with a Shimano Nexus hub.  Fortunately, I have plenty of time to make up my mind about that, since I have exactly zero seconds worth of torch time so far.  But… that’s about to change.

I got a handful of crappy old steel frames to use as torch victims, and my first project will be to learn how to attach small braze-on parts, such as bottle holders, seatpost clamps, and an internal cable routing guide.  After I get to the point that my work looks decent, and not like a pile of semi-retarded garbage, I’ll turn my torch toward something a little nicer.

For the time being, these pieces of crap need to be stripped of their paint, sanded, read their rights, and then shown a little pain.

I meant to post this weeks ago…

EighthInch posted a hint on Twitter that they have a cyclocross frame in the works.  I haven’t heard any more about it since their April posting, so hopefully it’ll be out before too much longer.  I’ll keep you updated when I hear more.

Via Twitter

Update:  Looks like prototypes are on the way:  http://twitter.com/EighthInch/status/16695745782

Speaking of bamboo bike frames, if you’re more of the DIY type, BAMBOOBIKER over on Instructables.com just put up a new post on how to make your own.

Basically, you’ll need an old frame, some bamboo tubing, and a whole lot of free time, but it looks like a great project for someone who likes to get their hands dirty.

Photo credit: BAMBOOBIKER

Instructables.com

CyclingCloseouts–the same store where I bought my EighthInch Scrambler V2–is now selling the Dylan Bamboo frame by Organic Bikes.

The frame is made of bamboo tubing, with recycled aluminum lugs, and sells for $400, which is a pretty decent price for a bamboo frame.  Or you can get a complete bike for $799.99 (singlespeed or fixed gear) or $849 (3-speed with a Shimano Nexus hub).  As is typical with CyclingCloseouts, you get to pick out your components if you go with the complete bike.

Read more…