Updates from shedfire RSS
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08:21:12 am on September 7, 2010 |
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09:40:54 am on July 3, 2009 |
You might have heard about the new CEN regulations that are coming into force for mountainbikes in the near future. They are to protect customers from dangerous bikes, but due to an odd fatigue test – with high forces, there was a rumour going around that steel frames weren’t going to pass, or would be horribly heavy.
We put a lot of time and thought into the construction of the Blue Pig frame to ensure that it passed this new test. And in doing so, having to sit down and think about how we design and weld steel frames, we’ve made something that’s better than any steel frame I’ve done before.
Now, it’s pretty clear than the more you do something (like designing frames), the better you get at it (as you remember what broke before and where, what didn’t break, what flexed, what didn’t). But designing something to pass the new CEN regs was tough, as lots of people in the industry were getting awfully upset about it.
Even as late as the Taiwan show, I was taken to one side by one manufacturer and asked to join a group to push for the standard to be lowered, to make it easier for steel frames to pass.
As I’m incredibly grumpy, quite bad with people, and just like to sit in my shed in Calderdale, I carried on anyhow, as I enjoyed the engineering challenge of trying to get something through a tough test without simply throwing lots and lots at metal at it.
What we did with the Blue Pig (and I say we, as it’s me and my factory, the engineers and welders there too), was to look at the three tubes at the front of the bike (headtube, downtube, top tube) and really analyse what was going on during riding, and during the tests that they were using to simulate riding. We examined videos of frames in testing, and quickly realised that there was a whole heap of flex going on in the headtube area, that was concentrating stress on the downtube/headtube joint.
By picking some new tubes, adding some reinforcement to stiffen the headtube area, increasing the downtube diameter, decreasing top tube diameter (to introduce some flex to dissipate the load) using our standard 0.9mm/0.6mm/0.9mm tubeset, we were able to get a frame to exceed the CEN test, even when fitted with solid steel “test forks”.
All this might be quite dull, and I might have lost you on the second line. But the deal is this. The Ragley Blue Pig passes stringent standards that aren’t even law yet, to ensure you get a tough reliable frame that will last. Sure a 5.5lb weight is more than some, but we think most of that extra weight comes from our chainstay bridge (which we love for tyre clearance and chainsuck issues), and our dropouts (which let us run lighter rear stays for better rear triangle compliance and cleaner disc brake mounting).
Anyhow – here’s the test details in full.
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01:28:30 pm on July 2, 2009 |
Fancy winning a Ti Ragley and Manitou fork? Have an enter of MBUK’s competition here – https://www.futurecompetitions.com/mbukrag/Default.asp?
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11:39:30 am on July 1, 2009 |
We’re still working on the header card (nudge) but the first sample grips are made and jetting their way to us for approval.Here’s the first screen shots off Skype.
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12:56:58 pm on June 24, 2009 |
Took the Blue Pig pre-production model over to Guy Kesteven (What MTB and MBUK Test Editor) yesterday. He’s had the Ragley Ti on test (now written up and going to print) and wanted the steel model for another review in a month or so’s time. He seems pleased, which I’m delighted about. I’ve had a few hints on what the conclusions are, and suffice to say I’m chuffed to bits. “Other” people seem to be “getting it” and that’s great.Phew.
UPDATE :: I just got an email from him, and he really likes it
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11:27:59 am on June 20, 2009 |
We’re delighted to announce that Saddleworth Cyclery in Uppermill, will be stocking Ragley frames and parts. I’ll have to pop over and see them. Really. It’s not too far away. Welcome aboard folks!
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08:58:27 pm on June 17, 2009 |
Sizing, warranty, dealers, stickers, finish, lead times, history… please ask! But please ask HERE.
This will help us build our FAQ, which means I can spend more time working and less time answering questions. And you can share your thoughts and experiences in a transparent manner.
Thanks!
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07:59:46 am on June 16, 2009 |
I only mentioned it yesterday, and then the pic arrives last night – production finished of the Ragley seatclamp. Just a small thing, but having been hunting for a “nice one at the right price” for a few years. This does everything I want, keeps working, doesn’t need adjustment, doesn’t clag up when gritty, has a nice long lever. It’s good.We’re even including a spare plastic bush (which is the part that wears, eventually), with every one, though no signs of damage to mine, after 3 months of use and many up-down-up-down moments during every ride. Not sure how organised I’d have to be be able to still find the spare bush when I needed it – maybe put it on your garage key ring or something?
They will come in 29.8mm (for the Blue Pig, and other peoples steel frames) and 34.9mm (mmmbop and Ti) and are going to be £9.99. Not available to buy yet, but soon.
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12:23:34 pm on June 15, 2009 |
All sizes are now in stock – 16, 18, 20in, and available from Ragley dealers. Ragley dealers can be found here. And if you’re a dealer and not signed up yet, but want to hear about our cool offers and what it takes to get on board, the contact our distributors Hotlines.
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07:17:06 am on June 13, 2009 |
We’re just putting the final touches to our first “not a frame” product – we’ve a bunch of different grip designs coming, in a plethora of colours, textures and compounds too. All are lock-on, with proper solid CNC’d end caps (not cheap plastic end plugs), and they should be with us in a couple of months. Though we’ll have some samples in early  which we’ll be offering on here to anyone who performs some sort of ludicrous online hoop jumping.Also coming soon are other ragley items to enhance your life – seatclamps (we’ve finally got one that works), bars (you didn’t think we’d not do that did you?), saddles (does my bum look big on this?) and a rude pump. Really.
Oh – if you’re asking – HOT? Hold On Tight.