I love my FBM Sword!! it has been great fixed and free!
Machine Politics vs Beaver Boys, May 2011. Photo by Bruce Carver
FBM Bike Co Polo Specific Frame, sneak peek
After about a year of begging Steve Crandall and dozens of emails and phone calls with Mike Erb, we finally got it. This first prototype goes to Nick Vaughan, hopefully I'll have one sometime soon. Keep your eyes out for this bike at North Americans and Worlds, you are encouraged to find Nick and try it out and let us know what you think. This frame was hand made in Ithaca NY on the Sword jig with some tweaks. A higher bottom bracket for less pedal strike while turning, slacker head tube angle for minimal toe overlap, shorter chain stays, long drop-outs for gearing options, v-brake bosses, Cinelli cable guides, longer top tube, clearance for 38mm tires and shorter wheelbase. This pictured frame does not include a gusset at the down tube but future ones will. I cannot say when this will be in full on production but hopefully by fall you can order one, don't ask me how much they will cost, I don't know. I can tell you this is a gorgeous bike and the ride is incredibly nice. We do not have an official name for the frame yet though all of us in RVA have been referring to it as the Battle Axe. Please feel free to spread the word about this frame by reposting these photos and feel free to quote me. THIS IS A PROTOTYPE*
July 6, 2010 - 2:51pm
#3
Nice! Can't wait to see this at InterBike!
July 6, 2010 - 6:41pm
#4
It is fucking awesome!
In the picture the bike is on 32s with PLENTY of room for a bigger tire or up to a 38. I switched out to some 28s today and the bike told me that it loved me and would care to be intimate with me. I'm not a very sciency person but the geometry and science of this bike are awesome. All of the folks at FBM took all of the input that we gave them and then were all like "we are going to build a fucking awesome bike" the attention to detail shows in a very real way. To put this in the perspective i have heard two TWO strangers that I will assume and say have no clue about bikes say "WOW" Ian "i hit it i hit it" Dunwiddie said " This is how I want to feel on a bike" I will not say what the bike shop owner where the bike was shipped had to say as it may not be well received.
I would say "ALUMINUM...DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH ALUMINUM TUBING?" but its steel. Strong ass steel bro. Columbus numium? Sean help me out here. Steve said that since they switched to this tubing on all of there BMX frames that there have only been 2 broken frames, and you do not even want to know what those kids are doing to their bikes.
Charts and graphs anyone? See above.
To sum up... This may be the finest bike I have ever owned. It is certainly the prettiest. I am stoked to have this opportunity.
July 6, 2010 - 6:48pm
#5
Hahahaha, reading this made my head hurt...in a good way...like watching old FBM bmx videos. That's really fucking awesome...I'm glad they are treating you guys well. If this bike doesn't cost $600 more than I can afford, like their Sword frame, I may have to purchase one someday.
July 6, 2010 - 6:40pm
#6
July 6, 2010 - 6:41pm
#7
July 6, 2010 - 8:12pm
#8
haha! Nick is a little excited, so am I! FBM Bikes are built with SuperTherm Steel made by the American company True Temper same tubing specs as their incredibly strong BMX bikes
Top Tube 1-3/8" O.D.
Double Butted SuperTherm
Down Tube 1-1/2" O.D.
Double Butted SuperTherm
Seat Stays 3/4” O.D. x 0.035" Wall
4130 Chomoly
Chain Stays 3/4” O.D. x 0.049" Wall
4130 Chomoly
SuperTherm from True Temper is a proprietary superthermophillic (heat-loving) alloy, developed in partnership with the U.S. Steel Alliance. The composition of Chromium, Molybdenum, and Vanadium with an unprecedented 217 ksi ultimate tensile strength makes this alloy actually gain strength through a metallurgical transformation in the heat-affected zone as a result of welding or brazing. SuperTherm is highly temper-resistant, resulting in an 11% increase in fatigue life and a 20% increase in impact strength heat treated 4130. The increased mechanical properties of SuperTherm allow for incredibly strong, yet lightweight frame designs with that legendary feel of steel ride quality.
July 6, 2010 - 7:18pm
#9
That
July 7, 2010 - 11:43am
#10
Awesome! Fat Bald Men!!!
July 7, 2010 - 3:40pm
#11
i like this alot. it is neat...
July 8, 2010 - 12:04pm
#12
just curious, will they ever make a version for 26" wheels? since they are way stronger.
July 10, 2010 - 2:45pm
#13
x2 on this. I'm in the market but I love my 26".
Looks really solid.....
July 13, 2010 - 4:49pm
#14
interestingly enough they do make a 20" version which is even stronger than 26". You guys should try one of those
http://www.fbmbmx.com/products/frames/berzerker.php
July 8, 2010 - 12:23pm
#15
This bike looks fun, I want to give it a try.
July 9, 2010 - 5:17pm
#16
full specs
Headtube – 4130 Chromoly, CNC Machined – 1-1/8” Integrated Headtube – Campi Style
Top Tube – True Temper OX Platinum 1-1/8”OD x 0.039”wall
Down Tube - True Temper OX Platinum 1-1/8”OD x 0.039”wall
Seat Tube – True Temper Versus 28.5mm OD, single butted 0.9mm / 0.6mm wall, for 27.2mm seat post
Bottom Bracket – 4130 Chromoly, euro, 68mm wide
Seat Stays – 4130 Chromoly 5/8”OD x 0.035”wall
Chain Stays – 4130 Chromoly Ovalized 30mm/18mm, single butted 0.9mm / 0.6mm wall, tapered to ½”OD
Dropouts – 4130 Chromoly, 3/16” thick, laser cut
Dropout Spacing – 120mm
July 13, 2010 - 10:37am
#19
Personally prefer 26" but the specs on this in terms of both sizing, angles, and materials looks superb.
July 13, 2010 - 12:36pm
#20
luckily there is an already established polo specific bike that is designed for 26" wheels. This is not.
July 14, 2010 - 11:25am
#21
What, are you talking about the Surly 1x1, cause those things are dope!?!
July 20, 2010 - 12:10am
#22
hopefully FBM's going to have one up here in august at our FCI to check out. hint hint.
July 23, 2010 - 11:59am
#23
Had a chance to take it for a spin at NAs. Love it!!!
July 23, 2010 - 12:10pm
#24
x2! The fork is sooo sexy.
I want one for a townie bike.
hey teammate! ::wink, wink::
July 23, 2010 - 8:36pm
#25
my photos from NAHBPC http://www.hardcourtbikepolo.com/?p=2306
July 23, 2010 - 8:58pm
#26
thanks Doug, I'll look into that for you Matt I don't see why that should be too bid of an issue to get
September 9, 2010 - 3:00pm
#27
Any updates on this? Going to need a new frame in a month or two...
September 9, 2010 - 5:10pm
#28
hey Im glad you brought this up. Prototype No. 2 (mine!) will be ready by Sept 21 for interbike. The tubing will be thicker walled supertherm, the cable guides will be on the bottom of the top tube, the fork will be straight gauged as opposed to tapered to avoid flex and will allow room for a 38mm tire, and lastly there will be a gusset on the downtube. The official production release of this frame will not be until early Spring of 2011 but FBM has agreed to do a short run of a handful of these frames in November. If you are serious about purchasing one please send me an email as most of these one offs have dibs called on em already. I'll keep this updated
September 12, 2010 - 7:49am
#30
thats my team mate!!! you gettin me one too?
I dont know if I like the front v brake, I too run only front break and Im not sure how it would feel. too much?
September 12, 2010 - 9:17am
#31
Its probably fine, its all about getting used to how hard you can get away with pulling it.
Learning to endo stop will teach you the very limit of that. There's other things you can do like toeing in the pads which will help give you more modulation and better feeling of an in between of slowing down and flipping over the bars.
September 25, 2010 - 3:55pm
#32
Front v-brake only=the shit!
Its super awesome! Modulation modulation modulation. You will wonder how a caliper ever stopped you.
Seriously Chris DO IT
September 13, 2010 - 5:15pm
#33
Personally I am a big fan of the beefier 26 inch frames and think most MTB's are designed for slower cornering and control so would like to see some framebuilders look into their geometry a little more. also my biggest problem with these is the high top tube. Why arent we all aiming for a nicely sloped top tube or more step-through style frame to keep from getting racked when wrecking and also to make it easier to pass your mallet over to the other side when reaching around for the ball?
September 20, 2010 - 10:48pm
#35
...Have a friend who plays on a womens step-through frame out here and he can get to the ball much faster under his left arm over the frame when the ball is up on the fence...just saying its handy...not to mention the not racking yourself as easily.
September 21, 2010 - 12:57am
#36
cool beans cojak! build one and sell it, Im not going to.
October 4, 2010 - 12:38pm
#37
"traditional" frames have stronger triangles.
September 21, 2010 - 1:20am
#38
Welcome to Costco, I love you... FBM isn't going to sell something that doesn't work for it's assigned application and put they're name on it. There is a reason why this frame is taking 2 years to develop, we tried the original Sword frame and it was nice to play with as is, but it needed some changes. Some of those changes were applied to the first prototype and now we realize they can be improved upon even more while maintaining the same price. If you want a frame for 26" wheels, PLEASE go ahead and design, build, manufacture, and sell one on your own. Or better yet, try a Joust, they are AWESOME for polo, I love mine. This is not, nor will ever be a 26" wheeled frame. Maybe, if time and money is right, some day down the road we can design a new jig and sell yall an FBM polo bike that is designed for 26" wheels, I would be ecstatic. But until then, do me a solid and take your 26" concerns out the door, I don't really care to hear about them here. And BTW, with the exception of a three month stint of playing on an IRO Rob Roy SS Cross Bike, I have ALWAYS played on a 26" wheeled bike since 2004. So don't call me biased based on that, this frame just really sets the bar for those who prefer to play on a 700c bike, (in my humble and definitely correct opinion).
September 25, 2010 - 10:37am
#40
It's official. I'll be jamming one of these for 2011.
September 25, 2010 - 5:17pm
#41
Bottles you monster- were you around when we were discussing this in hushed tones?
This may be the one that sends me over the hill to 700s. Love the stiffness of the Bruiser but still want Vs... I don't care how many wizards can dial their U brakes.
I'm also going for a bit more research into this True Temper caloro-philic steel... sounds too crazy to be true.
September 26, 2010 - 10:24am
#42
I wasn't. Should I have been?
Come to the 700 side. It's where the legends are.
November 1, 2010 - 12:28pm
#43
do any of these live in the NW? it'd be cool to spin it
December 15, 2010 - 8:44am
#44
How is the toe overlap on this ride? Beautiful bike. I'm looking forward to seeing one in person.
December 15, 2010 - 12:35pm
#45
I have heard it is much less then the regular FBM Sword? not sure if that helps much but thats what I know.
December 15, 2010 - 12:57pm
#46
So how can I get one of these?
December 15, 2010 - 1:05pm
#47
Yah I think I may retire my sword when the new one comes out and weld some s&s connecters. I hope they make it in green again!!
January 31, 2011 - 3:28pm
#48
FBM Ballista- 700c Polo Specific Frame (beta)
Freewheel
36x18
Front and rear brake
56cm FBM Ballista frame and fork in Iroc Blue
48h Profile Racing Polo hubs laced to 700c Sun Rhyno Lite Rims, 4X Double Butted DT Swiss Spokes, Michelin Pilot Sport 32mm tires
18t White Industries Trials freewheel
36t Profile Racing Sprocket
KHE Hollow Pin Halflinks chain
Profile Cranks 175 length, hollow cro moly spindle w sealed cartridge BB
spd pedals
Thomson Elite Seatpost, Italia Flight Saddle, Deluxe seatpost collar
Thomson 6 bolt BMX stem
FBM Cease & Desist integrated headset
Atom Lab DH riser bars, Odyssey 2 Finger Trigger lever, Oury Grips, lock on alum bar ends by Proper
Avid Arch Rival V-Brakes, Problem Solvers Cable Doubler
January 31, 2011 - 3:32pm
#49
looks pretty sick.
February 1, 2011 - 6:54am
#50
Looks shit hot!
But isn't that a short pull lever with v brakes (long pull)?
How does that work? Is it not too spongey?
Totally jealous.
January 31, 2011 - 3:42pm
#51
Where did you get those hubs?
I want some.
January 31, 2011 - 6:29pm
#52
http://www.profileracing.com/estore/product.php?productId=333&categoryId=24
you can get em on their online store, I was lucky to get a hook up with profile through FBM (they are pretty damn expensive). The axle on my rear hub is a 7mm hex bolt though, not a 3/8" track axle like they show in the pictured ones. I don't know if they were extra or what but the hubs are really nice
January 31, 2011 - 7:00pm
#53
maybe i need to learn to read better, but i can't find a price anywhere. is there a determined price yet for frame and fork?
January 31, 2011 - 10:06pm
#54
No your right man, we haven't announced a price yet. The idea was to match the price of a Sword frameset at $700 retail but it might cost a little more because these frames are more difficult to build and have some necessary extra features. I'll keep everyone updated on the painstakingly slow process of getting this bike into production. I was expecting to have around a half dozen of thes things in action by now
February 1, 2011 - 1:42pm
#55
I cant wait to get my hands on one of these frames.
February 1, 2011 - 2:23pm
#56
The should be making all polo bikes with s&s couplings on them!!
February 2, 2011 - 6:48am
#57
nice hit, bro! I'm feelin the bmx components and might I add this bike's colorway is a new direction for you too. can't wait to see this ride in person
February 2, 2011 - 11:50am
#58
It looks close, what kind of toe clearance do you have there?
February 3, 2011 - 8:36am
#59
Gimme!
February 4, 2011 - 1:31pm
#60
Just a heads up to anyone out there who is curious as to the progress of this frame and how to get one. We're working on getting this bike into production and theres some stuff we need to finish before these Ballista frames are available, production will depend upon when a final design, sizes, colors, and graphics are agreed upon within FBM and then when it can be fit into the schedule at the machine shop. It's a slow process. The Retail price was intended to be $700, the same as the Sword, but may be higher because there is a lot more work that will be going into the Ballista frame than goes into the Sword. Once these matters are settled I'll try to get back to you personally and the frame can be purchased through your local bike shop, have them email me and I will get back to them with everything they need to know to set up a dealer account it is easy and free, this can be done at any time to ensure that you can order a frame through your shop as soon as they are available. I will update this thread as I get more information and get back to you guys through email to answer any questions as best I can. Cheers, see you on the court.
-Sean McCormick
sean@fbmfixed.com
February 4, 2011 - 2:26pm
#61
Shit looks great I want one.
March 5, 2011 - 12:58pm
#62
any update on these? i'm assuming this summer would be too optimistic a target for woning one.
March 5, 2011 - 1:02pm
#63
I sent Sean an email earlier today so hopefully we get a little more info.
July 16, 2011 - 6:48pm
#64
Status? Anyone???
August 11, 2011 - 11:38am
#65
Called about one. Four months before they could even consider making one, at this point. Workload is too big and they only have two framebuilders.
August 24, 2011 - 2:19pm
#66
by the time they release it, it'll be out of date! come on guys!
Who's new
- KCJ - Jacksonville FL
- orange26kitty - Pomona
- Adrian Ruano - Ciudad de México
- waka - Netherlands
- terry - south australia
- tehkorg - Mesa, Az
- RunnenLate - Orlando, FL
- LizzySolomon - Denver, CO
- irishman909121 - Orlando
- Jareb - North Richland Hills
Recently added polo bikes
2 comments
|
Nice. I have always been a huge fan of FBM.
Do it for Albert St.