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Post by pjax on Mar 18, 2007 13:02:05 GMT 8
these manufacturers should do away with the nasty "santa cruz" decal that gives it away. also, they should tweak the aesthetics a bit so that it doesn't look exactly like a santa cruz. we'll buy it because it's a single pivot design, and you wont be frowned upon by santa cruz users because your biking isn't exactly imitating their bikes (vaguely at least). the generic full suspension frames out there are all crappy URTs. euggh
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PraeTorian
All-Mountain Rider
"Bring me to life"
Posts: 173
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Post by PraeTorian on Mar 21, 2007 13:21:32 GMT 8
We should ask this guy from Zamboanga who posted his rig at pinkbike.com for a review. wow.... looks like a motorcycle to me....
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Post by king on Mar 21, 2007 20:20:38 GMT 8
a friend of mine bought one. you can upgrade to an air shock for around P1.5k. lt's not bad looking and looks pretty stout. the tubing is pretty heavy though. it's definitely not a superlight.
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Post by babykyla on Apr 3, 2007 14:36:59 GMT 8
newbie here...just got his frame from Armen... had the swing arm pivots modified (installed sealed bearings at ginawang through axle type) by a machine shop... tried some small jumps and bunny hops with it...and seems fine... i guess the real test would be on saturday: downhill ride at the tagaytay ridge... looks like i'm your guinea pig, guys...i'll let you know if i survive...
btw, thanks sir Armen for the frame...
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Superuser
XC Rider
Huntington Beach Bad Boy
Posts: 120
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Post by Superuser on Apr 3, 2007 17:03:31 GMT 8
newbie here...just got his frame from Armen... had the swing arm pivots modified (installed sealed bearings at ginawang through axle type) by a machine shop... tried some small jumps and bunny hops with it...and seems fine... i guess the real test would be on saturday: downhill ride at the tagaytay ridge... looks like i'm your guinea pig, guys...i'll let you know if i survive... btw, thanks sir Armen for the frame... brad, I wish you luck. Looking at the frame, there is a high probability that you'll do just fine. Keep us posted...
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Post by Patrick on Apr 3, 2007 18:58:34 GMT 8
Good luck too, just make sure your shocks are set properly...you might do some people here by having an accident to be able to blame the frame.
That frame looks like it will hold up well especially on the headtube gusset. Just set the proper rebound.
I'm thinking of building a 4x version of that frame of course I'm not brand conscious and will repaint the frame nyahaha
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Post by unknown2907 on Apr 3, 2007 22:17:45 GMT 8
yeah me 2,thinking 2 hav 1 of these for my gf,but shes more agressive rider tthan me so im conscious to have it,hehe,maybe if u survive babykyla i might have one
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Post by >rocketman> on Apr 8, 2007 17:49:32 GMT 8
wow i missed my first DH fork, my 6 inch Ding Nao Ma VTS, big macho stanchions.
fox copied it and come up with fox 40
even manitou copied their volcano inverted fork and come up with the dorado,
joke
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Post by wadesingson on Apr 10, 2007 7:15:27 GMT 8
this frame is already DH proven, somebody raced it in bataan
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Post by xctofi on Apr 10, 2007 7:19:24 GMT 8
yeah,we saw the sinuper light @ bataan. did not stay long enough to see how it performed though.
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Post by babykyla on Apr 10, 2007 16:16:14 GMT 8
used the frame in 2 downhill runs in tagaytay last saturday...1st run was at B10 and the 2nd was behind the Palace in the Sky, going down through brgy Mabato...crashed 3 times (at B10 only)...the frame looked like it was scratched by wolverine, handlebar and stem were a bit misaligned but the frame held up ok...wheels are still aligned. only had a problem with the modified swing arm pivot: the shaft was a bit loose and i could hear a squeeking sound when pedalling...and it affected my balance also since it translated to a wiggle (side to side) in the rear...i am now redesigning the pivot... in summary, it's a good frame...but you really need to do a good job on the swing arm pivot modification, otherwise the frame will be unstable because of the swing arm wiggle...
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Post by unknown2907 on Apr 10, 2007 17:33:45 GMT 8
so i guess,its not that good frame enough? even its been modified?or jz need more modification? hehe
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Post by babykyla on Apr 12, 2007 17:33:28 GMT 8
more modifications...=)
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Post by mauitaylor on Apr 13, 2007 18:44:49 GMT 8
hey guys anymore reviews on the new superlight imitation? wanted to know how this frame is like... every bike shop that i visited has gone out of stock on this frame...
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mythbuster
XC Rider
The Self Proclaimed-Wrecking Crew
Posts: 149
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Post by mythbuster on Apr 16, 2007 8:11:47 GMT 8
As long as the Frame can do the job, who cares, the bad thing is that they use the name Santa Cruz, ( of course for market opurposes, just like pirated CD's ). One of my rider uses this, a black imitation from paulians, so nice, but he said that if ever there's a genuine Santa Cruz there," Pare, di ko maidikit, kakahiya", that's the first psychological bad effect on the owner.
why not rename it as Santa Maria, San Jose, san Gaya-Gaya ek-ek.... ;D
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Post by mauitaylor on Apr 16, 2007 13:41:26 GMT 8
babykyla, what was the terrain in the downhill like? thanks for the info... so how would you solve the squeaking sound? and how much for the sealed bearing upgrade?
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Post by babykyla on Apr 17, 2007 12:06:26 GMT 8
it was a steep technical trail with lots of rocks, hard packed mud, and about an inch of dust (very slippery)...just solved the squeaking sound by redesigning the pivot...the components need to have the right fit..had to force fit some parts (a trusty hammer will do) to remove the wiggle and the squeak...you also need to find the correct bearings. as for the cost, i really can't tell because i had the parts machined for free..hehehe...our company is a big customer of a local machine shop and being the design engineer has its benefits...but, you can estimate the cost to be around 1.5 to 2.5k...depending on the mat'l and labor cost. if you want to see the pivot design i could send it to your private email.
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Post by unknown2907 on Apr 28, 2007 22:12:55 GMT 8
babykyla could u pls send me pics too of design? tnx unknown2907@netscape.net
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Post by zeek23 on May 2, 2007 0:22:40 GMT 8
If you have the dough to burn dont settle for anything less ;-P
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oceanrider88
Free Rider
Life is like riding a wave. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
Posts: 299
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Post by oceanrider88 on May 24, 2007 13:33:25 GMT 8
Caloocan Bearing Company (CABEPCO) imports and distributes all kinds of bearings - boats, trains, trucks, cars, motorcycles, etc. They might have one for this frame - just bring a sample. I think their number in pque is 7762623 or 21 - one of those - call 187 to be sure. They have several branches around M.M. I am sure they will have something for that frame. just curious, can the superlight bushings be easily removed?
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Post by babykyla on May 25, 2007 15:16:52 GMT 8
yes...it's only slide fitted to the frame.
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Post by mauitaylor on May 26, 2007 16:26:39 GMT 8
visited paulinas last week, saw the santa cruz replica with a new color... color silver... not very good... i like the black better... was really disappointed with the new color
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oceanrider88
Free Rider
Life is like riding a wave. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
Posts: 299
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Post by oceanrider88 on May 26, 2007 19:40:53 GMT 8
visited paulinas last week, saw the santa cruz replica with a new color... color silver... not very good... i like the black better... was really disappointed with the new color sayang you didn't take a pic - would have loved to have seen the silver variety. If you don't like any of the colors, Republic Powdercoat charges P350 to powdercoat a frame. They have so many colors to choose from - glossy to flat and they have outdoor coats for industrial applications. Anodizing is another option but am not sure where to go for this.
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oceanrider88
Free Rider
Life is like riding a wave. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
Posts: 299
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Post by oceanrider88 on May 26, 2007 20:04:32 GMT 8
As long as the Frame can do the job, who cares... I agree with you. The brand doesnt matter its how you ride. I've seen so many generics smoke expensive bikes in the trail. ... One of my rider uses this, a black imitation from paulians ... How is your friends rig holding up? Would love to hear from him in this thread. ... but he said that if ever there's a genuine Santa Cruz there," Pare, di ko maidikit, kakahiya", that's the first psychological bad effect on the owner. True. But if it performs as well, then he should feel better as he only spent P5+k for it. He can always powdercoat it red and call it "Sta. Klauss" ;D if he parks it next to an orig he can now proudly brag "it's a german bike brad - from germany you know" hehe I hear a lot of downhillers are using this frame - it could be good in its unmodified form. Can you bust this myth, Mythbuster? hehe
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ewik
Free Rider
Posts: 345
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Post by ewik on May 26, 2007 21:12:30 GMT 8
oceanrider88,
about the powder coating...
should i strip first the paint of my item before giving it to them?
thanx ;D
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oceanrider88
Free Rider
Life is like riding a wave. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
Posts: 299
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Post by oceanrider88 on May 27, 2007 12:27:02 GMT 8
oceanrider88, about the powder coating... should i strip first the paint of my item before giving it to them? thanx ;D Ewik, when i inquired before, they told me just to bring my frame and they'll do the rest - 3 days waiting. Many colors to choose from. If you ride with a group, you guys can sport club colors. Make sure you take out all the rubber parts as they will melt. Other things to consider: There is a custom sticker maker in Festival Mall Alabang - near Ace hardware if i am not mistaken - you can even provide them reflectorized stickers from auto supplies to custom cut into cool designs or bike logos for night ride visibility and to have that orig look (there are black sticker reflectors also). Do you have the superlight frame? If you do, babylyka said the bushings just slide out. If you decide to replace them when you podwercoat (as you may have to take them out anyway for the coating - i dunno - better ask them), you can buy tighter fitting sealed bearings in CABEPCO while you're in Pque and have CC Barletta or one of many machine shops near them to machine press fit it for you so it can take more abuse. Just make sure you visit the machine shop 1st to get the exact outer and inner bearing diameter sizes - i think the bushings were designed to fit loosely as they are only bushings. Hope this helps. Good luck!
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Post by mauitaylor on Jun 8, 2007 19:19:33 GMT 8
I bought this controversial frame way back last march… the first time I saw it, I immediately sold my 2 month old generic felt HT bike and planning to fully upgrade myself… I have nothing productive to do so I decided to just put my two cents worth of review on the santa cruz recto, I mean the santa cruz replica…She’s got the look At first glance at the superlight, budget bikers like me wanting a FS bike would be instantly be in a trance to buy it, as what happened last march when I bought it. Stores in quiapo and cartimar were all sold out. And the matte black finish was really sweet. Earlier this morning, I went biking from QC to pasay just to get some bike parts from by brad, on my way back I rested under the shade in front of shangrila hotel in ortigas. This Caucasian dude obviously a rider came up to me and said “dude that’s the sickest bike I’ve ever seen here in the Philippines.” He was ecstatic and all and I said that it was an imitation. He couldn’t believe his eyes and told him the difference between the original and fake. He even told me that it’s the ferarri of mountain bikes which I totally disagree, although the santa cruz syndicate holds a powerhouse riders. The weldings on the head tube, although messy, looks strong to me and can take a beating. The suspension The “KS Axis air/oil/coil damping” @#$% written on the rear shock was very unbelievable. Although it had an adjustment which doesn’t really help as you would expect it. But the responsiveness of the shock set to I think 120 degrees or 130, not good in math though, would help a 5’8 ½, 150 pound newbie rider like me to a desired feel. In urban setting, humps, bumps, street gutter moderate jumps would be smooth as butter. I haven’t tried it DH, im not sure if it would take the beating. The frame is designed for xc, so I wont use anything outside from its intended purpose. Riding mauitaylor I named my bike mauitaylor heheh I just feel pathetic now heheh… anyways, the only beefs I had with this frame is first, its not superlight, its not semilight. Second, the pivot is just a bolt on. I mean if your going to really build an imitation frame, “garapalin mo na” I mean the decals was good, the matte color was sweet… I was comparing it to the previous imitation FS frame the mongoose DH frame, forgot the model but it was released around early 2000 aluminum buffed color. The decals on it was just sticker compared to the paint on the superlight. No creaking sounds on the pivot compared to the mongoose… Its taking so long so to cut the long boring story, should you buy it? It depends if your reasons on buying it will be similar to mine. I bought the frame because first, I cant afford a budget FS original frame like the haro X7, or the shawn h-2 or the ZSC monocoque etc… I just leech off from my parents for my allowance heheh (still studying). I’m on a budget and I really like the candy paint hehe. I wont do extreme DH or DJ, but now, I was thinking of selling this frame to upgrade… grrrr d@mn upgradetitis! Second, if your not brand conscious and you know well that you cant buy talent, discussed at the recent issue of mountain biking UK and not a “pa pogi” type of rider hehe. But, if you have the money, go for gold! The only mistake I did is panic buying. I should have bought the X7 because most of the parts came from that bike like the tires, forks etc. But all in all it’s a good frame, if you’re really on a strict budget, I suggest investing on other parts like fork etc if you plan to buy this frame. It’s not a powerhouse DH bike like INTENSE or the V-10 by far and you cant win against the DH boys. But you can join them-and that’s really the point, isn’t it? Thanks for wasting your time reading this hehehe really need your comments guys! ;D
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Post by babykyla on Jun 13, 2007 14:10:33 GMT 8
i removed the decals by painting black paint over it ...some guys mistake it for a shawn H3 just by looking at it from afar..hehehe. you're right about the suspension..it's crappy...can't feel any significant change in the rebound adjustment...and the lock-out no longer functions (maybe because of repeated beatings)... but the frame is holding out pretty well...did some hard DH runs at makiling and tagaytay plus some 3-4 ft drops...and it's still alive(thank God!)...but, that may be because i'm only 130 lbs...don't know how it will perform with heavier riders.
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Post by inoy on Jun 13, 2007 15:38:28 GMT 8
mauitaylor:
does the shock that you're pertaining to cost around P2500? if yes i have the same one bought just last week fron quiapo. thie lockout doesn't seem to work but the rebound seems to work. 3-4x turn from lock seems to work(6 ft 185 lbs) also, have the same predicament as you; cant afford originals that's why i just have generics. single pivot too but looks more like a prophet than a sta cruz. would appreciate the schematics for the modified bearing. thanks
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raimun
Bike Commuter
determined
Posts: 70
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Post by raimun on Jun 13, 2007 19:40:30 GMT 8
I recently bought the silver santa cruz imitation. From the time i bought the frame upto now... i ride it like it was stolen. hehehe... i'm sort of your silent "guinea pig" for this frame. i have been doing sprints, jumps, drops and sharp turns at high speed. I really enjoy the frame because it looks tough and it is cheap. so, if i scratch, damage, bend, crack and/or brake it... i'll be crying P45,000 times less than having the original superlight frame... hehehe
I'm one of those heavy riders (5'8" 200lbs). Although, i changed the rear coil shocks to air shocks made by Kind Shocks (same brand as the stock shocks). The lockout doesn't work but as sir inoy said, the rebound handles bumps and drops well (and it doesn't bob too much).
I also agree with the psychological factor of riding an imitation. You'll really feel it when you come across with someone who has an original santa cruz superlight or anyone who has an original full suspension frame bike. But hey, who cares... what matters most is that you make him eat your dust! hehehe... kidding aside, we should all just enjoy what we have.
Lastly, I haven't done modifications for it to accomodate bearings because i do not know how... hehehe... so, it would be nice if someone would help me in modding it. thanks.
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