Firebug24k
1 µW
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2013
- Messages
- 3
Good morning all,
I'm posting the first part of my review of the custom frame ebike I purchased last week from Catalyst82 (http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=51576). He plans on constructing several of these frames in the future, so if you like this one then get in line for yours!
I bought this as a complete bike, not as just a frame. I paid $3800, shipped (asking price).
First impression of the quality of the frame is positive. I just got it yesterday, so I need to take some measurements and post some more quantitative data, but it seems very very solid. It's heavy, but balanced, so it actually feels not unreasonable in the weight department.
The white paint is not too great. It's already peeling and rubbing off in quite a few spots. I'd recommend having it powder coated or something more durable, because it doesn't adhere to the steel all that well. I'll have to see how it holds up over a longer period of time, but I'm not expecting it to last very long.
Catalyst used the UPS Store to package and ship the bike. Unfortunately, they were clueless about how to properly pack and ship a bicycle, so it arrived with serious damage to the front chainring and the headset. Both will have to be replaced before I can ride it. I haven't tested any of the electrical components yet, I'm waiting to get the bike assembled. I'll be taking it into a shop this afternoon to have the headset replaced and get the rest of the components checked for damage.
The poor shipping probably won't be a big deal if you're just going to buy a bare frame from him because there's really no way to hurt a solid steel frame like this. And I have no doubt he'll pack things better in the future. He's agreed to cover the cost for the repairs, so my impression of service after sale is great at this point!
Photos so far are all in my album at http://www.flickr.com/photos/27503106@N04/sets/72157634803892580. I'll continue to update as I can.
I'm posting the first part of my review of the custom frame ebike I purchased last week from Catalyst82 (http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=51576). He plans on constructing several of these frames in the future, so if you like this one then get in line for yours!
I bought this as a complete bike, not as just a frame. I paid $3800, shipped (asking price).
First impression of the quality of the frame is positive. I just got it yesterday, so I need to take some measurements and post some more quantitative data, but it seems very very solid. It's heavy, but balanced, so it actually feels not unreasonable in the weight department.
The white paint is not too great. It's already peeling and rubbing off in quite a few spots. I'd recommend having it powder coated or something more durable, because it doesn't adhere to the steel all that well. I'll have to see how it holds up over a longer period of time, but I'm not expecting it to last very long.
Catalyst used the UPS Store to package and ship the bike. Unfortunately, they were clueless about how to properly pack and ship a bicycle, so it arrived with serious damage to the front chainring and the headset. Both will have to be replaced before I can ride it. I haven't tested any of the electrical components yet, I'm waiting to get the bike assembled. I'll be taking it into a shop this afternoon to have the headset replaced and get the rest of the components checked for damage.
The poor shipping probably won't be a big deal if you're just going to buy a bare frame from him because there's really no way to hurt a solid steel frame like this. And I have no doubt he'll pack things better in the future. He's agreed to cover the cost for the repairs, so my impression of service after sale is great at this point!
Photos so far are all in my album at http://www.flickr.com/photos/27503106@N04/sets/72157634803892580. I'll continue to update as I can.
...short version here yes!!! how to get in touch when i can't send PMs?
