New Rourke 953 build

drlodge

Jason is starting my 953 build today, if you want to follow the build, there should be some photos posted to my twitter feed which I'll retweet www.twitter.com/drlodge

lone wheeler

Can't wait to see pics, i think i'm going to go this route too, 953 super oversize.

drlodge

How heavy are you? When I spoke with Gaz on tube selection, he said that super oversize is recommended for the heavier rider, I don't think there is any benefit in going for super oversize otherwise - 953 oversize is already stiff enough.

MickTup

Will follow with interest I have my Rourke 953 on order due January

drlodge

Jason has started, here's the tubeset...slightly different to what I originally asked for since he's making with opposed oval downtube and oval top tube.

The WD40 and duct tape are of course needed to assemble the frame properly. Its called Duck TIGing.

lone wheeler

80kgs. Just fancied larger diameter tubing for asthetics. Does it have to be ovalised tubing as i'd prefer round on my own build? I've sent email off today to them as the first tentative step.

rajMAN

drlodge, Thanks and at last somebody willing to share their 953 build, I will be following with great interest.

drlodge

lone wheeler wrote:

80kgs. Just fancied larger diameter tubing for asthetics. Does it have to be ovalised tubing as i'd prefer round on my own build? I've sent email off today to them as the first tentative step.

At 80kg, you're the same weight as me and the "oversized" tubing will be fine. Not sure how much larger the super oversized is, it might be they can use a super oversized downtube to give it that "bloated carbon" look. Super oversized adds strength in two ways (a) due to larger diameter but also (b) due to the increased weld area. It will add weight and stiffness though, neither of which I think are beneficial on a lightweigh and "stiff enough" 953 frame.

The oval tubes are simply a preference, and might add a little extra stiffness, as standard they will spec the round tubes. I saw the opposed oval downtube on their trackframe recently shown the www.the5thfloor.co.uk and wanted something a little different.

More pics to follow, I'll copy the pics Jason posts on twitter this thread.

drlodge

Here's the frame coming together, first mitres done at the bottom bracket. You can see the ovalised or "flattened" downtube at the end where it meets the BB shell.

napoleond

Watching this with interest, my 'appointment' is in Jan.

drlodge

Re tubing sizes, take a look at this http://reynoldstechnology.biz/assets/pd ... s_list.pdf

Standard oversized is I think 31.75 diameter for down and top tube, super oversizxed would be 34.9mm dia.

I'm guessing my tube are
downtube: SS4732
top tube: SS4730
seat tube: SS4712?

drlodge

Front triangle done woohoo!

rajMAN

This is becoming pornographic! :oops: (can we have more please)

drlodge

And all with no clothes on! Another pic in a few mins (reaches for the vaseline...)

rajMAN

I take it your going for the polished finish?

drlodge

Chain stays ready for TIGing

drlodge

rajMAN wrote:

I take it your going for the polished finish?

Having the chain stays polished, and seat stays polished up to just below the brake bridge. Paint scheme will be a monochrome affair in the same style as the blue/white track frame on the5thfloor. Its gonna look awesome :P

lone wheeler

Damn, that's it, i'm gonna ring 'em!

verylonglegs

lone wheeler wrote:

Damn, that's it, i'm gonna ring 'em!

Let us know how long the waiting list is. Cheers

rajMAN

drlodge, Did you decide on 953 or was it something that came out of the fitting session/discussion. Was it purely based on it being stainless/tougher/lighter steel over say 853?

drlodge

It came from one of the club members, who had a titanium bike, suggesting I look at the Rourkes and if I got a 953, he'd be jealous for eternity. I then realised it was perfect for me since I like the ride of steel, think carbon fibre is too delicate (damages easily), 953 is as light can can be custom built when TIG welded. Add to that the service provided by Rourke and its a dream come true. TIGd 953 just ticks ALL the boxes for me.

MickTup

+ 1 I like the ride of steel, think carbon fibre is too delicate (damages easily), 953 is light and can be custom built. Add to that the service provided by Rourke is excellent and its British built. Not Taiwanese or Chinese manufactured and labelled Italian designed and because the pro’s ride then it gives you kudos. It wasn't that long ago the pro's were all on steel. Put Brad on a steel frame and they'll all be buying one until then I’m quite happy with carbon fibre brigade are not wanting steel as the 6 month wait would be even longer. Ask yourselves does carbon really make such a difference to a club ride?

samsbike

drlodge wrote:

It came from one of the club members, who had a titanium bike, suggesting I look at the Rourkes and if I got a 953, he'd be jealous for eternity. I then realised it was perfect for me since I like the ride of steel, think carbon fibre is too delicate (damages easily), 953 is as light can can be custom built when TIG welded. Add to that the service provided by Rourke and its a dream come true. TIGd 953 just ticks ALL the boxes for me.

Silly questions, but am I intrigued how does the 953 compare to ti?

napoleond

verylonglegs wrote:

lone wheeler wrote:

Damn, that's it, i'm gonna ring 'em!

Let us know how long the waiting list is. Cheers

22 weeks

MickTup

Only my opinion but I find the ride is very similar but not quite as smooth, but it’s stiffer and more responsive. Obviously this is going on past experience with titanium I don’t currently own both of them to do true comparison. All I can say is when I made enquirers about purchasing a new titanium frame to company who does both advised 953 was as good. I currently own a 953 and have another on order due January so for me personally I can’t fault it. If you are considering it you won’t be disappointed.

samsbike

MickTup wrote:

Only my opinion but I find the ride is very similar but not quite as smooth, but it’s stiffer and more responsive. Obviously this is going on past experience with titanium I don’t currently own both of them to do true comparison. All I can say is when I made enquirers about purchasing a new titanium frame to company who does both advised 953 was as good. I currently own a 953 and have another on order due January so for me personally I can’t fault it. If you are considering it you won’t be disappointed.

thanks I was simply curious, way beyond my budget, but I am pleased for you. You are a lucky man

drlodge

NapoleonD wrote:

verylonglegs wrote:

lone wheeler wrote:

Damn, that's it, i'm gonna ring 'em!

Let us know how long the waiting list is. Cheers

22 weeks

Its gone down a tad, I was advised 25 weeks in June but it should be ready a bit earlier than originally planned.

verylonglegs

Interesting, I want a steel bike ready for around May next year but am wracked with indecision.

rajMAN

verylonglegs wrote:

Interesting, I want a steel bike ready for around May next year but am wracked with indecision.

Any of those you wish to share with the group? :?

FransJacques

Please post the weight of the frame. I've very interested. Can you also post the frame geometry drawing (if you have one)?

APIII

Looks like you'll get yours before me then Dave has started my frame, so will post my own build thread once it's a bit further along. Looking forward to seeing your Rourke