Kowa-Bunga!

[---Matt---]

Sorry about the title, I had to and normally I wouldn't put up another post of the same bike but with this new suspension it really feels like a new one!

Firstly a pic of the new Kowa 160Ss:



I've only had the forks for a short time and haven't really had much of a chance to give them a big thrashing but I'm very impressed so far. They're extremely plush and insanely adjustable however they do only have rebound adjustment. And for those who don't know, they're air forks and I'm running them at approximately 90psi. They are also 30mm - 160mm adjustable and are a perfect match for this bike seeing as I ride to work on it as well as some DH too. They weigh in at exactly 2.5kg (uncut steerer w/ axle). In comparison my 130mm Z1's were 2.6kg (cut steerer w/ axle) so a little lighter and much more adjustable.

And for the rear, I've got a new Fox Float RP23. It weighs 235g compared to the old Vanilla R which weighed 520g so a big saving there too. It's really good for what I'm using it for and has done two solid days of riding down Mt Buller with no problems at all and while the shock does heat up a lot while riding DH it doesn't seem to affect the performance.

So overall I'm very happy with these new parts! I can't wait to give the bike another thrashing this weekend!

(Click on the pics for a bigger version)

 

[condog]

thats a really cool bike.
is that dirt or rust all around the bike

 

[---Matt---]

thats a really cool bike.
is that dirt or rust all around the bike

It's unpainted so it's mostly just the colour of the steel with a little dirt.

 

[Air time erik]

The last picture looks like part of the linkage is missing, just blends into the background...nice bike!

 

[~James~]

That's very nice now!

 

[lbroy]

ive never heard of the brand kowa they look nice though, great bike.

 

[NeeBean]

yeh i havnt heard of that brand either, sounds like some rip off of kona. i dont realy like the color or the frame.

 

[Zyphryss]

Jeeze Matt, and just when we thought it couldn't get any more unique!
It must be so amazing riding a frame that you created with your own two hands!

 

[ipod]

that bike came out really nice

no nice it ended up on pinkbike http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1918233/
hope the link works
i lol'd at some of the comments

 

[flying high dh killer]

yeh i havnt heard of that brand either, sounds like some rip off of kona.

Ignorant.

i dont realy like the color or the frame.

He built and designed the frame himself, so give the guy some credit.

 

[---Matt---]

Thanks for the comments guys! I appreciate them all... some more than others

Jeeze Matt, and just when we thought it couldn't get any more unique!
It must be so amazing riding a frame that you created with your own two hands!

Yeah, it's a really good feeling! And I'm still surprised at how well it pedals. I've felt no need to build up my hardtail since making this one.

 

[chu]

looks so much like a balfa...that is awsome and to build it yourself that is a really good job...love the down tube...very unique

 

[GeoffRidesBikes]

Thats awesome for you to be rocking your own frame. I'd love to build one one day, but dont have the shed or the know how.....

 

[Adamski]

sick dude. i remember being at buller and my mate and two other blokes rode the 10km downhill with you at the end of the day. nice to see your custom's coming along. might catch you again on the trails. catch.

 

[No Skid Marks]

If you put a bigger rear shock in(if possible with new links),it's be plusher,more tuneable,and over heat less. Have you DHed it yet? Did the damping go out the window as it got hotter?
How the Kowas treating you?

 

[_Ajax_]

Love the frame. Just a quick question: What kind of welder did you use to make the frame.

Thanks.

 

[---Matt---]

Chu, the BB7 was definitely inspiration for the bike.Adamski, yeah, that was a great ride down Klingsporn. You should do it next time too, it's definitely worth it! But be prepared for a stack

NSM, I haven't DH'd the Kowa's yet. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have a go at the You Yangs although I'll be there with my g/f. I'm very impressed so far though from riding around the local area. As I said before, I did two days of Buller with the rear shock on and it was better than I expected.
I do plan on getting a new shock for it and it'll probably be a 7.5x2 DHX Air but if we're gonna do that we're just gonna make it 160mm travel on the back to match the front. Sometime in the next couple months when I have time

Ajax, the frame was TIG welded.

Thanks for the comments guys! Keep 'em coming

 

[TransitionPete]

Matt that looks awesome. I bet it is the most wonderful feeling riding something you have created by yourself.

Have fun ripping on it.

.
I do plan on getting a new shock for it and it'll probably be a 7.5x2 DHX Air but if we're gonna do that we're just gonna make it 160mm travel on the back to match the front.

PM me if your keen on selling the RP23. Keen on it for my Transition

 

[flin]

Thats bloody wikid!!

 

[tatu]

nice rig bro

hay very nice work bro im biulding a dh frame my self at the moment i was wondering how you went about clocking up the main pivot for the swing arm im building a jig at the moment but i would be keen to know how you went about it? I hope i enjoy rideing my rig as much as you do talk to you Tatu.