Ron -- I'm hopeful since there are
Titanium frames on sale in China, but since it's raining fish in Texas
https://www.insider.com/fish-fell-from-the-sky-and-rained-over-texas-town-2022-1 anything could happen.
My way is nothing material is so important I'll let it control me, stress me out and take over my head.
How I feel is far
more important than failure or gain.
When it looks dark, I think 'somebody's working late', not 'the gods are angry', so I feel good about the project.
I haven't talked to Amit or Pushkar - it's been a Holiday. Yes I wonder this n' that, but not in a hurry and it's likely they have a CT frame laying around - they
stuck you gifted you with one,
as a sub and as you pointed out, it seems not many CT's were produced.
However, they had to "commit to 'x' many frames" to have them created, so I might get lucky ... otherwise, I face the 'frame crunch'.
Being flexible on other parts, reverting to my 'what's lightest?' DEFAULT if something's unavailable.
Mea culpa, I'm anxious.
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I've been testing some
Jones H Bars Explanation. In alloy OR Ti Jones (one of few) 31.8mm in Ti bars - without adapters/ shims.
The thickness of the anodizing finish is unreal. While wrist position may vary, I find the 45 degree sweep angle superior to 34 degree bars I replaced.
Moloko's weight 709gms. Jones Butted Loop H-Bar in 660mm, 515gms.
This 'virtual, bar comparison' (in this shot comparing the KOGA Denham Bar's) shows the differences. See
https://www.cyclingabout.com/comparing-koga-denham-bar-shape-with-alt-bars/ for other bar comparisons.
My take is Jones is missing his REAL market: The required real estate for 'Touring/ Commuter e-bikes', my Phone; GoPro; (wireless) lights; (wireless) turn-signal controls; (wireless) shift controls, the straight runs of bar are ideal
I run a 'basket clamp' out front, clip it on, lock the fork and carry a lot (Shhh. Don't tell Rome or the "Hydra as a commuter" fellas).
Can't do that without Jones' outer tube - as display is in the way.
These things are $60 USA and $18 from China direct ... here
basket on aliexpress. I have several.
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Sometimes I like to go for 'stripped down runs'. Remove dual lights (11oz); camera (6ozs); (basket 10ozs); monster lock (40ozs) and I lose 4.1lbs !
It's not that the bike's weighing less is more powerful, it's me that has more physical power over less weight - and it makes a big difference in my experience.
I tested J bars on a fast ride, 17ish miles up hills from 30' elevation to 250', back down valleys to 60' and back up to 330' - top speed 31ish mph. Dodging downed tree limbs, sand from flooding, debris in the bike lanes - when there were such ('lanes', I mean). Paved, rough roads and sometime running alongside 40mph lanes. Airborne a couple times. For me it was '8 - 10' intensity. Few would be much faster than my style. Level 1-3 (my custom controller settings), I was on 2 and used 3 when needed to keep that pace up.
Impression: Much better control. These bars extend from a no-stress position of my hands, through my arms directly through the
posterior deltoid into the powerful spread of the Latissimus dorsi major.
In everyday terms: the control of force extends from the hands to big muscles wrapping around the mid back - not pulling from my neck or relying on my wrists. I'm holding on and steering with my back.
Hands; wrists; elbows; rotator cuff - there are no points of concentrated stress. NONE for me.
Verdict: At (shrinking from 5-9") 5-8", I find the 45 degree angle with 660mm bars prefect, and the more 'turn input', the better they get.
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Give them a gander.
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Big gratitude on my end for your postings - and congratulations!
Studying
your published experience -
a treasure trove of information - has
stimulated many to think,
expand their understandings and
feel full a gamut of emotions. That's 'art'.
You visualized and created your present reality. You, the Artist triggered the resulting cascade. Hell, I can't even find another Cross Tour owner.
My Commuter bike is for the easiest, fixed routes. This bike is to go across distances of unknown/ varied terrain - and will also commute.
That's what I bought and what this build is about.
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I'm glad I could be a part and learn.
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MIA. Sorry to report, even double vaxxed I came up positive and was out for several days.
I know you're up and riding. I'll be back, just as soon as I am able!
(The original) Paul
. Why power steering and brakes were invented.
. A great place to attach the front of the front fender tho. lol
