Frame Kits
Buying and Building a Framekit.
1. Why would you want a framekit instead of a complete vehicle?
2. What is included?
3. What will you need to provide?
4. What tools do I need?
5. What skills do I need?
6. How much does a frame kit cost?
7. Don’t Forget Shipping costs
Why would you want a framekit instead of a complete vehicle?
If you like setting up your own bikes. If you like to choose your own parts group, for performance, light weight, value or you have so many bike parts already that your partner won’t let you buy more. If you plan to tour or you just want to learn more about bikes then there is no better way to become intimate with your bike then building a frame kit.
What is included
Included is the complete powder coated frame and all the ancillary parts we manufacture. Also included are nuts, bolts and other specialty hardware you would not be able to get from a bike store. Trikes do not include hubs axles or wheels.
Re:Hubs and Brakes.
The Trikes use standard 20mm through hole mountain disk hubs. If you are not familiar with these they are a front hub that is designed with a huge 20mm axle to deal with the rigors of heavy duty off road riding. Whats great about then is that a 20mm axle is much stouter than the 14mm axles used on the typical side mount hub used for trikes. Those older style 14mm drum brake hubs were heavy and a design that had been modified from a bike hub to a wheelchair hub and then adopted by trike manufacturers. The 20mm Mtn hubs are light and compatible with modern disc brakes, leaving you with a better solution and easy acess to replacement parts through your local bike store.
What will you need to provide
You will need to provide all the bike parts. In the regular parlay the “gruppo” as well as all the cables and cable housing. See the specific lists on the individual pages.
What tools do I need
You will need a selection of wrenches, allen wrenches, sockets, cable cutters, a chain tool, bottom bracket installation tools, a tape measure, screwdrivers. Patience. You will also need to get the headset cups pressed in. Your local bike shop will be happy to do this for a nominal fee and can do other jobs you don’t have the tools for. If you plan to build your own wheels, access to a truing stand is beneficial.
What skills do I need
Do you work on your own bike? Can you do a complete overhaul? If you can, then there is nothing beyond your grasp in building one of our framekits. Expect to spend some time. We can spend a whole man day assembling a tandem and about half a day assembling a single. We do them all the time in a well equipped shop, so budget you time accordingly. If you don’t plan on building your own wheels then you will either have to have someone do it for you or buy built wheels.
How much does a frame kit cost?
1. Triclops $1450
2. SUV $1100
3. Troika $2250
Don’t Forget Shipping Costs.
Don’t forget shipping costs! Vapor and Triclops framekits fit in a standard bike box and UPS will deliver them to residences in the USA for about $50. Tandems and the SUV go truck freight and cost a minimum of $100 and up to $200 plus in the USA. We do not charge a crating fee. We will get you a shipping quote before you order if you are concerned about these costs.
Copyright Daniel Kavanagh 2003. All Rights Reserved.