[2013 NAHBS] Kent Eriksen Cycles – Titanium Full Suspension Frame, 650B Lefty, Plus More

photos by: Jake Moore

Kent Eriksen had a plethora of titanium goodness on display at the 2013 North American Handmade Bicycle Show. The creation that was getting quite a bit of attention was his latest titanium full suspension frame. The frame was mostly designed by top designer, welder, and SolidWorks guru Brad Bingham.

totally new titanium full suspension frame from Kent Eriksen Cycles
totally new titanium full suspension frame from Kent Eriksen Cycles

Bingham has had a very successful career working at Moots previously before Kent snatched him back up to work for his company. Actually, this is the second time Brad has worked for Kent. Kent Eriksen started Moots many years ago and hired Brad when he was young to be a designer and builder for Moots. Kent has always been impressed with Brad’s talent and was eager to have him onboard the staff at Kent Eriksen Cycles.

rear view
rear view

Brad designed over 30 jigs to create this latest full suspension frame.

upper shock linkage detail
upper shock linkage detail

The frame itself is able to be scaled to fit any mountain bike tire size including 26″, 27.5″/650B, and 29″.

27.5"/650B version of the frame
27.5″/650B version of the frame
2013-nahbs-kent-eriksen-full-suspension-frame16
drivetrain detail

The frame features 90mm of travel in the rear and is designed for a 120mm fork up front.

front angle
front angle

The main pivot located at the bottom bracket area has a 20mm axle that rides on double row sealed cartridge bearings.

main pivot made out of 6/4 plate titanium
main pivot area
main pivot area detail
main pivot area detail

The main pivot yoke itself is made out of 6/4 plate titanium. They use a waterjet to cut all of the 10 pieces used to make the yoke.

main pivot yoke made out of 6/4 plate titanium
main pivot yoke made out of 6/4 plate titanium

The upper shock linkage is made out of aluminum and the frame mount is also made out of 6/4 plate titanium.

shock area detail
shock area detail

Each frame will be mostly custom but the seat angle is fixed at 73.5 degrees.

aluminum shock linkage detail
aluminum shock linkage detail
shock linkage detail
shock linkage detail

At this time the frame is still in testing and a production date has not been set.

no doubt who designed the linkage
no doubt who designed the linkage

The cost for the frame and shock will be north of $5000.

Kent even gives the derailleur hanger some custom love
Kent even gives the derailleur hanger some custom love
2013-nahbs-kent-eriksen-full-suspension-frame4
Kent Eriksen signature headtube badge
University of Wyoming Themed 650B Titanium Hardtail

This bike featured a bent top tube and tapered steerer. It had a completely custom design themed for the University of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming theme comes from the customer’s wife. This is actually a gift bike that she doesn’t know about yet and she is an alumni of UW. That’s also why it says “Darlin” on the top tube.

front view
front view
University of Wyoming themed 650B
University of Wyoming themed 650B
drivetrain detail
drivetrain detail
UW cowboy mascot headtube badge
UW cowboy mascot headtube badge
rootbeer colored Industry Nine hubs fit the theme
rootbeer colored Industry Nine hubs fit the theme
masterful welds at the headtube
masterful welds at the headtube
rear view
rear view
650B Lefty Titanium Hardtail

This 650B hardtail was pretty simple but very clean looking.

650B Lefty
650B Lefty
drivetrain detail
SRAM XX1 drivetrain detail

Kent Eriksen actually makes his own custom headset specifically for his bikes with Lefty forks.

Kent Eriksen custom headset
Kent Eriksen custom headset
impeccable bottom bracket welds
impeccable bottom bracket welds

 

Kent Eriksen Interview
Kent Eriksen
Kent Eriksen

How long have you been making bikes?

“I started Moots back in 1981 and was there for 25 years before leaving to pursue building bikes under my own name. At Kent Eriksen Cycles we make about 200 bikes a year.”

Where are you building bikes now?

“Still building bikes in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.”

If you weren’t building bikes what would you be doing?

“Riding bikes more often.”

How long have you been riding mountain bikes?

“I’ve been riding for a long time. I raced in the 2nd NORBA Nationals (1984) and placed 4th. I raced a lot in the early nineties.”

What was your first sweet bike as a kid?

“First off I had a big wheeled Schwinn Collegiate. I traded that for a fastback, sissy bar, 6 speed that I consequently crashed and moved on to a Schwinn Varsity. After that I had a Raleigh Gran Prix and then the best real sweet bike was a Raleight Grand Sport in ’73”

Burrito or Taco?

“Tacos”

1 thought on “[2013 NAHBS] Kent Eriksen Cycles – Titanium Full Suspension Frame, 650B Lefty, Plus More”

  1. I was amazed with what you have produce a titanium fullsuspension frame,for me its a first of its kind.

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