....trick as hell or sexy!?!?!?!
http://rideapart.com/2013/10/unit-skycraft-concept-drops-fmx-weight/ (http://rideapart.com/2013/10/unit-skycraft-concept-drops-fmx-weight/)
Very trick!
Totally impractical... but cool as all getout. 8)
My team works with composite structures in aviation, and some of those structures have to withstand significant impact loads. Based on that I have my doubts about that swingarm taking the kind of beating that FMX bikes receive. I think the frame can be made to handle (actually pretty well), but I'm guessing the swingarm will need some major redesign work. And routing the exhaust through the swingarm is a gimmick that I can guarantee will not be practical in the real world.
Anyway... not to be a killjoy. It's a really neat concept, and I would really love to see them put a carbon frame out there. It happened with mountain bikes, only a matter of time for MX/FMX bikes. Costs are higher, but it's really light and (in certain applications/geometries) really strong.
People in the know believe it to be an EBR built design but that he is staying behind the curtain on it at the moment due some HD, BS. Apparently he was working on something very similar that got throw in the compactor when HD dropped the ax. If you look at the bike and all the parts designed for multiple functions you'll find it's not hard to believe. Additionally this was apparently in the booth next to his, coincidence? The truth is out there.
Has it been extensively (repeatedly) tested? I'm with duf_can on this one, the swingarm is suspect and I think strength trumps lightweight when it comes to FMX bikes.
Of course both is best but it's a fine line that you don't want to cross as the consequences are... :o
Crazy!
Very neat and very cool. Personally I have not trusted carbon for things like handlebars since I ripped a carbon bar in half bunny hopping onto a curb on a mountain bike. At this stage of the game I would not use it for anything other than bling ( :