Craftworks

[Humfreyoncrak]

I've read or heard little about craftworks bikes on the net, on farkin and whilst at races. Is this because of design, durability or value for money. If anyone has experience with these bikes, what were strengths and weaknesses?

[allstar]

there quite heavy and arnt the best design for DH racing IMO, but they are very strong and would be a good allround huck, jump, race bike.

[Rik]

there quite heavy and arnt the best design for DH racing IMOWhich one, the hardtail Rail? Or the trail FRM? They make a few bikes and have had a few variations over the years.
Nothing special, nothing bad, just reasonable bikes without much market penetration that have been suprassed a bit in the past years by newer technology.

[allstar]

i was actually refering to the S1
i forgot about there hardtail :o

[floody]

Its because everyone else got better, and better value.
They aren't the bang for buck option they once were.

[Alec McJo]

Theres some old Nob Jockey up here who rides an S1 around town, has a basket on it and all.

[mattvincent]

they are great bikes. fun to ride, suspension works a treat, i ride a glory now and hopping back on teh crafty it still compares. they are a long bike but thats easy to get over, and they are not the feather on teh market either.

[Sjman]

i own a S1 and i absolutly love it. I find it easy to ride and it just sits well. Its a little longer and heavier then some of my mate's norco's, giants and mongoose but they have all riden my bike and all of them thought it was a treat to ride. im also not much of a jumper but they reckon it sits well in the air and jumps well. the only problem ive had with it is the chain device which is a heap of crap.

if you can get them at the right price in good nick i reckon they are a top buy.

[FR_MANIAC]

I've owned a frm 125 for the last 2 1/2 years and i love it.I'm sure there is better value bikes out now but at the time i wanted something different.i've ridden it in all situations from dh and dj to 40km xc bashes.Just thrown some 66 rc2x on it a month ago and are even more stoked on it....:)

[Hex515]

I own the old "Dual Slalom" hardtail. Its probably the best bike part I've ever bought. Its tougher than anything, I run 7inch boxxers on it fine and it doesn't complain at all. It has copped heavy abuse, including hucks, downhill and heavy bashes. It is an exceptional all rounder bike - downhill, dj, 40km XC, trails, street, etc. I use it for all.

Here are some old pictures. http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=33888

Oh and its not that heavy.

Everyone will agree that this frame is tough, but I don't know what the new model craftworks are like. I reckon they're worth checking out though.

[kizza01]

see the new s1 proto when pics are released, ooooo baby! ;)

[Hopper]

I have a photo of that proto on my comp that i took at the last race.

[allstar]

I have a photo of that proto on my comp that i took at the last race.

....... can we see it?

[Hopper]

Here it is, pretty similar to the S1

Edit* actualyy have removed photo as when looking at craftworks website they ar ekeeping 07 bikes under wrap.

[subybee]

I ride a FRM125 in kermit green. Is an awsome bike that can give everything a crack. It handles DH at Buller, does Lysterfield XC (and scares the weight weenies out there), it jumps, pedals really well. Is just a great do it all bike. You can change suspension from 5 to 6 inches - versatile. And they are rare. Only thing to break on it has been rear der going down Abom and catching a rock. Tough as coffin nails. Looks cool. A great bang for buck.:D

[subybee]

That photo does not expand/work...??

[subybee]

Ok - photo is under wraps. Can't wait to see them. Am a big Craftworks fan.

[spartan_s]

i just checked out the s1 to see what all the talk was.
it looks great, pity its a little heavy, could be the Australian 224.
but its great an australian group is trying something ( i hope they are from oz or i will sound like a halfwit)

[Sjman]

they are australian Designed not sure about where they are built. i had a decent size stack last weekend on the s1 and the only thing that happened was twisted handlebars.

[lifesgood]

Saw the prototype a few weeks ago, it looks good, slight change in pivot location, swing arm is beefier, looks a little like an Elsworth Joker swing arm, 1.5 headtube. We should support Robert and his bikes as he is the only Mainstream producer of bikes in Australia (I know there are other specialist bike makers ! Crafter produce a range)

[subybee]

As far as I know they are Australian designed - by Robert. Frames are Taiwan manufactured like 95% of bikes. Craftworks are quality though and great to have an Aussie company having a crack. Should be more of them around - very rare site on the trails or mountain.:)

[miko]

I know a fair bit of design and modelling has gone into the new bikes, it will be interesting to see how they come out!

[goose_007]

Just wondering if anybody know's any more regarding the '07 Craftworks Range, other than whats on the website.

[ScottyDont]

I would also like to know if there is any information regarding the 2007 Craftworks line, especially the trail/freeride bike.