Appalache

[connor]

omg, I think I have soiled my pants. 2lb lighter than my bb7.. and the same awesome pedaling from the high roller. . drool.. now if they can keep it reasonably priced.

http://www.vmqca.qc.ca/chroniquesdh/photos/20050831/APPALACHE.jpg

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=80075

ps. Jerome works bicycle magic.

[Incorrigible]

The tiny pivot bolt will probably wreck the threads as it did with the BB7. Has that been changed since the bb7? A single pivot bike should have a decent sized bearing in there don't you think?

[Dom@nsmb.com]

Appalache is Jérôme Roy, Balfa's founder and chief engineer's latest adventure!



Cycles Appalache presents: Réal

Réal, the first born at Cycles Appalache, is the fruit of extensive engineering experience in DH racing.

The Réal is built for a single purpose; DH speed. The phenomenal efficiency of the high pivot , combined to the most precise handling chassis built, results in a race winning machine. Any race! On fast and smooth courses, its light weight and powerful acceleration leads to podiums. Results are the same on rough edgy races; smoothly keeping up speed where others lose momentum.

This finely engineered frame has an ideal stress distribution; every part of it equally working toward the whole's total strength. Balanced distribution of rigidity yields an impact reaction that is consistent and intuitive. A frame that any rider will quickly learn to like, for a long time...

The Réal is the expression of considerable know how, heir to a long lineage that has borne many technical innovations.

These innovations include:

The high pivot.

This technology is, for us, in its 6th generation. It has been influential to many large and small builders. Its purpose is simply to have a faster bike by allowing the rear wheel to better follow the impacts. This rearward trajectory is possible only if the drivetrain is modified by a pulley that moves the chain near the pivot. This pulley is the sure sign of a true high pivot design. It has two advantages: first, the bike keeps its speed on square impacts and second, it makes the bike stable yet sensitive on sprinting.

The super low center of gravity.

The frame's weight is of great importance in its ease of handling. But equally important is its position. Here again, we have been influential, but we're still ahead with the lowest C.G. in the industry. That makes the Réal easier to flick and more stable under heavy braking.

The Bi-chassis.

The front triangle and the swingarm of a suspended bike have similar goals. To be as strong and light as possible. But they must do so in very different environments. While the front triangle can be quite voluminous, the swingarm must make way around the tire and chain. So the front takes advantage of aluminium low density by using large diameter tubes. The rear makes use of steel’s rigidity, even for the small diameter tubing required. Steel gives you more: the dropouts are incomparable and the narrower rear goes like a knife trough narrow rock gardens.

The thickest headtube.

What makes a headtube resist ovalizing is not its diameter, but rather its thickness. Ours is thick!

Uninterrupted seat tube

Interrupted seat tubes are getting rarer these days. We've always preferred the traditional closed structure for the seat tube. The shock is protected from flying dirt. The seatpost has more adjustment range and the frame is simply stronger. We think this outweighs any perceived style advantage!

Standard hardware

Industrial bolt companies know their stuff. We prefer the bolts they roll to the one machine shop cut. We also choose the most common bearings series. That way you can find what you may wear out whether you are in Prince George, in Cairns or in Birmingham.
http://www.yodobike.com/misc/appalachefull.jpg

[Wayne P]

That's a sweet looking bike. I'd ride one for sure.

I never had issues with bolts on any of the 3 BB7's I've owned. A little bit of Locktite and preventative maintenance kept my bikes (and my customer's) going for a long time.

Its time for us to talk Dom.

[johnathan]

How much is it then?

[P3-boy]

that's beautiful

[Trini-dad72]

Very nice. I am super happy to see that the gang from Balfa is back at it, in a new stylee!

[Dom@nsmb.com]

Wayne; indeed we do.

johnathan; price will be available at this year Expocycle September 16-18

Trini-dad72; Jérôme is all by himself on this one.

Ciao

[rbx]

Any idea if the guys at Appalache will be making an optional floating brake arm?

[thedude]

I must say that is a nice looking bike.

[Trini-dad72]

Trini-dad72; Jérôme is all by himself on this one.

Ciao

Wow, really? Well. Good for him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's an awesome job by one man, no two ways about. I'd love to try one out, I always wanted to ride an NR...:)

[buzzes]

This designer seems to be at the forefront of frame design.

The 2step was one of the first VPP style bikes now used by Giant, Santa Cruz, Iron Horse etc...... and the Appalache or whatever is the same high pivot and pulley design used on the BB7 and Nouveche Riche or whatever that Balfa used to make. This design has been adopted by Trek for their new DH rig and even Greg Minaar's Honda runs a similar suspension but with a gear box pulley instead of a jack-shaft or whatever. Doesn't Brooklyn Machine Works also use this design.

What I am trying to say is; this design is showing up on a lot of very very good bikes. The Balfa designers knew/know their shit.

[TheGiggler]

what about rear brake influences (i.e. brake squat). or is the high pivot not as bad as low/forward pivots in this area??

[Bryce]

true about being cutting edge, I never really looked at it that way. Brooklyn was probably using the jackshaft at the same time tho.

I liked my BB7, it just sucked going uphill. Brake squat and brake-induced suspension lockout weren't as noticeable with the high pivot, less overall change in the wheelbase

[The Irish Skeleton]

That's gorgeous! I'll buy one for sure. That guy is a genious. It looks like a combination of the bb7 and 2 step dh. Is it still nine inches?

[Wayne P]

That's gorgeous! I'll buy one for sure. That guy is a genious. It looks like a combination of the bb7 and 2 step dh. Is it still nine inches?

Sure is.

[Hack On Wheels]

That is very beautiful, if I could make myself a dh/bike park bike, that frame would likely be my choice just based on what I have seen so far.

[connor]

06 dream race bike..

Appalache Real (DHX air) (white)
06 Boxxer world cup (Athena White)
SRAM XO
Magura Marta SLs w/8in
Easton Carbon bar and post
XT cranks.
e-13 guide
Crank Bros. Mallets
King Hubs 32H
Syncros rims (white)
Maxxis Mobster/High Roller (2.5)
Stans.


sigh... :drunk: I think that would be sub 40lb. with frame and fork ~15.5lb

[widepivot]

i have heard that often, that the hi pivot lessens the need for a floating caliper, well in theory it is just the opposite. But even on a hi pivot they are far from being a necessity...

That said, I still think it would be good to have that option on the Réal, i'm working on something nice, concentric, stiff and narrow.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words.
Hoping to see everyone at the BTAC show this week end

[Painting_of_Rebelion]

This designer seems to be at the forefront of frame design.

The 2step was one of the first VPP style bikes now used by Giant, Santa Cruz, Iron Horse etc...... .

Maybe in the Freeride market, but the first VPP bike was made a LONG time ago relative to the history of mountain biking... I was made by OutLand I belive, and that's who Santa Cruz bought the patent to the linkage from...

That is a sweet looking bike I'll have to say... I hope they make a 2-Step DH re-make, I really liked the feel of those bikes too.

[buzzes]

Maybe in the Freeride market, but the first VPP bike was made a LONG time ago relative to the history of mountain biking... I was made by OutLand I belive, and that's who Santa Cruz bought the patent to the linkage from...

Yea, Klassen invented the VPP thing with the Outland.

I was just giving credit to the Balfa dudes for making use of it so early on.

None of these concepts are original to bike manufacterers I don't think.

[Danny K]

The two-step and vpp are completely different, besides the fact that they both have two short links.

[aShogunNamedMarcus]

The two-step and vpp are completely different, besides the fact that they both have two short links.

I was going to mention that but didnt know how to phrase it. The 2 step is missing about 4 other pivots me thinks in regards to VPP design.

[widepivot]

well, what was patented with the vpp/outland was the double curvature trajectory; S shaped.
What was done with the two step was different, it was to have a short radius trajectory. The thing with the vpp is that the s shaped trajectory is not desirable, in fact modern vpp trajectories dont have double curvature. And, since the swingarm rotates just as much as if it was on one pivot, the braking stiffens the suspension just the same.
So, in my point of view the double parrallel link à la two step is superior.
Many manufacturers used it before Balfa tough... Karpiel and Bianchi come to mind.
This brings me to the 6.7'' travel bike i'm working on, yes, it has double parrallel link, because i think the system is the best for a front derrailleur equipped bike.

[Wayne P]

Hi Jerome. When's the smaller bike going to make an appearance?

[connor]

Hi Jerome. When's the smaller bike going to make an appearance?

Maybe at the Show? A friend of mine from ONT is going, I told him to snap some pics for me.. Although I think they are still working on it.

[aShogunNamedMarcus]

I like the looks of this frame.

Any idea of msrp or is it too early?

[widepivot]

Hi Wayne, nice to hear from you!
I am afraid it will be quite a while before the first FR tubes are cut. But I'll show drawings when they are definitive...
but, hey, the Réal rides so good you may want to do XC on it!

[Wayne P]

Hi Wayne, nice to hear from you!
I am afraid it will be quite a while before the first FR tubes are cut. But I'll show drawings when they are definitive...
but, hey, the Réal rides so good you may want to do XC on it!

Its a good sign that you've got so much interest in what you've been producing. We're anxious.

[widepivot]

Oh yes! everybody has been incredibly supportive! from the old Balfa customers to suppliers, not to mention family and friends!
I really dont want to blow it this time...
i have many people asking me about a floating caliper for the réal, yes, i'm working on a concentric mounting bracket that will fit any Réal.

[derwood]

welcome back....the new bike looks sweet.....keep us posted on BC ditributors!

[spookymilk]

That's a beauty, Canadian ingenuity at its finest.

Dream build would be...

Appalache Real with Manitou Revox or DHX 5.0
Boxxer World Cup or Manitou Travis DC 180mm
Diabolus cranks, E13 guide
X0 drivetrain, top of the line SRAM cassete and chain
Hadley's on 721's
Michelin Comp16 front, 24 rear
Saint brakes
Easton bar and stem
Thompson seatpost, WTB seat.

[FreaK]

i think the proportions are nicer than the bb7 too, sort of a cross between the 2-step dh(hd?) and bb7, pretty cool.

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

that thing looks sooo Sexy.. whats the weight of that succer going to be like?

defently a nice bike, will probly end up bieing super expencive tho :cry:

*edit* is it just me or does the way that the rotor does'nt line up with the casette not seem rite?

[Universe]

*edit* is it just me or does the way that the rotor does'nt line up with the casette not seem rite?

It it just you. Perhaps giving it some thought would help.

[widepivot]

I think the picture was taken with a wideangle... perhaps that explains it...
true it look like a soviet picture!

[Straw]

My Minuteman is getting tired of being treated like a DH ride...time for a new bike!

I bought my Mm because of its 'made in Canada' quality, and I believe in supporting local companies. Also, the MM could be a DJer, an urban agressor, and a ht downhill bike and I only had money for one bike. So far it's been awesome.

Will this new venture, Appalache, keep things Canadian the way that Balfa did?

And how do you pronounce Appalache? Ap-a-lash-ee?

[FlipSide]

A-pa-lash with your best french-canadian accent!

i.e.: Don't pronounce it A-Pay-Lash...it's more like A-pah-lash :)

[Wellsy]

Ive been anxious to see this come for a while. I love my 2 step and that looks like a sexy long travel 2 step and BB7. Yumm, keep us posted on any new info.

[Incorrigible]

This is definitely possibly a sub 40 lb bike. I got my 2002 bb7 with a super t down to 40, so a lighter frame and a boxxer is going to be lighter still. The floating brake will help performance, but it sort of depends on how much you brake... I know of a few top racers who didn't have a floater.

[AnTi-TrAiL_nAzI]

Nelson.. ask ian, i blieve he was thinking about getting one.

[Dom@nsmb.com]

Any word on the price/availablility of this frame?

We just stacked the shelves with Appalache Real frame yesterday, as for price contact one of our dealer in BC

Visit our dealer section www.yodobike.com

Ciao

[Incorrigible]

There will be a full review of the Appalache Real on

http://www.asilvertouch.com

soon.

[Jimmy-James]

We just stacked the shelves with Appalache Real frame yesterday, as for price contact one of our dealer in BC

Visit our dealer section www.yodobike.com

Ciao

which bc dealers carry it? I emailed dizzy and they didn't know what i was talking about. ??

[connor]

which bc dealers carry it? I emailed dizzy and they didn't know what i was talking about. ??

somebody (other than Dom) on this board is a Yodo Distributor, maybe he can fill some more details...

[hellionflyer]

its retail is 2999.95
Doesnt look like it will hold up to years of riding and abuse
and doesnt look appealing..

Simon

[Hack On Wheels]

And I don't agree with you.
Can't wait to see how they perform, they look great.

[connor]

its retail is 2999.95
Doesnt look like it will hold up to years of riding and abuse
and doesnt look appealing..

Simon


not him ^^

[Straw]

I still want to know if the Appalaches will be made in Canada!

I have a new bike now though, but I'd like to know for interest's sake anyway.

[Jimmy-James]

its retail is 2999.95
Doesnt look like it will hold up to years of riding and abuse
and doesnt look appealing..

Simon


where can youi buy one? i think they look bad ass, goo for a couple years a'ridin

[Wayne P]

I'm one of the Yodo reps. There are others. I'm working the interior region. The Real frame is ready to ship in small quantities. These are definitely in their infancy. More will follow.

We are at the moment about to sell them to some lucky BC shops, so you'll soon find out who'll be carrying them. $2999 is in the ball park. Could be higher, could be a lot lower.

[Trini-dad72]

its retail is 2999.95
Doesnt look like it will hold up to years of riding and abuse
and doesnt look appealing..

Simon

Ok. Thats it. How old are you? Do you know of Balfa? Do you have any idea as to what the designer of that frame has done in the past? You're silly mano. Out of a lot of bikes that have come and gone before, that Appalache will last, and it is most certainly strong enough, and a price of $2999.95 approx. makes it cheaper than a few other boutique frames.

[Chunk]

Ok. Thats it. How old are you? Do you know of Balfa? Do you have any idea as to what the designer of that frame has done in the past? You're silly mano. Out of a lot of bikes that have come and gone before, that Appalache will last, and it is most certainly strong enough, and a price of $2999.95 approx. makes it cheaper than a few other boutique frames.

Layin' down the law!

[Trini-dad72]

^ No, not laying down the law, just trying to figure out how he seems so silly at times:???:


Edit: If I could afford one, and had a 7" 66, I'd buy one of those frames.

[axx]

Wayne! are there any available for shops to order or have they all been pre ordered? If they are available for shops and we carry yodo should I just phone to order it or?

[DrewM]

I still want to know if the Appalaches will be made in Canada!



I'm curious as well... though my assumption @ the price is yes.

[M@M]

its retail is 2999.95
Doesnt look like it will hold up to years of riding and abuse
and doesnt look appealing..

Simon
smarten up, or please go back to pb. thank you.

[widepivot]

They are made in Canada, Québec mostly. Machined and cut by STI in thetford mines(that's in the asbestos heart of the Appalaches Mountains), cut, bent, assembled, welded, painted in Montreal. The tubing is all North American except small steel tubes that are Chinese!
Beauty is everywhere, for me I find lots in this fine piece of B.C. know how!