1997 Nuke Proof Reactor hardtail

Excellent work indeed, looks great. The time you've spent getting this right and also what would seem to be improving on the original design is really impressing me. Great idea about adding a logo to the braces too, with the cool original brass one all but hidden by the linkages anyway, that's got to be worth considering I reckon. If they are etched or cut in to the linkage, they can be left naked or even painted in to match the build or just simply to your liking. Loving the idea and your work.

Just a quick update on the bearing front. I've been advised that a bearing supplier is on the hunt for some, so once I hear back I'll let you know.
 
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I did get some stuff done last week. Finally managed to ream out the seat tube, now the frame will take a 31.8 seat-post.
Got the CAD done for the new braces which are now specifically designed for the upper and lower duty instead of the original version which uses the same brace.
Hopefully I'll get them printed by tomorrow then I can double check the design. I'll start on the cockroach logo next.
 

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Absolutely awesome. Are you still thinking of the logo on the braces?

The search began for bearings today as well as my contact is back from a holiday. He's hopeful he can sort them so I'll keep you updated on any progress I hear.

All very exciting I have to say, I'd better start thinking about components now as it all seems a little more realistic that I can get mine built up. Stick to period parts or a more modern affair????
 
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The logos on the braces will still happen. I'm thinking Nuke Proof in the same style writing as the decals on the upper brace and Reactor in the same style as the decals on the lower brace.
I just finished the Illustrator artwork on the cockroach head tube badge.
 

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Got the CAD work on the head-tube badge done as well. I'll get a plastic rapid prototype done first, then I'll have to look maybe into laser sintering a metal one. Still have to sort out how to do the gold brassy color on that though...
 

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Very nice, though I reckon it would look great in silver, matching the rest of the alloy work?
 
I'm going to send the data to Solid Concepts (in Valencia, CA) for a quote. They do some pretty detailed work with laser sintering. They work with Stainless Steel 17-4 PH and Inconel 625 and 718 (that's a nickel based super alloy). In any case the color of the Inconel stuff that I saw looked similar to titanium. Might have to see about the prices. If it turns out to be too expensive I might have to look into laser cutting the badge flat and bend it afterwards. (right now it's curved to the head tube diameter). I saw some interesting threads on DIY etching of aluminum head-tube badges.
 
So I finally got a quote from Solid Concepts. The badge in Stainless Steel (cheapest material) would cost 159$ a piece. What do you guys think? Seems a little pricey when you have to pay that out of your own pocket... For any business out there it wouldn't be any problem but for a private person (that's not rich...) might be a little too much.
Time to look into maybe lasering the logos flat, out of aluminum or brass and etch the graphics on it then bend them to the head-tube diameter? more work but possibly cheaper.
On a positive note, I just assembled the new braces and they work like a charm! The data is ready to be released for milling... now I'm dreading that quote as well. But then again the braces are functional parts while the badge isn't so I could justify paying a higher price for those...
 
I'm with you on the head tube badge cost, seems excessive especially when it is hidden behind the braces, I'd probably be happy with a sticker or nothing, it's not as though that logo is synonymous with nuke proof, and whilst cool, the nuke proof logo is possibly cooler and easier to reproduce I'd guess.

I'm now wincing at the cost of the braces. Fingers crossed it doesn't break the bank for you/me as I really want to build this up. I'll chase up the bearing sourcing over the weekend and will hopefully have something positive to report back with.
 
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