Chickens Frame Emporium 29er

[wynne]

Some time in July last year i had a big crash on my Chickens 29er. An ambitious bit of riding just went quite wrong and i ended going from 40mph to 0mph in 3 seconds according to Strava as i clipped a very sturdy gatepost.

Anyway my frame ended up like this.

 

[grey-beard]

Ouch! That had to hurt. Were you ok?
I had a crash last October, knocked unconscious and bent frame.

 

[wynne]

I was lucky. I got away fairly lightly with a few scrapes and bruises, but the frame was very bent. I hope you're ok now. I used to bounce - not so much now.

To Jon's ("Mr Chickens") great credit his fillet brazing remained perfect - but the top and down tubes had buckled.
So anyway, about six months ago i took the frame back to Jon's workshop near Brighton and we discussed a few alterations to the original frame design. I wanted it to be a little longer, lower and slacker. I also asked Jon to make a rigid fork, as skinny as he could get away with for fast cross country riding.

I also asked for a 1980s-Giant-Hardline-inspired paintjob. I am not sure Jon was entirely convinced about my ideas - in fact i know he really wasn't - but he's done a great job with my powder coat fade. Sorry these are not brilliant pictures, but you get the idea. More pictures to follow as the build progresses.

 

[wynne]

I had a bit of time at the weekend and threw a few bits at the frame. Took it for a ride the other night and it's just what i wanted. Jon has managed to combine an aggressive position with a relaxed geometry. Through tight twisty singletrack it's rapid but stable enough on drops. I'm so excited about putting some more miles on it. These photos don't quite do the paintjob justice. It's loud.

Rich

 

[wynne]

Took it out for a spin today. It's so fast, and stable at speed. Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/GYRbFlteDpb

 

[iveto1983]

Love it

What size are the tyres? They look big and I like the stealthy logos on them.

 

[wynne]

Thank you!
The tyres are Bontrager XR3 team issue. Not huge - 29x2.2" rear and 29x2.4" front. I've shredded so many brands on the flints round here, but these seem to be holding up. They have a decent amount of tread but roll really well.

 

[Tommy27]

Never thought to look for anything Chickens on here. That's very nice.

Been thinking of putting some work John's way this winter, how's the powder coat holding up?

 

[wynne]

Thank you. The powder is tough as old boots.
Jon's made a couple of frames for me and they're both great. He's meticulous, skilled, thoughtful and helpful. Treat him with respect and you'll get a super frame.

He built a cross frame for me recently. Lots of nice touches such as hidden mudguard mounts and cable disc brake guides (so I can run a naked cable from the front stop to near the caliper - so with an IS mount to keep the cable away from the slop).

Rich

 

[wynne]

One bike to do everything. You'll see a long and low theme developing here.
Called it the CXR - Chickens Cross Road.