Does anyone have much info on how many FS frames DB actually made? and if he used any kind of frame numbering system?
for eample ive seen details of a DB built Manitou FS with frame number FS0009 xx-Oct-92 aswell as another simply stamped 04 II have also read online that doug made aprox 60 bikes. theres alot of info and archives out there but is there any info to suggest Manitou continued the numbering system?
xx Oct 92 - FS0009 (Doug Bradbury Manitou Prototype?)
xx Nov 92 - FS005x (Answer Manitou)
xx Dec 92 - FS017x (Answer Manitou)
xx Jan 93 - FS0249
Test reviews of the early Manitou FS bikes poped up as early as May - October 92 according to some archives
Yes it seems by December 1993 Answer Manitou had already produced approx 175 Frames and some of the earlier serial numbers being produced in Nov (all stamped Answer Manitou)Doug made just about 60 FS frames according to his build book. The first one (which I linked above) was built in 1991 and has no S/N.
He build the/a prototype of the 2nd gen Answer FS (also no S/N) and may have helped with some of the early 1st generation Answer FS and the design iterations on the rear end. Though in the case of the later FS bikes I don't know whether Doug (and his team) build those bikes for Answer, or if Answer made them for Doug under his management or something.
In general a good rule of thumb is if it's a Bradbury it won't have a serial number, and if it has serial number it's not a Bradbury. Though I know if at least a couple exceptions to that rule.