Hello ! Today is a good day. Well, so was last week when we posted pics of Garrett's new bike that Solid made for us. I think it's a good day just due to the fact that the Garrett frames will be available soon. It's been a long road since we first decided to make changes almost 2 years ago ! Geez ! No need to live in the past though, forward we go !

So, I just got one of his frames to test out as well. All I can say is SPLENDID. For the record, the geometry will remain the same as his last frame. The long and short of its geometry is as follows...

74.5 degree head tube angle
71 degree seat tube angle
12" BB height
13.75" rear end
21 and 21.25 top tube sizes for now, but there will be a shorter one too soon !

So here are the list of changes from the previous production model back in 2007.

Aaron Huff had suggested that we try out some of the Supertherm tubing he has been using for top and down tubes. It's considerably lighter, and the thicknesses changes on it aren't too drastic. I have to admit, it was strange to pick up a T1 frame that felt light like this. However, when we went about deciding what changes to make, lightness wasn't the main goal, that part just kind of happened. We added a top tube gusset to the frame, obviously for added strength. However, we also shrank the size of the gussets a bit. The production models will most likely have a new laser cut out design in them as well. Stay tuned ! So that takes care of the front end.

The rear end has changed some too. We shortened up the junction behind where the seat tube and top tube meet.  This area provides support to the seat stays where they join the top tube. It cradles them. The old way we did this area was a bit long, so we thought shorter was better. Also, the external machining done on the seat tube was tightened up a bit so more unnecessary material was discarded. The seat stays were changed to 3/4 inch diameter, and we decided to use some tapered chain stays as well. Garrett still wanted the effect of the grind guards on his chain stays, but didn't really want them brazed on. When a  tube tapers, it gets thicker. That's where the material goes, the walls get thicker, as the diameter gets thinner. We also changed the chainstay design to have just one bend in it, rather than the 2 bend "S" that used to be on there. Once again, it just gives it a more simple look. Finally, the dropouts were redesigned and have a smaller, sleeker shape. They are still peg friendly though ! So with all of that said, his old frame weighed in at 5 pounds, 7 ounces, and this new frame  weighs in at 4 pounds, 5 ounces. Zoiks !

I'm really happy with how these turned out. I can't thank Aaron Huff enough. It really feels good to have Solid helping us out on these. They are also going to make some new Barcodes for us too. They have been making our head tube, seat tubes and bottom bracket shells for years now, and I'm very grateful that we had an option when it came to still making a few of our frames here in the states by old friends.

There will be more news about these soon, but I figured this might help clear up some questions that were floating around. Thanks for tuning in.

- Joe